2011年8月22日星期一
Robbie Myers is spotted wearing Bottega Veneta to celebrate Elle’s 25th
Elle Magazine celebrated their 25th anniversary last night at the ELLE 25 Summer Cocktail Celebration held in Wainscott, New York. Editor in Chief of Elle Magazine Robbie Myers hosted the event and was spotted carrying a classic and highly coveted Love Knot clutch by Bottega Veneta. The famous fashion editor paired her classic black Love Knot clutch by Bottega Veneta with an on-trend lace cocktail dress which was flattering and perfect for the event.
Robbie Myers carried the Bottega Veneta Love Knot clutch in black. The Love Knot clutch is one of the famous Italian design house’s most iconic handbags. Bottega Veneta offers the Love Knot clutch in several woven fabrications including satin, leather and suede. The clasp on the top of the hard box frame has a “knot” shape which is instantly recognizable and Bottega Veneta’s signature clasp.
$2,000 for Korean hunk's cardboard body
JUST eight months ago, one was auctioned off for $6,686, another for $6,500.
They are not luxury handbags or diamond jewellery, but life-size cardboard standees of Korean heart-throb Kim Hyun Joong.
His fans had gone into a bidding frenzy last December when the items were put up for auction.
Proceeds went to international charity World Vision to help children suffering from Aids.
Yesterday, another Kim standee went under the hammer.
This time, though, response from the close to 2,000 fans was muted.
Most of them were more interested in snapping photos of the star.
The auction opened at $150 and closed at $2,000 after a mere five bids.
The money raised will go to One Life Fund, started by World Vision Singapore to provide education bursaries to young people here who have HIV or whose parents are HIV-positive.
Despite the weak bidding, the singer-actor, who is in town as the brand ambassador of beauty label The Face Shop, was surprised at the amounts offered.
2011年8月16日星期二
Despite a variety of musical and artistic offerings
Despite a variety of musical and artistic offerings, the crowd sizes throughout BAAM Fest were oftentimes lacking.
There were certainly bigger names on the schedule who brought out good-sized crowds, such as The Magic Math, The 911 Reporters and Jasper Coal. A few of the venues, such as Rogue Tavern and Speakeasy, held consistent numbers throughout the weekend as well.
But with many of the BAAMfest events, the crowds ranged from small to a mere handful; and even then, many of the bodies populating the venues were staff members or other musicians and artists rather than ticket buyers.
Underwhelming crowd sizes throughout the weekend were evidence that BAAMfest—still a festival that is learning and growing—has yet to overcome its biggest obstacle: marketing a conglomeration of musical/artistic products in a three-day package that Birmingham natives have separate access to throughout the year.
Based on the logistics of the first two BAAMfests, the festival organizers appear to be less concerned with showcasing a festival that will attract out-of-town ticket buyers and more focused on hosting an annual celebration of Birmingham’s musical and artistic purveyors where local entertainers can come together and support each other.
This leaves many questions about the future of the festival. BAAMfest has staked its claim as a festival that intends to return year after year; however, based simply on observation, an expanded festival platform in 2011 yielded a head count similar to —and perhaps even smaller than—its debut in 2010.
On the positive side, though, BAAMfest certainly has a product worthy of being showcased, and one that’s only getting better. Regardless of ticket sales, crowd sizes or other measured expectations, the second annual BAAMfest provided strong evidence that Birmingham has a thriving music and arts scene that is worth celebrating.
For all of these sofa revolutionaries
For all of these sofa revolutionaries the current class war rhetoric of Cameron and his ilk should sound like a trumpet blast that lets the cat out of the bag and removes the gloves. This is no inadvertent slip of revelation; Cameron’s ongoing tirade asserts a self-assured, authoritarian belligerence that must surely be comparable to Charles I.
The truth is that the Western Aristocracies have known for a long time that this kind of social eruption was the inevitable outcome of the activities they have engaged in (violent resource wars, plunder of pension funds, tax evasion and avoidance and other forms of extreme wealth concentration). They have been preparing for this for a long time; disarming the communities, dismantling the protections of rights in the legal system, militarising the police forces and filling their ranks with violent, corrupt thugs, equipping and preparing the military for social disorder, technologizing the systems of surveillance and social control and so on. What Cameron reveals is that they now feel primed and ready and they are up for a fight.
How thoroughly obscene it is that Britain’s ruling class, having committed a decade-long trail of violent crimes of destruction and theft on a vast scale abroad and all the while corrupting every social institution, plundering every social resource and desecrating every principle of social integrity at home in the service of insatiable, wanton greed these Eton educated, polished criminals in suits should denigrate the moral integrity of a deprived and disadvantaged class who daily experience a world of psychological despair that their “betters” could never comprehend.
How thoroughly cynical and outrageous it is that this provocation to a confrontation they have long been stealthily preparing for should be an attempt to berate a class for its material deprivation and alleged moral inferiority.
As often happened in the age of wild capitalism
As often happened in the age of wild capitalism
As often happened in the age of wild capitalism, our house even survived a raider attack. A firm which used to sell “horilka” (vodka) and rent an apartment on the first floor for an office put its own lock on the door and decided not to let owners in.
If the residents of our house, including a parliamentary member, were not united in their actions, the bandits would not have given the apartments back to their legal owners.
In two decades, one young woman has died in our house, and two girls were born. Only one bride wearing a white wedding dress went out the building, leaving the staircase splashed with coins and candies. It was a daughter of the lawmaker who helped to kick out raiders.
Over the last 20 years, many neighbors undertook European-style renovations in their apartments and installed plastic windows. Many bought a car, and plenty of them occupy our yard now. Someone got a thoroughbred dog. Someone took advantage of high real estate prices before the 2008 financial crisis and sold an apartment.
Many in our house have broadband Internet and wi-fi service. Fewer people use landline phones, and the Ukrtelecom monopoly cut those from time to time for non-payment of the bills, no matter how small the overdue sum.
Not long ago containers to separate garbage collecting, for dry and organic wastes, appeared in our yard. That’s an environmental step that should have taken place years ago. One of the announcements near the entrance door informed recently that meters for hot and cold water would be installed in our apartments soon. That’s something that also should happen earlier.
Another announcement on the building says that each resident should come to Khreshchatyk, a housing and utilities enterprise, and sign new agreements to receive utility services despite the fact we had been receiving them for the last 20 years. It looks like a beginning of a housing war.
But let’s think about it tomorrow, after having a housewarming party and celebrating the 20th anniversary of our life in a new place.
As often happened in the age of wild capitalism, our house even survived a raider attack. A firm which used to sell “horilka” (vodka) and rent an apartment on the first floor for an office put its own lock on the door and decided not to let owners in.
If the residents of our house, including a parliamentary member, were not united in their actions, the bandits would not have given the apartments back to their legal owners.
In two decades, one young woman has died in our house, and two girls were born. Only one bride wearing a white wedding dress went out the building, leaving the staircase splashed with coins and candies. It was a daughter of the lawmaker who helped to kick out raiders.
Over the last 20 years, many neighbors undertook European-style renovations in their apartments and installed plastic windows. Many bought a car, and plenty of them occupy our yard now. Someone got a thoroughbred dog. Someone took advantage of high real estate prices before the 2008 financial crisis and sold an apartment.
Many in our house have broadband Internet and wi-fi service. Fewer people use landline phones, and the Ukrtelecom monopoly cut those from time to time for non-payment of the bills, no matter how small the overdue sum.
Not long ago containers to separate garbage collecting, for dry and organic wastes, appeared in our yard. That’s an environmental step that should have taken place years ago. One of the announcements near the entrance door informed recently that meters for hot and cold water would be installed in our apartments soon. That’s something that also should happen earlier.
Another announcement on the building says that each resident should come to Khreshchatyk, a housing and utilities enterprise, and sign new agreements to receive utility services despite the fact we had been receiving them for the last 20 years. It looks like a beginning of a housing war.
But let’s think about it tomorrow, after having a housewarming party and celebrating the 20th anniversary of our life in a new place.
2011年8月11日星期四
Cross-dressing Serial Thief Hits ClayCo Gas Station.
The last two weeks have not been good for the BP station in the 51-hundred block of state Highway 85 in Clayton County.
According to store personnel, over a recent ten day period nine customers had their wallets, handbags, and other possessions stolen from their cars at pump six. At one point, they say, there were eight robberies in eight straight days.
"Someone just ripped everything from me," sighed Nidra Dillon. "My ID is gone; my social security cards; my children's social security cards. It's just a big mess."
Dillon says she had no clue she was being robbed... and she was there. So were her kids.
"I paid at the pump. I never left my vehicle," she recalled. "This guy was just that quick that he just reached his hand in there, and nobody ever even saw it. He was just that clever. My children were in the car. There's no telling what could have happened."
The store's surveillance cameras were rolling, but the manager says the computer took a hit during a recent thunderstorm, and the video has been hard to retrieve.
"He was passing the car, and he saw the window and the bag lying around, and he just jumped on the opportunity; and he got away with it," said store manager Talha Bin Mumtaz. "I guess he had another urge the next day to do it again, and he's been doing it since then. And everyday there's a victim of that."
Mumtaz says he thinks he recognized the suspect as a local man who dresses in drag.
And that would corroborate what Dillon's husband said he saw when he came back to the store looking for her wallet.
"He said he wasn't sure if it was a male or female," she said. "Now we know it was a male posing as a female who walked up to the car and crawled over to this lady's vehicle and was sticking his hand into the vehicle. And (my husband) said that he started flashing his lights at him, and he took off running."
Clayton County police say they have stepped up patrols and assigned a detective to the case but note that the majority of the victims did not file a police report. The manager believes that's likely because the store is right off the interstate and that many of the victims were out-of-town travelers who simply wrote off the loss.
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2011年8月5日星期五
Minnesota duck hunters will see lots of changes
Minnesota duck hunters will see lots of changes in their season this fall, including an earlier opening day, earlier opening-day shooting hours and an earlier youth waterfowl hunt.
Bag limits for wood ducks and hen mallards will be higher than last year, according to the Department of Natural Resources. And north and south hunting zones have been added to provide additional hunting opportunity.
“We needed a change,” Tom Landwehr, DNR commissioner, said in a statement. “We heard from waterfowl hunters that they supported these changes, and with waterfowl hunter numbers at record lows, we don’t expect season changes to negatively affect breeding populations.”
The 60-day, six-duck-limit waterfowl season will open Sept. 24. Opening day shooting will start one-half hour before sunrise, as opposed to 9 a.m. in the past. And youth waterfowl day will be Sept. 10. Duck bag limits are consistent with most other states in the Mississippi Flyway.
“The changes are designed to maintain Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting tradition by increasing opportunity and better utilizing the federal regulatory framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under which we operate,” Landwehr said.
The changes reflect input from a recently formed citizen waterfowl hunting focus group, according to the DNR.
This year’s earlier-than-usual opener will allow hunting when greater numbers of migrating wood ducks and blue-winged teal are around, yet maintains late-season opportunities.
Hunting north of Minnesota Highway 210 – the North Duck Zone – will be allowed continuously through Nov. 22. Hunters in the South Duck Zone – anywhere south of Highway 210 – will have a split season. Hunting in the South Zone will be allowed Sept. 24-25 to take advantage of early migrations, then close for five days. The season in the south
will resume on Oct. 1 and continue through Nov. 27, which is the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Bag limits for wood ducks and hen mallards will be higher than last year, according to the Department of Natural Resources. And north and south hunting zones have been added to provide additional hunting opportunity.
“We needed a change,” Tom Landwehr, DNR commissioner, said in a statement. “We heard from waterfowl hunters that they supported these changes, and with waterfowl hunter numbers at record lows, we don’t expect season changes to negatively affect breeding populations.”
The 60-day, six-duck-limit waterfowl season will open Sept. 24. Opening day shooting will start one-half hour before sunrise, as opposed to 9 a.m. in the past. And youth waterfowl day will be Sept. 10. Duck bag limits are consistent with most other states in the Mississippi Flyway.
“The changes are designed to maintain Minnesota’s waterfowl hunting tradition by increasing opportunity and better utilizing the federal regulatory framework set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under which we operate,” Landwehr said.
The changes reflect input from a recently formed citizen waterfowl hunting focus group, according to the DNR.
This year’s earlier-than-usual opener will allow hunting when greater numbers of migrating wood ducks and blue-winged teal are around, yet maintains late-season opportunities.
Hunting north of Minnesota Highway 210 – the North Duck Zone – will be allowed continuously through Nov. 22. Hunters in the South Duck Zone – anywhere south of Highway 210 – will have a split season. Hunting in the South Zone will be allowed Sept. 24-25 to take advantage of early migrations, then close for five days. The season in the south
will resume on Oct. 1 and continue through Nov. 27, which is the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Petaluma receptive to plastic-bag ban
Petaluma's City Council expressed support this week for a possible countywide ordinance regulating disposable carry-out bags, both plastic and paper, to reduce waste, pollution and environmental damage.
