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Well partly this is a game design issue and partly a FOSS issue...
Are we producing games that are sufficiently unique that they will get the visibility to get (relatively) popular to attract artists and modders. I would expect modders want a popular game as well because they want their mod played by as many people as possible.
And unique games could play into the FOSS book as well... if artists don't want to be recreating assets because you upgraded the engine, and don't want to be cloning graphics from some commercial game... they certainly should be attracted to producing new and interesting games (for their portfolio as least)
And FOSS should be leveraging it's greater freedoms by separating assets from engine a bit more (even if the assets need to be compiled into the end product) to allow more re-use and re-mixing with less re-creating of assets.
So it's up to the game producers --- when creating new game play ideas, leverage FOSS by ensuring your tools and engine allow maximum re-use of graphical assets, while being sufficiently unique to interest artists so they don't feel like they are just cloning and existing game.
No announcement yet.
A Battle For Good Open-Source Game Graphics?
new posts
Originally posted by whizse View PostDo the artwork for FLOSS games really need to be done with FLOSS tools? I'm sure it would be great if it was, but that's not really a requirement as long as the source files are available in open formats?
Leave a comment:
Originally posted by Craig73 View PostSo if the challenge is understanding artists - then go post a survey on DevArt or some other artist oriented site and see what they need...
Or talk to artists/designers already working on other open source projects. Perhaps it is that open source is well setup for programmer and not artists (tools, environment, workflow, community... what changes do they need to feel more at home, work more effectively, or what is needed to attract new users)
(Really - it's questions like these that I would hope open source blogs would dig into more)
I think the biggest problem is figuring out how to attract artists to spend their time working on art for a game where they really are in control. Instead of trying to mimic the world of proprietary games.
I mean there's no end to amount of good looking mods made, where the artists and developers really have very little control. Both in the way the mod can be used and distributed and when it comes to the life cycle of the game.
If we could only get a few of these artists to sink their teeth into FLOSS games (and starting to take licensing seriously) I'm sure we would have lots of great games.
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Currently Im working in a 3d RPG, which I plan to develop using only open source software. The most difficult part is to get artists, as EvilGuru says. Developers usually are willing to spend time coding just for fun and learning. Artists wants to work for established projects, they want their work to be seen.
Leave a comment:
So if the challenge is understanding artists - then go post a survey on DevArt or some other artist oriented site and see what they need...
Or talk to artists/designers already working on other open source projects. Perhaps it is that open source is well setup for programmer and not artists (tools, environment, workflow, community... what changes do they need to feel more at home, work more effectively, or what is needed to attract new users)
(Really - it's questions like these that I would hope open source blogs would dig into more)
Leave a comment:
why does nobody ever mention the blender game engine?
Leave a comment:
I don't really think the engines are the problem, the problem seems that the engine makes all these nice particle effects, but the models and artwork are the problem. You can't have a nice looking game without nice models. Nexuiz seems to have mostly solved that except for the player models. Saurbraten, Alien Arena, etc. really need to do a lot of work here. OpenArena is pretty much a q3 clone, which is it's goal, so it's not really possible to complain.
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There's either two things they can do, make Myst/Broken Sword/Fallout-like games, or make Crysis/HL2-like games. Both of these options would make for amazing games, graphics or not, but they also need a real (big) team of people working hard.
Here's what I don't get, though. There are LOADS of 'mod teams' out there, many of them making truly amazing addons for commercial games that could sell as standalone games in their own right. The community is there - it just doesn't know about open source games, or isn't interested.
How come there's no shortage of people for open source projects like IP telephone servers, enterprise middleware, business intelligence, enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management (because when I see those categories I think boring, boring, boring!), but so few to help out with the games?
Leave a comment:
As a developer for the GNU GPL game Warzone 2100 (which was originally developed and released by Pumpkin Studios in 1999 before they were disbanded; released under the GNU GPL in 2004) the problem is not so much updating the engine but rather finding artists to make content for it.
You'd be surprised how much can be done with pure brute force -- high resolution textures, high poly models and some blending. Take the new terrain renderer in Warzone 2100 for example:
Old: http://developer.wz2100.net/attachme...d-sensors.jpeg
New: http://developer.wz2100.net/attachme...ew-terrain.jpg
The hardest part was getting the textures themselves (namely under a compatible license). Finding people to remake the in-game models is even more difficult.
Sadly things such as support for shaders is not a valid metric to compare game engines by. Adding a pair of fragment/vertex shaders to emulate the fixed-function pipeline is not difficult and has the bonus that it allows you to claim support for shaders. Hardly a useful application, however. Doing something productive and inventive with a shader is much more difficult. Integrating it into an old game even more so.
Regards, Freddie.
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Why is everyone so focused on graphics. I'd dump crysis any day for a game that has both great gameplay and a great story.
Leave a comment:


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on Adult Exclusive Breaks
If you like the theatre, you'll love the shows by our very talented Resident Show Cast and musicians. Dance, tap your feet, sing-along, wave a flag, shed a tear and clap your hands… all in one fabulous show!
The creative team, made up of industry professionals have been beavering away behind the scenes to dazzle you with some show-stopping entertainment! We have some fantastic feature productions and concert style shows for you to enjoy.
Away Resorts is also the only holiday park operator that has seen one of it's shows be performed on the West End, so when we say our shows are high quality, we really mean it.
Take a look below at our world class shows that you can enjoy when you come away to Mill Rythe.
Be dazzled by our winter wonderland and experience a stage production that captures the best of the season. A musical score that playfully reinvigorates Christmas classics with heart warming vocal harmonies and magical orchestration. A festive feast of uniquely designed costumes, including a stunning hi-tech illuminated dress, ending in a grand display of indoor confetti cannons. The magical stage set fills the Ballroom surrounding the audience with animated scenery and lighting effects including snow and flying reindeer. You can view all our festive breaks here.
It's late, it's raining and all that Brad and Janet want to do is get to their car after a long day at the theme park. Brad notices an attraction they haven't seen before and with a little persuasion they both take a carriage on a ride they will never forget. The Great Movie Ride is a rollercoaster of a live stage show that sees Brad and Janet caught up in cinema classics past and present, recreated in true Hollywood style with spectacular stage effects and costumes, all set to an incredible cinematic soundtrack featuring over 40 movie moments. The Great Movie Ride is Away Resorts' biggest stage show to date, a bold new production sure to impress.
Hold your breath. Make a wish count to three. Imagine a show filled with the greatest musicals of all time. A journey of musical theatre moments sparkling with fabulous costumes, enchanting choreography and world class musical orchestration, staged with a theatrical backdrop of animated scenery and special effects. Magic of Musicals is a show for all ages, for musical lovers, and for those that don't do musicals. It's funny, magical, and moving, a show not to be missed.
Hold on to your air-guitars this is one rock'n'roller coaster of a show! This live concert covers many of the greatest anthems of all time, decades of rock going back to its origins in the 50s, to glam rock, punk rock, and everything in-between. Costumes are hot, vocals are smokin', and the live band will melt your face. Cue selfies of hand-rock-symbols with tongues out, we will rock you!
Hosted by our very own master of ceremonies, we recreate the look of an original Music Hall in the Ballroom including fabulous Edwardian costumes. We salute the memories of some of the great stars who made their names in the glory days, the golden years of the British Music Hall. Step back in time with our stage emulation of extraordinary excellence. Your majesties, esteemed guests, lords, ladies and gentleman we present for your collective edification Music Hall Varieties.
A new stage show concept for Mill Rythe where the audience decide what the cast perform. A host presents the audience with a selection of production features, they then vote on what they would like the cast to perform next. Following the vote, the cast, band and technical team are given one minute to get ready, the countdown clock begins and the number starts ready or not. A stage show where every performance is different.
Set in the 1980s, Electric Dreams is the name of a Video, Arcade & Record shop where the cast; Gloria, Julie, Mickey, Frankie and friends work and hangout playing Space Invaders and listening to records. There is one arcade machine called Xanadu that is out of order, one night it mysteriously switches itself on and becomes a sort of time portal, through which Mickey is visited by Justin Bieber who shares the future and sets him on a mission to form a band. The show is comedy, light-hearted and packed with all things wonderfully 80s, including classic songs, adverts, fabulously retro costume and scenery all wrapped up with fun characters and dialogue telling nothing short of a ridiculously hilarious story line.
5-4-3-2-1… Step back in time four decades to when the popular TV show 'Ready Steady Go' was broadcast every Friday night, yes we go back, way back to the 1960s. A golden non-stop mix of popular songs from some of the biggest bands of the decade that was The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Four Seasons, The Kinks, and so many more. Colourful authentic costumes adorn the fabulous cast and live musicians, with fun and clever staging and choreography, not to mention first class musical arrangements and vocal harmonies. It's a blast from the past, a real gas, a trip on the love bus through the greatest musical decade that was, the 1960's.

