text:
School playing fields: 31 sales approved
A total of 31 plans to sell off school playing fields in England have been approved by the coalition government since it came to power.
The figures were confirmed by the Department for Education after it apologised for giving out inaccurate information earlier this month - when the number was put at 21.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the true number was 30.
But officials now say there was one more, in Cornwall.
The government has been under pressure on the issue of playing fields since the Olympics, as sportspeople, politicians and others have been talking of the need to secure the legacy of the 2012 games by making sure there are facilities and opportunities to create the next generation of sporting heroes.
Last week a list was released of applications and the decisions taken, with officials saying in most cases, playing fields were being sold after schools had closed or been amalgamated with others.
On Friday 17 August, officials apologised for saying the total approved since May 2010 was 21, when it should have included nine more where applications had been made before the coalition came to power but approved afterwards.
The words "Olympic" and "legacy" hang from the lips of all those politicians who haven't yet, in mid-August, found a beach to head off to on holiday.
The London Olympic slogan "inspire a generation" is nothing if not weighty and the burden of how it is achieved inevitably poses questions for ministers.
So it is the Olympic context that makes this row over school playing fields in England a little embarrassing for the government.
The prime minister went on TV to defend the coalition's record on playing fields.
But, to make his case, he fielded statistics we now know to be duff.
That, we were told, was because of an administrative error by civil servants.
Attention has also been drawn to five cases where playing fields were sold off against the will of an independent panel that advises on closures.
Of course, panels advise. Ministers decide.
But the Department for Education's reading, writing and arithmetic when it came to that definitive number of playing field sell offs means the whole issue still rumbles on.
Later, it said there was a 31st case - at Newquay Tretherras Academy in Cornwall - which had not needed to go through a panel which advises ministers on whether to approve sales of playing fields because the school owned the freehold of the land.
There is a local campaign against the sale of land from the school to Tesco. Local businessman David Nickels, told BBC News: "Once the land is concreted, it's gone forever.
"I have three daughters at the school and they have been asked to come up with ideas of how to spend the money from the sale of school facilities.
"However, there has been no consultation with the public and even MPs and the local council are against it. We are feeling very disheartened."
The school governors say the funds raised by the sale will help to rebuild the school and make it fit for the 21st century - and that there will be a full consultation in the autumn. It became an academy in April 2011.
OverruledThe Telegraph said ministers had overruled advisers on the playing fields panel five times in the past 15 months and approved sales.
The government has confirmed the schools were Woodhouse Middle School in Staffordshire, Clarborough Primary School in Nottinghamshire, Elliott School in Wandsworth, London, Ingleton Middle School in North Yorkshire and Netley Primary School in Camden, London.
Staffordshire County Council says the land sold at Woodhouse Middle School was on a slope, was not used for school sport and that the school still has big playing fields.
The land is being sold to the town council and will be used as a cemetery, officials say.
Another of the cases involves Ingleton Middle School and North Yorkshire County Council says that school has closed.
There is a campaign to stop the selling of land at Elliott School in Wandsworth to pay for renovations which were originally planned under the cancelled Building Schools for the Future scheme.
Campaigners say six tennis courts, a football pitch and the main playground will go in a deal with housing developers.
Wandsworth Council says it will cost up to £30 million to bring the school up to an acceptable standard and that the school's sports facilities will be enhanced under the plans.
In the case of Netley in Camden, the government said it approved the application after the leader of the council made an appeal for it to do so. Proceeds from the sale would be used to improve the school's facilities and develop a nearby unit for vulnerable children.
"Start Quote
End Quote Shadow education secretary Stephen TwiggMichael Gove must now come clean and explain what appears to be a secret programme to sell off school playing fields"
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "Decisions to dispose of playing fields are hard. In each and every case we have one question in mind - what is best for pupils' education and their wider school life? That is all that matters.
"Sometimes that means making decisions that some will disagree with but we stand by those decisions."
Labour claims an estimated 10,000 playing fields were disposed of between 1979 and 1997 when the Conservatives were in power, but according to the BBC's More or Less programme, "no one really knows the true figure because nobody counted".
Programme presenter Tim Harford says until five years ago, the estimate was that 5,000 playing fields had been sold in that time. He added that 3,000 schools had closed between 1979 and 1997 so some playing fields would have been sold because of that.
Some 213 playing fields were approved for sale between 1999 and April 2010 under Labour, DfE figures show.
'Come clean'Shadow education secretary Stephen Twigg said Mr Gove appeared to have "failed to disclose at least another 10 school playing field sell-offs" which was "misleading and incompetent at the very least".
"Michael Gove must now come clean and explain what appears to be a secret programme to sell off school playing fields," he added.
He has written to the most senior civil servant in the DfE, Chris Wormald, asking him to "release all submissions and correspondence regarding these disposals".
Earlier this week, critics warned that new rules on outdoor space for pupils in England to do PE would make it easier for secondary schools to sell playing fields.
Schools previously had to provide pitches ranging from 5,000 sq m to 54,000 sq m, depending on the number of pupils, but must now provide only "suitable outdoor space".
The DfE said its "extremely strict rules" on playing fields were still in place.
Officials said sales had only been approved "if the school has closed, has merged or if equal or better facilities are being put in their place".
Schools where approval has been grantedfor applications made after May 2010 - details as released by the government on 8 August 2012
School | Local authority |
Beaver Green School |
Kent |
Heywood School |
Rochdale |
High View School |
Plymouth |
Estover Primary School |
Plymouth |
Estover Comm College |
Plymouth |
Woodhouse School |
Staffordshire |
Saltersgill Special School |
Stockton-on-Tees |
Dingleside School |
Worcestershire |
The Winchcombe School |
West Berkshire |
Kingsbury School |
Brent |
Lord Lawson of Beamish School |
Gateshead |
Dunningford School |
Havering |
Clarborough School |
Nottinghamshire |
Highfield School |
Tyneside |
Low Bentham School |
North Yorkshire |
Langcliffe School |
North Yorkshire |
Pear Tree School |
Staffordshire |
Nursery Fields School |
Staffordshire |
Ingleton Middle School |
North Yorkshire |
St Peter's School, LA. |
Hampshire |
Gorsthills School |
Cheshire West and Chester |
Michael Drayton School in Hampshire is still under consideration.


