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A Practical Guide to Taping Conversations in the
50 States and D.C.
Published Fall 1996 The Reporters Committee for
Freedom of the Press
At first, the question of whether or not to tape record a phone call seems like a matter of personal preference. Some journalists see taping as an indispensable tool, while others don't like the formality it may impose during an interview. Some would not consider taping a call without the subject's consent, others do it routinely.
However, there are important questions of law that must be addressed first. There are both federal and state statutes governing the use of electronic recording equipment. The unlawful use of such equipment can give rise not only to a civil suit by the "injured" party, but criminal prosecution.
Accordingly, it is critical that journalists know the statutes that apply and what their rights and responsibilities are when recording and disclosing communications.
Although most of these statutes address wiretapping and eavesdropping -- listening in on conversations of others without their knowledge -- they usually apply to electronic recording of any conversations, including phone calls and in-person interviews.
A majority of the states and territories have adopted wiretapping statutes based on the federal law. Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia permit an individual to record a conversation to which they are a party without informing the other party that they are doing so. These laws are referred to as "one-party consent" statutes, and as long as you are a party to the conversation, it is legal for you to record it.
Twelve states require, under most circumstances, the consent of all parties to a conversation. Those jurisdictions are California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Be aware that you will sometimes hear these referred to inaccurately as "two-party consent" laws. If there are more than two people involved in the conversation, all must consent to the taping.
Twelve states have laws outlawing the use of hidden cameras in private places: Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah.
This guide provides a quick reference to the specific provisions of each jurisdiction's wiretap law. It outlines whether one-party or all-party consent is required to permit recording of a conversation, and provides the legal citations for each wiretap statute. Some references to case law have been provided in instances where courts have provided further guidance on the law. Penalties for violations of the law are described, including criminal penalties and civil damages -- money that a violator must pay to the subject of the taping. Instances where the law includes cellular calls and the wireless portion of cordless phone calls are also noted.
Still have questions about how the laws affect you? Journalists can always call the Reporters Committee's hotline at 800-336-4243 for further information.
Published by The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, 1101 Wilson Blvd., Su. 1910, Arlington, Va. 22209.
© 1996 The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Special thanks to Reporters Committee legal intern Jol Silversmith, legal fellows Tina Burnside, Barbara Lerner, and Leslie Ann Reis, and interns Nancy Oth6n and Shannon Hahn
Forensic Tape Analysis, Inc.
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C M Kornbluth 65
C.M. Kornbluth was the bureau chief of a Chicago news agency until 1951 when he took up fiction writing full time. He established himself very quickly as a brilliant short story writer with works such as 'The Little Black Bag', 'The Marching Morons', 'The Cosmic Charge Account' and 'Two Dooms'.

subset: commoncrawl


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1 Desertification is halted
Our forests form a green buffer zone. The grasses and herbs prevent erosion by wind and water, and the trees drop shadows that protect the ground against drying out.
There is a transition zone at the north and south side of the Sahara: the Sahel. Something can still grow there, but on bare patches, the alternating heat and hard rain makes the ground hard as rock. Seeds can no longer germinate there, and rain no longer seeps into the soil. This causes remaining vegetation in the area to be lost, soon followed by the trees. What follows is erosion, further degrading the land...
Nature can no longer cope on its own here. That's why OZG has been working on reforestation with positive impacts for both people and climate, since 10 years ago.
We make agreements with the local population, and then we can get started. We cut open the ground with a specialized plow, creating half moons in the earth crust. Next, we pay a team of local women to sow seeds in them, just before the rainy season. The half moons serve as water reservoir for the young trees, grasses and herbs.
With this methodology, we realize a range of positive impacts. Biodiversity increases, both in flora and fauna. The ground water level increases, allowing better wells, giving children more time for school as they no longer have to walk for miles to get water. The crops are used for food, both for own needs as well as for sale. There is a excess of grasses, allowing cattle to graze as much as they like, allowing them to grow fatter, which in turn makes them more valuable on the market. Grasses are also processed into baskets, mats and brushes; honey is collected, gum production can start up; etcera... In short: a young economy is created, truly creating prosperity.
We have successfully developed a sustainable reforestation project in Burkina Faso from 2007 to 2017. This project is now continued by a local organisation, as we are starting up in our next country: Senegal.
Read about the range of positive impacts that are realized:
Our forests form a green buffer zone. The grasses and herbs prevent erosion by wind and water, and the trees drop shadows that protect the ground against drying out.
The low vegetation makes it so that the rain can more easily seep into the earth. Thanks to this effect, water wells can be less deep in a wide surrounding area. This allows only the surface water to be used by the population, keeping the deeper, fossile water safe as a reserve for the future.
The biodiversity increases enormously. Both in flora and fauna: ants, termites, birds, the sulcata tortoise (a threatened animal), rabbits, hares, other small rodents... Even the wild cat and the hyena, not seen for a long time, return to their original habitat.
Argiculture is made possible thanks to the cooler temperatues in the forest, the improved water management and the fertilising of the earth by the animals. Once more, enough food can be produced, which also reduces conflicts between farmers and nomads. The cows have enough grasses to graze on, preventing them from damaging the crop fields.
Food excesses from vegetables, fruit and herbs are sold on the local markets. The cattle provides higher yields because it is fatter. The production of honey, gum etc, as well as the refinement of forest products lead to a higher family budget.
Thanks to the higher living standards, mothers can afford the school money for their children. The vicious circle is broken: the younger generation can build their own future.
The labor on the land is greatly depending on women. Only the women are paid for harvesting the seed mix. They can support their families with it. Thanks to this financial indepence, women get a bigger voice in the village. There are even indications that there is a decreasing influence on the birth rate.
Click here to support our project!


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Administration Sees Progress In Afghanistan War
Administration Sees Progress In Afghanistan War
The Obama administration's review of its war strategy for Afghanistan concludes that there has been progress, but it's fragile.
The overall thrust of Thursday's report has been hinted at for months. Back in June, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said his top commander at the time, Gen. Stanley McChrystal, was on the right track.
"I think Gen. McChrystal is pretty confident that by the end of the year, he will be able to point to sufficient progress that validates the strategy and also justifies continuing to work at this," Gates said.
So, now it's the end of the year, and the administration has said basically just that -- there's been progress and the strategy needs more time.
Last week, during a visit to Afghanistan, Gates said, "I will go back convinced that our strategy is working and that we will be able to achieve the key goals laid out by President Obama last year."
Administration officials say this review is not a referendum on the strategy itself, but on how it's being implemented -- a gut check on what's working and what's not.
There are things that are working, such as U.S.-led operations in the southern part of the country pushing insurgent groups out of key areas. Special forces raids have captured or killed hundreds of insurgent leaders in the past few months.
Anthony Cordesman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says some progress was inevitable.
"There was almost no way that we could avoid putting major military forces into Afghan villages in the south and not score really major initial gains," he says.
The big challenge is figuring out how to make the gains stick. The review acknowledges that "the challenge remains to make our gains durable and sustainable."
Robert Grenier agrees that's key. He was the CIA station chief in Pakistan and former director of the CIA's counterterrorism center.
"I think that this report really needs to be focusing on sustainability ... on whether the current level of U.S. effort, if drawn out to 2014 and beyond, is actually sustainable politically and otherwise," he says. "I see no indication that that's being addressed."
2014 is when Afghan troops are supposed to take control of the security situation so U.S. and NATO combat forces can stand down. Grenier says that can't happen unless the U.S. deals with two intractable issues.
The first is how to make the Afghan government effective enough so that when the fighting stops there's a system in place to hold things together. The second is solving the problem of safe havens across the border in Pakistan, where insurgents flee and regroup.
The trick there is getting Pakistan to step up, Grenier says. "The U.S. government has not been able to convince Pakistan that it is working toward a strategic goal in Afghanistan, and one that it can achieve, which will serve Pakistani interests."
The administration's review recognizes that meeting that goal requires greater cooperation with Pakistan along the border. And it says eliminating the safe havens "cannot be achieved through military means alone."
Although the review points to combat gains, especially in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar, T.X. Hammes, a retired Marine colonel and senior research fellow at the National Defense University, says "tactical success doesn't have any impact if you have strategic failure."
"What do we think is going to change at the strategic level between now and 2014 that will translate this tactical success into some kind of strategic success?" he asks. "You go back to the two major questions: Will Pakistan change in a major way by 2014, and will the [Afghan] government change the way it operates before 2014?"
If the answer to those questions is no, Hammes says, it's not time for another progress report; it's time for a new strategy.