subset: commoncrawl


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Internet Interface
The Web front end of AWDSOnline from Adelaide Warehouse & Distribution Services creates a virtual warehouse facility with access to a number of facilities, enquiries and reports 'in real time' with principle specific logins, passwords and access as standard features. Onsite training is available with extensive 'User Manuals' provided to support your staff in the use of our user friendly system.
- Notify a 'Goods Inwards' movement
- Request a 'Goods Outwards' movement
- Put products 'On' and "Off' hold
- Send advance notice of 'New Product Lines'
- Search for specific product information or 'Stock On Hand Quantities'
- View Inward and Outward stock movements
- View products in the warehouse(s) older than a specific date
- View the Breakdown of stock by pallet quantities
- Review and print your Adelaide Warehouse & Distribution Services (AWDS Group) invoices
- View confirmation of order dispatch
Warehouse Module
- Inventory management via manual or automated EDI import processes
- Multi Company, Multi Branch and Multi warehouse within branch
- Comprehensive Goods In / Goods Out procedures
- Flexible Book In / Out by: pallet, carton, unit, kg, M3, litres
- Automated Putaway and Picking Location decisions
- Products stored in fully numbered locations
- Automated Pick face replenishment
- Picking of products by: item, batch, expiry date, serial number, FIFO, LIFO, random, bond no
- Wine Warehousing / Wine Turning
- Interface to Freightrack (Freight Management System)
Freight Management System
- Proof of Delivery
- Automatic manifest / routing
- Adelaide Warehouse & Distribution Services (AWDS) Warehouse Interface
- Default Senders / Receivers
- Delivery point consignment consolidation


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With help of new delivery system letters from soldiers in Middle East are delivered faster.
Short Summary
Title reads: "Airgraph Letters".
C/U of a soldier, 'Tommy Atkins', writing a letter home from the Middle East. C/U of the letter which is to his girlfriend. C/U of the soldier placing the letter in an airgraph envelope. Tommy is using a new service introduced by the Post Office, his letter will take only 2 weeks to reach its destination.
Various shots of woman placing letters into a special machine that will photograph them onto 16 mm. film. Machine looks a bit like a film projector. Rolls of film with lots of miniaturised letters on are flown back to Britain, saving space and cargo weight on aeroplanes.
Various shots of a men and women using other apparatus that transfers the filmed image back to letter form. C/U of the letter ready for delivery. C/U of young woman, May Nott, reading the letter.
- Film ID:
- 1113.33
- Media URN:
- 38778
- Group:
- Pathe newsreels
- Archive:
- British Pathé
- Issue Date:
- 05/05/1941
- Sound:
- Sound
- HD Format:
- Available on request
- Stock:
- Black & White
- Duration:
- 00:01:11:00
- Time in/Out:
- 01:36:15:00 / 01:37:26:00
- Canister:
- 41/36


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Chalk Paint® Antibes Green
SKU: AS-ANGR-Quart
The inspiration for the name of this brilliant green comes from the town of Antibes in the French Riviera. This color is brought to our palette from two sources – the first being the neoclassical palaces, such as the Fontainebleau Palace and the Schloss Charlottenburg in Potsdam. The second being the villages around Provence, where countless artists have been inspired by the colors found in the scenery. Antibes works well with Aubusson Blue.
Click HERE to learn more about Chalk Paint®.
Click HERE to learn more about Chalk Paint®.


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Toy Cornflower Crown
Sorry, currently out of stock
Miniature Cornflower crown, to fit your dollies and teddies!
Comes in a Fable Heart gift bag as standard.
Each crown ties at the back, just like our human crowns.
Please note these crowns are a toy and not to be worn by children.
Please note, we have a 2 week standard turnaround time for all handmade products. However if you need this product sooner, please leave your specified date in the Notes at the checkout. We cannot guarantee earlier delivery but always do our very best to facilitate everyone and know how important birthdays are! Would you like it gift wrapped? Just drop it in Notes at the checkout!


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General Question
What band does this t-shirt belong to?
Asked by JesusWasAJewbot (1510) February 12th, 2012
I am trying to find an old band t-shirt which is black with two kids (one holding a briefcase) with wings, they are walking and there are birds also on the shirt. I cant remember if it is a Darkest Hour or Billy Talent t-shirt, i have been googling but cannot find it.
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Answer this question
This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.
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For over twenty-four years Prairie Joe's has worked to combine worldly and eclectic culinary influences with the classic diner food experience, all while providing the level of service you could only expect from a family-owned business.
While our cheeseburgers and fries are timeless, we are especially known for our lunch and brunch specials. Everything from lamb patties to Mexican-inspired fried pork and unique vegetarian dishes can be found on our daily specials menu.
As a proud member of the Central Street Business Association, we are happy to serve you. When you stop at our restaurant, be sure to take in our one-of-a-kind interior and eye-catching art, handmade by our own chief cook.


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After obtaining federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in February, Sonoma State University is taking another step toward strengthening its commitment to serve the Latino population of the North Bay with the inaugural Mujeres Activas en Letras y Cambio Social (MALCS) — or Women Active in Letters and Social Change — Summer Institute taking place on campus July 19-22. Some panel discussions are also open to the public free of charge.
"MALCS has been a student-driven, grassroots effort," says conference co-chair and SSU Chicano and Latino Studies Professor Patricia Kim-Rajal. "The club is really responding to student needs and demands."
The Sonoma State chapter of MALCS — a national organization of student-run clubs on university campuses — was chartered last year by student Patricia Ayala Macias. "For us, this conference is part of our continuing work of networking students with faculty mentors and inspiring them to go into grad school, and to see ourselves as researchers and part of academia," she says.
Sonoma State University Research Coordinator Dra. Mariana G. Martinez knows firsthand the benefits a conference like this can provide. As a grad student, she attended a similar conference years ago in Santa Barbara hosted by a different MALCS chapter and found it inspiring. "You get to understand a lot of the theoretical concepts and apply them to your own life," says the conference co-chair and MALCS de SSU faculty advisor.
"It's important to have these events at Sonoma State and in the North Bay, especially now that a lot of social justice work is focused on San Francisco and Oakland," says Ayala.
This is not their first time organizing an event like this on campus, either. Earlier this year Kim-Rajal and Martinez were advisors to Ayala in organizing the University's first Women of Color conference, which featured keynote speeches by SSU President Judy K. Sakaki and Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors.
This conference will see students from high school through graduate school, including from Sonoma State, in addition to faculty and staff from Sonoma State and other universities. The theme of the conference is "Hidden Sonoma: Laboring Bodies and Silenced Voices."
With support by Santa Rosa arts nonprofit Raizes Collective, MALCS will host the Tortuga awards banquet at the Roseland Neighborhood Library in Santa Rosa on the final day of the conference for registered attendees.
These 3 events in Person Theater at SSU are free and open to the public:
"Hidden Sonoma: Laboring Bodies and Silenced Voices," July 20, 11:30 a.m.
Speakers include: Amelia Ceja, president of Ceja Vineyards; Leticia Romero Valentin, executive director of Corazon Healdsburg; Dra. Mariana G. Martinez, director of El Centro Latinx and coordinator of the UndocuResource Center at SSU
"Nepantlan Warriors, Laboring Bodies and Communal Practices," July 21, 11:30 a.m.
Speakers include: Linda Heidenreich, professor of critical culture, gender and race studies, Washington State University; Priscilla Solis Ybarra, professor of English, University of North Texas; Cynthia Aragon, attorney at law, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
"Water, Plantas y Medicina: Lessons from the No DAPL Movement and the Continued Struggle for Land and Food Justice," July 22, 11:30 a.m.
Speakers include: Adriana Betti, executive director, RISE; Melissa Moreno, professor of ethnic studies, Woodland Community College; Jenell Navarro, professor of ethnic studies, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.


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"Make every effort to add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge; and to godliness, brotherly
kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love." – 2 Peter 1:5-7
Are you looking for activities for your children? For you and your spouse? You and friends? Just you? So are folks at Saint Paul. Find an activity that suits your needs from the menu below. Connect Youth Connect Adults Connect Music


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Report: New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña to Step Down
New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña plans to announce her retirement Thursday, NBC New York reports, citing "city government sources."
New York City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña plans to announce her retirement Thursday, NBC New York reports, citing "city government sources."
The national winner will be announced at AASA's annual conference in February.
Arne Duncan, a former big-city schools chief who President Obama tapped as education secretary, will leave the post in December. He will be replaced by John King, Jr., a former New York state education commissioner.
Education Week is asking readers to nominate outstanding district leaders for its annual special report. Deadline is August 1, 2015.
The new fellows include a relief agency executive who ran schools in Kenya, an Indianapolis school principal, and a team leading a local public charter school.
The new nonprofit supported by private and philanthropic organizations will focus on eliminating opportunity gaps for boys and men of color.
Luis Valentino, the associate superintendent of curriculum/chief academic officer at San Francisco Unified, will lead Albuquerque Public Schools, New Mexico's largest school district.
New research shows that 14 percent of freshmen in the city school system are expected to earn a four-year degree by the age of 25, up from 8 percent in 2006.
President Obama will be the 2014 commencement speaker at Worcester Technical High School, home of the 2014 MetLife/NASSP Principal of the Year, Sheila Harrity.
President Barack Obama plans to announce a new task force and $200 million in investments from foundations as small steps toward solving large achievement gaps.