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Results 56 to 60 of 78
May 10th, 2013 04:03 PM #56
I find this thread confusing. Honestly, where are these people naming their children names for no other reason than to sound educated, or better educated than they actually are? I've never met someone with a literary name who didn't have a lovely story passed down from their parents as to why they chose that name. It sounds to me like a person assuming the parents of an Atticus are pretentious are snobs themselves. "Oh, a book you read in middle school? Color me impressed. Why didn't you pick a more obscure/common name/book/character? Then you'd impress me." The usual snobby, hipster silliness.
Obviously if they name their child a name from a piece of literature they've either never read or didn't love to pieces for no other reason than to sound important it's pretentious. Obviously! But I've never met anyone who did this.
While I'm slightly bothered (more for my future children's sake) that people are going to read or hear my children's names and think, "What a pretentious woman," the bigger part of me doesn't give a hoot. Someone hearing or reading my children's names has no idea why I chose the name. I know, and my children will know.
It's no different than the snobbery for any other name. "Another Sophia? Yawn." What I hear? Another judgmental snob who thinks they could have done a better job. You have no idea why they chose that name. Ask them! Unless you are having a conversation about the name and it comes up that there's no story behind Atticus, you are an utter snob if your first thought is "boring" or "pretentious".
Having an opinion is a lovely thing. But ask yourself where this opinion (especially if it's an opinion of judgement) is coming from. In my experience, they come from insecurities deep within ourselves and those are good things to be open with ourselves about so we can be a better person. We're all a work in progress.Considering...
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May 10th, 2013 04:10 PM #58
May 10th, 2013 04:31 PM #60Senior Member
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I wouldn't use an overt literary name because of that factor! I love books & love a lot of literary names but I feel like for me it would be too cheesy especially because I am known amongst my friends & family as being a "reader"! I think a super subtle nod is better than something like Salinger. But it's a personal choice and if someone named their kid Holden cause it was the book that got them interested in reading I guess that's a nice story behind a name!
May 10th, 2013 04:37 PM #62Senior Member
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As for the pretentious side of it...I do think that 20 years from now the name Atticus might get a little judgement the way a name like Neveah might. Sophia might feel like a bore but it's a lot less loaded in that way.
I think there's something to be said for considering this when picking a name. "Does the name sound down-to-earth?" is as valid a question as "Is the name spelled correctly?" or "Does the name sound 'trashy'?"
May 10th, 2013 08:30 PM #64
For me, it mostly has to do with how well known the name is and how direct the association is.
I don't really think it's pretentious to use any name, but there are definitely names who's only association is one specific famous person. I wouldn't personally want to bear the name of a person like that, famous or infamous, because I feel like the beginning of every relationship would consist of explaining the connection. I want to be myself and not somebody else.
So names like Cher, Plato, Madonna, Socrates, Elvis, Michaelangelo, Galileo, etc. I would not consider usable for that reason.
Then of course there is a huge gray area, how famous or direct does the association have to be before it becomes burdensome to a kid? That's the real argument IMO.
I think Atticus is a bit heavy for our current day, but other than that I think it's a fine name.
Scout is cute, but sounds like a dog's name to me so I wouldn't consider it.
Tennyson is actually kinda cute! Tenny is adorable!
Keats isn't really a pleasant sound to me. I'd probably use Keaton instead.
Auden sounds like odd-one.
Harper isn't a good association for me as it makes me think of harping on something over and over.
Ray is just boring and dated imo.
Bradbury is sorta interesting, but I wouldn't want the word "bury" in my name.
Salinger isn't a pleasant sound to me--"injure"
I have a lot of names I'd consider for a similar reason: Calvin, Wesley, Luther, Piper, Corinthia, TheophilusOlivia/Livia/Livy/Liv : Thessaly/Darah/Bethel : Noelle/Eve
Benedict/Eli: Jude/Zane: Luke/Darius : Levi/Phineas/Calvin

subset: commoncrawl


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Jeff Mangum performs with the Soap Scums at AUX5
Thanks to Sloan Simpson & Mike White for the recording!
Jeff Mangum also has some tour dates coming up (!!):
Aug 12 Toronto, ON Trinity St. Paul's United Church
Aug 13 Toronto, ON Trinity St. Paul's United Church
Sep 09 Cambridge, MA Sanders Theatre at Harvard University
Sep 10 Boston, MA Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory
Sep 30 Asbury Park, NJ ATP America - I'll Be Your Mirror - Paramount Theatre
Oct 03 Asbury Park, NJ ATP
Oct 29 New York, NY Town Hall
Nov 06 Jersey City, NJ Loew's Jersey Theatre