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(Video courtesy of TMZSports | Viewing may be limited by broadcast rights restrictions)
Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson is getting ready to step in the cage for his rematch with Tyron Woodley.
In a recent interview with TMZ, Thompson recounted what went wrong in the first match-up, as the hours wind down to Saturday's UFC 209.
In addition to talking about his upcoming fight, Thompson also addressed all the talk about a possible boxing superfight between UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor and retired world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather. As you can imagine, his reaction is similar that to most of the people that don't believe it will ever happen.
TRENDING > Michael Bisping Unveils Frustrating Path Back from Knee Surgery


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Glen Hansard: Between Two Shores review – as stuck in a rut as the love story he's narrating
Between Two Shores
Glen Hansard
Singer / Songwriter
If you've ever wanted to know what it feels like to be seduced by, go out with and be dumped by Glen Hansard, look no further than Between Two Shores, his latest album. Hansard is moving on from a relationship that's stuck in a rut and by putting it into song and releasing it to the world, he is making sure everyone knows about it. Hell hath no fury like a musician scorned.
The Frames frontman, Swell Season collaborator, Oscar winner and the brandisher of a very battered guitar brings a full session band along for the ride on his third solo album, to help flesh out the full spectrum of emotions that a failed relationship brings, including the delightful double whammy of a broken heart and a bruised ego.
"Wreckless heart, take hold the wheel / You're headed for a fall," he pines on Wreckless Heart, which features a sad trumpet solo, pinpointing the devastation of a break-up.
He swiftly and spitefully moves on, on the aptly titled Movin' On. "I should be singing your praises / Instead of banging this drum / I'm tired of thinking about you baby / I'm moving on," he says and you can almost hear the engine of his beatdown Cadillac cough and splutter into action before vanishing off into the hazy sunset, leaving behind a billowing cloud of red dust.
Using Hammond organ and pained twangs of electric guitar, he beefs up his woes as a modern man with the forlorn tricks of Americana and roots but it's as if he's stepping back in time or, at least, stepping back into another self from a different generation's story. E Street Radio, the US radio station dedicated to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, is mentioned as his chosen driving soundtrack (in his beatdown Cadillac) on Roll on Slow – with that nod to The Boss, it seems pretty clear whose boots he wants to fill.
In this looking back, Hansard's Between Two Shores treads a thin line between romanticised masculinity – picture him with a guitar slung over his back and nowhere to go but the open road – and the outdated template of hegemonic masculinity, where women are referred to as "girl" or "woman", as we hear Hansard sing on Lucky Man, Setting Forth, Your Heart's Not In It and Why Woman.
"Well it's gonna be a lucky man / Who gets to take your hand / And play house with you a while," he fondly sings on Lucky Man, awkwardly placing the unnamed "girl" at home when he'd rather go out into the unknown, as he declares on Setting Forth. He's forever in battle with himself, agonising over staying in love and feeling stuck or being single and roaming free, but love and life aren't easily placed into those separate categories and this mindset feels as stuck in a rut as the love story he's narrating.
Markéta returns
His battle continues on Your Heart's Not In It, which is aided by the beautiful backing vocals from Dawn Landes and his Swell Season and Once collaborator Markéta Irglová, where he flips between being unreliable in one verse and dependable in the refrain, continuing the theme of exhausting indecisiveness.
Produced by former Kíla member and Frames guitarist David Odlum, who is behind some of the most highly acclaimed Irish albums of the past 20-odd years, Between Two Shores feels both tender and raw. While honouring the days of American rock gone by, it doesn't sound overdone or aged but it's a warm tribute to the artists who have undoubtedly influenced a generation of songwriters. Lyrically, Hansard either has one eye on the exit sign or has his foot slamming down on the accelerator, which, to some people, may capture the perfect complexities of romantic relationships, but for those that see through the bitty excuses people serve during a break-up, eyes will most certainly roll.
Between Two Shores is an honest outpouring of emotions that's lodged in a time warp, where women are nameless and relationships feel like prison. The contradictions, the frailties, the warts and blisters of love and loss are unveiled. The final track, Time Will Be a Healer, provides some closure and solid advice, but if Hansard's aim on Between Two Shores is to illustrate the frustrations of dating a stubborn man, he has done so with great success.
- Glen Hansard plays Town Hall Theatre, Galway, Jan 12th, 8pm; DeBarra's, Clonakilty, Jan 13th, 9.30pm; Ulster Hall, Belfast, Jan 15th, 8pm; and Vicar Street, Dublin, Jan 17th and 18th, 8.15pm. glenhansardmusic.com