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Propelics developed AuditHere — our mobile auditing app for the Enterprise—to help businesses improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their audits by transitioning from messy old paper-based processes to mobile. The benefits of mobile audits are many. Whether you're a retail store tracking performance, a construction site concerned with safety or a plant dealing with regulatory compliance, chances are your company will profit from the switch.
Firstly, we designed the audits to be User-Centric, minimizing the number of required taps throughout the application and providing option lists where appropriate in order to eliminate the need for typing. Additionally, users may proceed through a workflow allowing them to review their responses before submitting. By designing AuditHere with your employees in mind—making their work easier—you'll experience dramatically increased user-adherence and satisfaction.
Are your current audit questions and formats well organized? Are you capturing structured data in a consistent manner? Does your current process ensure you focus on the audit outcome, the reports and actions that followup? Can you rephrase questions to accept Yes/No values instead of a description? Can you rephrase questions (while maintaining their meaning) to enable a selection of items from a list? Doing so will produce more structured data ripe for analysis in reports. This effective survey setup and planning will pay dividends in the future.
Yet another key benefit of mobile auditing is it provides Powerful Logic. Paper-based surveys are long and challenging. But they don't have to be. Often, not all questions are required; some may be conditionally required. With a mobile audit, admin can set questions (and even entire sections) to appear conditionally, creating a more 'approachable' survey for employees—while still capturing critical info needed for more complex scenarios. For example, in a retail setting the audit might ask if the store is dirty. If the answer is "Yes," the app follow-up with questions about the condition of specific locations in the store. Conditional questioning is especially useful in identifying trends and areas of improvement.
Paper-based audits are cumbersome and compiling the results can take forever. They tend to get lost in the shuffle, especially if your employees are distributed across the country and on job sites. Besides which, nobody enjoys using a fax machine anymore. Best yet, mobile audits are Instant and Actionable. Surveys are uploaded to the cloud the second an employee taps Submit. Results can be shared with colleagues and instantly analyzed in a report, enabling your company to immediately utilize the data to inform and facilitate the decision-making process. Don't be left behind making decisions based-on yesterday's info. Only the power of mobile can provide the speed and efficiency modern business demands.
Given their structured nature, mobile audits can be scored and each response stored to a cloud database. Doing so enables the tracking of scoring trends across time, region or other factors. Regional Managers can visit the highest-performing stores and gather best practices to apply to their own Regions. Are there safety issues that need attention? What is the general safety performance trend?
In addition, ensuring Secure data is extremely important, especially in regards to operational and employee performance. Containing the info to a mobile device ensures it is stored and transmitted securely. Past survey history is protected via integration with your company network login. Don't lose paper audits and risk exposure. Keep it all in one place, secure and redundant.
Propelics is proud to offer AuditHere to address the mobile auditing needs of the Enterprise. Feel free to reach out to learn more.
David Enarson
Mobile Strategist / Mobile Product Manager
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Get your Chromebooks here! Secure yours with a pre-order today!
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- Provides 500watt(s) power
- 15.00 minute(s) Battery Runtime at Full Load
The Vertiv Liebert GXT5 UPS, with a capacity of 500VA/500W, is a 2U compact and efficient UPS solution for ensuring the health and availability of IT infrastructure. With online, double conversion technology, the Vertiv Liebert GXT5 UPS protects critical equipment against outages and every type of power disturbance without drawing on battery power, extending battery life and minimizing replacements. This can support as wide range of power environment including 110/115/120/125V AC power and has scalable runtime options with matching external battery cabinets to offer extra time during an outage to support critical equipment and activity. The UPS design includes hot-swappable batteries and all hardware for installing it as a tower or in an equipment rack. This single-phase UPS is ENERGY STAR 2.0 certified and offers leading normal mode power efficiency and Eco-mode for ultimate efficiency levels. The unit includes a rack mounting hardware kit and base for tower installation in open environments. The Vertiv Liebert GXT5 offers premium power protection for critical infrastructure in centralized and edge applications.
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Oilsands may threaten whooping cranes' survival
The Alberta oilsands may be threatening the survival of the whooping crane, which is already an endangered species in North America, according to Global Forest Watch Canada.
The environmental group says the world's only wild flock of whooping cranes flies over the oilsands as it migrates annually between breeding grounds in Wood Buffalo National Park, located on the Alberta-Northwest Territories border, and winter grounds along the Texas coast.
In a report published online this week, Global Forest Watch Canada mapped the historical flight paths and landing points of whooping cranes in Alberta, particularly in the oilsands area.
"They generally tend to land in wetland areas, which is an automatic red flag because of the existence of the toxic tailings ponds," Peter Lee, the Edmonton-based author of the report, told CBC News.
Tailings ponds store tailings, the toxic waste byproduct of bitumen processing.
Lee said the federal and Alberta governments should think carefully about the oilsands' impacts on whooping cranes before approving any new projects.
More studies needed: official
Alberta government officials say more studies need to be done on whooping cranes' migration routes through the oilsands region.
"If there are new data points that will help us determine if perhaps there's one location that needs to be given greater attention, then we'd certainly be willing to look at what we might need to do there," said Dave Ealey, a spokesman for the province's Sustainable Resources Development Department.
The whooping crane is listed as an endangered species in Canada and the United States.
Northwest Territories MLA Bob Bromley, a bird biologist who was involved in a whooping crane recovery program, said the effects of the oilsands on whooping cranes extend far beyond tailings ponds.
The effects can also be seen "through the contaminants in the ecosystem, the water quality, the bioaccumulation in the food that the cranes eat," he said.
The flock of whooping cranes that migrates between Wood Buffalo National Park and Texas has grown by 40 per cent between 1998 and 2008, but it has only 270 birds as of 2008, according to the report.
The birds migrate north to Wood Buffalo National Park in March and April, then travel south to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in coastal Texas between September and November.


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My bad.
I haven't updated my blog in quite some time. To most people, this hasn't made a single difference to them, so go about your business! Don't mind me! I'm just gonna live in my bubble and pretend y'all missed me.
There's been a lot going on in my personal life. Well, a lot and a little. You know how it is, when life just feels overwhelming enough to crush you, so you do nothing and just watched everything crumble around you.
That's been me for the last few months. I've just sort of… let life happen, while I sit in bed, watching Netflix thinking, "Huh, everything sucks."
I'm trying to fight it, but it sucks. Maybe it's depression, maybe it's laziness, maybe it's crippling self-doubt, maybe it's all three combined, but for whatever reason, I've stagnated as a person. I see things in myself that I hate, that I want to change, that I wish for all that is good I could change, but to no avail. At least not yet.
I'm trying to fight the voices in my head telling me I'm not good enough. I want to be better. I want to be healthy, mentally and physically.
Hah, you thought this blog post was gonna be about books.
If you came here disappointed to find another post about mental health, I'm sorry! It's just that this is the thing that I'm struggling with the most at this point in my life. Reading does help though, so I'll also continue to post and talk about books.
So this is me, promising to try and be better, and not just about posting on my blog. I want to be a better wife, sister, daughter, friend, person.


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Senior point guard leads Runnin' Panthers
By Joseph Garcia
Much like in football where teams live and die by a good quarterback, so do a basketball teams and their starting point guards.
Thankfully for the Liberty Hill Runnin' Panthers, they have one in senior Shane LaCaille.
En route to helping Liberty Hill reach the regional finals last season, as a junior LaCaille ranked among Central Texas' leaders in points (18.3 per game) and assists (7.0 per game) while earning All-Centex first-team honors.
LaCaille, 18, along with friend and fellow senior running mate Blake Danielak head a Liberty Hill team that is currently ranked No. 6 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches poll. Danielak, who recently withdrew his verbal commitment to Texas Tech, averaged 15.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.8 blocks as a junior last season.
This year the senior duo figures to help lead the Runnin' Panthers deep into the playoffs for a shot at the state title that eluded them last season with the help of a solid team that adds Vandergrift transfer 6-3 Tyler Eyre and the dynamic Jadon Durity-Boatright from the football team.
LaCaille said last year's loss in the regional finals fueled him to improve in the offseason.
"There was a bad taste left in your mouth after being that close," said LaCaille. "It was definitely something that drove me this summer. Every time I get on the court I (think) that I never want to have that feeling again when my season is over. My one (individual) goal is to keep my assist to turnover ratio at 2-1. I really need to improve on that from last year."
Liberty Hill Coach Barry Boren said the tandem of LaCaille and Danielak are a formidable force when they play together and hopes the season ends on a winning note that they will remember forever.
"I think that Shane (LaCaille) and Blake (Danielak) play well off of one another," said Boren. "It is hard because many times in practice, I separate them to make it more competitive. When they do get a chance to play together, it is a bit unfair. It is not quite that much of a mismatch in the games, but it is still a formative tandem. We understand that last year was last year; this year is this one. Still, it is Shane (LaCaille's) and Blake (Danielak's) senior year and I know they want it to be special."
The LaCailles moved to Liberty Hill when Shane was in fifth grade. LaCaille, 18, said that's when he first met Danielak and the two have been friends ever since.
"(Blake's) a really great person on and off the court," LaCaille said. "On the court, he is very well rounded and can do anything from shooting to rebounding. Off the court he is a real genuine guy. He's nice and always puts others first. He's a really great guy."
LaCaille's favorite subject in school is government, which is perhaps fitting because as the starting point guard, he can help control the game's pace and govern his team's play. LaCaille, 5-11, is quick on his feet and can stop on a dime and shoot the lights out, or blow right past you if you stay too close.
He is also a tough guard for opponents and is difficult to contain, according to Coach Boren.
"Shane is really, really fast with and without the ball," Boren said. "That means that off the dribble he is really hard to contain. He also is a very good shooter with extensive range. So, when someone tries to guard him the dilemma is how to guard him. On top of that he is better than an 80 percent free throw shooter. Last, he has excellent handles. Those attributes have to do with his skills. He also has the desire to 'take the last or big shot.'"
LaCaille feels that running the team and trying to find out what works and what does not is something at which he excels.
"(I think I'm good at) running the team on the court and then knowing what to do and when to do it," LaCaille said. "As the point guard you have to understand when a shot is needed…I think I really do that well, (knowing) when to make certain plays. You look at the defense and see what they are trying to do and look at the matchups to see what advantages and disadvantages you have."
In the Runnin' Panthers' opening game against Hyde Park, LaCaille led the team in scoring with 19 points in Liberty Hill's 78-56 win. He is off to a good start in 2012 and is excited about this year's team and what it can do.
Replacing last season's complimentary players was his main concern heading into this year. But LaCaille said they may have found those glue guys that can help them get to where they want to go – state.
"I really like our team this year," LaCaille said. "This year we have a new asset in Tyler Eyre and he gives us a much bigger post presence than we had last year. We didn't know if we were going to have any (nuts and bolts guys) this year, but Tristan (Heidelberg), Jake (Stalder) and even Jadon (Durity-Boatright) on defense are stepping up, then we have really good shooters. I am really excited about this team and what we can do."
As one of six seniors on Liberty Hill's 10-man roster, LaCaille is a natural leader that other players will stick their necks out for. LaCaille, undecided on if he will play college basketball, always leaves everything on the court and his efforts are contagious to his surrounding teammates and even his coach.
"Shane has a good hear," said Boren. "I love the kid because of his competitive spirit. Kids want to play with him and will fight hard because he will and does. Needless to say, I like coaching him, too."