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[Update] Wife[35f] and I[35m] have had an open marriage for 2 years now my wife wants to close it (self.polyamory)
3 ups - 12 downs = 0 votes
First of all I want to clarify some things that people didn't get in my original post. If I didn't go with the open marriage, than she would have done it behind my back. She didn't explicitly say she was going to cheat, but she hinted that "it was bound to happen."
Second part is, I have looked over divorce plenty of times, right now I know where I stand. Wife would be much worse off than I would be. We both have jobs, so she wouldn't get any alimony and if she still tried to sue and somehow won, she could only get a year's worth (we have a prenup).
Third, I want to reinforce again I don't have an emotional relationship with the 19 year old. I recently started looking into getting other women online; I have found another girl (23) that is interested in spending time with me. We have exchanged pictures of each other and we are planning on meeting up soon. I found out going to websites that specialize in affairs there are a good bit of women that actually want to sleep with married men. So hopefully I'll be able to rack my numbers up.
I can't remember everything that was said this is my best recollection there was a lot of crying and yelling throughout the whole time. When we were talking my emotions were very high so I said some things that I probably wouldn't have had I thought about what I said.
The talk
After coming home from work I sat my wife down and talked about the marriage. I told her I have been thinking for a while, and that I think it would be best if we separated for a while and see how that is for us. Instantly I saw my wife's pupils widen, she starts telling me that we don't need to do this, that it would be bad for our relationship.
I told her that I am bitter over the whole open marriage thing to begin with, I told her she made me open it when I didn't want to now wants to close it when I don't want to. She starts profusely apologizing for the past and says she is sorry.
I told her that it wasn't just opening it, I told her that she knew exactly how upset I was when she'd come back home after sleeping with other guys. And all that time I ended up resenting her for it. I told her that when I married her being her first and only made me feel special now that she slept with 11 other guys when we were together, I think of her as a slut.
She starts crying at this point, and says she knows she is a slut but she wants to work things out. I told her that even if we were to repair our marriage I could never love her like I used to. At this point she starts telling me she wish she never opened up the marriage she didn't think it affected our relationship so badly. She starts begging for me to physically hit her that she deserves it. I told her I am not going to hit her at this point she is just shaking. She asks if there is any way we can revive the marriage.
I told her that I can't promise that things are going to go back the way things were. But I want things to be fair. I told her I don't want to rack up her number of 11 partners but I want to sleep around for 2 years just like she did. If she wants to close off the relationship now it's closed on her side, and I'll sleep around until I had the same amount of time she did. I told her if she can't accept that than there is no chance I will get back together with her.
She starts telling me how sick she feels when I am out with the other girl. I told her, I had the same feeling for 2 years and she needs to get over it just like I did. She continues to guilt me telling me how bad she feels. I told her that a part of me enjoys seeing her suffer like I did. She starts telling me that even thought she was with those other guys she still enjoyed having sex with me the most and cared about me the most. I told her that's bull shit and she needs to stop lying. If this truly was the case, she wouldn't have slept around for 2 years, that if it was just for experience than she would have quit a long time ago. I yelled at her to be honest with me and just tell me she liked sleeping with other guys more than me.
I told her that I'll be honest with her when it comes to sex, that I already enjoy sleeping with the 19 year girl more than I do with her. I told her that the "special sex" she (my wife) tries to manipulate me with, me and the other girl do on the regular . I told her that even with a condom her vagina feels better than my wife's. I told her now when I sleep with her(my wife), I think of her vagina as tainted and loose.
Wife starts crying really hard at this point and says she wants to kill herself. She says she hates herself for what she has become. At this point, I go to my room to pack my shit up and leave for the motel. About 5 minutes into my packing my wife comes upstairs and she starts throwing my clothes out of my suitcase. I yell at her and tell her she needs to stop. She ends up tackling me onto our bed and lays there crying her eyes out. She says I can sleep with whoever I want and she'll keep the relationship closed on her part.
I told her if she agrees to this then I don't want to be made to feel guilty at all for going out. She told me she will do her best in that area.
One thing which I have done is I'll be checking our phone records and computer history to see if my wife is contacting any of her old fwb when I am out. If she does this once without telling me she wants to open up the relationship on her end, I am divorcing her on the spot.
I plan on continuing to sleep around. To those people asking why I didn't divorce my wife when she first asked to open up our marriage. It was because at that time I put her on a pedestal. Because she was a virgin, I saw her as 'different' and 'pure.' I almost felt guilty for having her when she never got to be with other guys. That coupled with ever losing her was terrifying thought.
Now the idea of 'purity' and notions I had in my head about my wife are gone. I view her as a person I can have an emotional and physical connection with. We both are compatible living with each other, financially she is frugal, loving caring. So for those reasons even though we went through our shit I still would like to remain married to her. The ideals of 'true love' and 'the only person for me' are long gone now.
As I told my wife I am going to continue to sleep with other girls that's the plan so if you guys have any ideas how that can backfire on me let me know. If your fear is she will cheat on me I could give 0 shits now. If she emotionally got attached to other guys 11 times I'd be much more happy than her sleeping with them. At the point I am now in my life I don't care much either if she sleeps with another guy. I won't be hurt her number will go from 11 to 12 big deal. When we opened up the marriage that may not have technically been cheating but it pierced my heart the same way. I have become numb to that pain now. If she cheats all it does it makes her an untrustworthy person so I'll divorce her.
Tl-dr – I tell wife I'd like to separate. She begs me not to. I tell her that I'll stay with her under the condition I can sleep around just as much as she did. And if she can't accept that than we need to divorce
9 comments submitted at 21:29:54 on Nov 6, 2013 by throwddddddd


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Flamingo Hotel Cozumel
2 StarsCalle 6 Norte 81 Cozumel Quintana Roo 77600
Located in the cultural centre of Cozumel, Flamingo Hotel is few steps away from the beach as well as the dining and shopping attractions of the town square.
Elegantly furnished, the guestrooms are spacious, gracefully appointed and come with all the contemporary amenities to ensure you a pleasant and comfortable stay in Cozumel.
Start your day with a scrumptious Mexican or American breakfast served at the Aqua Restaurant and Bar. The on-site restaurant serves delicious international cuisine for you to feast on. Sip your favourite drink at the cosy bar, which is also an ideal place to relax.
A few minutes walk from the hotel will take you to the Spa Aroma, which offers a variety of spa treatments and massages to make your vacation a healthy and relaxing one. Water sport enthusiasts can also indulge in scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking as well as parasailing at the beach.
Hotel Facilities
- Bar / Lounge
- Restaurant
- Lobby
- Reception
Room Facilities
- Air Conditioning
- Hairdryer
- Cable / Satellite TV
- Telephone
- Ensuite / Private Bathroom
Flamingo Hotel Cozumel Guest Reviews (2)
Really nice service and helpful and available people
Anonymous wrote on August 11, 2008
very friendly staff, nice room and bar! best margaritas in town!!
Brook Bracewell wrote on March 27, 2008
Other Recommended Hotels
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El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel Cozumel | 3 Stars |
Hotel Barracuda Cozumel | 2 Stars |
La Casona Real Hotel Cozumel | 2 Stars |
Vista Del Mar Boutique Hotel Cozumel | 2 Stars |
Hacienda San Miguel Hotel & Suites Cozumel | 2 Stars |
Hotel B Cozumel | 2 Stars |
Find similar hotels as Flamingo Hotel Cozumel in Cozumel
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Flamingo Hotel Cozumel Guest Reviews
4.6 out of 5
Really nice service and helpful and available people Review by: AnonymousDate stayed August 11, 2008 |
4 out of 5
very friendly staff, nice room and bar! best margaritas in town!! Review by: Brook BracewellDate stayed March 27, 2008 |