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Nothing official of course, Mayor Mullet doesn't want to go public on the sad situation, so out of respect for her grief, The Magpie will report the bare facts as he has been able to discover.
… and has departing Astonisher iditor Jenna Cairney given Townsville a departing finger in the form of a truly idiotic front page story? You betcha.
… and Townsville's tipping point … it's already here, and only we in the community can reverse it. #TackyTownsville is about to become your place to express your frustration at the basic civic neglect across this city.
Plus, The Magpie blog stats tell him that over the holiday break, barely 20% of regular readers stayed abreast of blog comments, so with apologies to that devoted readership, The 'Pie will bring you some of the fun and games in comments over the past fortnight.
Starting With This One
This caught the eye just before New Year.
December 27, 2019 at 8:57 pm (Edit)
Not so subliminal advertising at its best. Super Chef Matt Merren seems to suggest that there will be a thrilling climax AFTER you have enjoyed his excellent fare, and toddled off home .
But the line should read:
And This Seems A Suitable Time To Present Wanker Of The Week
Crumbs, it's a shiela!! Or perhaps more appropriately, flippin' 'ell!!
Ms O'Brien, usually a entertaining read, displayed a typical News Ltd problem with plain English when in this column she wrote:
Now let's ignore this latest outbreak of virtue signalling on this issue, and just take plain English as it is understood by anyone who managed a couple of years of high school.
The suggestion here is that Tennis Australia cannot be a supporter of diversity unless it REJECTS the diverse opinions of Margaret Court because she is 'divisive'. No Ms O'Brien, TA cannot claim to support diversity if it DOESN'T accept (but not promote) Ms Court's views. To act against her because of her fruit loop views is why TA IS a supporter of diversity. And it is not offering her a pedestal, it has the narrow focus of celebrating the achievements of one of this country's greatest athletes. TA has taken the rare and sensible step of saying it will be entirely up to those at the centre court ceremony on how they react. Which is exactly how it should be. TA is not endorsing her views, but her achievements way back before she became a demented old prune.
Now Susie, back to your soy latte and smashed avo on brioche, and let us have no more of this nonsense, young ladyThe Magpie
The Magpie Continues His Grammar Instruction Class
Someone wrote in a quiet serious comment regarding current events, but the grammar was inventive to say the least, and included the word 'arsen'. The 'Pie was compelled to go all illustrative to gently point out the problem.
Small note on grammar.
This is 'arsen'
And this is 'arson'.
Or maybe it's an eye-popping enema for those into arsen?
And Just In Case You Missed It
December 23, 2019 at 8:41 am (Edit)
Well, The Magpie has been hunting the last four iditors, why shouldn't they join in the fun.
Cairney's departure does pose a question an age old proposition that 'everyone brings some joy into other peoples' lives … some by arriving, others by leaving.' Your choice.
hahahaha … and adding to their misery and forcing another change, were other comments posted here and on the Magpie FB page that Thurston was an observer but took no part in any sort of rescue effort. A failed attempt to never fuck up a story with facts.
TOWNSVILLE 2020: Our Tipping Point?
Not so much a retreat from progress, but a necessary time of taking stock, of the entire community – and potential investors – knowing the reality of where we really stand in terms of city governance. And that will only come with real openness, transparency, honesty and a genuine interest in seeking the best and most responsible path forward for Townsville. That isn't happening under the systemic culture of secrecy in Walker Street, and there's no sign it will change if current electoral prediction hold up. As the old saying has it, when somethings is on the nose, the fish starts to rot from the head. And that has to change.
Malcolm Gladwell's seminal book The Tipping Point showed that while some instances, small but pivotal matters could quickly magnify into great success stories, the reverse was also possible. He noted that when small issues like a broken window in a derelict house went unattended, it acted as a licence, an invitation for further vandalism. Here in Townsville, there are those that scoff at occasional scoldings, both in this blog and on many FB sites, about relatively minor matters like unmown median strips, broken street lights, damaged street signs, potholes and parks littered with refuse. BUT THESE THINGS ARE OUR TIPPING POINT. It is the culmination of these small circumstances that tip us over into a general despondency, they become the norm because nothing is done by authority to correct them. And we start to see complaining about a council that is neglectful of its traditional purpose and clearly has its priorities wrong as glittery, fanciful big ticket, often wasteful items are pursued and promoted while basics are neglected. Our collective shoulders slump, we question our once strong civic pride and start to feel it is 'just a sign of the modern times in which we live.'
In this sense, it is irrelevant who wins the seats in Walker Street in March, the message will be the same for whoever gets in … that message is that it is YOUR council, and they are elected BY YOU to look after YOUR city, starting at this basic level. The next step in transparency, we have to show we are not the sheeple this crowd take us for. But more on that another time.
Will This Nonsense Never End – Now They Want The Nimbin Of The North?
The inmates really are running the asylum, if the Astonisher is to believed (always a question and will continue to be so in 2020.). The headless chook planning debacle surrounding the Total Tools stadium – and the business blight that is affecting the Townsville CBD so drastically – is summed up in this front page (and story) in the Astonisher last week end (Dec 28).
Key quote: "Mandeep Singh, a participant of the TEL program and a manager at accounting firm PVW Partners, said the idea was to get the CBD bustling in time for the stadium's first few major events through pop-up shops and interactive experiences."
This is a a totally upside down story, inspired by a budding deep thinker called Mr Singh. Now don't get The 'Pie wrong, he doesn't know Mr Singh, who is probably a jolly nice bloke, but it is noted that he works as a 'manager' for PVW Partners Accounting, an outfit which is an Astonisher favourite go-to firm for a frequent glee club, happy-times-are-nearly-here-again quote. That's probably why this poor bugger got roped into this warmed-over blarney.
It is also noted that Mr Singh, although a 'manager', is also part of Townsville Enterprise sheltered workshop money spinner, theTEL Emerging Leaders Program (last report $6,000 to listen to a series of workshopped bromides on how to breed unicorns). If Mr Mandeep's twaddle and discombobulated muddled tripe about his brainstorm CBD revival is any indication of the contribution TEL's emerging leaders will provide, we should set up a task force to brick up wherever they are emerging from, for our own sanity and safety. And keep them away from the real world, where – if Mr Singh is to be taken as a prime example worthy of an Astonisher front page - they clearly have trouble coping with reality.
Harsh? Not really, just The Magpie is fed up to the back teeth with this groundhog day merry-go-round where the lazy, insidious Astonisher, and all other media in this town, will not tell the simple truth about the CBD, and instead insult us all with this sort of utter codswallop. The 'Pie will get to that truth in a moment, but first.
Let Us, As They Say, 'Unpack' Mandeep's Boyish Gurglings.
To start with, and put so simply, his idea is back-to-front and upside down against the claimed and declared 'benefits' trotted out regularly to justify the stadium scandal. We have been repeatedly lectured to the point of lying tedium that the stadium itself was to be the saviour of landlords and business in the CBD, the magic bullet to end the inner city woes that so pre-occupy our celebrity-struck, consultant-owned mayor. But here we have Mr Singh suggesting the empty eye-sockets of shops for lease should be given out to anyone with a pulse and an operating chromosome and who harbour any ratbag idea for a quick quid (oh, sorry, 'art' is it?) to make the place look 'bustling and vibrant'. He tells the Astonisher stenographer – sorry reporter – Madura 'Teabag' McCormack: "We want to see a vibrant, bustling CBD which we know will be critical to the successful opening of the North Queensland Stadium and we believe using vacant properties and land is a great way to achieve that," he said."We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in taking up the opportunity to use vacant space in the CBD and assist us as we look to make a positive and significant change within the Townsville City area."
Mandeep mate, apart from anything else, this juvenile blarney was trotted out not too long ago, which property owners met with all the warmth of a mother-in-law's kiss. But, old chum, tell us, wasn't making the CBD 'vibrant and bustling' what the stadium was supposed to achieve, its raisond'etre? Instantly? In other words, Mr Singh, showing all the smarts of a clever lad impressing mummy with his first mud cake, you want to create a temporary lie, an 'impression' of 'bustling and vibrant'. You want to appear to achieve what the architects of this appalling disaster have been trying to do ever since Lancini convinced the council (including Townsville First) that this was a great idea. For him, it is, because eventually it will greatly add value to his inner city portfolio. But he sold it as a panacea for to stem the wholesale scrambled rush of hard-nosed businesses from the CBD that made Moses' departure from Egypt look like an orderly English bus queue.
'Then there is the question of what happens after all this home made pottery, wind chimes, aroma therapy, creative massages, interactive experiences, comic book stores and purveyors of imported possum poop coffee fails to pull in the local punters or attract the visiting footy drongos? We're back were we started, no closer to seeking a sensible and inventive scheme to promote any CBD vibrancy, landlords will be out of pocket for no real reason and will have have to cough up for new For Lease signs. (don't jeer, lefties, this IS a free market economy.) Of course, there is also the situation our gung-ho Mr Singh may not be able to prepare a bullshit line for those landlords – why will they want to assist a city's leadership (read mayor) who through incompetence and lack of vision, has so sorely affected their investments while still coughing up some of the highest rates in Queensland. And whose erratic vindictive embrace of power has them terrified.
If Jenna Cairney was still at the Bulletin before buggering off to infest Tasmania, we can take this front page and story as a final finger to Townsville.
So What Is The Brutal Truth About The CBD?
This analysis was put together between The 'Pie and a very well credentialed and successful businessman who prefers to remain anonymous for the moment.
The plight of Townsville's CBD is not much different from downtowns across regional Australia and the world for that matter. It's been propped up by dubious rates holidays, developer charges subsidies and various marketing schemes. Despite all this, over at least 2 decades, commercial vacancy rates continue to hover around 30%. Headline rents don't drop, which leaves many lay observers scratching their heads. So-called market forces should see rents drop until the vacancies are filled.
One of the main reasons why rents haven't dropped is because the value of the commercial properties is tied to rent levels, and a whole range of corporate loans are leveraged against headline asset values. A drop in rent will drive down valuations, and cause all sorts of concerns in the loan-to-Value front. This runs the risk of cascading effects on corporate balance sheets as lenders get nervous and call in loans. That's what happened in the GFC, incidentally, but mainly (though not exclusively) in the residential market.
The hope has always been that through some miracle of one concession after another, or one public boondoggle after another, the CBD will experience a turnaround without a major impairment event. This doesn't seem remotely likely. How much has been poured into the CBD in the last 20-odd year's? Flinders St East $40m. Ripping up the Mall $70m. Poor old Palmer St who knows. The stadium $250-300m. The Ergon and State Government-tenanted buildings …. tens of millions of public sector-underwritten construction. The list goes on.
High quality spaces will always win out, which is why the best buildings remain occupied while the B grade space can't find a tenant. Robbing Peter to pay Paul has been the order of the day. That's what happened with the Ergon and State Government Officer buildings. Deckchairs were shuffled.
There are no easy fixes. Sadly one suspects that only a major and protracted impairment event can catalyse the emergence of a new set of uses. Phoenixes only ride from the ash, so to speak. For the Bully to now plea for landlords to do something is just too cute. The Bulletin's own downsizing of office needs should tell itself what the underlying problems are. Yet the paper itself exacerbates the problem by continuing to put its own self-intetest of 'good standing' with the property market by continually printing false hope and biased forecasts in this sector. This ultimately not only makes the Townsville Bulletin look biased, foolish and ill-informed but avoids the hard headed truths such as the preceding analysis. Even if that analysis can be challenged, it is the job of the community's paper of record to promote that debate instead of the shallow approach it insists on taking. Any drongo can work out that property always changes hands when the cashed-up descend on a blighted market … cf GFC. That adds nothing of any value to the jobs market, the feeling of healthy well being, or the city.
Despite A Rumoured Great Personal Loss, A Brave Mayor Mullet Soldiers On
The Mayor's brave face while experiencing devastating loss says a lot for her. In typical fashion, she is keeping it to herself, not letting her personal dramas interfere with her normal sunny disposition. But, not wishing her further distress, The 'Pie has to report that it looks like her pet unicorn, her beloved Lithium Battery, has died. Here is what The 'Pie has learnt, more by what the Astonisher DIDN'T say, rather than what it did say. The clue came first in this story.
Another happy clapper story of if and maybe, but it raised this question: What do Les Walker, Patricia O'Callaghan, per poodle 'economist' Colin Dwyer, Chamber president Michele Falconieri (who's a bloke, in case the name confuses you) and reporter Tony Raggatt have in common? Just this: while waxing lyrical about all manner of the good, bad and iffy we can expect in projects in 2020 not a single one remotely mentioned the Imperium 3 Magnis lithium battery factory at Woodstock. Not a dicky bird among the score of wonderful things awaiting us. Now, no matter how you cut it, this is a significant omission. But the missing battery factory stayed missing even when it came to the Astonisher cartoon.
Indeed, Astonisher pet economic poodle Col Dwyer – who now lives in Brisbane – made an unexpected assessment when he said 'there are scores of projects either underway, set to start or which had a high confidence of proceeding.'
The company of which our mayor was previously so besotted that she wanted to give them industrial land for free currently has a share price of 8 cents.
If the battery factory cannot even pass muster in the assessment of 'high confidence of proceeding', it is has surely – to quote Front Bar Freddy – died in the arse.
The mayor is maintaining a dignified silence.
Overseas, The Tangerine Turnip Turns Deadly
Trump's latest stunt – a unilateral decision to knock off a ranking leader of Iran 'on suspicion' has happened too recently to gauge the full ramifications, but this dangerous fruit loop is now a murderer of his own people. All Americans no matter where they are can expect to be targeted because of this cheap vote catching stunt. And no one knows how many will die not to make America great again, but to make Trump president again. Welcome to 2020, world. Trump is stumbling around the world stage like a drunk, which sure suits some.
And that's the start of The 'Pie's tenth year of this blog, it's going to be interesting. Join in the fun and let off steam in comments, and don't forget to send in any pics of council neglect around town – please include location but keep comment to a minimum with the photographs, which will speak for themselves.. Will notify everyone when the site is up and running. The initial stages of planning an overall major upgrade of The Nest is underway at the moment, so any donations to help with that will be greatly appreciated, as always. Donate button is below.