Representatives from the county waste management agency are seeking feedback from all Sonoma County cities to determine whether a unified county ordinance would gain support. The agency would fund an analysis of the proposal and defend any legal challenges if all county agencies unanimously support it.
Mendocino County supervisors voted in April to start an environmental impact report in a move toward banning plastic carry-out bags. Marin County, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica and Los Angeles County already have plastic bag prohibitions and impose small fees on paper bags.
The fees are intended to encourage consumers to use reusable shopping bags because of the environmental toll plastic and paper bags take on the environment.
Some retailers are preempting the trend, including Wal-Mart, which has discontinued the use of disposable bags at several stores, including the one in Ukiah.
County waste agency representatives told the Petaluma council that a unified county ordinance could be written in several ways, but likely would include a ban on plastic bags given by merchants and a fee on paper bags.
They said bans on plastic only have given rise to legal challenges.
The plastics industry opposes bans and has sued in several jurisdictions. Preparing environmental impact reports, rather than less formal analyses by government agencies, is an effort to ward off such challenges.
Representatives from the county waste management agency are seeking feedback from all Sonoma County cities to determine whether a unified county ordinance would gain support. The agency would fund an analysis of the proposal and defend any legal challenges if all county agencies unanimously support it.
Mendocino County supervisors voted in April to start an environmental impact report in a move toward banning plastic carry-out bags. Marin County, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica and Los Angeles County already have plastic bag prohibitions and impose small fees on paper bags.
The fees are intended to encourage consumers to use reusable shopping bags because of the environmental toll plastic and paper bags take on the environment.
Some retailers are preempting the trend, including Wal-Mart, which has discontinued the use of disposable bags at several stores, including the one in Ukiah.
County waste agency representatives told the Petaluma council that a unified county ordinance could be written in several ways, but likely would include a ban on plastic bags given by merchants and a fee on paper bags.
They said bans on plastic only have given rise to legal challenges.
The plastics industry opposes bans and has sued in several jurisdictions. Preparing environmental impact reports, rather than less formal analyses by government agencies, is an effort to ward off such challenges.
2011年8月2日星期二
Inflation then was higher
Inflation then was higher, 4.5 per cent also, and at that point the RBA was cutting aggressively. And so - but you are still saying that there's no case for them to cut aggressively this time?
No, I think we need to be careful about saying what would get them over - what we'd need to see in order to get them to cut rates. And I think a lot more would need to be seen in order to get to that conclusion.
In fact, we still think a rate hike will invariably occur, but in the early part of 2012. Now, I think you - as you rightly point out, what we've seen is a pretty marked deceleration, we think, in terms of both confidence indicators, tightening up of financial conditions more broadly - of course the currency's a large part of that; wealth indicators falling away as well. They're three very important dynamics that tend to drive economic cycles. And all those are flashing red.
Now, in terms of the deterioration in growth that we've seen - and of course we haven't got the June quarter data yet, but if it does come in something in the order of around about 0.8 per cent, because let's face it, the export re-acceleration due to the anticipated pick-up in coal exports out of Queensland just hasn't materialised.
We can see that very clearly in terms of the port data. You're looking at a number that may be in the order of about 0.8, 0.9, which would take the headline GDP number to a level that is very similar to where we got to in year-on-year run rate during the depth of 2009.
So, of course we can say there's distortions that are doing that, and there are, but the baseline is a little bit worse than trend.
No, I think we need to be careful about saying what would get them over - what we'd need to see in order to get them to cut rates. And I think a lot more would need to be seen in order to get to that conclusion.
In fact, we still think a rate hike will invariably occur, but in the early part of 2012. Now, I think you - as you rightly point out, what we've seen is a pretty marked deceleration, we think, in terms of both confidence indicators, tightening up of financial conditions more broadly - of course the currency's a large part of that; wealth indicators falling away as well. They're three very important dynamics that tend to drive economic cycles. And all those are flashing red.
Now, in terms of the deterioration in growth that we've seen - and of course we haven't got the June quarter data yet, but if it does come in something in the order of around about 0.8 per cent, because let's face it, the export re-acceleration due to the anticipated pick-up in coal exports out of Queensland just hasn't materialised.
We can see that very clearly in terms of the port data. You're looking at a number that may be in the order of about 0.8, 0.9, which would take the headline GDP number to a level that is very similar to where we got to in year-on-year run rate during the depth of 2009.
So, of course we can say there's distortions that are doing that, and there are, but the baseline is a little bit worse than trend.
A RISING star in the fashion world
A RISING star in the fashion world yesterday hailed tragic Alexander McQueen as her lost mentor.
But Judy Clark, 26, also paid tribute to her Uncle Donald for weaving the tweed that has helped her make her name.
Judy, from Fort William, started working for McQueen, who died last year, after graduating in fashion from Edinburgh's Heriot Watt University and writing to him asking for a chance to show off her design talent.
McQueen's skill in tailoring as well as his love of Scottish heritage and fabrics made it the perfect learning platform for Judy, who would run up samples for him, dye fabrics, make prints and sew outfits.
She was involved in the green dress McQueen designed for Sarah Jessica Parker to wear to the Sex And The City premiere.
She also met other high-profile industry names such as hat-maker Philip Treacy, who created Princess Beatrice's controversial headpiece for Prince William's wedding, and socialite Daphne Guinness, who was a close friend of McQueen's and had her own rail of outfits at the design studio.
Judy said: "I was a huge fan of Alexander McQueen. He was in and out of the studio but he was quite a private person.
"He had a big office with a pile of Nike trainers and he'd work with a cigarette in one hand while eating strawberries, his favourite things. It was amazing to be in his space.
"I got to see the archive collection he had in storage and see the true vintage McQueen as well. I learnt so much there, not just design but also how to run a business. He used some of the textile pieces that I used and I was delighted.
"I kept a diary of everything that I did and even the floorplan of how it all worked. I noted down everyone who came in and how a successful business like that works, it's great to look back on." For her interview with the designer she made a Harris Tweed jacket which she now calls her Miss McQueen piece.
It's so precious, because it got her the placement, that she says she'll never sell it.
But Judy Clark, 26, also paid tribute to her Uncle Donald for weaving the tweed that has helped her make her name.
Judy, from Fort William, started working for McQueen, who died last year, after graduating in fashion from Edinburgh's Heriot Watt University and writing to him asking for a chance to show off her design talent.
McQueen's skill in tailoring as well as his love of Scottish heritage and fabrics made it the perfect learning platform for Judy, who would run up samples for him, dye fabrics, make prints and sew outfits.
She was involved in the green dress McQueen designed for Sarah Jessica Parker to wear to the Sex And The City premiere.
She also met other high-profile industry names such as hat-maker Philip Treacy, who created Princess Beatrice's controversial headpiece for Prince William's wedding, and socialite Daphne Guinness, who was a close friend of McQueen's and had her own rail of outfits at the design studio.
Judy said: "I was a huge fan of Alexander McQueen. He was in and out of the studio but he was quite a private person.
"He had a big office with a pile of Nike trainers and he'd work with a cigarette in one hand while eating strawberries, his favourite things. It was amazing to be in his space.
"I got to see the archive collection he had in storage and see the true vintage McQueen as well. I learnt so much there, not just design but also how to run a business. He used some of the textile pieces that I used and I was delighted.
"I kept a diary of everything that I did and even the floorplan of how it all worked. I noted down everyone who came in and how a successful business like that works, it's great to look back on." For her interview with the designer she made a Harris Tweed jacket which she now calls her Miss McQueen piece.
It's so precious, because it got her the placement, that she says she'll never sell it.
2011年7月27日星期三
Carlsbad teens facing burglary
Two Carlsbad juveniles have been charged with aggravated burglary and larceny after allegedly breaking into a local home and stealing several high ticket items.
According to documents filed in the case, two juvenile males, both 16, were arrested on Thursday and charged with aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, consipiracy and larceny ($2,500-$20,000).
According to a criminal complaint from Det. Swanson with the Carlsbad Police Department, who was the arresting officer, on Feb. 8, Ofc. Matthews responded to a residence on the 500 block of South 11th for an aggravated burglary.
The victim, Richard Lopez, had items stolen form his home, including four rifles, various electronics, a Playstation 3 gaming console and games, a watch and a laptop, said police.
A witness told police the suspects, who were in a white Nissan Altima, entered the house and then left holding the guns.
On Feb. 21, Lopez told police he saw the Altima at a residence on the 800 block of North Pate Street, where police later responded and interviewed two juvenile subjects, leading them to the two males charged in the case.
According to the complaint, on Feb. 21, Det. Swanson and Det. Kohler interviewed several suspects who were involved in the aggravated burglary.
Detectives conducted an interview with one of the first suspects, who was eventually charged in the burglary.
Juvenile "A" reportedly said the only thing he "got out of it" was a watch, also saying he didn't know where the guns were "now" and that he had not left the residence with a gun.
According to the report, the juvenile also told police the plan to commit a robbery had occurred at the the other suspect's residnce, where the two were reportedly with two other subjects, a male and a female.
According to documents filed in the case, two juvenile males, both 16, were arrested on Thursday and charged with aggravated burglary, tampering with evidence, consipiracy and larceny ($2,500-$20,000).
According to a criminal complaint from Det. Swanson with the Carlsbad Police Department, who was the arresting officer, on Feb. 8, Ofc. Matthews responded to a residence on the 500 block of South 11th for an aggravated burglary.
The victim, Richard Lopez, had items stolen form his home, including four rifles, various electronics, a Playstation 3 gaming console and games, a watch and a laptop, said police.
A witness told police the suspects, who were in a white Nissan Altima, entered the house and then left holding the guns.
On Feb. 21, Lopez told police he saw the Altima at a residence on the 800 block of North Pate Street, where police later responded and interviewed two juvenile subjects, leading them to the two males charged in the case.
According to the complaint, on Feb. 21, Det. Swanson and Det. Kohler interviewed several suspects who were involved in the aggravated burglary.
Detectives conducted an interview with one of the first suspects, who was eventually charged in the burglary.
Juvenile "A" reportedly said the only thing he "got out of it" was a watch, also saying he didn't know where the guns were "now" and that he had not left the residence with a gun.
According to the report, the juvenile also told police the plan to commit a robbery had occurred at the the other suspect's residnce, where the two were reportedly with two other subjects, a male and a female.
The former world No1
The former world No1 has taken a battering, with a queue forming around the block to declare him yesterday's man, but a final-round, six-under-par 66 and a first top-10 finish since last summer's US Open at Pebble Beach, suggested his obituarists might have cause to regret their haste – and maybe sooner than they could possibly have imagined.
Augusta National, where Woods has won four Masters titles, is coming round for those who have not noticed. The man himself certainly has.
Are you still on track for Augusta? He was asked. "Oh yeah," he replied with a sly smile. You like your chances? "Mm-hmm," came the response.
Given his recent career trajectory such confidence is to be admired, although it should also be qualified. Woods may have finished on a high but he also finished eight shots behind the winner, the young American Nick Watney, who achieved the most significant victory of his career with a closing round of 67, five under par, and a 72-hole total of 272, 16 under.
Watney, it need hardly be said, is no mug. And nor are the big-hitting Dustin Johnson, who finished second, Luke Donald, Rickie Fowler and Francesco Molinari, all of whom finished ahead of Woods.
The new generation have arrived and they are not intimidated by the 14-time major champion. Who could blame them after watching Woods struggle to implement the swing changes introduced by his controversial new coach, Sean Foley.
Yet, as he has consistently asserted after deciding last autumn to change his swing – for the third time since turning professional – these things take time. "I have felt better at the end of every tournament I have played this year, even though the results have not been good," he said. "I felt like I hit a lot of good shots today and when I missed one I knew straight away how to fix it. That feels good."
He would say that but Thomas Bjorn, his playing partner for the day, was happy to provide a glowing reference after being beaten by five shots over 18 holes.
Augusta National, where Woods has won four Masters titles, is coming round for those who have not noticed. The man himself certainly has.
Are you still on track for Augusta? He was asked. "Oh yeah," he replied with a sly smile. You like your chances? "Mm-hmm," came the response.
Given his recent career trajectory such confidence is to be admired, although it should also be qualified. Woods may have finished on a high but he also finished eight shots behind the winner, the young American Nick Watney, who achieved the most significant victory of his career with a closing round of 67, five under par, and a 72-hole total of 272, 16 under.
Watney, it need hardly be said, is no mug. And nor are the big-hitting Dustin Johnson, who finished second, Luke Donald, Rickie Fowler and Francesco Molinari, all of whom finished ahead of Woods.
The new generation have arrived and they are not intimidated by the 14-time major champion. Who could blame them after watching Woods struggle to implement the swing changes introduced by his controversial new coach, Sean Foley.
Yet, as he has consistently asserted after deciding last autumn to change his swing – for the third time since turning professional – these things take time. "I have felt better at the end of every tournament I have played this year, even though the results have not been good," he said. "I felt like I hit a lot of good shots today and when I missed one I knew straight away how to fix it. That feels good."