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Just a short walk to the coast, this unique Courtyard Solana Beach hotel was designed with work and play in mind. Awake refreshed to the aromas of the Pacific Ocean from your private patio or guest room entry accessible from a secure exterior corridor. In the center of it all is The Bistro, your destination for delectable breakfast and Starbucks Coffee. Relax by the outdoor fireplace over handcrafted cocktails, local craft brews and seasonal dinner options. Our Solana Beach hotel located off the historic Pacific Coast Highway features a central location near a variety of attractions including the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Belly Up Tavern in the Cedros Avenue Design District, the world-famous Del Mar Racetrack, and Fletcher Cove Beach & Family Park. If you're visiting for business, you'll love our hotel's prime location and work-friendly facilities and meeting space. No matter what brings you to the San Diego area, rest assured you will enjoy a stress-free stay at the Courtyard Del Mar/Solana Beach hotel.Show More
Newly renovated guestrooms, lobby and Bistro with outdoor fireplace and seating
Expanded menus for breakfast and dinner served daily and we proudly brew Starbucks Coffee
Located near the Del Mar Racetrack and within walking distance of the beach.


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eleven Bathroom Renovation Ideas
From spacious garden tubs to luxurious customized vanities, who wouldn't love to loosen up in their own spa-like lavatory? Eradicating the tiny tub made way for an extra-massive bathe area. I've been utilizing Isenberg Faucets for my bathrooms. Chrome bathe accessories, like the door deal with, knobs and even drain (!) add ornamental parts to the lavatory, which permits the room design as an entire to really feel clear and open (however not overwhelming). To be taught extra about our rest room transform ideas , or to schedule a consultation with one in every of our designers in your home in or near Madison, WI, contact Frey Construction immediately.
Learn about cupboard building, budgeting and easy methods to work with a design professional – every part it is advisable know to enter your undertaking with a transparent goal in mind. To raise the toilet designs utilizing stylish but practical faucets are so important. From tile designs to methods to take advantage of a small area, the following pointers will aid you complete your bathroom remodel with ease.
Whatever the cause you are considering of reworking, you undoubtedly wish to be sure you do the job right the primary time or you will find yourself wasting 1000's of dollars. Thank you sharing your expertise in toilet remodeling. Towel racks above the tub are each convenient (no more tip-toeing around whenever you're soaking moist!) and save on wall house in a Park Avenue condo designed by Christina Murphy.
Bathroom design and décor, it's onerous to know where to begin. We love the intricate particulars of elaborate tiled floors, but (as designer Barrie Benson knows) it's necessary to maintain the remainder of the tiny area easy, so the room does not change into overwhelmed with patterns and coloration. When it is fact about transforming a small one, most people will need to adorn their Loos in very smart approach.
Ventless fireplace options make it easy and cheaper so as to add heat to your new bathroom. In Jimmy Choo designer Tamara Mellon's Hamptons home , the floor and bathe stall within the grasp bathroom are accented with mosaic tiles. Earth components are sturdy on this lavatory with the stone bathtub and stone wall tiles. Are you contemplating transforming your bathroom to improve accessibility for the aged?


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April 2017
Good morning. I am delighted to share that we have launched our international academic recruitment campaign and the new website is now live.
How does environmental education influence sense of place, and nature attachment among primary school students in the Bedouin Arab community in Israel?
Join us on Tuesday May 23 between 2.00pm and 3.00pm when Associate Professor Orit Ben-Zvi Assaraf from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev will present this seminar on environmental education.
This will take place in the Faculty of Education Conference Room, Nedlands Campus.
The annual RTRFM: In the Pines music concert is taking place in the Somerville Auditorium on Sunday 30 April, 11:00am-10:00pm, with sound checks scheduled to take place on the Sunday morning.
Please be advised that If you were intending to work on Sunday 30 April you may find the music volume to be disruptive, particularly if your office is located on the northern end of campus.
The problems facing coral reefs today are well documented. It's an issue close to home for all Australians with the Great Barrier Reef's ecosystem coming under pressure from a number of threats.
Elevated sediment volumes are a key stressor to coral reef ecosystems around the globe and Andrew Pomeroy from UWA's Ocean Institute has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to undertake work to better understand the dynamics of sediment transport in coral reefs.
Good morning. On Tuesday we commemorate ANZAC Day, a poignant day in the nation's calendar.
The UWA Research Repository is now the definitive source of information about your publications. The previous Minerva system is no longer being used, and all the data previously held in Minerva has been migrated to the Research Repository. The Research Repository will now also provide publications information to Socrates. The system automatically collects publications from Web of Science and Scopus that have the by-line "University of Western Australia".
Dear Colleagues
The Federal Government's National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA), which was announced recently, has resulted in changes to the way universities are funded to support research.
Good morning. Last year Australia's 39 universities worked with the Human Rights Commission to conduct the first comprehensive national student survey on sexual assault and harassment as part of the Respect. Now. Always. initiative.
As I indicated in my vision statement, our 2017 priorities clearly focus on the student experience and better alignment of educational offering with our world class research. We are committed to providing our students with a world class education experience.
We welcome feedback from our students via the 2016 Student Experience Survey (SES) and acknowledge we need to do even more to meet the high expectations of our students.
A collaborative UWA and Stanford University research project has been named the top Environmental Science paper by Environmental Science & Technology for 2016.
CRICOS Code: 00126G


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by Ana
Air Freshener ~ Just Like Flowers
This is a recipe to use anywhere you need to freshen the air. Perfect for the bathroom, toilet, around pets or anywhere else. Smells divine!
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Perfume Forum.


text: Nomads wander in search of hope, and the wandering creates the hope they search for. They uproot their families to answer the distant call of greener pastures. They explore before they settle down. And they are never afraid of packing up again because they know how to erect a hut and how to saddle a camel. They know how to brace themselves for the tedious journey across deserts and through the cover of nightfall that can stretch for many weeks.They carry their homes in their hearts, and because of that they find belonging wherever they go.