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Highlights of a trip to Russia include:
Taxis can be expensive, so use expansive networks of the metro, trains, and buses. The Trans-Siberian Express is a popular way of traversing the country. However you get around, arrive in comfort and style when you fly to Russia with TAP Air Portugal.


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Have questions about this item (P10-10000-00101), or would like to inquire about a custom or bulk order?
If you have any questions about this product by BearMoo, contact us by completing and submitting the form below. If you are looking for a specif part number, please include it with your message.


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- Default landing page DO NOT DELETE
- Home
- Account
- Browse
- Hours & Locations
- Events
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- About
After the library closes, teens will partake in many activities, including a zombie survival game and zombie wound contest. Permission slips signed by parents are required.
EVENT TYPE: | Special Events | Games & Gaming | Exercise & Wellness | Art & Crafts |
TAGS: | zombie | tweens | tween | teens | teen art | teen | halloween | Arts | after hours |
|Mon, Oct 26
|10:00AM to 8:00PM
|Tue, Oct 27
|10:00AM to 8:00PM
|Wed, Oct 28
|10:00AM to 8:00PM
|Thu, Oct 29
|10:00AM to 8:00PM
|Fri, Oct 30
|12:00PM to 6:00PM
|Sat, Oct 31
|10:00AM to 5:00PM
|Sun, Nov 01
The Northwest Akron Branch Library, along with its neighbor, the Northwest Family Recreation Center, serves as a center of active learning through a diverse offering of programs and resources. A rich collection of books for all ages is just one aspect of what the branch has to offer; its outstanding multimedia collection includes music CDs, recorded books, and feature and documentary films. The collection has something for just about every interest and taste. Computers and computer classes, WiFi, printing, copying, scanning, and faxing are additional services that make personal and professional growth possible.
Look for Northwest Akron Branch staff at local schools and early childhood centers and at community events throughout the year. Visit the branch for more opportunities to learn and explore with others. Programming for all ages at the library is responsive to community interests, with play and story programming for very young children, book discussion groups for adults, school-age and teen crafting and gaming opportunities, sensory story time programming for individuals with differing abilities, and more. The Northwest Akron Branch Library—your one-stop spot for all your educational and entertainment needs and interests.


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Remember as a kid when you used to color in your coloring book? The appeal was either the characters in the book or the fact that you just got a new box of Crayons. Exciting.
Well, things have changed a little since then; recently Disney designed a augmented reality coloring book that allows individual's to view their work in 3D with the help of a tablet.
Disney has created a new software that takes the image of the character in the coloring book and maps the colors applied by the artist to display a pre-made 3D animation of the character. When developing this product, the developers conducted tests where one can view the coloring book page through an app and watch the character move around in an augmented reality 3D space on the page. Developers choose to use a tablet as the means of viewing the augmented reality because they rely so much on a tap and swipe interface, which means that babies and young children can operate their media devices and navigate through this coloring book.
A cool feature of this app is that it has developed a way of reading the entire recognized image on a curved surface, such as the interior pages of the coloring book. This app does not only have to recognize the boundaries of the object, but the boundaries of the drawing itself, including the colors the crayons apply, even if the page is moving around. Pretty neat, right?
But it gets even better. The image on the page doesn't show the character from all angles, but with the app and a tablet, you can move 360 degrees around the animated character. Each of the characters from the coloring book were created in 3D modeling software and animated, then, each surface pixel on the model was assigned a corresponding pixel space on the 2D image in the coloring book. Thus, if you color the front of your elephant's pants blue and the app makes the back of his pants blue as well. Presumably if you decided to color the pants with polka dots, the 3D image would be mirrored to make a full, polka-dotted pants pattern.
You can even boot your app and watch your character get colored in real time. Although, experiments with this have shown that the images created are not 100% accurate to the artist of the characters, the test subjects loved the feature.
Below is a video of the coloring book and app:


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It's September, schools are back in session, and Mother Nature has flipped the fall weather switch. Summer is officially over.
Earlier this month, while I was reviewing my accounts following the news of the Equifax breach (side note: please everyone, review what you should do because of this security breach), I noticed how much summer spending my family did this year! While I had been paying attention throughout the summer to the account balances, I hadn't stopped and really added it up. We did several projects (built a shed, started a vegetable garden, and are scrambling to finish our deck before rain fully hits), took a once-in-a-lifetime family vacation to Hawaii, and had several unexpected expenses relating to pets and cars. While much of that spending had been budgeted for, some of it is currently sitting on credit cards.
But, that's where Verity is here to help! If you too are feeling the financial strain after summer credit card spending, then Verity's credit card balance transfer promotion is a great way to get some relief.
If you transfer your credit card balance to Verity by October 31, you are eligible to receive up to $100 plus you can choose from two low promotional rates:
- 4.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for the life of the transferred balance*
- 2.99% APR for the first 12 billing cycles*
This promotion is available to new and existing cardholders, and Verity has three credit cards to choose from. (I personally use the Journey Rewards credit card so that I can rack up those rewards points.)
So, if you're like me and are carrying a balance on a store card or a higher-rate credit card, transfer it to a Verity credit card and enjoy some financial relief to start your fall season.
Learn more and apply at veritycu.com/balancetransfer
*Rates current as of 9/1/17 and will vary with market based Prime Rate. Promotion applies only to balances transferred from a credit card from another financial institution. Special rate of 4.99% APR applies only to transferred balance until paid in full. Introductory 2.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is for the first 12 billing cycles. Your APR after introductory period and for purchases outside of promotional rate will be determined with Verity's loan policy and your credit profile. Cash back is limited to balance transfer only. To be eligible for the balance transfer promotion, new card applications and balance transfer requests must be received by October 31, 2017. Existing cardholders must request the balance transfer by October 31, 2017 to be eligible for the promotion. Limited duration balance transfers will be subject to the APR for purchases after the expiration of any promotional APR offered, unless you are otherwise notified. For complete details, view our current fee schedule or read our Credit Card Agreement and Credit Card Rates and Related Disclosures document. Register your card with Verified by Visa for more secure shopping.
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Hi, I'm Kira. I joined Verity in early 2012 after a seven-year stint as a newspaper reporter. While I never thought my career path would veer off in this direction, I am loving my time at Verity. I recently moved from being a member services representative at the Alderwood Branch to being the marketing coordinator for the credit union.
I'm originally from Texas, but I have lived all over the country and the world, including Boston, Massachusetts, Anchorage, Alaska and Sydney, Australia. But in all my travels, the Pacific Northwest is the only place that has felt like home.
When not at work, I am usually home with playing with my son, husband, dog and three cats. During the rare times I don't have a to-do list to plow through (and it's not raining too hard), I can be found digging in the vegetable garden, training for a half-marathon, or grilling in the backyard.


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We are Devstated and Shattered at Defeat - O'Shea
Changing of the Guard Predicted in Premier County
Tipperary hurling Manager Eamon O'Shea spoke with great passion about his players in the immediate aftermath of the defeat at the hands of Kilkenny on Saturday.
The Kilruane MacDonagh man spoke about his pride in the players and how the transition stage will probably see a changing of the guard by the time the 2014 season comes about.
He also challenged the critics who claim that Tipp cannot mix it with the more physical teams.
See this weeks Tipperary for full story of what he said.