He would say that but Thomas Bjorn, his playing partner for the day, was happy to provide a glowing reference after being beaten by five shots over 18 holes.
2011年7月21日星期四
A percentage of those proceeds
A percentage of those proceeds and that of the T-shirts will go to Gocampaign.org, which builds infrastructure to benefit children in third world countries, Koury said.
The team organized a kick-off party at Wokcano on Fifth Street, complete with themed attire and prizes, and sat back to examine the fruits of their labor.
A follow-up with businesses showed positive reactions.
"It was fantastic," wrote Will O'Sullivan of O'Brien's Irish Pub on Wilshire Boulevard to Koury. "We were busy when other businesses were slow. People at the bar all week were Googling car-mageddon.com. You guys really got the word out."
At Locanda del LAGO, an Italian restaurant on the Third Street Promenade, manager Megan Sheehy said business was steady throughout the weekend despite losing some customers from the San Fernando Valley who may have visited Santa Monica to take advantage of the warm weather.
"Sales were what we were expecting," she said. "We're happy."
The restaurant offered discounts on appetizers and cocktails, trimming down prices by several dollars.
One business that kept its sales up was Tel's Barber Shop on Pico Boulevard near Virginia Avenue Park and the Saturday Farmer's Market.
Owner Tel Trujillo said his four barbers were steadily cutting heads all weekend long, something he attributes to his loyal customer base.
"Overall, it worked out quite well, just like any other busy weekend," he said. "Some of our customers said business was slow around town because nobody wanted to get in their cars. Farmers at the market across the street said it was slow, too."
Not so for the Downtown Farmers' Market, said Laura Avery, the supervisor for Santa Monica's markets.
The team organized a kick-off party at Wokcano on Fifth Street, complete with themed attire and prizes, and sat back to examine the fruits of their labor.
A follow-up with businesses showed positive reactions.
"It was fantastic," wrote Will O'Sullivan of O'Brien's Irish Pub on Wilshire Boulevard to Koury. "We were busy when other businesses were slow. People at the bar all week were Googling car-mageddon.com. You guys really got the word out."
At Locanda del LAGO, an Italian restaurant on the Third Street Promenade, manager Megan Sheehy said business was steady throughout the weekend despite losing some customers from the San Fernando Valley who may have visited Santa Monica to take advantage of the warm weather.
"Sales were what we were expecting," she said. "We're happy."
The restaurant offered discounts on appetizers and cocktails, trimming down prices by several dollars.
One business that kept its sales up was Tel's Barber Shop on Pico Boulevard near Virginia Avenue Park and the Saturday Farmer's Market.
Owner Tel Trujillo said his four barbers were steadily cutting heads all weekend long, something he attributes to his loyal customer base.
"Overall, it worked out quite well, just like any other busy weekend," he said. "Some of our customers said business was slow around town because nobody wanted to get in their cars. Farmers at the market across the street said it was slow, too."
Not so for the Downtown Farmers' Market, said Laura Avery, the supervisor for Santa Monica's markets.
The first thing we really need
The first thing we really need is a date so we can build you a schedule,” said Conlow. “There’s a lot of confusion out there. Some residents are assuming we’re already doing single-stream recycling and separating their trash.
At the suggestion of Wardwell, the infrastructure committee has given the Public Works Department permission to request bids for a promotional and educational ad campaign for pay-as-you-throw.
“We’ve presented an initial budget on what it may look like with a half year of our current program and half a year of single-stream PAYT,” Wardwell said.
The program has been under serious discussion for the better part of two years, but as it gets closer and closer to official implementation, many details remain to be ironed out.
“I would think by mid-August or early September we’d have final word on how and when to proceed,” said Hughes.
While Bangor conducted no feasibility study or official survey of residents or other municipalities using pay-as-you-throw and similar programs, Wardwell said city officials have been busy gathering information on existing programs from Brunswick to Brewer. Brewer officials did conduct a study and also evaluated recycling companies before implementing single-stream recycling and pay-as-you-throw.
“We value Brewer’s input, but we’ve gotten a lot of [other] localities’ input as well,” said Wardwell. “We’ve done a lot of research and called around to a lot of different communities.”
What is missing is significant public feedback.
“We’’re not hearing a lot of input from the community. We did have three resident listening sessions this year in March, April and May, but we only had maybe 30 people show up in all,” said Wardwell. “I don’t think it’ll be a hot-button issue until people have to start paying for it.”
The infrastructure committee will discuss implementation and may vote on recommendation to the full council at its next meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2.
At the suggestion of Wardwell, the infrastructure committee has given the Public Works Department permission to request bids for a promotional and educational ad campaign for pay-as-you-throw.
“We’ve presented an initial budget on what it may look like with a half year of our current program and half a year of single-stream PAYT,” Wardwell said.
The program has been under serious discussion for the better part of two years, but as it gets closer and closer to official implementation, many details remain to be ironed out.
“I would think by mid-August or early September we’d have final word on how and when to proceed,” said Hughes.
While Bangor conducted no feasibility study or official survey of residents or other municipalities using pay-as-you-throw and similar programs, Wardwell said city officials have been busy gathering information on existing programs from Brunswick to Brewer. Brewer officials did conduct a study and also evaluated recycling companies before implementing single-stream recycling and pay-as-you-throw.
“We value Brewer’s input, but we’ve gotten a lot of [other] localities’ input as well,” said Wardwell. “We’ve done a lot of research and called around to a lot of different communities.”
What is missing is significant public feedback.
“We’’re not hearing a lot of input from the community. We did have three resident listening sessions this year in March, April and May, but we only had maybe 30 people show up in all,” said Wardwell. “I don’t think it’ll be a hot-button issue until people have to start paying for it.”
The infrastructure committee will discuss implementation and may vote on recommendation to the full council at its next meeting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2.
2011年7月18日星期一
Pioneer Valley is a green jobs growth area
The Sandri Companies have their roots in fossil fuels with a fleet of fuel-oil trucks, a lubricant distributorship and gas stations from New Hampshire to upstate New York.
But since branching out to wood pellets and the heating appliances that burn pellets in 2009, Greenfield-based Sandri has added a renewable energy division, offering solar hot water and solar panels that generate electricity, energy assessments and wood pellets. The division has four dedicated employees and allows the company to make better use of existing office staff and customer service reps, says Laurence H. Goodyear, vice president of renewable energy for the Sandri Companies.
"I believe we're just at the tip of the iceberg," Goodyear said last week in a telephone interview from a clean energy conference in San Francisco. "It seems like there is a lot going on in renewable energy now, but it is only the beginning."
The Pioneer Valley has 10,443 jobs in the "green economy," including forest rangers, growers of organic produce and installers of weather stripping, according to the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based public-policy research organization.
Those jobs account for 3.5 percent of the total number of jobs in the local economy, giving this region the sixth-highest "green density" among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the nation, according to the report, "Sizing the Green Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment."
What statisticians call the Springfield Metropolitan Area, a region encompassing all of Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire counties, was the only New England region in the top 10 nationwide.
Albany, Schenectady and Troy, N.Y., had the highest percentage of green jobs in the country at 6.3 percent, or 28,087 total jobs. Some of those jobs are in state government, noted Jonathan T. Rothwell, a senior research analyst at Brookings. General Electric Co. also centers its clean energy efforts in Schenectady and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy is a center for clean energy research, he said.
Hartford has 13,712 green jobs, or 2.2 percent of its total. Worcester had 6,537 or 2 percent of that region's total number of jobs, according to the report.
In the Pioneer Valley, the region's green economy grew by 3,208 jobs from 2003 to 2010, a 5.4 percent rate of growth that beat the national average among the 100 largest metropolitan areas.
"Green energy really is providing the new jobs to lead us out of the recession," said David F. Tuohey, director of communications for the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. The Ludlow-based utility is cited by name in the Brookings report.
The cooperative sponsors energy auditing and weather proofing efforts, and more than 600 kilowatts of solar projects through its member utilities. MMWEC is also part of the $64.7 million Berkshire Wind Power project atop Brodie Mountain in the town of Hancock in Berkshire County. The project makes enough power for 6,000 homes.
Besides the construction jobs, MMWEC has saved jobs in its organization by adding green-energy responsibilities to existing job descriptions, Tuohey said.
Emerging green jobs in the Pioneer Valley also pay better wages than similar jobs in non-green industries, according to Rothwell.
Western Massachusetts Electric Co. has also started work on a solar power project in the Indian Orchard neighborhood of Springfield. Holyoke, Westfield, Amherst and other communities also have solar projects in the works.
But since branching out to wood pellets and the heating appliances that burn pellets in 2009, Greenfield-based Sandri has added a renewable energy division, offering solar hot water and solar panels that generate electricity, energy assessments and wood pellets. The division has four dedicated employees and allows the company to make better use of existing office staff and customer service reps, says Laurence H. Goodyear, vice president of renewable energy for the Sandri Companies.
"I believe we're just at the tip of the iceberg," Goodyear said last week in a telephone interview from a clean energy conference in San Francisco. "It seems like there is a lot going on in renewable energy now, but it is only the beginning."
The Pioneer Valley has 10,443 jobs in the "green economy," including forest rangers, growers of organic produce and installers of weather stripping, according to the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based public-policy research organization.
Those jobs account for 3.5 percent of the total number of jobs in the local economy, giving this region the sixth-highest "green density" among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the nation, according to the report, "Sizing the Green Economy: A National and Regional Green Jobs Assessment."
What statisticians call the Springfield Metropolitan Area, a region encompassing all of Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire counties, was the only New England region in the top 10 nationwide.
Albany, Schenectady and Troy, N.Y., had the highest percentage of green jobs in the country at 6.3 percent, or 28,087 total jobs. Some of those jobs are in state government, noted Jonathan T. Rothwell, a senior research analyst at Brookings. General Electric Co. also centers its clean energy efforts in Schenectady and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy is a center for clean energy research, he said.
Hartford has 13,712 green jobs, or 2.2 percent of its total. Worcester had 6,537 or 2 percent of that region's total number of jobs, according to the report.
In the Pioneer Valley, the region's green economy grew by 3,208 jobs from 2003 to 2010, a 5.4 percent rate of growth that beat the national average among the 100 largest metropolitan areas.
"Green energy really is providing the new jobs to lead us out of the recession," said David F. Tuohey, director of communications for the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. The Ludlow-based utility is cited by name in the Brookings report.
The cooperative sponsors energy auditing and weather proofing efforts, and more than 600 kilowatts of solar projects through its member utilities. MMWEC is also part of the $64.7 million Berkshire Wind Power project atop Brodie Mountain in the town of Hancock in Berkshire County. The project makes enough power for 6,000 homes.
Besides the construction jobs, MMWEC has saved jobs in its organization by adding green-energy responsibilities to existing job descriptions, Tuohey said.
Emerging green jobs in the Pioneer Valley also pay better wages than similar jobs in non-green industries, according to Rothwell.
Western Massachusetts Electric Co. has also started work on a solar power project in the Indian Orchard neighborhood of Springfield. Holyoke, Westfield, Amherst and other communities also have solar projects in the works.
Jerseyville gets 'net zero' energy subdivision
Rooftop solar panels and wind turbines mounted over garages power all 32 homes at Lexington Farms, a new Jerseyville subdivision designed to provide residents no-cost electricity.
MidAmerica Solar of Imperial, Sachs Electric of Fenton, and Capstone Development Group of Webster Groves built the subdivision, which is about 40 miles north of St. Louis.
"Over the course of a year the solar array and wind turbines provide all the energy needed to power heating and air-conditioning systems, along with other household electricity needs," said Jeff Lewis, president of MidAmerica Solar. "While similar technology has been used in homes, it hasn't been done on this scale in an entire subdivision."
Construction of Lexington Farms, an affordable housing project of rental homes, began last summer. Residents began arriving in December but landscaping is winding up now.
Each home can produce up to 7.2 kilowatts of energy from roof-mounted solar panels.
Wind turbines mounted on masts over garages provide up to 1 kilowatt of additional energy. Lewis said tests were conducted to make sure the turbines' vibrations were so slight as to be unnoticed by the homes' occupants.
Ground-mounted solar panels at the subdivision's entrance generate power for the community center.
Lexington Farms' three-bedroom homes rent for $590 per month to families with incomes of $41,000 or less. The houses have central air conditioning, heat, hot water and other appliances that are powered by electricity generated by the solar panels and wind turbines.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provided more than $2.5 million in assistance for the project, including federal low-income housing tax credits and federal stimulus money. Funding also came from a $260,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity and financing from Sterling Bank.
Included in the project are 16 streetlights that operate entirely off the electrical grid.
The streetlights, made by MidAmerica Solar, have their own wind turbines and solar panels that provide electricity to energy-efficient LED lights and a backup battery. The lights used to come from China. Now they come from a small factory in Affton.
Lewis said Friday he moved streetlight production to the United States more than a year ago because of quality-control problems in China.