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By N Mann-Harwood
There is too much stigma attached to having a long term health condition, in this article we will explore how this happens and why. Understanding ignorance is the first step to beating it.
Living with any kind of disability is tough, especially when it's invisible. We become excellent at pretending to be well, hiding our pain and suffering from the outside world whilst enduring the constant criticism it brings. There is vilification and a distinct lack of understanding in the media, in government and in society as a whole.
Sometimes we forget how easily opinions can be manipulated, and how powerful the media is at disseminating such information, which may sway our values and moral judgements. Especially with regards to things we do not readily understand.
Ignorance is what allows false information to guide our judgements and thoughts, it allows our government to dehumanise subsets of people so they may make brutal decisions, cutting much needed funds to the most vulnerable in society. This ignorance is ever reaching and envelopes many sub-groups, such as the disabled, or homeless, and even refugees. It causes in fighting and blame, hate and anger and eventually retribution. All this makes it much easier for them to make cuts that would otherwise be regarded as cruel and unjust.
Due to the recent economic crash, our country needed to make some big financial changes. Unfortunately for us, the people who make the choices over which monies to cut do not have the empathy or social skills required to understand such sensitive situations. They are corrupt, and greedy, they make fraudulent claims against their expenses, and increase their own wage. Instead of making cuts which would be detrimental to themselves or their investors, they are cutting benefits designed to help and support some of the most vulnerable in society. To justify this and to maintain their Machiavellian persona they use a tactic called dehumanisation. Dehumanisation starts by blaming those who are to be the subject of such cuts by making them appear separate from the rest of society, not as good. Dehumanisation techniques work, and are powerful. Don't believe me? Just look throughout history.
One of the most prevalent dehumanising tools is propaganda. So what is propaganda? Propaganda is the release of information which is of a specially biased or misleading nature for the purpose of promoting a political cause or point of view. If we look back in history we can see it used to dehumanise groups of people before segregating them and finally eliminating them. It was seen clearly in North Korea through their hate campaign against the West or even our own hate campaigns against them. By dehumanising their perceived enemy, the governments of these countries are able to convince an entire nation of the need for war.
Successful tyrants throughout history and the modern world use propaganda to convince people of their way of thinking. It's powerful and it's dangerous and it's happening in the UK right now.
So how does propaganda work?
Propaganda works by targeting a specific group; in this case the disabled, and demonising them, separating them off from normal society so others see them as less than human. Some of the tactics which have been used so far would include a prominent MP claiming "…Disabled people are worth less than able bodied people..." In this sentence the term Worth Less is very divisive. Not only is it saying we should be paid less when used in context, but on a subconscious level it plants the idea that disabled people are worthless.
It is repeated over and over that our countries financial struggles are because of those who would otherwise struggle to, or be unable to work; attacking both refugees and disabled people alike. Claiming we are lazy, fraudulent or out for what we get. Unfortunately, when we look at the true figures we see the amount paid out in such claims is small. Especially compared to the costs involved in governmental mistakes, or on the cost of tribunals and appeals, which are all too often overturned as a result of an inappropriate medical assessment being undertaken by under qualified and ignorant staff.
Cause and effect.
Ignorance is both the cause and the effect of such atrocities; ignorance is what allows dehumanisation to take place and ignorance is spread further through the process of dehumanisation. There is an epidemic of ignorance around the world, when it comes to disability, visible or not. People don't understand, nor do they want to understand those who are different from them.
Most of us are guilty of sighing when we hear a friend moan about their back, or get frustrated with a dyslexic making a spelling mistake. Be honest with yourself, really honest and ask yourself, have you ever judged someone who is in pain or sick? Have you ever commented on someone's spelling and not thought twice as to why this is? Did you spot the grammar or punctuation errors in this article and tut, not realising I am dyslexic? Or have you ever shunned someone who is socially inept as a result of Aspergers or Autism? Called someone with anxiety or depression an attention seeker, or told them to just "cheer up" because they're "bringing you down"? Be honest, I'm pretty sure you have.
In today's society we're so focused on what we want, what we deserve we forget about those around us. Instead, we focus on how they make us feel and disregard how our actions could hurt them. This reactionary measure, this self-defence mechanism we all have, which once served us well for our survival, now fails us.
It's easy to get annoyed with someone who always cancels, or walks slowly or can't work. It's just as easy to get frustrated when we're in pain and even easier to take things, meant with love, as hateful comments said to hurt us.
As disabled people, we too are guilty of being ignorant in our own way; we are ignorant to the suffering of those outside our group, outside the disabled community, or indeed of those with different disabilities to ourselves. We nitpick and in fight, all contributing and helping with our own dehumanisation, furthering the cause we are fighting so hard against. Have you ever uttered the words "welcome to my world" when your partner or loved one catches a cold or sprains their back? I bet you have. Of course I can't tell anyone how to act and it's easy to type when I sit in a comfortable chair, I have made these same mistakes and probably will again in the future. All I can hope is my message reminds people we all have one thing in common, we are all humans regardless of our capabilities or limitations. Surely a modern and civilised society such as we, those who are most vulnerable should be helped, not punished for something which they didn't choose.
What about the medical profession?
Perhaps one of the most difficult fights we face is the one we encounter each and every time we see our doctors. It seems that there is a culture of pressure placed upon our medical professionals to never get it wrong. They work in fear of not knowing the answer, when they don't know they are discouraged from asking for help. Their budgets slashed, and their time squeezed into five minute appointments, barely enough time to diagnose a common cold, let alone a complex condition. The constant pressure to know the answer, and never make a mistake results in a lacklustre and rather arrogant approach to the plight of a patient with any condition, which cannot be easily explained. This practice results in either the patient being dismissed or misdiagnosed. All too often, those with chronic pain and exhaustion are told it's "all in their head" or accused of drug addiction. In some cases cast assigned with a diagnosis which merely explains their symptoms, but not what causes them. This has huge detrimental effects on the patients self worth and can results in severe psychosocial anxieties. It can be hard to see how others will believe you when your own doctor or medical specialist so readily dismisses your concerns.
All too often we find ourselves knowing more than the doctors we face. If we're lucky, we'll find one who is humble. Someone who will accept their lack of knowledge, but many specialists refuse to accept this and dismiss our understanding of the bodies we live in every day.
It is not always the doctors fault, it is the fault of the system and the culture they are born into. Chronic illness is so complex it can hardly be fit into a lowly five minute GP's appointment, it can therefore take between 3 to 30 years for a person with any kind of complex condition to be diagnosed. Some go their entire lives without knowing what's wrong with them. Doctors are rushed into a diagnosis before undergoing all required tests, this can be due to a lack of funding and facilities.
It doesn't help when the industry standard for dealing with chronic illness has very little in the way of concrete objective studies on the effects of the main treatment options available to us.
There are three main treatment options available for a doctor to use when dealing with a chronic pain patient, all with detrimental side effects.
There are accounts of patients being pushed to take drugs which have nearly killed them (myself being one) or damaged them permanently, others ignored until it's too late. Our medical professionals need to be trained to look for complex conditions and chase the zebra instead of the horse. Not only would it increase the quality of life for those currently suffering, but it could save the country billions in lost revenue. In the meantime, it's up to us to educate our doctors, to become experts in our own condition and change the way the medical profession view us as a community.
With a better medical understanding of chronic illness, and indeed all complex conditions and disabilities, and indeed by making the current capability assessments fit for purpose, we could reduce the number of people able to defraud the system. With better medical understanding of disabilities and complex medical conditions we would keep more people in work, prevent many more conditions developing. Why do we not invest in preventative medicine? Why do we have to wait until it's too late before we act?
Ignorance losses us billions in revenue every year because the government have made no effort to understand the requirements of a disabled person who wants to work, providing help and not obstacles would allow more of us to return to work and live independent lives, free from benefits. There is little in the way of tailored help for those of us who want to work, and even less support for those who already do work. The government have no idea what proportion of people in the Work Related Activity Group are new claimants, or those returning after being fired due to their illness. Although there are laws in place to protect us, there is nothing to prevent an employer from throwing our CV in the bin the second they see we have a Chronic health complaint.
Instead of looking at their own ignorance, the government are blaming the very people they are damaging. The only real way to prevent people making fraudulent claims is education, understanding and appropriate assessors with appropriate knowledge of the condition they're assessing. Instead of finding ways of attracting more doctors to our GP surgeries they are forcing existing ones to work long, exhausting hours. Is it any wonder the NHS makes so many errors, when the staff barely get time to sleep, or rest? Surely, it would make more sense to have these essential members of society on top form, looking after them and ensuring their working conditions are perfect, instead of punishing them. Investing in the NHS, with education, staff and improved working conditions is investing in Britain's economy.
In Conclusion
We are so busy looking for others to blame, we forget to look at ourselves and what we've done wrong. We blame the immigrants, the disabled, the long term unemployed, we blame our parents we blame everyone but ourselves for everything that has gone wrong in our lives and in society and fail to take action to resolve it, regardless of where the blame lies.
Ignorance breads hate, we stand by and idly watch it happen to those we cannot or do not want to identify with, and we even join in ourselves whilst claiming we are the victims of the abuse we so readily give out. This mentality allows for dehumanisation and a division of society. Each time you stand by and watch as another group gets demonised, each time you call out in hate and ignorance to another humans plight ask yourself…Will there be someone left to fight my corner when they come for me?
Thank you for reading, if you have any thoughts about this subject please leave them in the comments below. If all you see are the mistakes and not the message, then you are the problem.
Leave a Reply.
Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.
September 2019


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Firefighters assisted police at a ruptured gas main in Craven Street off Strand, WC2 this morning.
Fire crews used detection equipment and identified high levels of natural gas in the atmosphere. Around 1,450 people were evacuated from a nearby hotel and a nightclub.
The gas main was repaired by the gas authority and firefighters carried out further sweeps of the area and found no further high levels of gas.
Charing Cross station was closed while the Brigade and other partner agencies attended the scene. The cordons were lifted and the station reopened shortly before midday.
The Brigade was called at 0200 and the incident was over for firefighters at 1240. Two fire engines, two fire rescue units and around 20 firefighters are at the scene.