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Best of Seattle 2007
PEPS Makes Best of Seattle 2007
From the Seattle Magazine December 2007 edition's Best of Seattle 2007 List:
Best "Therapy" for New Parents:
PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support)
Gone are the days when we all knew our neighbors, most moms stayed home and kids frolicked freely from yard to yard. Celebrating its 25th anniversary next year, PEPS knows that new parents need a support system to call upon, so they connect families in various neighborhoods across King County to meet and share experiences and solutions for the brave new world of living with a newborn. They also offer groups for parents of twins and Bringing Baby Home, a workshop that goes way beyond how to put together a crib. It's the most supportive thing around, next to your nursing bra.
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I really want to learn the scientific names of plants, I figure that since I'm in this for the long run I want to start out right! There are lots of websites that have a database where you can find the latin names, but doesn't explain what they *mean.* I figure that if I can learn what the root words mean, it will be much easier to identify and memorize plants in the future. Are there any books that teach this in a very user-friendly way? Some of the websites are pretty intimidating. Thanks!!! |
Follow-Up Postings:
There's not much reason behind the names if you aren't schooled in Latin....and sometimes even if you are. I say just start with the plants in your garden.....then branch out. Linda C |
Julia 123 - Try this link for one book that may help you. You don't have to be an expert in Latin to understand how useful a basic knowledge of the common terms is to any gardener. Also, on-line at the Fine Gardening magazine's website is a pronunciation guide with excellent definitions, both Latin and English plant names. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Latin for gardeners
Wonderful! I will get it from the library to start. :) And I will also start with learning what I have in my own garden! |
Hi Julia, Here's a link to a site that may help you. It doesn't tell you what the combining forms mean, but it does give you pronunciations. Click on any word to actually hear it. But---A LOT of people have different pronunciations, so as long as people can figure out what you're looking for, don't worry about it too much. As the intro at this site says, "...if you can't remember the preferred pronunciation of a plant name, just say a chosen interpretation with conviction." I don't have it, but the book Meldy recomends looks really excellent. Good Luck, |
Here is a link that might be useful: Fine Gardening Pronunciation Guide
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You should be ok as it is a low strength but you have to remember that whilst on antibiotics your immune system is much more susceptible to bacterial infections.
You will have to take extra care of the tattoo and make sure that you are in general good health.
If you have any bouts of dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath or bleeding from the nose, do not get tattooed.
Take Care


text:
Makes 10 servings
- 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill plus sprigs for garnish
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (or more) fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups small pieces smoked trout fillets without skin and bones (about 6 to 7 ounces)
- Assorted crackers and rye, pumpernickel, and black bread slices
- 2 bunches of small radishes, trimmed Inner celery stalks, cut into sticks
Mix mascarpone, green onion, chopped dill, and 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice in small bowl. Add trout and stir gently to blend. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired. Transfer mixture to small serving bowl. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour before serving.
Place bowl with rillettes on platter; surround with crackers, bread slices, radishes, and celery stalks and serve.
An oak-aged white wine with grapefruit notes and toasty flavors, like the Rudd 2005 Sauvignon Blanc (Napa Valley, $35), plays well with the smoked trout and radishes.
*An Italian cream cheese; sold at many supermarkets and at Italian markets.
my notes
recipe featured in
recipe at a glance
type: Quick & Easy, Entertaining
main ingredients: Celery, Marscapone, Seafood, Trout, Radish
cuisine: French
holiday/celebration: Christmas, Christmas Eve, Winter, New Year's Eve