"I like to keep Americans employed," he said. "We're making the streetlights here for about the same price as in China, when you consider the shipping."
The lights are built at a plant owned by BZ Products, another solar energy firm that uses American-made components. BZ makes controls to charge batteries with electricity produced by solar panels. Frank Lewon, BZ's owner, said he has customers worldwide.
"Everything we make, we make in the United States," he said. "All the components, the circuit boards, everything, are made in the United States."
Final assembly is done by six workers at BZ's small plant.
"We cannot keep up with the demand," Lewon said.
MidAmerica Solar of Imperial, Sachs Electric of Fenton, and Capstone Development Group of Webster Groves built the subdivision, which is about 40 miles north of St. Louis.
"Over the course of a year the solar array and wind turbines provide all the energy needed to power heating and air-conditioning systems, along with other household electricity needs," said Jeff Lewis, president of MidAmerica Solar. "While similar technology has been used in homes, it hasn't been done on this scale in an entire subdivision."
Construction of Lexington Farms, an affordable housing project of rental homes, began last summer. Residents began arriving in December but landscaping is winding up now.
Each home can produce up to 7.2 kilowatts of energy from roof-mounted solar panels.
Wind turbines mounted on masts over garages provide up to 1 kilowatt of additional energy. Lewis said tests were conducted to make sure the turbines' vibrations were so slight as to be unnoticed by the homes' occupants.
Ground-mounted solar panels at the subdivision's entrance generate power for the community center.
Lexington Farms' three-bedroom homes rent for $590 per month to families with incomes of $41,000 or less. The houses have central air conditioning, heat, hot water and other appliances that are powered by electricity generated by the solar panels and wind turbines.
The Illinois Housing Development Authority provided more than $2.5 million in assistance for the project, including federal low-income housing tax credits and federal stimulus money. Funding also came from a $260,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity and financing from Sterling Bank.
Included in the project are 16 streetlights that operate entirely off the electrical grid.
The streetlights, made by MidAmerica Solar, have their own wind turbines and solar panels that provide electricity to energy-efficient LED lights and a backup battery. The lights used to come from China. Now they come from a small factory in Affton.
Lewis said Friday he moved streetlight production to the United States more than a year ago because of quality-control problems in China.
"I like to keep Americans employed," he said. "We're making the streetlights here for about the same price as in China, when you consider the shipping."
The lights are built at a plant owned by BZ Products, another solar energy firm that uses American-made components. BZ makes controls to charge batteries with electricity produced by solar panels. Frank Lewon, BZ's owner, said he has customers worldwide.
"Everything we make, we make in the United States," he said. "All the components, the circuit boards, everything, are made in the United States."
Final assembly is done by six workers at BZ's small plant.
"We cannot keep up with the demand," Lewon said.
2011年7月15日星期五
The teenager told Leicester Youth Court
The teenager told Leicester Youth Court yesterday that he was taking the cannabis to an end-of-exams party.
Prosecutor Tanyka Rawden said: "He had placed his bag against the wall in the exam room and forgot to turn his phone off.
"When it started ringing, a member of staff opened the bag to turn it off.
"They were then met with a strong smell of what they believed was cannabis and found 20 small bags and then a further five."
Staff called the police, who confiscated the cannabis.
The teenager, who had been smoking cannabis for three years, had paid about ￡120 for the drugs and was hoping to sell the 25 bags for up to ￡10 each, the court heard.
The youth, who lives in Leicester, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug with intent to supply.
He was given a nine-month referral order and ordered to pay ￡85 in costs.
Neither the student nor the college can be named for legal reasons.
Rashpal Singh, in mitigation, said the student's dealing was "worrying", but added that he had a bright academic future.
"He is a very intelligent young man who has a drugs problem," said Mr Singh.
"Clearly, this should serve as a lesson to him. He has achieved a very commendable level of education at GCSE and A-level and is planning to go to university next year to study English."
The court was told the student had 11 GCSEs and had taken four A-levels.
Mr Singh said the student got ￡30-a-week pocket money. He added that he had bought the drugs from a friend.
Chairman of the bench Angela Sharpe told the youth: "You are an intelligent person who could go far but you have put a black mark on your character by getting into drugs and introducing other people to drugs.
Prosecutor Tanyka Rawden said: "He had placed his bag against the wall in the exam room and forgot to turn his phone off.
"When it started ringing, a member of staff opened the bag to turn it off.
"They were then met with a strong smell of what they believed was cannabis and found 20 small bags and then a further five."
Staff called the police, who confiscated the cannabis.
The teenager, who had been smoking cannabis for three years, had paid about ￡120 for the drugs and was hoping to sell the 25 bags for up to ￡10 each, the court heard.
The youth, who lives in Leicester, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug with intent to supply.
He was given a nine-month referral order and ordered to pay ￡85 in costs.
Neither the student nor the college can be named for legal reasons.
Rashpal Singh, in mitigation, said the student's dealing was "worrying", but added that he had a bright academic future.
"He is a very intelligent young man who has a drugs problem," said Mr Singh.
"Clearly, this should serve as a lesson to him. He has achieved a very commendable level of education at GCSE and A-level and is planning to go to university next year to study English."
The court was told the student had 11 GCSEs and had taken four A-levels.
Mr Singh said the student got ￡30-a-week pocket money. He added that he had bought the drugs from a friend.
Chairman of the bench Angela Sharpe told the youth: "You are an intelligent person who could go far but you have put a black mark on your character by getting into drugs and introducing other people to drugs.
A Family whose home
A FAMILY whose home was burgled helped put a criminal behind bars after catching him red handed with their stolen gadgets.
Only hours after their house was targeted, David Bramley, 54, and his son John drove past Stephen Lee Gibson – who was carrying a bag of their missing property – by “complete chance”.
The pair recognised the bag, which contained a laptop, video camera and speakers, that the 35-year-old was carrying and confronted him in Blakelock Road, Hartlepool.
The Bramleys’ home in Hutton Avenue had been burgled only eight hours earlier at 5am when dozens of items were taken, including a car.
Gibson, of Baden Street, Hartlepool, was jailed for four months at Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court after he admitted handling stolen property.
The court was told the home was burgled in the early hours as John, 23, slept upstairs.
He awoke to find the house had been ransacked and his Peugeot 206 stolen from outside of the house.
His parents, David and Joanna, 56, were away at the time, but they returned later that day.
At lunchtime John was being driven by his dad to his 23-year-old girlfriend Victoria Palmer’s house when they spotted Gibson carrying a bag they recognised as theirs and full of their property.
The pair confronted Gibson, but he denied having anything to do with the burglary.
Police were informed and Gibson was later arrested.
John, an electrician, said: “It was by complete chance that we drove past him, a total fluke.
“I was getting a lift to Victoria’s house in Rift House and we spotted him.
“If we hadn’t spotted the bag there is no way we would have got our property back.
“It was a crazy few hours but I am just pleased that justice has been done.”
All of the equipment, including the car, was later recovered.
Gibson initially denied any knowledge of the burglary and said it was not him in the street. But an identification parade was carried out where he was picked out twice.
Only hours after their house was targeted, David Bramley, 54, and his son John drove past Stephen Lee Gibson – who was carrying a bag of their missing property – by “complete chance”.
The pair recognised the bag, which contained a laptop, video camera and speakers, that the 35-year-old was carrying and confronted him in Blakelock Road, Hartlepool.
The Bramleys’ home in Hutton Avenue had been burgled only eight hours earlier at 5am when dozens of items were taken, including a car.
Gibson, of Baden Street, Hartlepool, was jailed for four months at Hartlepool Magistrates’ Court after he admitted handling stolen property.
The court was told the home was burgled in the early hours as John, 23, slept upstairs.
He awoke to find the house had been ransacked and his Peugeot 206 stolen from outside of the house.
His parents, David and Joanna, 56, were away at the time, but they returned later that day.
At lunchtime John was being driven by his dad to his 23-year-old girlfriend Victoria Palmer’s house when they spotted Gibson carrying a bag they recognised as theirs and full of their property.
The pair confronted Gibson, but he denied having anything to do with the burglary.
Police were informed and Gibson was later arrested.
John, an electrician, said: “It was by complete chance that we drove past him, a total fluke.
“I was getting a lift to Victoria’s house in Rift House and we spotted him.
“If we hadn’t spotted the bag there is no way we would have got our property back.
“It was a crazy few hours but I am just pleased that justice has been done.”
All of the equipment, including the car, was later recovered.
Gibson initially denied any knowledge of the burglary and said it was not him in the street. But an identification parade was carried out where he was picked out twice.
2011年7月11日星期一
In the fall we dried and roasted pumpkin
In the fall we dried and roasted pumpkin and Blue Hubbard squash seeds. Just salt them heavily and put on a cookie sheet in the oven. We popped corn in the iron skillet with bacon fat or margarine as the necessary ingredient to prevent burning of the corn and to impart that “down home” flavor. Plenty of salt was applied – it’s a miracle we did not cause an epidemic of high blood pressure! Corn was popped and strung at Christmas time as a tree decoration. A sewing needle and thread were used for this task.
The favorite (and most economically priced) beverage at our house was home made root beer. Hires extract was readily available at any super market. Add plenty of sugar and a yeast cake that had been dissolved in warm water at 100 degree F. and you were set to go. We saved our Simpson Spring bottles and forewent the five cent deposit return money, so we could use and reuse those bottles for root beer. The filled bottles were then capped by hand with a capping device and allowed to set up for a couple weeks. Occasionally one of the bottles would explode and make a mess in the cellar, but the very fizzy drink was a big favorite.
When working at Gracie Farm, Frank Gracie gave his help a mixture of one half cold raw milk and one half Simpson Spring Golden Ginger Ale. This was a great combo. My mom made sun tea regularly in the warm months. She just put a large clear glass jar filled with well water in the sun with a few tea bags inside. After a few hours it was ready to be iced and drunk.
We raised a good portion of the meat we ate. If we slaughtered a hog, we might share it with another family. This would frequently be the Raymond Webber family on Bay Road. We raised about fifty sheep at the Webber place one year and wound up eating a lot of lamb for a while. We sold the excess, but always seemed to lose money on what ever animal we raised. Ducks, geese and turkeys were regular fare.
I recall the year we slaughtered a hog that must have weighed 300 pounds. Ted Harlow stunned the animal with his twenty two rifle and my dad and another guy slit the critter’s throat. Most back yards at that time had a chain falls with which to pull car engines and this implement was used to haul the huge carcass up so it could be eviscerated.
The favorite (and most economically priced) beverage at our house was home made root beer. Hires extract was readily available at any super market. Add plenty of sugar and a yeast cake that had been dissolved in warm water at 100 degree F. and you were set to go. We saved our Simpson Spring bottles and forewent the five cent deposit return money, so we could use and reuse those bottles for root beer. The filled bottles were then capped by hand with a capping device and allowed to set up for a couple weeks. Occasionally one of the bottles would explode and make a mess in the cellar, but the very fizzy drink was a big favorite.
When working at Gracie Farm, Frank Gracie gave his help a mixture of one half cold raw milk and one half Simpson Spring Golden Ginger Ale. This was a great combo. My mom made sun tea regularly in the warm months. She just put a large clear glass jar filled with well water in the sun with a few tea bags inside. After a few hours it was ready to be iced and drunk.
We raised a good portion of the meat we ate. If we slaughtered a hog, we might share it with another family. This would frequently be the Raymond Webber family on Bay Road. We raised about fifty sheep at the Webber place one year and wound up eating a lot of lamb for a while. We sold the excess, but always seemed to lose money on what ever animal we raised. Ducks, geese and turkeys were regular fare.
I recall the year we slaughtered a hog that must have weighed 300 pounds. Ted Harlow stunned the animal with his twenty two rifle and my dad and another guy slit the critter’s throat. Most back yards at that time had a chain falls with which to pull car engines and this implement was used to haul the huge carcass up so it could be eviscerated.
The night was truly awe-inspiring
The night was truly awe-inspiring, with a first-class performance at a first-class venue: our River Common. This free concert was made possible thanks to a wonderful partnership with Wyoming Seminary’s Performing Arts Institute. Many thanks are due to Nancy Sanderson, the institute’s director, for bringing the nation’s finest musicians to downtown Wilkes-Barre’s newly reinvented riverfront.
But, the more I think about the recent Federal Brass concert, the more I am inspired by the larger changes that we see downtown. It’s hard to believe that, less than two years ago, there were no community events on the River Common.
Now fast-forward to the present, with the River Common hosting multiple events each week. These programs, ranging from yoga to concerts, from outdoor movies to environmental programming, are all free and open to all ages.
This evolution is not surprising. I’ve seen firsthand the hard work that many people have put into this project, as a vision for an accessible riverfront has been transformed into an award-winning venue comparable to any of the nation’s top parks. I’ve seen private citizens and businesses collaborate to form an organization, RiverCommon.org, which serves as the steward of the River Common. And I’ve seen the impact of RiverCommon.org’s programs on everyone from the young to the young at heart.