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Print from the website of the AMF
Position - Recommendation DOC-2014-07
Applicable from August 5, 2014 to July 26, 2020
Reference texts
The position-recommandation DOC-2014-07 clarifies as a guide the AMF expectations regarding best execution and best selection obligations arising from the Markets In Financial Instruments Directive (MIFID).
Legal information
Head of publications: The Executive Director of AMF Communication Directorate.
Contact: Communication Directorate – Autorité des marches financiers 17 place de la Bourse – 75082 Paris cedex 02


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Precursors to the PANSS: The BPRS and its progenitors
by Nina R. Schooler, PhD
Dr. Schooler is Professor of Psychiatry at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Funding: No funding was provided for this article.
Disclosures: The author has no financial conflicts relevant to the content of this article.
Abstract: The systematic assessment of signs and symptoms of psychopathology has roots that date back to rating scale development that began in the 1950s. This article reviews some of those rating scales. The focus is on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, which is the most important precursor of the Positive and Negative Symptom Rating Scale.
Keywords: The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, BPRS, 7-point Likert scale, factor analysis of data, psychometrics, schizophrenia, symptom assessment
Innov Clin Neurosci. 2017;14(11–12):10–11
Category: Assessment Tools, Drug Development, Mental Disorders, Past Articles, Patient Assessment, Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, Psychosis, Review, Scales, Schizophrenia, Trial Methodology


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I think it might be crazy to resurrect this blog after such a long hiatus, but I'm going to give it a shot. Ravelryand Facebook sucked my time away last year, but I miss blogging so I'll try to squeeze in a post from time to time!
I am currently, enthusiastically, yet hesitantly training to run my first marathon on May 2, 2010. Most days I am so excited at the thought of running 26.2 miles in The Flying Pig! Excited? This from a girl who couldn't run a mile last August. Whew! What a fun journey it's been so far. I still cannot always believe I am doing this. But I feel healthier and stronger than I ever remember feeling. I'm a slow runner, but my goal is not to win the marathon but to finish the marathon. I have lost 30 pounds so far, with another 30 to go. Hopefully a few more pounds will fall off before the big day.
Today, we are buried in our first big snow storm this winter. It will be the first day I will not be able to safely run outdoors, so I'm off to the indoor track, Dreading it. But it doesn't matter! It's only four miles. Gotta get the run today in because this weekend I need to run 13.1 miles to keep my training on track. I've done the 13.1one other time, back in mid December so I know I can get it done.
My goal this week for my knitting life wave as to work on all of the many projects I have going and try to finish a few. I have a hat that I knit my husband for Christmas that only needs 4 or 5 more rounds, another late Christmas present for my son's girlfriend that is only missing fringe on one side, and a couple of socks that are stalled at the heel. Oh yeah, a a mistake at the end of chart D in my Order to Chaos shawl that I need to find so I hurry and knit the last two charts.
My goal was to finish these up so that I can start a fresh project in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics and participate again in Ravelympics by challenging myself with Intarsia for the first time. Instead, I cast on for a new pair of socks. yikes. Major cast-on-itis going on this week. I just have to make it through a few more days...


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I haven't done a good job of keeping up the "I'm Currently Reading" list on the side of this blog. There are several reasons for this, but none that really matter.
So I'm going to adjust slightly. Instead of trying to keep a running list, adding and subtracting books, I'm going to periodically post what I've read recently, what I'm reading now, and what is on my "must read" list. And if you read or have read one of them, I'd love to hear your comments on them.
Read Recently (within the last month or so)
Reading Now


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Are there any Pinterest users here? I recently set up an account there. For now, I've got boards set up for every game that is available for Battlegrounds Gaming Engine. It makes for a convenient image gallery to see all the screenshots from every BGE game in one place. If you're a Pinterest user and a BGE or BRPG user, please become a follower.
You might also get a kick out of some of the pins I've Liked.
A place for BRPG and BGE users to socialize
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Please help spread the word about BRPG and BGE, and never hesitate to tell me how I can make them better suit your gaming needs.
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Approving a Committee Specification or Note Draft
A Technical Committee can approve a Working Draft as a Committee Specification Draft, a Committee Note, or, if the TC chooses, as a Committee Note Draft at any time and may approve as many iterations of the Draft as they wish before releasing it for public review. Some TCs approve a baseline Committee Draft early in their process and build it out through successive iterations and approvals. Others keep their content in a series of Working Drafts and only approve a Committee Draft when they are ready to release it for public review. The choice is up to you.
As documented in the OASIS Naming Directives, a Committee Specification or Committee Note Draft is identified on the front page of the document with the name of the stage and a revision number and its approval date. (The date is the date of the meeting at which the Draft was approved or, if approved by ballot, the date that the ballot closed.) For example:
WS-Calendar Version 1.0
Committee Specification Draft 03
25 March 2011
Transformational Government Framework Primer
Version 1.0
Committee Note Draft 01
17 March 2011
Likewise, the filename for the Draft will include the stage abbreviation and revision number to uniquely identify the draft. For example:
Steps to approve a Committee Draft
A Committee Draft (or a Committee Note) must be approved by a Full Majority Vote of the TC, that is, an affirmative vote by more than half of the eligible voters in the TC regardless of how many are actually present. To vote on the Draft, follow these steps:
- Gather all the component files that together will make up the approved Draft and ZIP them into a single file. For example, if this is a Committee Specification that consists of a Specification Document, a schema in a /schemas/ subdirectory and several example files in an /examples/ subdirectory, ZIP all these together into a single ZIP file.
- Load the ZIP file into the TC's document repository.
- Make a motion or start a ballot to approve the working draft and include the link in the motion or ballot language. You can use the template below to cut and paste suitable language. By including the explicit link in your ballot, you provide the 'connect the dots' audit trail between what the TC approved and what was ultimately published by OASIS.
- Enter a TC Admin support request ticket, either "Committee Specification Draft Creation / Upload Request" or "Committee Note Draft Creation / Upload Request". You will need to include the link to the meeting minutes that record the approval or to the ballot and you will need to include the same link as was in the motion or ballot.
After you enter the ticket, TC Admin will prepare and publish the Committee Draft in the appropriate location in the OASIS Library and provide the TC with the pointers to the documents. In almost all cases, the filenames and URLs will be the ones provided to the TC with your starter document.
Template for motion or ballot language
The motion or ballot language used to approve the Draft must include the name of the Working Draft being approved and the link to the ZIP file in the TC document repository.
[I move that the TC / Do you] approve
[Working Draft title, version number and revision number] and all
associated artifacts packaged together in [URL to ZIP file on TC's Kavi document
repository] as a Committee [Specification Draft | Note | Note Draft] and designate the
[format] version of the document as authoritative.
You may not approve a Committee Draft subject to anyone completeing a last few edits or doing additional work on it. The TC must vote on the exact Working Draft that will become the Committee Draft.
A Working Draft begun as a Committee Specification or a Committee Note may, if the content is suitable, be switched to the other type however the switch may not be made on the fly. To change the track of a Working Draft, request a new starter template from TC Administration of the new type, copy the content into the new template and approve it as a new Working Draft. The new Draft may then be approved as a Committee Specification or Note Draft.
Only a Committee Specification Draft or a Committee Note Draft can be approved for public review. A Working Draft cannot be directly approved for public review.
Member Sections


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News of a virulent variant of Cryptoware – "Locky" – spreading like wildfire, combined with the recent high-profile attack on the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles has put ransomware firmly back on the radar for managed service providers (MSPs). If it was ever truly off.
According to reports in Forbes, Locky is currently affecting around 90,000 machines a day and demanding between 0.5 and 1 Bitcoin (around $400) to unlock files. But in a more sinister turn, this is a drop in the ocean compared with the $17,000 that the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center's board agreed to pay to get its network back.
This was obviously a targeted attack by people that know the value of medical records, and in monetary terms alone the hospital had a metaphorical gun held against its head. However, the impact of an attack of this nature doesn't start and stop at the cash. The hospital would have felt the effects of this many times over in terms of data and reputation loss, not to mention potential fines and closure.
This is why organisations need to take notice. If your clients' data is not securely protected and backed-up, then it should be. How many companies could survive without access to their files, customer data, and confidential business information? None.
There are a wide range of different variants of ransomware or Cryptoware – including CryptoLocker, Cryptowall, Cryptodefense, and the most recent Locky. However, the attack vector is pretty much always the same: an email encouraging you to open an attachment, anything from an infected word document to a .zip file.
Once you open this, the real payload will be activated and the attached programme will set to work encrypting your files. It will then flash up a message telling you that you will not be able to access your data until you pay the specified ransom.
One basic security measure that can be taken to stop ransomware from taking hold is not opening attachments from unknown senders. However, with cyber criminals becoming more sophisticated with their phishing attacks, this is increasingly difficult.
To protect against and recover from ransomware, MSPs need to deploy a multi-layered approach to security (including email filtering, antivirus, patch management, and web protection) alongside a robust backup solution.
"Healthcare and other organizations can play their part in protecting against ransomware through layered security," explains Ian Trump, LOGICnow's Security Lead. "They can also deploy effective backup software. And, on top of this, robust disaster recovery and business continuity planning is equally important."
The short answer here is: essential! It's the only real way to ensure that you can get your business back up and running, with minimum data loss, after a ransomware attack without paying up.
Cryptolocker, Cryptowall, and Teslacrypt are now common threats to all businesses. On average, around 68,000 computers are infected globally with ransomware each month or 5,700 daily, according to a major antivirus software provider, and obviously this will spike with the arrival of new variants as we're seeing with Locky. Every day, criminals typically net $33,600 from ransomware – or $394,000 a month. A solid backup solution can ensure you and your clients don't become just another statistic.
LOGICnow's MAX Backup software provides super fast recovery times, secure data storage and 448-bit Blowfish encryption; all essential weapons MSPs and end users can deploy in the event of a ransomware attack. Other important features of MAX Backup include bare metal recovery for recovering servers.
In addition to lost data and reputation, organizations can be fined for the loss of personally identifiable information. At worst, entire businesses can even be closed down. So the stakes are high on all fronts.
"Advanced ransomware can also target on-premise backups," adds Trump. "Only data in the cloud that is inaccessible as a file share or physically removed media is safe from a ransomware attack. In the case of the attack on the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, it was faced with two disastrous consequences: What if the cyber criminals infected other hospitals in the state? And rather than demand ransom, what if patient prescriptions were changed?
So ask yourself one question: Are you and your clients really protected? If the answer is anything other than an unwavering "yes", then you've got serious work to do.
Click here to find out how the MAX platform can help protect your systems
Get the latest MSP tips, tricks, and ideas sent to your inbox each week.