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Patch 4.0.6a hotfixes for Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 {WoW}
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There's actually a trick to cursed bullets (like all heroic shenanigans that seem impossible at first). The trick is that Godfrey has an incredibly set rotation on his abilities.
He will always use his abilities in the following order:
Adds -> AoE -> immediate Cursed Bullets -> 12 seconds -> Cursed Bullets
Knowing the pattern means you can anticipate and shut down Cursed Bullets. I've tanked Godfrey on heroic 4 times now and the only time I failed to interrupt Bullets is when I accidentally dragged my interrupt off the hot bar.
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Originally published Monday, January 7, 2013 at 8:59 PM
Tree battle in Clyde Hill ends; Olerud to pay for view
Former American League batting champ John Olerud may soon have a better view from his Clyde Hill home, but he'll have to pay for it. Olerud's downhill neighbors, Bruce and Linda Baker, have decided not to appeal a city Board of Adjustment order that they cut down two 50-foot-tall trees partially blocking his view of the Seattle skyline.
Seattle Times staff reporter
Former American League batting champ John Olerud may soon have a better view from his Clyde Hill home, but he'll have to pay for it.
Olerud's downhill neighbors, Bruce and Linda Baker, have decided not to appeal a city Board of Adjustment order that they cut down two 50-foot-tall trees partially blocking Olerud's view of the Seattle skyline.
The board's written ruling in favor of John and Kelly Olerud last month was the first time the city has ordered a tree removed under its 1991 "view obstruction and tree removal" ordinance.
The Bakers objected that the law allowed an unconstitutional taking of their property for their neighbors' benefit, but informed the city last week that they won't appeal to the City Council.
"They concluded that while they weren't happy with the order or the ultimate decision, they wanted to make peace with their uphill neighbors while also protecting the interests of the other people with trees in Clyde Hill," the Bakers' lawyer, David Brenner, said Monday.
The Bakers felt the board ruling "struck a good balance" because it requires the Oleruds to pay a hefty price to improve their view.
The Oleruds must choose between two bids — $62,694 and $64,440 — obtained by the Bakers for removal of their rare Chinese pine and more common Colorado spruce, and replacement of them with two shore pines.
If the new trees grow above 25 feet, the Bakers must prune them.
The Board of Adjustment ruled the existing trees unreasonably obstruct the Oleruds' view while providing only a minor benefit to the Bakers in visual screening, wildlife habitat and morning shade.
While some Clyde Hill residents supported the Oleruds, many others said the Bakers shouldn't be forced to cut down 50-year-old trees that were there long before the Oleruds bought their Clyde Hill property in 2006 and subsequently built a new house.
An appraisal commissioned by the Oleruds said removing the trees would increase the value of their $4 million property by $255,000. The trees block 40 percent of what would otherwise be a 30-degree view of Lake Washington, Seattle and the Olympic Mountains, John Olerud told the Board of Adjustment.
Neither family returned phone calls seeking comment Monday.
"They're pleased that it's resolved," said the Oleruds' lawyer, Paul Taylor. Taylor declined to discuss the case in detail, but said he was confident the law would have been upheld had it been challenged in court.
The neighbors' dispute was fraught with references to the Christian faith shared by both couples. At the first of two city hearings, Olerud cited Jesus' admonition to love your neighbor as a reason the Bakers should give the Olerud family the same commanding view they enjoy.
An Olerud supporter at the same hearing told Bruce Baker, a Presbyterian minister and Seattle Pacific University professor, that if he didn't understand the Oleruds' concerns, "boy, I tell you, you'd better find a different line of work, buddy, because you're not very Christian."
After the Board of Adjustment voted in the Oleruds' favor in November, the Bakers' lawyer told the Oleruds' lawyer the parties could avoid an appeal by agreeing to a settlement that would include tree removal and a $25,000 "tithe" of the property-value increase to a charity of the Oleruds' choice.
"The Bakers would like to see a resolution of this dispute which will allow them to live in peace with the Oleruds as neighbors and better model for the watching public what it means to be fellow citizens of the Kingdom of God," Baker attorney Brenner wrote in that settlement proposal, which wasn't accepted by the Oleruds.
Keith Ervin: 206-464-2105 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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How the Natural Burial Company is putting old ideas about death to rest
Each day, people like you have ideas about how to make the world a better place, but don't know how to put them into action. To help you take the first step, we're profiling individuals tackling issues that are important to them, one step at a time.
This week's spotlight: all things death.
Two weeks after she registered the Natural Burial Company name, Cynthia Beal was diagnosed with cancer. Worried that she might be her first and last customer, Cynthia walked in the footsteps of future clients by writing out her wishes to be laid to rest under a cherry tree in a biodegradable coffin.
She never made it to the cherry tree, but she did take another journey.
Through the process of planning for her own death, Cynthia says she reached a deeper understanding of how being in the business of natural burials could help customers and families like hers through the somewhat misunderstood process of being buried in this way.
"I realized my friends and family knew what I'd meant about natural burial, but no one—not they or the professionals—really knew exactly what to do," she says.
Founded in 2004, the Natural Burial Company sells biodegradable and eco-friendly coffins, caskets, and ash burial urns. Constructed mostly from wicker, wood, and recycled newspaper, the coffins are designed to break down quickly in the earth, returning the elements of the body back into the surrounding soil system and the plants and trees that rise above.
As she slowly worked to build her business, Cynthia was challenged by the public's general lack of knowledge about end-of-life options and rights, as well as by dominant end-of-life industry monopolies on distribution.
Many existing cemeteries and funeral homes didn't know how to offer natural services like a vault-free burial with biodegradable coffins. They didn't believe there was any demand for this, either.
Working as a natural and organic grocer for 14 years, Cynthia knew this wasn't the case. She planned to use the same strategies employed by the organic food movement to promote natural end-of-life products and services.
"Because of my natural products experience, I knew customers would want to have this kind of option. But I could also tell that the cemetery was the main bottleneck to going forward—sort of like when we needed more organic food choices but didn't have the farmers to grow them yet."
Giving new life to old cemeteries
Supplying natural coffins was relatively easy, but providing natural graves for her customers was a lot more complicated.
The newly emerging natural burial movement needed more information about sustainable burial practices to get cemeteries on board for this kind of management practice. Cynthia partnered with the soil sciences department at Oregon State University to build the curriculum for a first-of-its kind online course focused on sustainable cemetery management.
By teaching current and future cemetery business operators as well as policy makers, she hopes to change the dominant narrative of cemeteries today.
"Without knowledge, we can't make wise group decisions. Without research, we won't ever know the potential for cemetery pollution, or be able to compare the post-burial costs of buried materials, or transition them to sustainability."
And what would a sustainable cemetery look like exactly?
"Not all of us value highly manicured lawns and sterile, wildlife-free 'zones of vegetation,' and we don't have to do cemeteries that way, either," she says.
So, more like a park with flowering trees and bushes instead of a golf course.
"Cemeteries are the places we go to honor the lives of others we care for, to remember the people who helped build our communities. Cemeteries shouldn't be just uninteresting parking lots for the dead that get abandoned to the taxpayer someday."
On death and dying
Ultimately, Cynthia hopes to change the way we think about the bodies of our dead.
"I think one of the main challenges for us is that we don't really see death in our daily lives the way our grandparents once did. And because we don't encounter it, we don't talk about it," she says.
Changing our somewhat squeamish attitudes about death and dying is also an important step to building safer and more sustainable burial practices.
"When we realize that we're walking around in bodies that were soil before they turned into us—and that we're just borrowing the elements while we're alive, and that we should return them in good condition when we're done with them—we'll have come a long way toward understanding the real cycle of life."
Would you consider a natural burial? Why or why not?