With that said, what’s most amazing is not that the completed River Common has been internationally recognized or that we are now able to attend such a wide range of free events and festivals. No, what’s most amazing is that all of RiverCommon.org’s programming has been made possible through the efforts of private citizens and businesses.
Activities on the River Common occur solely because of financial support from private contributions and corporate sponsorships – not tax dollars.
The generosity of countless individuals – the “Friends of the River Common” – together with sponsors such as Wyoming Seminary, GUARD, The Times Leader, the Citizens’ Voice, Entercom Communications, the Luzerne County Visitors Bureau, Mohegan Sun, PNC Bank and WBRE-TV are helping to turn our riverfront into a regional destination.
But, the more I think about the recent Federal Brass concert, the more I am inspired by the larger changes that we see downtown. It’s hard to believe that, less than two years ago, there were no community events on the River Common.
Now fast-forward to the present, with the River Common hosting multiple events each week. These programs, ranging from yoga to concerts, from outdoor movies to environmental programming, are all free and open to all ages.
This evolution is not surprising. I’ve seen firsthand the hard work that many people have put into this project, as a vision for an accessible riverfront has been transformed into an award-winning venue comparable to any of the nation’s top parks. I’ve seen private citizens and businesses collaborate to form an organization, RiverCommon.org, which serves as the steward of the River Common. And I’ve seen the impact of RiverCommon.org’s programs on everyone from the young to the young at heart.
With that said, what’s most amazing is not that the completed River Common has been internationally recognized or that we are now able to attend such a wide range of free events and festivals. No, what’s most amazing is that all of RiverCommon.org’s programming has been made possible through the efforts of private citizens and businesses.
Activities on the River Common occur solely because of financial support from private contributions and corporate sponsorships – not tax dollars.
The generosity of countless individuals – the “Friends of the River Common” – together with sponsors such as Wyoming Seminary, GUARD, The Times Leader, the Citizens’ Voice, Entercom Communications, the Luzerne County Visitors Bureau, Mohegan Sun, PNC Bank and WBRE-TV are helping to turn our riverfront into a regional destination.
2011年7月7日星期四
PV Powered's parent lowers forecast
Advanced Energy, parent company of Bend-based PV Powered, expects to see lower second-quarter revenues than the company previously predicted, according to a statement released Tuesday.
The Fort Collins, Colo.- based company expects revenues between $137 million and $140 million for the quarter ending June 30, a decline from the $148 million to $160 million it predicted in early May.
Along with solar inverters made by PV Powered in Bend and in its Fort Collins plant, Advanced Energy makes power conversion and control systems used in semiconductor, flat panel display and other high-tech manufacturing.
Changes in the solar market caused the revenue revision, Hanz Betz, chief executive officer, said in a statement, including declining solar panel prices, permitting and other issues that prompted customers to delay purchases.
Advanced Energy expects to announce its second-quarter financial results July 25 after the market closes, with management providing its update the following day.
The Fort Collins, Colo.- based company expects revenues between $137 million and $140 million for the quarter ending June 30, a decline from the $148 million to $160 million it predicted in early May.
Along with solar inverters made by PV Powered in Bend and in its Fort Collins plant, Advanced Energy makes power conversion and control systems used in semiconductor, flat panel display and other high-tech manufacturing.
Changes in the solar market caused the revenue revision, Hanz Betz, chief executive officer, said in a statement, including declining solar panel prices, permitting and other issues that prompted customers to delay purchases.
Advanced Energy expects to announce its second-quarter financial results July 25 after the market closes, with management providing its update the following day.
Theo Adley failed algebra three times in high school
Theo Adley failed algebra three times in high school. As further proof that the traditional classroom curriculum wasn't his thing, the Dallas native dropped out of the University of Colorado during his junior year in Boulder to pursue a career at the Culinary School of the Rockies. "I had this crazy attraction to doing things with my hands as opposed to cracking books, dealing with homework, grades and teachers, and I wanted to develop a craft," explains Adley, now executive chef/owner of the Pinyon.
With an eye to cooking professionally, the 28-year-old wunderkind trained in some of the most illustrious kitchens in Colorado, including the Flagstaff House, Frasca Food and Wine, Radda Trattoria and the Little Nell in Aspen, before becoming the master of his own domain. Last December he opened the Pinyon, a "uniquely Colorado" restaurant that he says juxtaposes simple, straightforward American cuisine with esoteric deviations. "Our logo is a guy who's riding backwards on a horse, the idea being that the horse is charging forward and the guy is looking backwards, which, for us, symbolizes that we're constantly trying to be at the top of our game with modern takes and innovations but always paying respect to our culinary pasts and traditions," Adley explains.
The idea behind the Pinyon is "to bring more of a foraging- and wilderness-focused restaurant to the forefront of Boulder," he adds, one that utilizes a full bounty of ingredients that aren't just local, but responsibly sourced and produced. "We can call ourselves farm-to-table, but the reality is that that term gets sprayed around it a lot so do 'local' and 'sustainable' but they're all just buzzwords and marketing terms. Our job is to rise above the buzzwords and stay true to our craft by purchasing our products from purveyors, farmers and producers who we know personally we don't want any guesswork involved and preparing and executing our food responsibly."
In the following interview, Adley opens the coop on fried chicken, takes major exception to Boulder's title of "America's foodiest town," calls Thomas Keller a blabbermouth, and muses about his desire to open a new cocktail and craft-beer bar.
With an eye to cooking professionally, the 28-year-old wunderkind trained in some of the most illustrious kitchens in Colorado, including the Flagstaff House, Frasca Food and Wine, Radda Trattoria and the Little Nell in Aspen, before becoming the master of his own domain. Last December he opened the Pinyon, a "uniquely Colorado" restaurant that he says juxtaposes simple, straightforward American cuisine with esoteric deviations. "Our logo is a guy who's riding backwards on a horse, the idea being that the horse is charging forward and the guy is looking backwards, which, for us, symbolizes that we're constantly trying to be at the top of our game with modern takes and innovations but always paying respect to our culinary pasts and traditions," Adley explains.
The idea behind the Pinyon is "to bring more of a foraging- and wilderness-focused restaurant to the forefront of Boulder," he adds, one that utilizes a full bounty of ingredients that aren't just local, but responsibly sourced and produced. "We can call ourselves farm-to-table, but the reality is that that term gets sprayed around it a lot so do 'local' and 'sustainable' but they're all just buzzwords and marketing terms. Our job is to rise above the buzzwords and stay true to our craft by purchasing our products from purveyors, farmers and producers who we know personally we don't want any guesswork involved and preparing and executing our food responsibly."
In the following interview, Adley opens the coop on fried chicken, takes major exception to Boulder's title of "America's foodiest town," calls Thomas Keller a blabbermouth, and muses about his desire to open a new cocktail and craft-beer bar.
2011年7月6日星期三
Married to the famous top model
The England Southropban yesterday blamed a number of agricultural workers in the fashion world was dominated by, as Kate's wedding because almost all roads have been closed, security experts have completely covered the area. It is impossible to get into the little town, formulated after a lot of celebrity - such as Naomi Campbell and Jude Law - but he managed to átverekednie local residents protesting crowd, of course no security sites.
The wedding itself was phenomenal to say the least - Kate in the Gallianonak John wore a garment of poetry, his recent scandal with severe anti-Semitic remarks, and the feet of Carrie Bradshaw's Manolo Blahnik designed by his beloved silver shoes. A 37 year-old star shining in her husband's newfound happiness, the rocker Jamie Hince and eight-year-old daughter, Lila Grace on the side - may finally see a marriage, a long-term stays together, the husband and wife?
What do you think of Kate's dress? Worthy of a true flagship?
The wedding itself was phenomenal to say the least - Kate in the Gallianonak John wore a garment of poetry, his recent scandal with severe anti-Semitic remarks, and the feet of Carrie Bradshaw's Manolo Blahnik designed by his beloved silver shoes. A 37 year-old star shining in her husband's newfound happiness, the rocker Jamie Hince and eight-year-old daughter, Lila Grace on the side - may finally see a marriage, a long-term stays together, the husband and wife?
What do you think of Kate's dress? Worthy of a true flagship?
Rolls-Royce took seven altar in the scandalous famous supermodel
Kate Moss has held a happy, yes. A 37 year-old supermodel is not spared anything in relation to the wedding. The Rolls-Royce is one of seven arrived at the church, John Galliano's wedding dress and Manolo Blahnik shoes, of course, was the piece, which on weekdays is also a big fan of the model.
A 42-year rock musician husband, Jamie Hince in a Yves Saint Laurent suit led to the altar of sweet, even to 600 million worth of rural estate where the ceremony was held.
Several celebrities have been added to the guest list, including Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney and Kelly Osbourne as well. Perhaps surprisingly, even Kate's daughter, Lila's father Jefferson Hack came to the wedding.
Kelly Osbourne the only way to comment on the event: "It is amazing to see people who are really in love."
A 42-year rock musician husband, Jamie Hince in a Yves Saint Laurent suit led to the altar of sweet, even to 600 million worth of rural estate where the ceremony was held.
Several celebrities have been added to the guest list, including Naomi Campbell, Stella McCartney and Kelly Osbourne as well. Perhaps surprisingly, even Kate's daughter, Lila's father Jefferson Hack came to the wedding.
Kelly Osbourne the only way to comment on the event: "It is amazing to see people who are really in love."
2011年7月1日星期五
The son of a 75-year-old woman
The son of a 75-year-old woman killed in the February 22 earthquake has laid a complaint after a police identification bungle in which another family was wrongly told their mother had not survived.
Rodney Fletcher said he could forgive that, but not what happened two weeks later.
The funeral directors gave Rodney Fletcher a bag of what police told them were his mother Maureen Fletcher's personal effects.
He opened the bag to discover the contents belonged to Margaret Moon, a retired psychologist whose brief encounter with his mother before the quake set in motion the bizarre chain of events.
Maureen Fletcher was crushed when concrete crashed down at the Tasty Tucker cafe, Colombo St south, where she was sitting.
The Spreydon grandmother had struck up a conversation with former Diamond Harbour couple Bruce and Margaret Moon. The Moons were rushed to Christchurch Hospital after the quake hit.
However, Margaret Moon's cellphone and handbag were found with Maureen Fletcher's body.
In the confusion that followed, police used Margaret Moon's contact numbers to deliver the bad news to her shocked family in Nelson.
Daughter Caroline Tarling took the bombshell call on her cellphone.The teacher had just left a supermarket.
"I was in a state of disbelief. I sat in my car for a while. To say I was stunned doesn't describe it, " she said.
Numb, she drove to a lawyer, a family friend, who helped arrange victim support and other back up.
But six hours later she got even more of a shock when her mother called from hospital - and the mix up was realised.
The family are still reeling.
Margaret Moon said this week that it was perplexing to hear her family were told she was dead.
She was flown to Nelson Hospital two days after the quake with a broken arm and abrasions.
"I was absolutely shocked and dismayed that my family was put through that, " she said.Rodney Fletcher said his complaint, purely related to the property bungle, was not to hammer police in a difficult scenario.
But police needed to get their procedures right after the identity mix up was discovered, he said.
Rodney Fletcher said he could forgive that, but not what happened two weeks later.
The funeral directors gave Rodney Fletcher a bag of what police told them were his mother Maureen Fletcher's personal effects.
He opened the bag to discover the contents belonged to Margaret Moon, a retired psychologist whose brief encounter with his mother before the quake set in motion the bizarre chain of events.
Maureen Fletcher was crushed when concrete crashed down at the Tasty Tucker cafe, Colombo St south, where she was sitting.
The Spreydon grandmother had struck up a conversation with former Diamond Harbour couple Bruce and Margaret Moon. The Moons were rushed to Christchurch Hospital after the quake hit.
However, Margaret Moon's cellphone and handbag were found with Maureen Fletcher's body.
In the confusion that followed, police used Margaret Moon's contact numbers to deliver the bad news to her shocked family in Nelson.
Daughter Caroline Tarling took the bombshell call on her cellphone.The teacher had just left a supermarket.
"I was in a state of disbelief. I sat in my car for a while. To say I was stunned doesn't describe it, " she said.
Numb, she drove to a lawyer, a family friend, who helped arrange victim support and other back up.
But six hours later she got even more of a shock when her mother called from hospital - and the mix up was realised.
The family are still reeling.
Margaret Moon said this week that it was perplexing to hear her family were told she was dead.
She was flown to Nelson Hospital two days after the quake with a broken arm and abrasions.
"I was absolutely shocked and dismayed that my family was put through that, " she said.Rodney Fletcher said his complaint, purely related to the property bungle, was not to hammer police in a difficult scenario.
But police needed to get their procedures right after the identity mix up was discovered, he said.