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Austin has their first ever Viva Streets Festival and I decided to take a quick road trip to check it out. I also to my bike I could take a spin around town. I always wanted to go cycling there and this was a good opportunity to do so. Mark Pena and his family also went so we represented Ciclistas Urbanos over there.
My plan was to take off on Friday and come back on Monday. The event itself is on a Sunday so I had plenty of time to check things out. Friday afternoon I decided to go out to South Congress ave and see what's going on. Oh man, what a happening place that place is. Besides all the people there, that area is so bike friendly. The format is Reverse parking, bike lane then car lane. On the other side its reverse parking, bike/car share lane then car lane. The bike/car shared lane is going down hill so cyclists can easily keep pace with cars and traffic is slowed to 35 mph the entire route.
I had to circle the block before I found a spot to park. For those that don't know you park backwards with the front of the car facing the street. The slots are at an angle but this makes it so much easier and safer to leave.
After walking around a bit I ran into Mark and his family in search of a place to eat. Usually finding place to eat with a family is rather difficult due to long lines and more of an adult atmosphere. We eventually found a great pizza place at a different part of town. Chicago style pizza is the best.
It didn't take long to reach my destination. Lady Bird Lake is a large peaceful lake that is surrounded with parks and jogging trails. I rode around exploring the area and the trails before settling down to relax for a bit listening to music. I love watching people using the trails for either running, walking or cycling although for cycling you are better off with something with fatter tires than my 700×23 tires.
Planning my route I want to head over to Zilker park and check out Barton Springs and the animal sanctuary. The most direct route is Riverside Ave but that is a busy street with no shoulders or bike lanes. I had no choice but to get in, ride fast and mix it up with the cars. It was a good time to put in use all the road cycling experience that I've gained to navigate this section of the road. How bad could it be? After all this is Austin, bike friendly country! Without a doubt it was easy to do. Ride fast, be predictable and use your hand signals.
Well needless to say I didn't make it to Zilker park as I wanted to find a place to recharge my phone and downtown was the best shot. Also, Congress Ave was closed to cars but not bikes 🙂 I took the opportunity to ride to the Capitol to snag a pic of my bike at the footsteps of the State Capitol.
Royal Blue Grocery that may have a charger. Looking around I didn't find one but the girl behind the counter offered to charge mine for a bit! Wow, that was nice of her. In the meantime, I grabbed one of their delicious Cuban sandwiches, some drinks and sat to read one of the local papers. I love this little grocery all-in-one place. You can get a bite to eat or drink, sit outside and enjoy the day or run in and stock up on some groceries or little nick-knacks that you may need.
Moving on, I later remembered that there was a CVS store nearby which turned out to be a block away from where I had lunch! I went in there to buy a charger for later use. I walked over to where I locked up my bike to check on it and all is okay. While there, I went to Starbucks for an Apple Fritter and some hot tea. I also took the opportunity to top off my battery with the new charger.
Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop was only a few blocks away, so that is my next stop. By then Congress Avenue was reopened to traffic and downtown was bustling with activity. Cycling downtown and the side streets was surprisingly easy to do. The only problem I had was navigating through some of the street construction, so sidewalks was the best option to get where I want to go.
This bike shop is pretty awesome. Now I read some of the reviews of the place and they knocked it down a little as being kinda snobbish, but tell you the truth, I didn't get that vibe from them. What I saw was a well stocked store, helpful staff, someone getting a fitted for a new bike and helpful advice on posture and pedaling. They also had a nice large choice of cycling clothing to choose from, but the only thing I didn't find was a long sleeved jersey or sport shirt. I like to wear them in this heat to protect my arms from the burning sun.
I really liked the little coffee shop they had at one end of the shop. Originally, I thought it was a separate store when I arrived there so I didn't go in that entrance. Austin seems to be the place for those Mexican Cokes so I got one there. I also picked up a pair of Mellow Johnny's cycling socks. I can always use another pair of socks. Over all, I liked the Mellow Johnny's experience. They have a good selection of mostly road bikes but they do have some hybrids and commuter bikes to check out.
One last thing that got my attention is the restrooms, which are, in fact, dressing rooms with showers. That is a first for me. We definitely do not have that at our local bike shops. Going out on one of their rides you at least have a place to shower and change afterwards. Nice!
After browsing and shopping it was time to head back to my car and get my hotel room for the rest of the stay. This time I wanted to go back up Congress Avenue to Woodward. I thought I would have a hard time going up the road as it is nothing but up, up and up. I've seen other struggle with the ride up but I think it was because they were in fixies and could change gears. To my surprise it was fairly easy. It's all in the gears they say and they are right! With the cars parked backwards, I no longer had to worry about someone backing up into me. That made for a more pleasant ride back to the hotel.
Later that evening I met up with Mark and his family for supper at a Mexican Restaurant downtown. It was a great way to end the day of riding and exploring Austin.
With Saturday done that leave only Sunday and the Viva Streets Festival that runs from 10 am to 3 pm. My plan was to drive down, park and find the Bike Texas booth so I can rent one of their bikes. All was going to plan until I found out that their booth was at the other end of 6th street two miles away. Oh well, I trekked on foot until I reached them. By that time Mark was already zipping around. I got my bike and started riding around and met up with Mark. He tells me that they parked over on this side of the route and turned out to be around the corner where Bike Texas was at. Thanks for the tip!
After having breakfast at the hotel, I headed on out to downtown to partake in the festival. I didn't take my bike as Bike Texas was lending out loaners, so I opt for that option. I parked on South Congress and walked across the bridge to get to 6th street. It was early and people were still setting up. There was a big stage at this end and I figured bands would be playing there as well as any announcements would be broadcasted from there as well. Not seeing Bike Texas I started my trek down 6th street. I recognized many of the bars, clubs, comedy clubs that lined the streets. Most of them were closed but a few were open to sell some of their wares or maybe to just watch the activities. Who knows. I walked past the Boiling Pot Cajun restaurant that I always been meaning to check out but can never find the time. Too bad, I love Cajun food!
No Bike Texas yet, but I keep on walking. I noticed that the area past the freeway changes from a bar scene to more of a residential mix use with a few small bars and small restaurants scattered about. Each have their bikes racks with a few bikes chained to them. I later find out that during lunch hour those same racks are clogged full of bikes as residences and people from the surrounding businesses flock to them for lunch.
I see some interesting things as I hike to the other end of the festival, like a roller derby team skating up and down the street. I also saw a guy towing a girl in a canoe passing out flyers of some sort. I also ran across a group of friends that set up a table and chairs under a shade tree on the street preparing to have lunch. The first thing I thought of were the Coles. It looked so nice and inviting to see
Finally, I see Bike Texas and their booth! By then Mark and his family had already gotten bikes and were out riding around. I later find out that they parked right around the corner to their booth skipping the hike up here. Anyways, I get fitted for a helmet and a bike. Soon I was off and riding to explore to festival as it progresses throughout the day. Meeting up with Mark we make another trip up down 6th street making our way to Congress Avenue. Mark stopped at all the transportation booths while I look for more interesting things to photograph.
I ran across a fellow that was promoting electric bikes on what appeared to be cruiser style frames. It was interesting, battery is simple to take off and charge in 3 hours. You can either buy the bikes or join a club and have use of the bikes on certain days of the week for all day. I've ridden an electric bike before and they are fun to zip around in.
One thing that I liked about the the neighborhood section of the festival is that it seems to be more alive. You have Zumba classes going on, hot salsa dancing with some great looking women and the small outdoor eateries to sit out in the shade and have lunch. It was a very enjoyable atmosphere and the weather was hot and sunny. I saw a lot of families out on the road riding, eating and enjoying the day together.
With this being the first ever Viva Streets Festival, I thought it came of pretty good. Once people become familiar with the event, they'll come out even more as well as more scheduled activities. I look forward to coming back next year. Viva Streets!
Enjoy the slideshow!


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Dodecahedron Stud Earrings - 9k Yellow Gold
These little solid 19k yellow gold dodecahedron stud earrings have 12 faces, each face is a pentagon. Within sacred geometry the dodecahedron is attributed to the spirit, as it's facets and symmetries compel our eyes and hearts.
Material: 9k yellow gold
Size of dodecahedron: 5mm x 5mm
The earrings are presented in Myia's branded box, ready for gifting.


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Business is a battle fought on the frontlines by your sales channel, with the success of your company, the security of your investments and livelihoods of your staff, at stake. The right tools and products are only a small part of achieving victory. A much more important component to success is strategy. Your sales training programs must be at the core of your strategy, working to win the hearts and minds of those in your sales channel as well as the consumer.
Winning the Sales Channel
The first battle you will need to win is convincing your extended sales channel to emphasize, promote and sell your products over those of other companies. You must use the power of persuasion to show salespeople that a symbiotic relationship between your interests and theirs will reap returns for both of you. To accomplish this mission, you must focus on three crucial areas.
- Mind share: Most of the members of your sales channel are not your employees; they work for distributors that carry not just your products, but similar offerings from your competitors. The key battle in winning your sales channel is conquering mind share. This means making your product top of mind when members think about a product category or are asked for a recommendation. Sales training programs accomplish this objective through a comprehensive set of training materials that teach learners what they need to know about your product. The broad base of knowledge about your product and its features generates a level of comfort that builds mind share when those learners interact with potential buyers.
- Providing incentives: Product knowledge training is beneficial to users in its own right, but you'll never win over your sales channel without incentives. Studies show that users are 44 percent more productive when offered incentives for their work, and companies report a nearly 80 percent success rate for new programs when they provide incentives. There are two types of incentives that are most influential for learners. First are tangible rewards, like bonuses or gift cards, which users earn as they progress through sales training programs. However, if you only focus on these rewards, users become saturated or satisfied to the point of unresponsiveness. A second set of rewards, ongoing certification or recognition, presents the best strategy for long-term incentivizing. The content drives users to stay up to date with the latest information about your products, lest they lose their certification or title.
- Profits from products: Your sales channel wants to sell great new products to clients and customers; differentiating themselves from their competitors in the distribution space. Training your sales channel before product launch, so they can begin selling right off the bat, will increase your profits and strongly position those products in the minds of your distributors before the competitive product shows up.
Winning the Consumer
Whether you are trying to win over the consumer through your own direct sales or you are using your sales channel as a proxy, sales training programs offer strategic advantages that make winning the competitive edge much easier.
- Product differentiation: Your investment in creating mind share yields a return when users of your sales training programs spotlight your products in a sea of competition. Armed with product knowledge training, users confidently discuss why your product features are superior to others and guide consumers to purchase from your company.
- Communication: The failure to communicate product features and support details to your sales channel creates the potential for disaster when consumers make a purchase. Poor product knowledge training leaves members of your sales channel to fill in gaps in their understanding on their own. Through sales training programs, you avoid the most common instances of miscommunication and eliminate headaches for your sales channel and consumers.
- Enthusiasm: Enthusiasm is the greatest tool in the power of persuasion. When consumers see members of your sales channel genuinely excited to talk about and sell your products, they become excited as well. Creating an emotional response in the consumer helps pave the way for closing the sale better than almost any other sales technique. Confidence and comfort encourage enthusiasm, and your sales training programs equip users with the information they need to build excitement.
You cannot win alone; you need the support of your sales channel to help you navigate and emerge as the dominant player. To advance your business success; supply your sales channel with the right tools, paint a picture of your strategy for members, and win them over with the power of persuasion.