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Who do you think looks best today? (5 photos)
The best street style from London Fashion Week: http://ow.ly/p48HS via @StyleCaster
JONATHAN ADLER: "For President Obama's Oval Office, I added moi signature touch of drama with my Montmartre table and Horse lamps. Throughout my redesign, I used tone-on-tone walls and drapery, and repeated patterns, like the presidential seal on the rug. I tried to invigorate this historic room with a youthful, spirited look while keeping a tone that is distinctly American. The pieces and fabrics I chose lend a fun air to a typically austere and serious environment. This represents a new, sophisticated chapter for the White House."Read MoreLess


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The Pittsburgh Penguins have made a move to shore up their blue-line depth, acquiring Jordan Leopold from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a second round draft pick.
Leopold was originally tagged as an offensive defenceman when he entered the league after recording two point-per-game seasons with the University of Minnesota. He set career highs in goals (9) and points (33) with the Calgary Flames just prior to the NHL lockout, but his offence has dropped off since and he's turned into a defensive player who makes a good outlet pass.
This year with the Panthers Leopold has played tough minutes, leading the defence in quality of competition and settling in near the bottom of the team in quality of teammates. He's also started in his own end far more than the offensive zone (56.5/43.4 split). Despite those numbers, he's managed a very respectable minus-7 rating.
While Leopold is capable of playing against top opponents, he is more suited to a third pairing role, and that is likely where he'll slot in for the Penguins. He'll join a very capable group of puck-movers that includes Sergei Gonchar, Alex Goligoski and Kris Letang. Pensburgh points out that this gives the Penguins eight defencemen and puts them close to the salary cap, and thus they speculate that Martin Skoula might be bound for the waiver wire. I would agree that Skoula's certainly the logical candidate for replacement.
As for the trade itself, Florida gets a late second round pick for a pending free agent, so it's a win for them. The Penguins gave up a fairly significant asset to get a pretty good player in Leopold, but I think the upgrade from Skoula makes this a worthwhile move on their part, especially since Leopold can move up the depth chart if injuries become a problem.


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Showing All "Sarah Silverman" Posts
Oct 12th, 2009 51 Comments
I am completely on board with this. Because on the one hand, I hate world hunger. HATE IT! I know that's not a very popular thing to say around here, where everyone is so pro-world hunger it's…   Read Story »
Sep 30th, 2009 31 Comments
Some Canadian gossip website is spreading the rumor that there is a sex tape featuring Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman. Having sex. With each other. Well, there probably isn't one. Those are…   Read Story »
Jul 17th, 2009 9 Comments
Well that was fast. The nominees for the Best Actress Comedy Series Emmy sitting around a table, just chattin'. Oh hai, Sarah Silverman! Oh hai, Amy Poehler. Oh hai, etc.   Read Story »
Jun 26th, 2009 221 Comments
Dear You Guys,
So for the past 15 months I've gotten to help plan and launch a totally unique new website, working with a team made up entirely of people who were already my friends on an idea so…   Read Story »
Jun 9th, 2009 24 Comments
Last night The Webby's happened. The Webbys are the awards for the best sites on the web that have to run everything they post through a team of lawyers first. And who pay the hefty entry fee to…   Read Story »
Jun 8th, 2009 30 Comments
Tig Notaro, the comedian best known as Sarah Silverman's best friend, put up an interview this weekend just in time for America's love affair with Zach Galfianakis. Zach talks about his new movies…   Read Story »
Jun 1st, 2009 1 Comment
Saturdays With Steve is a new weekly video "show" where Steve Agee (of The Sarah Silverman Program and being awesome) goofs off for hours with friends in front of a webcam and responds to comments in…   Read Story »
Mar 16th, 2009 10 Comments
Sarah Silverman was on Real Time With Bill Maher Friday night, and their funny, revealing conversation has further complicated my already confused Bill-Maher- feelings -- I agree with most or all of…   Read Story »
Mar 4th, 2009 5 Comments
In case you didn't hear, it's true: The Sarah Silverman Program is coming back for sure, thanks to a sudden influx of financial support from Comedy Central's gay-oriented sibling channel, Logo. It's…   Read Story »
Mar 3rd, 2009 Comment
It seems Comedy Central listened to us (haha, jk) and are going ahead with a season 3 after all, at least according to cast member Steve Agee's Twitter last night. Technology!   Read Story »


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STRIKE! DANCE! RISE! in an effort to shake the world into a new consciousness to end violence against women! The One Billion Rising Campaign is ran by the V-day organization to collectively strike in solidarity, joy, rage, recklessness, and happiness upon dancing along our fellow community members. We want the world to see our strength and hear our voices.
We are Calling on All of Our Friends, Colleagues, Neighbors, Students, Community Members to engage in this powerful global movement for social change. V-DAY.org has initiated this ONE BILLION RISING Campaign to raise awareness and ultimately end violence against women across the globe.
At UVM, the Women's Center is going to be working together with folks in our community to organize a Rising on campus on February 14th, 2013 at 12pm in the UVM Davis Center Atrium and Bailey-Howe/Davis Center GREEN. We are asking those that will join us in the global movement to wear red and/or pink and come together to dance and move in whatever way your body is inspired to to show our commitment, our support, and share our resilience and strength.