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Gold fell on Monday as a stronger performance in U.S. equities and a dollar rise prompted investors to take profits after its rally in the previous session.
Bullion market sentiment was also weakened after billionaire financier George Soros said gold has been destroyed as a safe-haven asset, even though central-bank buying should support prices.
With a lack of major U.S. economic indicators on Monday, investors turned to buy riskier assets such as U.S. equities at gold's expense. The S&P 500 <.SPX> was up around 0.3 percent and has sharply outperformed gold year to date.
"We are going to hold here until that next catalyst comes. On the upside, the funds appear done liquidating, and gold should move its way back up once the liquidation is done," said Phillip Streible, senior commodities broker at futures brokerage RJ O'Brien.
Spot gold dropped 0.6 percent to $1,572.75 an ounce by 2:56 p.m. EDT (1856 GMT).
On Friday, gold surged nearly 2 percent for its biggest one-day gain in around five months as disappointing U.S. jobs data fueled expectations the Federal Reserve will continue its bullion-friendly bond purchases.
U.S. gold futures for June delivery settled down $3.40 at $1,572.50 an ounce on Monday. Trading volume was about 40 percent below its 30-day average, preliminary Reuters data showed.
Gold buying dwindled after George Soros told the South China Morning Post that "gold was destroyed as a safe haven" as the metal's recent lackluster performance showed it was unsafe.
Soros also said he expects gold to be supported because of buying by central banks, but the metal could stay very volatile with no definite trend on a longer-term basis.
Year to date, gold is down 6 percent after it had posted an annual gain in each of the past 12 years.
Investor interest continued to recede, with bullion holdings at the world's major gold exchange-traded funds edging down on Friday. They fell in the previous week to their lowest since August 2012.
Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said that gold prices looked vulnerable in the short term after last's week drop to 10-month low, and continued outflows of gold ETFs and bearish bets by short-term investors could further pressure the metal.
The release of the FOMC meeting minutes on Wednesday is likely to be the next main economic event for the market, analysts said.
Among other precious metals, silver fell 0.3 percent to $27.21.
Platinum was up 0.2 percent to $1,533.99, and palladium climbed 0.2 percent to $727.97.


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Pregnancy & Oral Health in the ACA Era: How Are Expectant Moms Faring?
September 27, 2016 | 09:30 AM
More than half of pregnant women do not see a dentist during their pregnancies. They should: forgoing dental care can lead to painful infections and gum disease, which a growing body of research links to adverse birth outcomes. Good oral hygiene also reduces bacteria that, when passed from mother to infant after birth, can lead to early childhood caries. The ACA has improved health coverage for pregnant women broadly, but limitations in access and education continue to keep many women from receiving dental services.
This webinar explored ways to connect women to dental coverage and care during pregnancy, including the following:
- The impact of the ACA on dental insurance options during pregnancy, such as coverage through Medicaid and the ACA's marketplaces
- Strategies to integrate dental screenings and referrals into prenatal care
- Efforts to educate pregnant women about the importance of dental care and connect them to services
Katy Battani
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Timothy Custer
Dental Network of America
Angela Hastings
Health Care Service Corporation / Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Katrina Holt
Georgetown University
Ilise Marrazzo
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
JoAnn Wells
Virginia Department of Health-Dental Health Program
Presentation Slides
"Strategies to Improve Oral Health Care Utilization of Pregnant Women in Maryland: Partnering of Title V and PIOHQI," Ilise D. Marrazzo & Katy Battani


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I am now a father.
I thought about writing a blog post explaining how it feels, but there's no way I could put it into words. She is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
All I can tell you is that anything that has ever got me down or made me unhappy in the past now seems completely unimportant. The only thing that matters is Izzy and knowing that she's here makes everything OK.
Here is a quote I found in the book The Narrows by Michael Connelly. It's the weakest in the otherwise excellent Harry Bosch series, but I love these lines and have been saving them up.
You can become unhinged and cut loose from the world. You can believe you are a permanent outsider. But the innocence of a child will bring you back and give you the shield of joy with which to protect yourself.
Here's a picture of my angel:
There are more on my Facebook profile. If you deserve to see them then you'll be my friend. Otherwise why are you trying to look at photos of strangers' babies, you weirdo?


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The Traffic Calming Program was developed through the guidance of the City's Transportation Committee to create a safer roadway environment for all users, enhancing neighborhood livability, and engaging the community to become an active part of resolving localized traffic issues. The Program serves as the standard operating procedure for staff to address traffic safety issues that are requested by residents. Click on this link to find the adopted Traffic Calming Program document.
There are a number of tools that have been identified to address specific traffic conditions occurring in your neighborhood. These tools are categorized into two areas:
Educating the community on transportation issues is an important first step in addressing traffic concerns in neighborhoods. One of the most frequent comments made to the Public Works Department is the need to address speeding along residential streets. Our studies show that the majority of speeders on neighborhood streets in Mukilteo are local residents. By educating the community and encouraging safe driving, we can begin to change driver behavior and reduce vehicle speeds. Enforcement, such as police citations, can also help to alleviate speeding concerns.
What kinds of options or tools are available to my neighborhood under this category?
- Neighborhood speed watch program
- Neighborhood traffic safety newsletters
- Radar trailer/dolly
- Heighten school zone enforcement
Physically changing how the road looks – whether with signing, curbing, or other traffic calming measures – works to alter the behavior of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. These tools help to manage traffic volumes, reduce vehicle speeds, and improve sight distance. Engaging the community in developing the Traffic Action Plan and garnering support are key elements to the success of any project that modifies the streetscape.
What kinds of options or tools are available to my neighborhood under this category?
- Chicanes/slow points
- Brush trimming
- Curb extensions
- Lane striping
- Medians
- Raised crosswalks
- Neighborhood entrance signs
- Speed humps
- Speed dots
- Stationary radar sign
For more information, review the City's Traffic Calming Program, Pages 10 – 28.
- Submit a Traffic Calming Request for Action Form (click here to fill out the form) describing your concerns in as much detail as possible, including if there is a specific time of day or day of the week you notice the problem to be at its worst. The more information we have as we assess the situation, the better prepared we are to address your concern.
- Staff visits the location and reviews traffic conditions. Speed and volume counts may be conducted and/or staff will review previous traffic studies or reported accidents.
- A Traffic Action Plan is developed. This plan is specifically tailored to your concern based on the findings in Step 2 and other citizen observations. The plan includes a list of tools selected from those available under the Traffic Calming Program which are best suited to address your concerns.
- Together, citizens work with staff on implementing the Traffic Action Plan. This is your opportunity to become an active partner in helping to solve your neighborhood traffic concerns.
- The effectiveness of the plan is evaluated through additional follow-up studies and citizen input, if needed.


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Put yourself in a recruiter's shoes for minute. You're holding two resumes, both from equally qualified candidates. The sections for experience, education and training are identical for both candidates, except for their work history over the past six months. The first candidate has been working at an entry level security guard position, $8.00/hr, at a small shopping mall. The second resume has a military discharge 6 months prior with no work history since. Which candidate would you call first?
The mall cop would be my first choice, for a couple of reasons. First, remember that while security contractors do paramilitary work, this isn't the military anymore. Security companies are required to make a significant financial investment in your training, background investigation, deployment costs, etc. Having some kind of successful work history in the private sector, even for as little as six months, shows that you've taken an interest in your career and actually want to succeed. Holding down an entry level job in mall security would help convince me that your future work would be a good return on my company's investment in you.
Next, and just as importantly, are the references that you can generate from your work. Like most recruiters, I call a candidate's references both to verify employment and to get your current manager's opinion of your performance. While an entry-level position doesn't pay much, it allows you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, including the ability to present a professional appearance, conduct your duties thoroughly, or even just show up to work on time. For those of you who haven't been working, who am I supposed to call for a reference? I'm not going to leave a voicemail for your moms, so don't even ask.
So what about the guys who say, "Screw that, guarding a mall is beneath me?" In my opinion, that really says a lot about a person's character. If a candidate even implied that to me during an interview, I'd probably pass on his application. One thing about security work, especially overseas, is that you might find yourself doing chores that are "beneath you", whether it's vehicle maintenance, burning trash, or handling your own supply and logistics. If you find yourself bitching about having to run off teenagers and keep the yellow loading zones clear at the Galleria, what makes you think you'd enjoy working 12-hour shifts at an embassy ECP wearing full gear out in the 100-degree heat?
Let's face it, the life of a mall cop isn't exactly glamorous. It'll probably never compare to a high-speed PSD gig, but it's a steady paycheck and a foot in the door. So get your state's guard and firearms licenses, and keep them current. That way, you'll always be able to find local work in between overseas contracts. And if you happen to pass by Sbarro's on your beat and see me choking on a calzone, PLEASE hook a brother up with a Heimlich maneuver.