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Jayson Ahern
Jay Ahern is a Principal and Head of Security Services at The Chertoff Group. In this role, he advises clients on a broad range of issues including homeland and border security management, global commerce and supply chain security, critical infrastructure protection, risk management, and strategic planning and implementation.
As a 33-year law enforcement professional and the former acting head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Department of Homeland Security, Ahern was responsible for securing, managing and controlling our nation's borders. With service in both domestic and foreign locations, Ahern directed the agency's 58,000 employee workforce to keep terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country, while also carrying out CBP's other border-related responsibilities.
At The Chertoff Group, Ahern understands the dangers that face America and American businesses that operate around the world. He counsels global clients on how to effectively manage risk while incorporating a proper mix of people, process, and technology to achieve their security goals. Through an intelligence-driven approach, he advises clients on how to secure their most critical assets, train and exercise employees to respond to emergency incidents, create sound frameworks to optimize security operations, and enable security to better serve the enterprise.


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Know more about this business than we do? Cool! Please submit any corrections or missing details you may have.Help us make it right
Spas & salons
Be the first AL.com user to add photos or videos of Nails First
Since 2008 the company has been providing Manicurist, Pedicurist.
Nails First is located at 1241 Point Mallard Pkwy SE Ste 411, Decatur, AL. This business specializes in Nail Care.


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Home > NRC Library > Basic References > Glossary > Drywell
The containment structure enclosing the vessel and recirculation system of a boiling-water reactor. The drywell provides both a pressure suppression system and a fission product barrier under accident conditions. For related information, see Boiling-Water Reactors.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Monday, June 29, 2020


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In a recent decision of the High Court, Justice Miller considered the difficult question of when an electricity retailer will be liable to a domestic consumer for losses caused by power supply issues such as voltage surges, brownouts or outages. In this update we briefly review the decision of the Court and consider its implications.
Most participants in the New Zealand electricity system are members of the Electricity and Gas Complaints Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme provides for an Electricity and Gas Complaints Commissioner (Commissioner), whose work includes facilitating the resolution of complaints about services provided to consumers. The Commissioner, whose decisions are binding on the participant, must determine complaints (up to a limit of $20,000) by deciding what is fair and reasonable after observing and applying any applicable law, including the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Since 2003, the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) has applied both to electricity retailers and electricity lines companies, despite many lines companies having no contractual relationship with consumers. Among other things, retailers must ensure that electricity supplied is of 'acceptable quality' as assessed by a reasonable consumer having regard to a range of specified factors. In addition, lines companies are required to use reasonable care and skill to transport electricity to consumers (line function services). Failure by retailers and/or lines companies to comply with these guarantees can give domestic consumers the right to claim compensation for resulting damage or loss (including consquential loss).
Until now, it has not been at all clear how the CGA applies in practice to the sale or delivery of an intangible good like electricity. Contact Energy & ors v EGCC gives some guidance.
In this case, all the major retailers (with the Commissioner as defendant) asked the High Court for a declaration as to how the Commissioner should deal with complaints against retailers under the CGA in relation to some specific complaints. The Court was asked to consider if, and to what extent, retailers should be liable under the guarantee of acceptable quality for any quality issues caused as a result of problems in the distribution system in circumstances where the Commissioner is unable to find the lines company at fault.
What Did The Commissioner Argue?
The Commissioner accepted that damage might occur to a customer as a result of an electricity quality problem where the lines company is not at fault because it has used reasonable care and skill in the management of its lines. However, in such cases, the Commissioner argued that the retailer could nevertheless be liable to the customer under the guarantee of acceptable quality.
All quality problems attributable to faults 'internal' to the distribution system (ie faulty insulators) would put the retailer in breach of its guarantee, whether or not any fault could reasonably have been detected or prevented. Only events 'external' to the system such as force majeure events (ie environmental hazards), third party damage, limited momentary voltage fluctuations, notified planned outages and emergency shutdowns would excuse a retailer from liability.
What Did The Retailers Argue?
The retailers starting position was that retailers should not be liable at all under the CGA for distribution faults. Distribution was the responsibility of lines companies and covered by a separate and less onerous 'reasonable care and skill' guarantee. The retailers argued that Parliament cannot have intended to impose fault based liability on lines businesses for distribution faults while imposing strict liability for the same faults on retailers (who cannot manage the relevant risk or pass the resulting costs back to lines companies because of an imbalance of bargaining power).
In the alternative, the retailers argued that, even if a distribution fault could give rise to a breach of the 'acceptable quality' guarantee, a reasonable consumer would be aware of the risks inherent in electricity and expect reasonable steps to be taken to avoid those risks. A retailer should not be liable if it could show that these reasonable steps were in fact taken.
Finally, the retailers made a number of arguments that any liability should be reduced or not arise because retailers communicated the risks inherent in electricity supply and the need for uninterruptible power supplies and/or surge protectors. Consumers who did not use these protections caused or contributed to the relevant losses.
What Did The Court Hold?
The Court first looked closely at the history of the 2003 amendments to the CGA and the policy behind those amendments. Based on this review, the Court concluded that Parliament intended that retailers could be liable for breach of the acceptable quality guarantee arising from distribution faults, even where lines companies themselves were not liable. Among other things, the Court observed that consumer faults are almost always attributable to events in the distribution network. It was noted that the retailers' argument suffered from the disadvantage that, if the retailers were correct, 'having gone to the trouble of imposing an implicit guarantee on electricity retailers, the legislature must be taken to have emptied it of content, leaving retailers liable only for ancillary services, such as billing and metering'.
In what is the key finding of the case, the Court then considered the content of the retailers' guarantee of acceptable quality. His Honour disagreed with the approach taken by both the Commissioner and the retailers saying that 'both parties focus[ed] too much, on responsibility for faults and too little on the quality of electricity supply actually experienced by consumers'. The Court went on to disagree with the Commissioner that a reasonable consumer would expect no faults or outages in the distribution system other than those considered to be 'external' in nature, finding that the Commissioner attached 'insufficient weight to the consumer's presumed knowledge of the 'internal' characteristics of supply, and the price that would have to be paid if 'internal faults' were to be eliminated'.
- The Court concluded that breach of the acceptable quality guarantee will be a question of fact and degree. His Honour listed the following non-exhaustive factors that the reasonable consumer must be taken to consider in assessing what is acceptable quality in the context of electricity supply:
- The purposes to which electricity is commonly put; these include operation of personal computers and other commonplace electronic equipment.
- The nature and extent of any risk posed by a given fault.
- The extent, duration and frequency of any departure from voltage or frequency standards, and the frequency and duration of outages, both planned and unplanned.
- The nature of the distribution system to which the consumer's premises are connected and the quality standards set by the Commerce Commission.
- The cause of the given fault (which is relevant but not determinative).
- The price of the services and the price the consumer would have to pay to eliminate faults of the sort that caused the loss.
- Anything said by the supplier that would make the quality of the goods more or less acceptable. His Honour agreed with the retailers that acceptability could be affected by the consumer's knowledge that surge protection may protect against risks that the retailer cannot control.
Having dealt with acceptable quality, the Court proceeded to deal with the other arguments advanced by the retailers. Arguments around 'defects' in the supply of electricity being pointed out to consumers were effectively rejected on the basis that the warnings in the relevant terms of trade considered by the Court were too general in nature to excuse the retailer from liability. The Court left open the question as to whether, in the particular circumstances, a failure by a consumer to use a surge protector could reduce the damages payable by a retailer. The onus would be on the retailer to show that the failure to use a surge protector was another contributing cause of the relevant loss.
Having rejected the approach taken by both parties, the Court invited the parties to submit revised draft declarations, if they wished to do so, for consideration by the Court. In relation to the specific Commission decisions placed before the Court, these were referred back to the Commissioner for further consideration in light of the decision.
Implications Of Decision
We suspect that electricity retailers will have mixed feelings regarding the decision. On the one-hand, the strict approach to liability favoured by the Commissioner has been rejected in favour of a more fact-specific analysis which arguably has greater regard to the probabilistic nature of failure in the electricity system. On the other hand, the prospect of liability for defects in the distribution network beyond the control of the retailer will still be regarded as unsatisfactory.
Similarly, from the consumer's point of view, the case leaves open the prospect of a consumer obtaining compensation from a retailer, even where reasonable steps have been taken to avoid the quality problem, but to some degree shifts the goal posts in favour of the retailer.
It will be interesting to see whether the decision results in retailers reviewing the information they provide consumers regarding the fragilities of the electricity system and the benefits of uninterruptible power supplies and surge protectors. In this regard, it seems to us that retailers tread a fine line between, on the one hand enhancing their position in any consumer dispute and, on the other, being seen to undermine confidence in the electricity system as a whole.
The next step for the parties to this litigation remains to be seen. As always, we will keep you posted.
Phillips Fox has changed its name to DLA Phillips Fox because the firm entered into an exclusive alliance with DLA Piper, one of the largest legal services organisations in the world. We will retain our offices in every major commercial centre in Australia and New Zealand, with no operational change to your relationship with the firm. DLA Phillips Fox can now take your business one step further − by connecting you to a global network of legal experience, talent and knowledge.
This publication is intended as a first point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this publication.