On an average day in Chinatown
On an average day in Chinatown, illegal counterfeit vendors and their lookouts snake through the crowds, peddling their fake bags. For soccer mom Terry Johnson, on vacation from Florida, the illicit nature of the not-so-discreet transactions and the prospect of swinging a “designer bag” on her shoulder for a fraction of the price provides a strange thrill. “It’s a fun game to come to Chinatown to buy bags,” she says smiling, clutching four nondescript black plastic bags full of fake handbags. “I always get a rush from a good deal,” she adds, before zeroing in on a vendor holding a laminated sheet of images of Chanel bags. “Oh, let me try to get this guy.”
For years, Chinatown has been so synonymous with fakes—bags, watches, perfumes—that it’s become part of the fabric of the community. That’s why Chinatown’s Council member Margaret Chin is on a mission to rid the lower Manhattan neighborhood of its unofficial title as the Capital of Counterfeits with a proposed bill that would make it illegal to purchase counterfeit goods in her district.
“There is a huge growing demand for these low-cost illegal trademark goods,” explains Chin over the phone from her office. “There are illegal vendors crowding in front of the businesses and apartment buildings. Our constituents and people in the community are sick of living this way. Local businesses have to deal with shoppers coming in trying to negotiate a price, as if they were counterfeit. Why is that okay?”
If Chin’s bill becomes law, anyone caught buying any fake goods would be slapped with a misdemeanor charge that will come with a $1000 fine—or up to a year in jail. Italy and France have both adopted a similar law that goes after the shopper. “That’s crazy,” says Estilette, echoing the sentiment of most of the shoppers we spoke with. “Why don’t they just arrest these vendors? They are the ones selling it in front of everyone.”
That would seem to be the logical course of action. In fact, there’s already a law on the books that makes selling counterfeit goods illegal, although it’s difficult to enforce without a consistent police presence to catch vendors in the act. While there have been small victories in the fight against counterfeiters in Chinatown, like the 2008 police raid that unearthed over $1 million worth of knockoffs and closed down 32 illegal storefronts, with the NYPD stretched thin on issues like terrorism, the problem continues to grow. Accordingly, Chin believes it’s time police turn their focus on the buyer.
For years, Chinatown has been so synonymous with fakes—bags, watches, perfumes—that it’s become part of the fabric of the community. That’s why Chinatown’s Council member Margaret Chin is on a mission to rid the lower Manhattan neighborhood of its unofficial title as the Capital of Counterfeits with a proposed bill that would make it illegal to purchase counterfeit goods in her district.
“There is a huge growing demand for these low-cost illegal trademark goods,” explains Chin over the phone from her office. “There are illegal vendors crowding in front of the businesses and apartment buildings. Our constituents and people in the community are sick of living this way. Local businesses have to deal with shoppers coming in trying to negotiate a price, as if they were counterfeit. Why is that okay?”
If Chin’s bill becomes law, anyone caught buying any fake goods would be slapped with a misdemeanor charge that will come with a $1000 fine—or up to a year in jail. Italy and France have both adopted a similar law that goes after the shopper. “That’s crazy,” says Estilette, echoing the sentiment of most of the shoppers we spoke with. “Why don’t they just arrest these vendors? They are the ones selling it in front of everyone.”
That would seem to be the logical course of action. In fact, there’s already a law on the books that makes selling counterfeit goods illegal, although it’s difficult to enforce without a consistent police presence to catch vendors in the act. While there have been small victories in the fight against counterfeiters in Chinatown, like the 2008 police raid that unearthed over $1 million worth of knockoffs and closed down 32 illegal storefronts, with the NYPD stretched thin on issues like terrorism, the problem continues to grow. Accordingly, Chin believes it’s time police turn their focus on the buyer.
2011年6月28日星期二
Bodog Europe were the official betting partner
Bodog Europe were the official betting partner of Fulham Football Club during Roy's hugely successful tenure which saw them go all the way to the Europa Cup Final.
Patrik Selin, CEO of Bodog Europe, commented: "In choosing a sponsorship partner we were looking for a club with a genuine team spirit and we are delighted to have found that in West Bromwich Albion.
"In the social media era a sponsorship should be about backing the investment with a return commitment to the club and the fans and we are looking forward to working closely with all parties.
"Equally, the Premier League is so much more than just a passion in the UK but massive around the world too which can only benefit other regional Bodog licensees."
Robert Gustafsson, Managing Director of Bodog Asia, agrees: "It is hard to explain how big the Premier League is in Asia and this sponsorship will be enormously beneficial for us in growing the brand's profile in the region. I am therefore very grateful to Bodog Europe for signing this deal but from a brandpoint of view it also highlights the strength of a licensee model as regional marketing can have benefits beyond its borders."
Albion Chief Executive Mark Jenkins welcomed the club's new sponsors.
"We are delighted to have Bodog on board," said Jenkins. "Following our most successful Barclays Premier League campaign there was a great deal of interest in becoming our club sponsor.
Patrik Selin, CEO of Bodog Europe, commented: "In choosing a sponsorship partner we were looking for a club with a genuine team spirit and we are delighted to have found that in West Bromwich Albion.
"In the social media era a sponsorship should be about backing the investment with a return commitment to the club and the fans and we are looking forward to working closely with all parties.
"Equally, the Premier League is so much more than just a passion in the UK but massive around the world too which can only benefit other regional Bodog licensees."
Robert Gustafsson, Managing Director of Bodog Asia, agrees: "It is hard to explain how big the Premier League is in Asia and this sponsorship will be enormously beneficial for us in growing the brand's profile in the region. I am therefore very grateful to Bodog Europe for signing this deal but from a brandpoint of view it also highlights the strength of a licensee model as regional marketing can have benefits beyond its borders."
Albion Chief Executive Mark Jenkins welcomed the club's new sponsors.
"We are delighted to have Bodog on board," said Jenkins. "Following our most successful Barclays Premier League campaign there was a great deal of interest in becoming our club sponsor.
Public criticism of dog
Public criticism of dog fouling on the city's walkways has led the Dunedin City Council to encourage more dog owners to pick up their animal's faeces by sending out a bag holder to registered owners.
The holders for poo bags were a response to the negative feedback in the council's residents' opinion survey showing a 45% dissatisfaction of the council's control of dog fouling, council development services manager Kevin Thompson said.
The bag holders, which strap on to dog leads, were sent out to 12,351 registered dog owners and cost $25,000.
It was funded out of the animal control reserve fund, which was, in turn, funded by surplus from the annual animal control budget, he said.
"That money can only be spent on animal control."
One dog owner who wrote to the Otago Daily Times, Stuart Mathieson, questioned the initiative's costs and the adding of more plastic to the environment when recycled supermarket bags did the job.
Mr Thompson said the initiative had been used by the Lower Hutt District Council to great effect.
"They've had phenomenal uptake and improvement in their satisfaction."
There had been positive feedback from dog owners in Dunedin who believed it was a great initiative.
"People aren't going to get caught short. They have no excuse for not picking it up."
The council had also installed poo-bag poles at 11 different spots around the city where owners walked their dogs such as John Wilson Ocean Dr, St Clair and St Kilda.
"We're trying to encourage people to be more responsible. If they have the facilities, there is no excuse."
The holders for poo bags were a response to the negative feedback in the council's residents' opinion survey showing a 45% dissatisfaction of the council's control of dog fouling, council development services manager Kevin Thompson said.
The bag holders, which strap on to dog leads, were sent out to 12,351 registered dog owners and cost $25,000.
It was funded out of the animal control reserve fund, which was, in turn, funded by surplus from the annual animal control budget, he said.
"That money can only be spent on animal control."
One dog owner who wrote to the Otago Daily Times, Stuart Mathieson, questioned the initiative's costs and the adding of more plastic to the environment when recycled supermarket bags did the job.
Mr Thompson said the initiative had been used by the Lower Hutt District Council to great effect.
"They've had phenomenal uptake and improvement in their satisfaction."
There had been positive feedback from dog owners in Dunedin who believed it was a great initiative.
"People aren't going to get caught short. They have no excuse for not picking it up."
The council had also installed poo-bag poles at 11 different spots around the city where owners walked their dogs such as John Wilson Ocean Dr, St Clair and St Kilda.
"We're trying to encourage people to be more responsible. If they have the facilities, there is no excuse."
2011年6月23日星期四
Last October I beat my dad for the first time ever
Last October I beat my dad for the first time ever, shooting an 86 to his 89. As we replaced the pin on 18, he offered me a handshake then pulled me in for a hug. He told me “someday YOUR son will beat YOU, and I hope you’ll be just as proud as I am”. I’m proud to be the son of such a wonderful father.
A sunny day in the backyard and Dad was teaching me how to hit a golf ball. I looked at the shiny ball and thought I'm going to hit it as far as I can! I pulled the club back slow like he taught me to, then let it rip! It was a perfect hit, the ball went soaring through the air! All I could hear was my Dad yelling NO!! I didn't know why until I heard breaking glass! My perfect shot went farther than my Dad thought I could hit and went straight into my neighbors window. I have loved GOLF ever since!
Dad loved teaching me about golf and golf etiquette. Once, while teeing off on the back 9 at a local country club, dad didn't notice a golfer from another hole wander onto our fairway to locate his errant ball. Before I could speak, dad ripped a screaming line drive right at the golfer standing 200 yards away. We yelled "fore", but to no avail. The ball hit the man square in the back, dropping him to his knees. We jumped in the cart and rushed to help the fellow to his feet, my dad apologizing profusely. Learn from this, son. You step in front of a man's drive, you'll cost him 40, maybe 50 yards distance...not good." That advice always makes me smile to this day.
My father is now 87. Being up in years, he can no longer hit the long ball. While visiting from Massachusetts, he came to my club to play a round. He was so excited to see the "forward tees" - not the ladies but the junior tees. Being able to compete with his sons and nephew gave him quite a thrill - and definitely something to talk about with whoever would listen.
A sunny day in the backyard and Dad was teaching me how to hit a golf ball. I looked at the shiny ball and thought I'm going to hit it as far as I can! I pulled the club back slow like he taught me to, then let it rip! It was a perfect hit, the ball went soaring through the air! All I could hear was my Dad yelling NO!! I didn't know why until I heard breaking glass! My perfect shot went farther than my Dad thought I could hit and went straight into my neighbors window. I have loved GOLF ever since!
Dad loved teaching me about golf and golf etiquette. Once, while teeing off on the back 9 at a local country club, dad didn't notice a golfer from another hole wander onto our fairway to locate his errant ball. Before I could speak, dad ripped a screaming line drive right at the golfer standing 200 yards away. We yelled "fore", but to no avail. The ball hit the man square in the back, dropping him to his knees. We jumped in the cart and rushed to help the fellow to his feet, my dad apologizing profusely. Learn from this, son. You step in front of a man's drive, you'll cost him 40, maybe 50 yards distance...not good." That advice always makes me smile to this day.
My father is now 87. Being up in years, he can no longer hit the long ball. While visiting from Massachusetts, he came to my club to play a round. He was so excited to see the "forward tees" - not the ladies but the junior tees. Being able to compete with his sons and nephew gave him quite a thrill - and definitely something to talk about with whoever would listen.
After doing away with the bus stand
After doing away with the bus stand, the bus stops will be spruced up with a designated bus lane. "The bus stands will be scattered across BBD Bag and route numbers will be clearly written on the boards. A bus of a particular route will be allowed to stop only at its designated stop. This will do away with the chaos now prevailing in the area," said an officer of traffic and transportation planning directorate.
Like BBD Bag, the new government will also implement the high court order in both cleaning up and trimming the Esplanade bus terminus. It has been a long-standing demand of green activists to shift the bus terminus from Esplanade. "The Esplanade bus terminus is part of the Maidan, the lungs of the city. So our demand was to return Maidan its part which is now so shabby, polluted and an ugly face of the city," said green activist Subhas Datta.
Dutta said the Left Front government had violated the high court verdict by not shifting the stand elsewhere. The Mamata Banerjee government has decided to implement the HC order that had ordered the bus stand to be shifted without any delay. The court had also asked the government to fix a deadline for the project.
"We will reorganise the bus stand. The entire long-distance stand will be shifted elsewhere. There will be a much organised, yet smaller, stand at Esplanade. But only a few buses will be allowed to stand there, said an officer. Keeping in mind the sprucing up of BBD Bag on the lines of its colonial heritage architecture, we are also redesigning the passengers' shelters at bus stops. They will look vintage, but modern in amenities. This model will finally be replicated in the rest of the city," said a senior tourism department officer.
Like BBD Bag, the new government will also implement the high court order in both cleaning up and trimming the Esplanade bus terminus. It has been a long-standing demand of green activists to shift the bus terminus from Esplanade. "The Esplanade bus terminus is part of the Maidan, the lungs of the city. So our demand was to return Maidan its part which is now so shabby, polluted and an ugly face of the city," said green activist Subhas Datta.
Dutta said the Left Front government had violated the high court verdict by not shifting the stand elsewhere. The Mamata Banerjee government has decided to implement the HC order that had ordered the bus stand to be shifted without any delay. The court had also asked the government to fix a deadline for the project.