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Summer is around the corner and while we would all like to pack our bags, hop on a plane to go places and see the world. It's not always feasible with work, kids schedules, finances and life in general! Sometimes you don't need plane tickets for a mini getaway, just drive to one of these best International restaurants in Dallas and let your taste-buds and senses be stimulated to transport you to fun and far away destinations.
What is in this Post
Best International Restaurants in Dallas
Here are a few of our favorite International restaurants in Dallas that get you to Travel the World without actually leaving. These International Restaurants have great options for vegetarians as well. So plan a little staycation and fake a getaway even if only for a day, evening or a meal!
Dream of Turkey and the Mediterranean at Zaytina
With touches of turquoise, copper and earthenwares and Turkish style interiors, you forget you are in Frisco, Texas and not in the Mediterranean when you are in Chef Andres restaurant at The Star. Zatinya means 'Olive Oil' explained our waiter Fudge as he went over the menu inspired by Greek, Lebanese and Turkish cuisine. The hummus is fresh and tangy and goes perfectly with the pillowy pita and family style kebab platter. The delicate pilaf has so many textures and tastes from the saffron, nuts, and dates. From bantijan bil laban, a crispy eggplant dish with pistachio and barberries to Bronzino to seared halloumi – there are so many choices that keep you wanting to go back to try them all. Savor the flavors, soak in the vibe close your eyes and dream of Turkey and Greece.
Enjoy Beachy vibes at Tommy Bahama
Dallas is definitely landlocked no doubt, but a visit to Tommy Bahama, the restaurant in the Legacy West, Plano helps you get some beachy vibes and cure that beach withdrawal. Stepping into the breezy open 2000 sq ft patio with the louvered roof and rattan looking furniture makes you instantly feel like you are in the islands. The interior has the same island vibe with lots of green. The restaurant features handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, rum drinks and entrees such as the Caribbean rubbed Mahi Mahi, jerk chicken, and coconut shrimps.
Sip Sangria at Bulla Gastrobar
Got Spain on your brain, head to Bulla Gastrobar for some authentic tapas, the best red wine sangria and of course awesome paella. Inspired by Madrid's Tapas scene, Bulla's creations stir the senses, stimulates your wanderlust and takes you on a mini getaway to Spain. Start with the Patatas Bravas, Gazpacho Andaluz, Tortilla Espanola (a traditional Spanish omelet) and Croquetas de Jamon (because no trip to Spain is complete without trying some ham aka Jamon).
Have a Schnitzel at Jörg's Cafe
Confession – I didn't know what a Wiener Schnitzel before our trip to Austria last summer. We had these crispy thin and buttery schnitzel and now we are hooked. You will be glad to know that you don't have to go all the way to Vienna to find these, just a quick drive to quaint downtown Plano – try Wiener Schnitzel (they come in veal or pork) at Jorgs Cafe Vienna. Or just be like me have the Salat plate with Austrian potatoes and a double serving of the Apfelstrudel – no one will judge.
Photo from a Wiener Schnitzel meal in Vienna
Escape to the Wine Country
You can make a trip to Tyler which is a short drive away to visit wineries or even go to Hill country for a weekend and indulge in wine or you can go to Grapevine, Texas which is famous for its wine. If you are looking for a great way to spend the day and you enjoy tasting wines, the wine rooms in Grapevine offer plenty of options for you. In addition to wine tastings, some of the wine rooms offer light food options and sometimes live music. Better yet head to Sixty Vines or Whiskey Cake in Plano or Gemma in Dallas and check out their wine country inspired menu and taste some of their extensive wines.
Fresh Bread and Gazpacho at Gemma, Dallas
Take a virtual trip to Cuba (in The Colony)
The Latin Pig is my go-to place when I see too many Instagram pictures of classic cars and yearn to see Cuba in all its vintage glory. They even have a vegetarian version of Mofongos – fried plantains as its main ingredient. Plantains are picked green and fried then mashed with salt, garlic, and oil in a wooden pilón, a kitchen device also known as mortar and pestle They even have wine selection featuring rare wines from Latin America. The Latin Pig is now in two locations – one in Plano and a new bigger one in The Colony featuring a big bar with a wall full of Cuban Artwork and a cool patio. Don't miss their coffee.
Vegetarian Mofongos at the Latin Pig
Join the debate if Arepas are from Columbia or Venezuela
Arepa is a type of food made of ground maize dough or cooked flour prominent in the cuisine of Colombia and Venezuela. It is eaten daily in those countries and can be served with accompaniments such as cheese, cuajada (fermented milk) or avocado, or split to make sandwiches. Having never been to either of those countries – we were curious and tried them at the new Arepas TX, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in Latin street food and pops. Here, you'll find beautiful arepas made from scratch ranging from smoked brisket with chimichurri sauce, Venezuelan Shredded Beef and Cheese Arepa to many vegetarian arepas like sautéed cactus strips with red bell peppers and BBQ Jackfruit. Don't miss out on jicama slaw or the shoestring plantain chips.
BBQ Jackfruit and brisket arepas at Arepas TX
Try Taiwanese or Dim sum at the Chinatown in Richardson
If you want more than orange chicken or kung pao chicken make the trek to the Chinatown in Richardson for some Authentic Asian food. They even have sculptures in their parking lot and host a lot of Asian festivals including dragon dances during Chinese New Year. Genroku Sushi & Grill has been in Dallas for over 10 years and one of our favorite places. The quality of sushi & sashimi, along with a traditional fusion of Japanese and Taiwanese cuisine. Maru Ramen is our go-to place ramen – they do have vegetarian broth based ramen as well. You might also like Kirin Court, the dim sum place or Royal Sichuan, another favorite fixture of this DFW China Town.
Taiwanese at Genroku
It's Time for Africa
Dallas has some great spots if you want to try some East African dishes especially some Ethiopian. Be prepared to eat with your hands using injera, a spongy flatbread with a mesmerizing texture and a mild. Desta is a comfortable modern spot with a detailed menu. I love the vegetarian combo which comes with lentils, collard greens, cabbage, and other veggies. If you like your food a little spicy, go for the doro wat – this traditional dish features a moist, juicy, slow-cooked chicken leg swimming in hot sauce and spiced butter. It's served with a boiled egg and ayeb, a creamy white cheese. Sheba's kitchen is an Ethiopian place that serves breakfast along with lunch and dinner and has a solid vegetarian platter. If you are adventurous and try the kitfo, made with minced raw beef seasoned with mitmita (a spice blend) and kibbeh (spiced clarified butter) and served with gomen (collards) and iab (fresh cheese).
Veggie Platter at Sheba's kitchen
Indulge in a few Margaritas, Tex-Mex or authentic Mexican fare
Cancun might be a quick 3-hour flight away but you when don't have your passport ready and yet want a quick Mexican fix, Dallas has you covered. There are more Mexican places in Dallas than you can count (Tripadvisor says there are 250) that serves authentic Mexican fare like tortas, tacos, gorditas, sopes, quesadillas, chilaquiles and some of the best margaritas. If you want to take out of town friends or clients try Javier's Gourmet Mexicano – most decorations in this hacienda-style restaurant were bought in villages surrounding Mexico City. The menu is full of traditional Mexican dishes they also have a cigar bar. Meso Maya is great for some authentic Mole based Mexican dishes, also try the Carne Budin Azteca, they have locations all around the Dallas area. Mi Dia From Scratch in Plano blends traditional Mexico City recipes with modern Santa Fe and Tex Mex flavors – the handcrafted Margaritas are fresh and the patio inviting. Then there are the Tex-Mex favorites like Torchy's Tacos, Mi Cocina and Velvet Taco.
Mole Enchiladas at Meso Maya
Have BBQ at Hard Eight for a true Texan Experience
While not exactly international for us, this is one place you must stop at if you are visiting from out of the country for a True Texan meal! There are many places in the Dallas area for BBQ and Hard Eight in Colony is just the best! You will be served Texas Style – straight from the pit by the Pit Master who prepared it. It feels like you are in someone's BBQ party. The brisket is the best says D and Mr. Suburbia – the meat is so tender, juicy and perfectly seasoned. What do I know, I'm a vegetarian and live on the sides here. They have a great choice of them though – from fried okra to baked potatoes (they even have a sweet potato version) and complimentary pinto beans.
BONUS : Here are a few activities that help you fake a getaway
Take a Gondola ride in Irving
There is nothing more romantic than a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. But if you make a trip to Italy this summer the next best thing is to do a gondola ride through the waterways of the Mandalay Canal in Irving. Gondola Adventures Irving is a first-class gondola experience offering cruises on Lake Carolyn and through the Mandalay Canals. The narrow canals have some private inlets with refreshing waterfall views, and the gondolas share the private waterway with just a few. Gondola Adventures offers plenty of options ranging from one-hour basic tours to full-blown gourmet dinner cruises. Alternatively, the company provides hour-long public cruises aboard a covered Lear electric boat every Friday through Sunday during the late afternoon and evening.
This photo was taken during our trip to Venice
Have an across the pond experience with an Afternoon Tea
Venture into downtown Dallas for a very special tea service surrounded by books in the Taschen Library inside the chic Joule Hotel. Once guests are seated in the lucite chairs for a communal tea, fixings are presented in tiered plates, along with a too-pretty-to-eat version of a deviled egg – the Joule Egg. Champagne flows freely as guests mingle. The Joule sources some exotics teas and rare blends and serves them in boldly colorful cups. Guests are even encouraged to pick up books from the shelves to browse through during tea. Into My Tea Garden Tearoom is an unassuming little tearoom, steps away from Historic Downtown Plano, where you will find frilly tablecloths, ornate teapots, floral china, and a nice tea menu.
Tea at Taschen, Joule Hotel
Learn to make French Macarons
What is better than a picnic by the Eiffel tower? Nothing really – although eating your weigh in macarons might help(sometimes). Macarons, the delicate almond meringue French cookies are rather finicky, you won't be able to just bake them from a recipe you found on the internet (believe me I have tried), you can't find it in many of the bakeries either. Grab a bottle of wine and a friend and join the fun classes class at Bisous Bisous Patisserie. You will get detailed demonstrations by the Pastry Chefs and hands-on experience for making these babies yourself.
Photo by: Bisous Bisous
Pretend you are in Provence
Lavender Ridge Farms is located 8 miles east of Gainesville, Texas and it is a beautiful hour drive through the countryside with farms and open skies that we Texans love. Originally a strawberry and melon farm in the 1920s & 1930s, Lavender Ridge Farms opened in 2006 as a lavender, cut-flower, and herb farm. Plan a trip end of May or first weeks of June when the Lavenders are in bloom. Go early so you can snap a few pictures in their lavender field. Apart from the lavender they also have a variety of perennials and lots of birds and hummingbirds visiting.
I wrote about Traveling the World without leaving Plano last summer, for more staycation ideas you can read it here.
You might also like : Spas in Dallas, See this list for Cute Coffee stops in and around Dallas, Family Friendly things to do in Dallas and other fun things to do in and around Dallas and the Suburbs.