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A Snowy Winter Path
- Discontinued
- Published By: eXtasy Books
- Author: Jackie Nacht
- Page: 94
- Word Count: 21225
- Publication Date: December 31, 2012
- Heat Level:
- Available Formats: Adobe Acrobat, Epub, Mobipocket, Mobipocket (.mobi)
- Categories: GLBTQIA, , Sweet Romance,
When Gray snowboards his way to the fork in the road, who will you choose for his happily ever after? An interactive ending.
Eighteen year old Grayson has been training hard to make it onto the Snowboard cross circuit until he hits a major growth spurt and his riding goes south. When he finds out he has an opportunity to get professional training and all is not lost, he realizes he has some tough decisions to make if he wants to make a go of being a professional snowboarder. He finds support from his best friend, Brody, and also from a most unexpected place—his brother's training partner, Parker. While each of them help Grayson along the way, he also realizes both may be more interested in him being more than just friends. And now with his growing feelings, he needs to make a choice between the two. Who will be Grayson's choose? An interactive ending where readers will get to choose the happily ever after.


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© Tina Rupp
Buddakan • Philadelphia Buddakan makes its version of the sidecar with apricot brandy in place of the traditional Cognac and then adds sake for an Asian twist. Plus: Ultimate Cocktail Guide
How to Make It
Moisten the outer rim of a martini glass with the lemon wedge and coat with sugar. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the dried apricot and shake well. Strain into the martini glass and garnish with the apricot.


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How To Send Us a Digital Scan
- Once logged in to your CEREC Connect account, select "MY CEREC CONNECT"
- Search for Drake Dental Laboratories in the Company Name box, check the box for Drake, and click ADD
- Now when you send a case, you will be able to select Drake from your list
- Files are submitted to iTero where models are made and sent to Drake for final restoration fabrication.
- You can select Drake as your lab with your scanner by selecting "FIND A LABORATORY" or by going to www.itero.com
- You can select us as your lab with your scanner by selecting "Carestream Connect" and searching for Drake Dental Laboratories or firstname.lastname@example.com.
- The .stl file scans can be sent to us this way once we are selected as your lab
- Visit us.3shapecommunicate.com
- Search for Drake at firstname.lastname@example.com once logged in to your account, and "connect" to us as a lab.
- You will now be able to select Drake when sending future files
- Drake can be added when your scanner is installed by your sales rep or after by calling 800.634.2249.
Select Option 3, then Option 1. Request that Drake Dental Laboratories be added to your scanner.
- On your scanner, select "Find a lab" and search for Drake Dental Laboratories, and select "Add".
- You will now be able to select Drake when sending files.
- Visit https://www.meditlink.com/ login and click on 'don't have an account? sign up'.
- Click on 'administrator' under whichever category fits your business.
- Fill in your information, and check your email for the verification email / instructions to download the software.
- Once completed, click 'Add New Partner' and search for 'Drake Laboratories' to begin sending cases to our lab.
The frameworks fit great! We haven't had any issues seating them. Our other lab took over a month to get them back to us, so we are very happy with your lab time.Dr. Willis
Just wanted to show you the finished case. Very smooth running case. Patient loved his smile. He brought me pictures of Brad Pitt as an example of the teeth he wanted! Brad would have been proud. Great job!Dr. Britton
Thanks for the help and great job on CuSil Elite Partial. Great job on Estheti-Flex. Patient loved esthetics and fit.Dr. Bittler
We Appreciate You Taking The Time to Check Us Out.
Give us the opportunity to help with your cases, and you'll see why we are the only dental lab many dentists will use.


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Editor's Note: Farmers market, produce stands and locally-grown produce available in the grocery store gives us great possibilities in the kitchen. It also offers a chance for creativity because many of the same vegetables are available throughout the summer and we might get tired of eating them the same way.
I asked Beth Lytle, one of my favorite fresh food enthusiasts, to take the challenge. She was asked to provide ways to feed a family – breakfast lunch and dinner – with ingredients acquired from the farmers market, produce stands or her farmers co-op box that is provided by Beth's Little Market in Lindale.
Beth is a native of Hawkins. She teaches yoga at many locations throughout East Texas and lives with her husband, Brian, three boys and two dogs in Flint. She also loves to write, paint and enjoys music and travel.
After packing on around ten "happy pounds" over the past couple years, I recently decided that something needed to change. And I didn't mean a diet. I wanted change. Real, lasting, sustainable, hopefully even pleasant CHANGE. Much to my delight, the local farmers markets opened their doors just as I made this determination; and, as it turns out, they have played a key role in making these changes not just doable, but easy and fun.
Every week, my family and I look forward to unpacking the homegrown, freshly-picked treasures of our CSA from Beth's Little Farm Market in Lindale. We've visited the fabulous Rose City Farmer's Market several times. And even with all that, once or twice a week, I still find myself dropping by the Buckley Farms produce stand at the four-way stop in Flint, just minutes from our home.
With a couple new, kitchen tools I requested for Mother's Day — a vegetable Spiralizer and a Ninja blender — we have been eating delicious, nutritious meals and snacks every day for the last six weeks. And, to top it off, I've lost five pounds.
When food is good – in the sense of being grown with care, healthful, whole and close to the source of life – you can taste and feel the difference. It becomes easier to make smart eating choices.
There is joy in sampling the abundant variety of fresh produce, local dairy, homemade baked goods. There is creativity and curiosity and satisfaction that comes from trying new ways to prepare these vibrant foods. Eating becomes a source of self-nurturing rather than impulse, addiction or guilt. Good food is good for the body and good for the soul.
Whether it's breakfast of pure yogurt and homemade granola from Waldo Way Dairy, topped with strawberries from the back of a truck in the Juls parking lot... a lunch of corn salad with fresh grown tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and cilantro... a smoothie made from cold watermelon, blueberries and kale for an afternoon snack... or zucchini noodles with spicy garlic marinara sauce from scratch for dinner... our local East Texas farmers can help change the way you feed yourself and your family.
Summer Corn Salad
1 ear fresh corn
1 cucumber
1 med-large tomato
1 small, sweet onion
Cut the corn from the cob. Peel and dice cucumber. Dice tomato and onion. Chop cilantro. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt. Optional: sprinkle with vinegar or Italian dressing. Serves 2.( Ingredients from Beth's Little Farm Market, Lindale, and Buckley Farms produce stand, Flint.)
Zoodles & Sauce
3 cloves garlic cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 large tomatoes
1 sweet onion
handful of fresh basil
cracked pepper
coarse salt
2 medium zucchini
olive oil spray
Heat olive oil in large saucepan. Chop fresh garlic, to taste, and saute in oil. Dice tomatoes and onion, chop basil and add all to saucepan. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer while preparing zucchini. Stir occasionally. Peel zucchini and "spiral" with a Spiralizing tool to make noodles. Spray skillet with oil and heat zucchini noodles till tender, turning occasionally. Salt lightly. Top noodles with sauce, sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese. Serve immediately. Serves 2. Spiralizer available at Bed, Bath & Beyond. (Ingredients from Beth's Little Farm Market, Lindale, and Buckley Farms produce stand, Flint.)
Kale Smoothie
Equal parts Cold watermelon, blueberries and kale
Blend thoroughly. I like to use the Ninja blender because it does a better job than a regular blender at liquefying all of the ingredients. Adjust the ingredient amounts to your taste. This combination makes a delicious, power juice, chock full of vitamins and antioxidants. (Ingredients from Rose City Farmers Market, Tyler, and Buckley Farms produce stand, Flint.)
Cutline for Yogurt Photo:
Waldo Way Dairy Products
Need a quick and delicious breakfast, or even a satisfying dessert? Try the divine "cream and sugar" yogurt from Waldo Way Dairy, topped with their homemade cinnamon granola and fresh, local strawberries. (Ingredients from Rose City Farmers Market, Tyler.)