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Math teacher Adam Moss of Arnold Memorial Elementary has been chosen as one of four elementary school teachers to participate in the 2014-15 Tennessee Educator Fellows program.
The newly formed initiative is offered through the State Collaborative on Reforming Education and brings together 22 teachers from across the state and at all three levels of public education.
The purpose of the fellowship is to promote the voice of educators in the policy-making process. It is believed increased communication between teachers and policy makers will result in student-focused policies.
Moss said he heard about the opportunity through a colleague.
"As a classroom teacher there have been a lot of changes in the last few years, a lot of policies that have an effect not only teachers, but the students. It is impacting their learning," he said. "... [If] at any point ... I am able to help influence or impact this for the better and keep it focused on our kids, then I want to be able to leverage that."
He was one of more than 350 applicants interested in the position. Only 22 were selected to serve. The 22 are comprised of four elementary school teachers, 10 from middle schools and nine from the high school level.
Moss explained his role as an elementary school educator will offer a unique perspective.
"I know a lot of our focus in the most recent years has been to get our kids college and career ready, and those at the secondary level that are so much closer to that level. They have a clear understanding of where they are, but I think sometimes they don't think farther down the line back to elementary," he said. "We are at the starting point. It takes our perspectives and experiences at the lower levels to get them ready to be college and career ready."
According to a press release sent out by SCORE, the selected teachers are associated with various education groups, including the Tennessee Education Association, Professional Educators of Tennessee, Teach Plus and Teach for America.
Educator Fellows Coordinator Cicely Woodard hailed Tennessee teachers as the "fundamental" reason for the state's recognition of being the fastest-improving state for student achievement in 2013.
Added Woodard, "This program will give them insight into the policies that have the greatest impact on them and their students and many opportunities to share a student-focused perspective and represent thousands of classroom teachers across the state."
Moss said he is not going into the fellowship with an agenda. Instead, he would rather hear from his fellow educators to bring their concerns to the table.
All fellows will receive professional development to boost their knowledge of current policies at the beginning of their service. They will also learn about how policies are created. The fellows will be in communication with each other, SCORE, local teachers and policy makers throughout the process.
Moss said he has no problem calling State Rep. Kevin Brooks up to talk about bills as they come up in the Statehouse.
"But I think having that title associated with my name might put a little more weight in maybe inviting other representatives to have a meeting," he said.
Moss explained this is his first time dealing with policy, politics or legislation.
"I have spent the last three summers, however, working in this region as a Common Core (State Standards) trainer to help teachers transition into the new standards," he said. "I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on where we are in the transition, where we have come from and where we are trying to get to."
Participants will engage in "professional learning" geared toward education issues for one year before another class is chosen.


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Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz is publishing a 700 page book/tome; due out sometime next year. That's just like designers eh? 700 effing pages! Only designer's have egos big enough to support a project like this. (Lucky)
Drug dealers in Spainthought it would be a good idea to smuggle cocaine from Colombiato Spainin the form of a fake Manolo Blahnik pump. Yeah, because shipping an excess number of Manolos fromColombia toSpain isn't suspicious? Use your head! (Huff Post Style)
Missoni wants to relive the wild success they experienced with Target except this time with Macy's. See what I mean? Collaboration overload! Two collaborations per designer label per year and no more – leave us wanting more! I mean, how much zig-zag can one person wear? (Fashionista)
Jay-Z's champagne ($300) is featured in Oprah's Favourite Things this year. His book Decoded was featured on last year's. These two have been in cahoots for a good while – it's a brilliant business decision on both their parts. Side note: 3 Oprahs on the cover is 2 Oprahs too many. Is it big ego day today? (People)
Hugh Hefner says Linday Lohan's Playboy spread is "very classy." Sorry Grandpa but that's an oxymoron. (Lifeline Live)
Forget the break-up – what in heaven's name is she wearing? My girl Chelsea looks like she's about to go scuba diving … with a camel toe! How did Jennifer Aniston allow this train wreck to happen? (Celebitchy)
Katie Holmes took out Suri for her daily bribery shopping trip yesterday, this time at American Girl, in some seriously hideous shoes. Does she dress herself like this on purpose? Is it a form of rebellion? Is she grasping at her last semblance of control? Too dramatic? Either way the shoes gots to go! (Popsugar)
Tagged Alber Elbaz, Chelsea Handler, Hugh Hefner, Jay-Z, katie holmes, lanvin, Lindsay Lohan, Macy's, Manolo Blahnik, Missoni, news, oprah, suri cruise, Target


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Vintage Southern Wedding in Tennessee
Imagine my excitement when this gem of a wedding shot by Tara of Dixie Pixel was sent our way. This Southern wedding is just glorious. Photo after photo, we couldn't help but gush over every single one of them. The uber-stylish bride is a girl after my own heart — we're so in love with her veil, wedding gloves, makeup…and of course, her gorgeous red tresses. You must see all the photos in the gallery for more.
From Tara of Dixie Pixel: Klay Kelley & Taylor Payne were married on May 28th in Franklin, Tennessee on a family member's private property. They decided to see each other before the ceremony to begin portraits of the two of them, as well as their wedding party at the Factory in Franklin, which was where their reception was held. Taylor was STUNNING in the veil that she made with the help of her mom! She gifted Klay with her promise ring during the ceremony, which brought forth a lot of emotion from the guests. They incorporated the tandem bike into a lot of their wedding design, such as their wedding testament, programs and custom water bottle labels. They danced the night away at the factory and then left in their vintage car that belonged to a family member. I couldn't help but be romanticized by the Southern flair, as Taylor reminded me of a modern day Scarlett O'Hara with her gloves and stunning headpiece.
Dixie Pixel was sent our way. This Southern wedding is just glorious. Photo after photo, we couldn't help but gush over every single one of them. The uber-stylish bride is a girl after my own heart — we're so in love with her veil, wedding gloves, makeup…and of course, her gorgeous red tresses. You must see View all images in the gallery!
Wedding Vendors (Franklin, TN):
Ceremony and Reception Locations: Building 8 at The Factory / Photographer: Dixie Pixel / Caterer: Chef's Market / Event Planner: Crystal Varenkamp Weddings & Events (email@example.com) / Floral Designer: Terri Wood / Dress Store: Arzelle's Bridal / Dress Designer: Watters and Watters / Cake Designer: My Cake Lady / DJ: DJ Doug Griffin
Wowza! Love that veil!
This is beautiful! I love the doorway looking down the grassy aisle to the chandelier and mantel… so romantic and nostalgic!
OMG CUTEST little bride EVER!! I want to completely steal every ounce of her style. SO adorable. I freaking love that fascinator and she pulls it off gorgeously. Ugh. I am dying of jealousy here. BEAUTIFUL.
oh my word. how gorgeous is that bride!!
What a lovely wedding! The flair is stunning and the photography style is beautiful!
What a gorgeous style! I want to steal her gloves!! I've been looking for a pair like those for ages, any idea of where can I get them?
Oh my! What a stunning bride and a lovely wedding!
Wow. What a beautiful wedding. Love your head-piece! Congratulations.
I am desperately looking for a great pair of bridal flats, and your shoes are exactly what I'm not finding anywhere. If the bride is reading, would you mind sharing where you got them??
I would be very grateful! -
Love the doors opening at the end of the aisle! Beautiful.
I love her shoes!!! Where did she find her shoes?
I second the remarks on the loveliness, as well as the request on the shoes–love them! Any info on where they're from would be terrific!
That's the Watters Austin, right? Gorgeous!
The bride is so beautiful. All of it is amazing!
just coming by to let you know i think your blog is an amazing inspiration and that i had a ball going through your download archives. thank you so very much for sharing your gifts and those of others too!
xoxo -
woop woop! Yay Taylor & Klay!!! Beautiful wedding!!! Wish I could have been there!
I've been viewing this blog for several weeks now…and I've been in awe of every single wedding….
But this one just left me breathless. (and almost speechless).
How utterly beautiful down to the tiniest detail… -
I happened to see Jim & Sue's note on Facebook and followed it here and I AM SO IMPRESSED! This was SO special and being a Tennessee lady myself (though I live in Florida and have for over 30 years), I
found these photos to be absolutely charming and delightful.I just pray the marriage is have as precious as the photos and you will go far. May the Lord bless you in this life that you have begun together!
Sincerely,Pamela Withrow
These pictures are lovely! Not to mention a beautiful couple. I worked with Pat and we still remain friends and needless to say, she is a very proud grandmother!
Many years to happiness to you both! -
Taylor, you made the most beautiful bride and I pray God's richest blessings on you and Klay! I know your mom's special touch made your wedding breath taking!
that cremony is so so cute! i wish we could have outdoor ceremonies in ireland
Thank you for all the nice comments! It really was our perfect day!! My shoes are by Bandolino. Good luck finding cute flats, it can be a challenge!