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Plan your Wildland Ecuador adventure and prepare to experience the region's diverse natural and cultural world, from the Andes Mountains to Amazon rainforests and the Galapagos Islands. Our Ecuador tours will take you out of the mainstream and off the beaten track, showing you a more personal and gentler side of this region. A vibrant indigenous way of life thrives on small farms and at local markets, places where you will experience the sights, sounds, tastes and joy of this traditional highland Indian culture. With our native Ecuadorian guides, hike local footpaths that wind among the farmers working their land and visit the homes of artisans who create beautifully detailed wares representative of their heritage. Travel to the famed Avenue of Volcanoes to explore eye-opening crater lakes nestled in Andean volcanoes, steaming hot springs and mountain vistas before continuing on to the cloud forest town of Banos and the sea resort of Luna Runtun. Whether you choose to hike, canoe, mountain bike or ride horses, there's something in Ecuador for adventurers of all types.
We travel frequently throughout Ecuador to seek out the most knowledgeable guides and best colonial haciendas in the Andes, native-style jungle lodges in the Amazon and deluxe yachts in the Galapagos. Thanks to our close relationships with local families and native communities, we can offer the most authentic cultural experiences in Ecuador to you, your group or your family.Choose from one of our carefully crafted itineraries with optional trip extensions, or ask us about our custom Ecuador adventure tours that are completely designed to best fit your time, level of activity and travel style.


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Augmented Reality: Real Life with Toppings
Augmented reality technologies could change everything.
Posted May 19, 2010
Care to try on a dress, take your picture in a virtual Mardi Gras mask, or figure out what size box you need to ship a package—from your computer? You can with augmented reality (AR). There is a virtual dressing room at Tobi.com* virtual city visits on Hotel.com and a shipping box simulator at USPS. Tissot Watches made headlines this week with a display in London where you can virtually try on out the styles and features of their entire watch line. Pretty fun.
Don't want to be house bound? You can take AR to the streets and use a smartphone to find a subway stop, locate a nearby restaurant AND read the recent reviews, or get information about a landmark.
AR is interactive, instantaneous, very cool, and coming your way soon. By superimposing digital information (text, pictures, audio, or visuals) onto what we currently think of as 'real life,' AR merges 3-D environments in real time.
Think of AR as a halfway house between virtual reality and plain old reality. Virtual reality provides a complete synthetic environment, like in the virtual world of Second Life or built-out areas of Google earth, like this example of Virtual Rome.
AR, on the other hand, adds to reality, like toppings on ice cream. In AR, virtual and real objects coexist in the same space. If you are a football fan, you're already an old hand at this. The down lines and field markers that move with the plays are done with AR.
Don't dismiss the recent emergence of Augmented Reality applications as marketing gimmicks or Hollywood fad. AR doesn't just sell magazines, toys, and restaurant meals.
Virtual information is visible on a camera phone
Combining real and virtual objects can enhance our experience of the real world. Providing information overlays on real life facilitates all kinds of things—even things more important than shopping, like medical research and training, brain-behavior relationships, astronaut training, and even, dare I say it, education. Recent examples are a fourth-grade class in San Diego that used AR to learn about botany and the Getty Museum's exhibit that lets you virtually explore 17th Century Augsberg Cabinet without paying for gas and parking.
AR also has great potential for therapeutic applications like treating phobias, PTSD, and anxiety. (Check out the AR cockroaches used to treat bug phobias, which is kind of creepy, but looks pretty effective.)
The real revolution is just beginning. AR technology will continue to become simultaneously more sophisticated, accessible and inexpensive. Since Ivan Sutherland's first augmented reality system in 1968, researchers have tried to figure out how to make AR more portable and practical. Where once you had to essentially wear a computer on your head, the AR experience is now fits in your back pocket. Thanks in part to the availability of open source mobile platforms, developers have created a flood of fun and/or useful apps for mobile devices like iPhones and Droids as well as computers. Check out AR browsers like Layar http://www.layar.com/ to see how it works.
Ivan Sunderland, 1969, First Augmented Reality System
The simple tool of a camera and Internet-equipped phone or computer opens the door to a wealth of information that can be triggered directly in the environment, whether it's operating instructions and nutritional contents labels or the location of books in a library. Many AR applications use an icon or "glif" attached to the real environment to trigger a digital file. The Hitlab video shows some great examples. Another fun site where you can print out a glif and experiment is GE's Smart Grid. With the addition of GPS technologies, AR can provide navigation tools, such as hiking maps, identifying landmarks, and local flora and fauna. It's a science or history teacher's dream.
But these uses are just the start and barely touch the surface of the potential of AR applications to provide socially useful, relevant, and meaningful content.
I see AR as having tremendous social potential. As the financial and technical hurdles to produce content continues to drop, the ability of people to make and distribute content will move off YouTube and out into the world—the whole world. As a cultural bridge, AR can not only link past structures and history with present, but allows communities to have a voice and share experiences, narratives, music, and art with neighbors and visitors everywhere. As an educational aid, AR can help close the digital divide by making more learning materials, information and resources available to all learners. AR can also provide on-demand scaffolding experiences to support and reinforce active learning, self-efficacy, and create a collaborative learning environment. AR can also increase knowledge transfer, retention and the motivation to learn because not only does it place content in context, it is fun! This is why, in Imagined Communities programs, we integrate AR into a design-based and interactive learning platform.
Hitlab Overview of AR
AR brings whole new meaning to "media literacy." The ability to use information technologies improves individual well-being because access to information supports empowerment and autonomy(BCS, 2010) . These attributes spur economic growth and civic engagement. Bringing digital content into a real environment can support personal agency and increase accountability, especially compared to the anonymity of the web. There will most certainly be issues to work out, as with all new technologies. But AR will change many things profoundly and, I believe, for the better.
BCS. (2010). The Information Divide: Can IT Make You 'Happier'? (pp. 1-16): Chartered Institute for IT.
*The Tobi.com virtual dressing room is based on AR technology called Fashionista developed by Zugara http://www.zugara.com/.
Sunderland photo from Doppler, C. (n.d.). History of Mobile Augmented Reality. 2010. Retrieved May 23, 2010 https://www.icg.tugraz.at/~daniel/HistoryOfMobileAR/