"We will reorganise the bus stand. The entire long-distance stand will be shifted elsewhere. There will be a much organised, yet smaller, stand at Esplanade. But only a few buses will be allowed to stand there, said an officer. Keeping in mind the sprucing up of BBD Bag on the lines of its colonial heritage architecture, we are also redesigning the passengers' shelters at bus stops. They will look vintage, but modern in amenities. This model will finally be replicated in the rest of the city," said a senior tourism department officer.
2011年6月20日星期一
I like high quality watches
I love watches. I have quite an extensive collection and one of the things that I like about high quality watches is that their minute hands move smoothly and with ease. You almost don't see the movement because it is so smooth and uncomplicated. This is because most of the high quality watches have an automatic movement mechanism that allows the hands to sort of glide over the face of the watch. I like watches and I love a watch that has this automatic movement mechanism, such as those that can be found in a Cartier watch. Only problem? These watches are very expensive so I had to find an alternative which still getting what I wanted, and that is when I found that high quality replicas could give me what I was looking for.
Cartier replica watches can be found, though you will not be able to buy just any replica watch if you want the smooth hand movement. You will need to get a high quality watch that is identical to the Cartier watches, but without the high price tag. What this means is that you cannot buy the replica for $20, instead you will need to spend a bit more for a high quality watch that isn't so expensive because it isn't made by Cartier, but no one else needs to know this because it is a quality replica!
I was disappointed when I received the watch because it was scratched and just not in very good condition. Finally I decided I needed to look at Rolex watches. I looked around for awhile and finally found a quality Rolex replica watch that had all of the details of the real thing for the price that was right. I found that if I looked I could find a replica that would offer me the style and the beauty without the shocking sticker price. I couldn't be happier with my final purchase!
Cartier replica watches can be found, though you will not be able to buy just any replica watch if you want the smooth hand movement. You will need to get a high quality watch that is identical to the Cartier watches, but without the high price tag. What this means is that you cannot buy the replica for $20, instead you will need to spend a bit more for a high quality watch that isn't so expensive because it isn't made by Cartier, but no one else needs to know this because it is a quality replica!
I was disappointed when I received the watch because it was scratched and just not in very good condition. Finally I decided I needed to look at Rolex watches. I looked around for awhile and finally found a quality Rolex replica watch that had all of the details of the real thing for the price that was right. I found that if I looked I could find a replica that would offer me the style and the beauty without the shocking sticker price. I couldn't be happier with my final purchase!
Why buy replica watches?
Many people hear the word Replica Watch and are drawn away from purchasing these types of watches. In actuality though what are you really buying? Not many people ask themselves that simple question before concluding in their opinion. A replica watch is a piece of jewellery that has been manufactured with real stainless steel that is exactly the same stainless steel used in expensive designer branded watches, has either Japanese quartz movement or a less expensive Swiss movement than what is used in the majority of branded watches, and high durable glass or sapphire crystal which again is used in branded watches. The only difference is that they copy the designs of popular brand models, and retail at a fraction of the cost because you are not paying for the "brand name" itself. So the big question here is would you buy a watch with confidence if it was made of 316 stainless steel, with a common used mechanism just like most designer watches, and with sapphire crystal non scratch glass? I think you would say yes. That's exactly what a replica watch is. A good quality common watch that will take care of you as long as you take care of it, just as you would if you were to buy an "original" designer watch.
Swiss replicas are made of 316L stainless steel, have Swiss quartz or automatic movements (depends on the model) and have non scratch sapphire crystal glass case covers. Swiss replica watches with chronographs use an automatic 7750 28,800bph movement with smooth sweeping seconds. The 7750 mechanism alone is worth about $100usd. So you can understand that the watch that you are purchasing is not a cheap off the street non functional fake watch. Swiss replica watches that have leather bands are 100% genuine leather. The look and feel are the same as the originals.
Swiss replicas are made of 316L stainless steel, have Swiss quartz or automatic movements (depends on the model) and have non scratch sapphire crystal glass case covers. Swiss replica watches with chronographs use an automatic 7750 28,800bph movement with smooth sweeping seconds. The 7750 mechanism alone is worth about $100usd. So you can understand that the watch that you are purchasing is not a cheap off the street non functional fake watch. Swiss replica watches that have leather bands are 100% genuine leather. The look and feel are the same as the originals.
2011年6月16日星期四
Wine Library's owner and energetic wine expert
Wine Library's owner and energetic wine expert
Wine Library's owner and energetic wine expert, Gary Vaynerchuk, has put together a collection of his favorite "wines for dudes" in a sampler six-pack ($50, shipping included). These wines were picked by Vaynerchuk specifically for guys who might not ordinarily try wine or are looking for wine to match with more masculine epicurean feats from the grill. In addition to the six miniature bottles (think hotel minibar size), a $30 gift certificate is included so that dad can buy bigger bottles of his favorite wine. Available online at tastingroom.com.
Wine-tasting seminars are a unique and practical gift and there are so many cool choices in our area. The Washington Wine Academy in Alexandria offers a wide range of courses, starting at $35 for single-night classes and topping $300 for the lengthier professional wine certification classes. Not sure which class dad wants? Buy a gift certificate online and let him choose.
For a real splurge, check out the wine-tasting series at uber-chic Citronelle restaurant in Washington, where master sommelier Kathy Morgan offers a monthly series of classes designed to educate as well as entertain. Morgan, one of only 112 master sommeliers in North America, takes participants on the wine roads less traveled and shares her vast knowledge in everything from wine myths to etiquette. The two-hour classes run about $100 each.
A wine-loving dad can never have too many decanters. They are not only practical, but can be works of art as well. My favorite is the Wine Enthusiast "U" Decanter. It's only $20 and shipping and handling is included (wineenthusiast.com). For $10 more, add a special touch and engrave dad's initials on the decanter. He is sure to think of you whenever he uses it.
When dad wants to open a special bottle of wine, but doesn't want to finish the bottle, he'll be glad he has the automated Wine Vac ($30) vacuum pump. It uses two AA batteries to perfectly seal an open bottle of wine, protecting the bouquet and flavors from oxidation. It's a high-tech way to protect and prolong the enjoyment of any wine. It also has a built-in thermometer to let you know when it has achieved the ideal temperature. Available at Sharper Image and wine specialty shops.
Wine Library's owner and energetic wine expert, Gary Vaynerchuk, has put together a collection of his favorite "wines for dudes" in a sampler six-pack ($50, shipping included). These wines were picked by Vaynerchuk specifically for guys who might not ordinarily try wine or are looking for wine to match with more masculine epicurean feats from the grill. In addition to the six miniature bottles (think hotel minibar size), a $30 gift certificate is included so that dad can buy bigger bottles of his favorite wine. Available online at tastingroom.com.
Wine-tasting seminars are a unique and practical gift and there are so many cool choices in our area. The Washington Wine Academy in Alexandria offers a wide range of courses, starting at $35 for single-night classes and topping $300 for the lengthier professional wine certification classes. Not sure which class dad wants? Buy a gift certificate online and let him choose.
For a real splurge, check out the wine-tasting series at uber-chic Citronelle restaurant in Washington, where master sommelier Kathy Morgan offers a monthly series of classes designed to educate as well as entertain. Morgan, one of only 112 master sommeliers in North America, takes participants on the wine roads less traveled and shares her vast knowledge in everything from wine myths to etiquette. The two-hour classes run about $100 each.
A wine-loving dad can never have too many decanters. They are not only practical, but can be works of art as well. My favorite is the Wine Enthusiast "U" Decanter. It's only $20 and shipping and handling is included (wineenthusiast.com). For $10 more, add a special touch and engrave dad's initials on the decanter. He is sure to think of you whenever he uses it.
When dad wants to open a special bottle of wine, but doesn't want to finish the bottle, he'll be glad he has the automated Wine Vac ($30) vacuum pump. It uses two AA batteries to perfectly seal an open bottle of wine, protecting the bouquet and flavors from oxidation. It's a high-tech way to protect and prolong the enjoyment of any wine. It also has a built-in thermometer to let you know when it has achieved the ideal temperature. Available at Sharper Image and wine specialty shops.
Honeycomb 3.1 is much more stable than 3.0
Honeycomb 3.1 is much more stable than 3.0
Honeycomb 3.1 is much more stable than 3.0, which would crash on my all the time during a session. That’s not the case with 3.1, as Google has improved the stability a great deal. It’s not all the way there, however, as I have experienced a few crashes over the past two days. At least I call them crashes, there are no error messages involved, apps just close by themselves and I get kicked out to the home screen. Getting back into the app is a simple matter of running it again, which invokes a new copy of the running app.
Hopefully Google will figure out what causes these crashes, as they usually happen with official Android apps. The browser is a common app that closes and goes away while browsing the web. I suspect it is a system memory issue and these apps are being shut down by Android because there is not enough memory to run them.
There is a good way in Honeycomb 3.1 to manage running apps and keep track of the memory situation, but only through the system settings. You can’t easily get to it while in a running app, and since there’s no warning before an app crashes it’s a moot point. You just keep doing your thing until an app crashes and then move on.
I have only experienced one impromptu system reboot once with Honeycomb 3.1, a vast improvement over 3.0 which would reboot all the time. It is telling however, that even one system reboot is considered a vast improvement.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has proven to me that Honeycomb is almost there to be a fun OS to use. I am hoping that Google gives the tablet interface an overhaul with Ice Cream Sandwich to address my concerns. I don’t think I am alone in my take on using Honeycomb, although everyone is different. I am sure there are fans of the Honeycomb interface. How about it? Do you like Honeycomb or wish it was different? Sound off in the TalkBack below.
Honeycomb 3.1 is much more stable than 3.0, which would crash on my all the time during a session. That’s not the case with 3.1, as Google has improved the stability a great deal. It’s not all the way there, however, as I have experienced a few crashes over the past two days. At least I call them crashes, there are no error messages involved, apps just close by themselves and I get kicked out to the home screen. Getting back into the app is a simple matter of running it again, which invokes a new copy of the running app.
Hopefully Google will figure out what causes these crashes, as they usually happen with official Android apps. The browser is a common app that closes and goes away while browsing the web. I suspect it is a system memory issue and these apps are being shut down by Android because there is not enough memory to run them.
There is a good way in Honeycomb 3.1 to manage running apps and keep track of the memory situation, but only through the system settings. You can’t easily get to it while in a running app, and since there’s no warning before an app crashes it’s a moot point. You just keep doing your thing until an app crashes and then move on.
I have only experienced one impromptu system reboot once with Honeycomb 3.1, a vast improvement over 3.0 which would reboot all the time. It is telling however, that even one system reboot is considered a vast improvement.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 has proven to me that Honeycomb is almost there to be a fun OS to use. I am hoping that Google gives the tablet interface an overhaul with Ice Cream Sandwich to address my concerns. I don’t think I am alone in my take on using Honeycomb, although everyone is different. I am sure there are fans of the Honeycomb interface. How about it? Do you like Honeycomb or wish it was different? Sound off in the TalkBack below.
2011年6月13日星期一
Singaporeans and Malaysians
Singaporeans and Malaysians who transited through the Woodlands Checkpoint from the Causeway on Sunday evening spoke of a mixed bag of experience, with 10 minutes to an hour spent at Malaysian Customs.
While Singaporean Harun Wasimon, 49, found the finger-printing process quite easy, with each person taking two minutes on average, his wife Nina Begum, 46, found it "quite awkward".
She experienced two rounds of errors before successfully scanning her fingerprints.
The couple and five of their relatives took half an hour altogether to clear Malaysian Customs.
Several commuters told MediaCorp of a vehicle tailback stretching one to three kilometres into Johor from the Malaysian checkpoint.
Malaysian security guard Morthy Veerasamy, 58, had to wait an hour at Woodlands before his company bus arrived to pick him up at 7.15pm.
The bus came from Pelangi in Johor and was caught in a jam stretching 3km, said Mr Morthy.
Commuters cited various factors for the jam.
A 35-year-old Singaporean, who only wanted to be known as Mr Chong, said he took an hour to clear Malaysian Customs while heading across the Causeway to pick his mother up at 3pm, due to a tour group ahead of him and the finger-printing process.
But the trip back into Singapore at about 6pm was smoother and took just 15 minutes, he said.
While Singaporean Harun Wasimon, 49, found the finger-printing process quite easy, with each person taking two minutes on average, his wife Nina Begum, 46, found it "quite awkward".
She experienced two rounds of errors before successfully scanning her fingerprints.
The couple and five of their relatives took half an hour altogether to clear Malaysian Customs.
Several commuters told MediaCorp of a vehicle tailback stretching one to three kilometres into Johor from the Malaysian checkpoint.
Malaysian security guard Morthy Veerasamy, 58, had to wait an hour at Woodlands before his company bus arrived to pick him up at 7.15pm.
The bus came from Pelangi in Johor and was caught in a jam stretching 3km, said Mr Morthy.
Commuters cited various factors for the jam.
A 35-year-old Singaporean, who only wanted to be known as Mr Chong, said he took an hour to clear Malaysian Customs while heading across the Causeway to pick his mother up at 3pm, due to a tour group ahead of him and the finger-printing process.
But the trip back into Singapore at about 6pm was smoother and took just 15 minutes, he said.
ields recently won the Carolinas Open
F
Fields recently won the Carolinas Open and is a former Carolinas Amateur champion.
Another player to watch is North Carolina Sports Hall of Famer Paul Simson, of Raleigh, who has won this championship a record four times, the last coming in 2004.
A total of 472 golfers with handicap indexes of 5.4 or less submitted entries this year. The starting field of approximately 144 will come from players who earned exemptions based on past performance and those who survived 18-hole qualifying tests that were held at six sites around the state during late May and early June.
The field will be cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes.
Greensboro CC’s Farm Course, which opened in 1963, was designed by Ellis Maples and renovated by Donald Steele in 2010. The par-72 layout will play at 7,223 yards for the Amateur.
Tin Whistles: The team of Charlie Eichhorn, Tom Race, Bob Kinelski and Fred Nuenighoff posted a score of 97 to win the one best ball on par 3s and 5s and two best balls on par-4 holes event held on Pinehurst Country Club’s No. 3 Course.
Finishing second with 100 were John Reglar, Ed Guidice, Jerry Lefton and Murray Stern. Third place with 104 went to Luther Hutchinson, Rich Warters, Don Lynch and Kirk Lynch.
Eichorn, Race and Kinelski were winners again in the two best balls of four event held on the No. 8 Course, teaming with Ed Renner for a 126 total.
Second place was taken by Joe Raguso, Murray Stern, Bruce Weir and Bill Noggle with 130. Third at 131 were Tom McPherson, Tim Dwyer, Tom Skidmore and Stu White, who edged Bob Hepner, Alan Quirion, Jay Clatworthy and Bob Sponzo in a card playoff.
Fields recently won the Carolinas Open and is a former Carolinas Amateur champion.
Another player to watch is North Carolina Sports Hall of Famer Paul Simson, of Raleigh, who has won this championship a record four times, the last coming in 2004.
A total of 472 golfers with handicap indexes of 5.4 or less submitted entries this year. The starting field of approximately 144 will come from players who earned exemptions based on past performance and those who survived 18-hole qualifying tests that were held at six sites around the state during late May and early June.
The field will be cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes.
Greensboro CC’s Farm Course, which opened in 1963, was designed by Ellis Maples and renovated by Donald Steele in 2010. The par-72 layout will play at 7,223 yards for the Amateur.
Tin Whistles: The team of Charlie Eichhorn, Tom Race, Bob Kinelski and Fred Nuenighoff posted a score of 97 to win the one best ball on par 3s and 5s and two best balls on par-4 holes event held on Pinehurst Country Club’s No. 3 Course.
Finishing second with 100 were John Reglar, Ed Guidice, Jerry Lefton and Murray Stern. Third place with 104 went to Luther Hutchinson, Rich Warters, Don Lynch and Kirk Lynch.
Eichorn, Race and Kinelski were winners again in the two best balls of four event held on the No. 8 Course, teaming with Ed Renner for a 126 total.
Second place was taken by Joe Raguso, Murray Stern, Bruce Weir and Bill Noggle with 130. Third at 131 were Tom McPherson, Tim Dwyer, Tom Skidmore and Stu White, who edged Bob Hepner, Alan Quirion, Jay Clatworthy and Bob Sponzo in a card playoff.
2011年6月2日星期四
There is a stall at the junction
There is a stall at the junction of Jalan SU8 next to Selayang Mall in Taman Selayang Utama that always catches my eye when I am strolling towards the mall.
The Malay woman who runs the stall has been doing business there for about five years. It is obvious that the traditional snack foods that she sells at her stall are popular among shoppers and residents in the vicinity.
I have patronised her stall on numerous occasions. Sometimes I have been stopped by family members because they think I have been eating too many fried bananas or ubi for my own good.
My only excuse is that a single curry puff or keropok is not going to send me to hospital. But like all Malaysians who love eating at odd hours, this auntie’s fried snacks are really quite good.
On that day, I made a “flying visit” at her stall. She was assisted by a young man whom I believed was her son. Her fried spring rolls looked really delicious.
The young man was quite adept at picking the items off the various trays. It could only be due to years of standing next to his mum and learning the tricks of the trade.
It was about 3pm. I shouldn’t be hungry but I was just plain greedy. They say that hobbits eat every two hours. I get hungry every three and I am walking dangerously close to the boundary of Hobbiton with my eating habit.
This “macik” looks like she is 50-something. Her assistant must be in his early 20s. Together they make a good team. Business at that hour when I was there wasn’t a peak time for them.
I suspect business will pick up around 5pm when residents start boiling water for their tea, coffee or Milo. There is nothing better than a plate of curry puffs, keropok or slices of fried yam or ubi on the table.
The Malay woman who runs the stall has been doing business there for about five years. It is obvious that the traditional snack foods that she sells at her stall are popular among shoppers and residents in the vicinity.
I have patronised her stall on numerous occasions. Sometimes I have been stopped by family members because they think I have been eating too many fried bananas or ubi for my own good.
My only excuse is that a single curry puff or keropok is not going to send me to hospital. But like all Malaysians who love eating at odd hours, this auntie’s fried snacks are really quite good.
On that day, I made a “flying visit” at her stall. She was assisted by a young man whom I believed was her son. Her fried spring rolls looked really delicious.
The young man was quite adept at picking the items off the various trays. It could only be due to years of standing next to his mum and learning the tricks of the trade.
It was about 3pm. I shouldn’t be hungry but I was just plain greedy. They say that hobbits eat every two hours. I get hungry every three and I am walking dangerously close to the boundary of Hobbiton with my eating habit.
This “macik” looks like she is 50-something. Her assistant must be in his early 20s. Together they make a good team. Business at that hour when I was there wasn’t a peak time for them.
I suspect business will pick up around 5pm when residents start boiling water for their tea, coffee or Milo. There is nothing better than a plate of curry puffs, keropok or slices of fried yam or ubi on the table.
A local campaign is gaining momentum
A local campaign is gaining momentum to help Durango join the growing numbers of cities voluntarily reducing or eliminating single-use plastic bags. Inspired by the film “Bag It,” Zahra Lightway has formed a grassroots volunteer committee to explore instituting the program here.
Lightway’s research shows that with a population of 16,000, Durango is contributing 8.8 million bags to landfills every year. She and a few volunteers took these facts and numbers to the recent Four Corners Green Expo, where she asked people what they would be willing to do to cut down on their use. The results indicated that Durangoans would support a ban. Although the questionnaires were completed by people who are obviously biased in the area of green living, she feels the results are still valid.
Of the 83 people who answered the questionnaire, the results were split almost evenly. Forty people favored completely banning the use of plastic bags, 36 favored charging a fee for the bags and seven straddled the line.
The ban would not just affect grocery bags, but would apply to every type of plastic bag used by retailers, dry cleaners, etc.
“Our goal is to see a plastic free world,” says Lightway. At the Green Living Expo, Sweetie Marbury, who was recently elected to Durango City Council, threw her support behind a full ban.
Marbury visited Maui a few months ago and was pleased to see the program in full effect there. “I think it’s a wonderful idea and Durango should get on board,” she says. “Maui County Commissioners educated the public and gave them a few months to get used to the idea. During that time, the grocery stores gave people brown paper bags that could be recycled. People shouldn’t have to be paid to do the right thing. If you forget your bags, just take your groceries to the car in the cart and put them in the bags there.”
Durango’s new Mayor Christina Rinderle also supports such a program. “It’s a perfect fit for Durango,” she says. “It’s win-win-win. The campaign will benefit the retailers who won’t have to purchase bags to give their customers. It will be a reminder and provide a good incentive for people to actually walk back out to their cars to get their reusable, nonplastic bags, and it reduces waste.”
Lightway’s research shows that with a population of 16,000, Durango is contributing 8.8 million bags to landfills every year. She and a few volunteers took these facts and numbers to the recent Four Corners Green Expo, where she asked people what they would be willing to do to cut down on their use. The results indicated that Durangoans would support a ban. Although the questionnaires were completed by people who are obviously biased in the area of green living, she feels the results are still valid.
Of the 83 people who answered the questionnaire, the results were split almost evenly. Forty people favored completely banning the use of plastic bags, 36 favored charging a fee for the bags and seven straddled the line.
The ban would not just affect grocery bags, but would apply to every type of plastic bag used by retailers, dry cleaners, etc.
“Our goal is to see a plastic free world,” says Lightway. At the Green Living Expo, Sweetie Marbury, who was recently elected to Durango City Council, threw her support behind a full ban.
Marbury visited Maui a few months ago and was pleased to see the program in full effect there. “I think it’s a wonderful idea and Durango should get on board,” she says. “Maui County Commissioners educated the public and gave them a few months to get used to the idea. During that time, the grocery stores gave people brown paper bags that could be recycled. People shouldn’t have to be paid to do the right thing. If you forget your bags, just take your groceries to the car in the cart and put them in the bags there.”
Durango’s new Mayor Christina Rinderle also supports such a program. “It’s a perfect fit for Durango,” she says. “It’s win-win-win. The campaign will benefit the retailers who won’t have to purchase bags to give their customers. It will be a reminder and provide a good incentive for people to actually walk back out to their cars to get their reusable, nonplastic bags, and it reduces waste.”
2011年5月31日星期二
Theodore Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
Theodore Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (what a name!) has ruled Equatorial Guinea since 1979. He is said to have toppled his own uncle from power and is a god in his tiny oil rich country. He tolerates no dissent.
Another jewel in that category is our own Yoweri Museveni. Even as a little boy he is said to have shown signs of rebellion and strong headedness. In fact, some now believe that if the youngish and firebrand Museveni of the 70s and 80s was living in the Uganda of today, there is a fair chance that he would have long rebelled against the rulers of the day except in this instance it would be against himself.
With the exception of JJ, the rest of the men of feat that I have mentioned are still firmly in power. What is the common thread that runs through their DNA? Well, they all started off as good men in one way or another. Another trait which is the subject of my interest is that they came to power through rebellion. I have used the word rebellion to broadly cover coups and taking up arms and resistance against colonial rule.
The question then is why do these men who came to power by rebelling against established order in their respective countries fear being on the receiving side of the very method they used to ascend to power? More so, many of them are now sort of democratically elected which should have made them more tolerant of divergent viewpoints.
True, armed rebellion and coups are no longer fashionable even in the bloody context of Africa. In fact, no one in their right senses should support such methods. And of late the Opposition in Uganda has resorted to using methods justifiable within the boundaries of the Constitution to agitate for legitimate demands that affect the day to day lives of Ugandans. But the response of the State has been swift and brutal as if faced with an armed rebellion. The President has even now proposed constitutional amendments that would deny bail to rioters, rapists, murderers and economic saboteurs.
I have no problem with denying bail to rapists but it’s clear that the interest of the President is primarily on what he calls the ‘rioters’. The main reason for the amendments, as it has been with other constitutional amendments before, is not the urgent and popular need for such a law, but political preservation by narrowing or even closing outlet through which Ugandans can make legitimate demands and enjoy their civil liberties’. This in itself is a recipe for disaster.
Another jewel in that category is our own Yoweri Museveni. Even as a little boy he is said to have shown signs of rebellion and strong headedness. In fact, some now believe that if the youngish and firebrand Museveni of the 70s and 80s was living in the Uganda of today, there is a fair chance that he would have long rebelled against the rulers of the day except in this instance it would be against himself.
With the exception of JJ, the rest of the men of feat that I have mentioned are still firmly in power. What is the common thread that runs through their DNA? Well, they all started off as good men in one way or another. Another trait which is the subject of my interest is that they came to power through rebellion. I have used the word rebellion to broadly cover coups and taking up arms and resistance against colonial rule.
The question then is why do these men who came to power by rebelling against established order in their respective countries fear being on the receiving side of the very method they used to ascend to power? More so, many of them are now sort of democratically elected which should have made them more tolerant of divergent viewpoints.
True, armed rebellion and coups are no longer fashionable even in the bloody context of Africa. In fact, no one in their right senses should support such methods. And of late the Opposition in Uganda has resorted to using methods justifiable within the boundaries of the Constitution to agitate for legitimate demands that affect the day to day lives of Ugandans. But the response of the State has been swift and brutal as if faced with an armed rebellion. The President has even now proposed constitutional amendments that would deny bail to rioters, rapists, murderers and economic saboteurs.
I have no problem with denying bail to rapists but it’s clear that the interest of the President is primarily on what he calls the ‘rioters’. The main reason for the amendments, as it has been with other constitutional amendments before, is not the urgent and popular need for such a law, but political preservation by narrowing or even closing outlet through which Ugandans can make legitimate demands and enjoy their civil liberties’. This in itself is a recipe for disaster.
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