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With the Boston Red Sox struggling in fourth place last week, the best game in town for fans of hardball was at PPAC, where the three major Democratic candidates met in their first live televised debate.
The candidates might have been expecting Channel 12 moderator Tim White to lead off with a question about the major issue of the day: jobs and the economy. But White threw them a curveball, asking about the state's $75-million loan guaranty for 38 Studios, the ill-fated video-game venture of former Sox hurler Curt Schilling.
"The last time Rhode Island suffered such an epic failure, Governor Bruce Sundlun appointed an independent commission with subpoena power to get to the bottom of what happened in the banking crisis," White said. "Will you pledge to order an independent commission, like Sundlun did, if you become governor?"
Clay Pell is a rookie candidate, but he knew enough to take a rip at that initial offering. "Absolutely," he replied. "38 Studios has been an unmitigated disaster. We have to understand how it happened and make sure it never happens again. But then we have to move forward."
General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo also swung for the fences. "Yes, I will, but first let me say I was one of the first and loudest voices against 38 Studios," she replied. "Now we find ourselves as we often are in Rhode Island — with the taxpayers holding the bag. It's not right. It isn't fair. It's a lost opportunity. Imagine what we could have done if we took that money and invested it in dozens or hundreds of small businesses in Rhode Island."
So the table was set for Providence Mayor Angel Taveras. But he began by saying, "Well, look, Tim, I think we have to be mindful that we have a lawsuit going on with respect to 38 Studios. And we also have, I believe, a grand jury investigation that is going on with respect to 38 Studios." He said, "If we don't get the answers that we deserve, that the taxpayers deserve, I think we should have an independent investigation."
Well, with respect to that lawyerly reply, Taveras did raise some valid points. But with respect to reflecting the cold-blue-burning flame of outrage that the public feels about the 38 Studios fiasco, that wasn't exactly a home run.
"It may not be what people want to hear," Taveras said. "I understand the anger with respect to 38 Studios. I understand how frustrated people are." And, he said, "If we don't get the answers we deserve, we should absolutely go forward."
When it was my turn to ask a question, I noted that the three Democratic candidates spend a lot of time talking about their families, resumés and accomplishments, and they seem to agree on a lot of issues. So I asked them to point to one significant policy difference that would set them apart from their opponents.
Taveras and Raimondo both balked immediately and began detailing their resumés, accomplishments and leadership styles — without citing a single policy difference.
When Raimondo launched into a discussion of the crime victims compensation fund, White said, "Ms. Raimondo, you are giving us sort of a resumé here." Raimondo said, "It's not a resumé — it's directly on point."
White tried again, asking, "What is your policy difference?" Raimondo said, "The question is who can get it done."
OK, hold on. Given the dispute, let's go to the replay, and … it shows my question was not "Who can get it done?" It was: What is "one significant policy difference that sets you apart from your opponents"? So umpire White had that one right; Raimondo whiffed.
Pell was the only one who took a swing at answering the question directly. "Here's a policy difference, mayor" he said, turning to Taveras. "I believe that we should raise the minimum wage for people all across the state immediately. I believe we should raise it to $10.10, and working people should not have to wait any longer."
White jumped in, saying, "Wait a minute, Mr. Pell. They all want to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour" — but they would do so in future years. Pell replied, "Time is money, Tim."
Pell, who's trailing in the polls, tried to go on the offense more than his opponents. For instance, he emphasized that he's "not a politician," and he repeatedly tried to make "elected official" sound like a scathing indictment.
At one point — after Taveras and Raimondo had engaged in a relatively interesting back-and-forth over the state pension overhaul and Providence's pension changes — Pell said, "I think that we just heard two elected officials talking to each other about minutiae and lecturing each other about the minutiae of different pensions in their respective areas of oversight."
Well, I guess one man's minutia is another man's policy debate. Plus, Pell is pouring at least $2 million of his own money into an attempt to become an elected official. And it's not as if Taveras and Raimondo are prototypical "career politicians" clinging to sinecures for decades; they're a pair of 40-somethings first elected four years ago, and the polls show they're two of the state's most popular politicians.
In any case, reviewing the tape of Tuesday's contest shows that none of the candidates performed perfectly, but no one made a major error, either.
Taveras' best moment might have come in his closing statement, when he showed some of the spark he lacked at the outset. "I want to borrow a line from President Clinton, who said there is nothing wrong with Rhode Island that cannot be cured by what's right with Rhode Island," he said. "I look forward to working with you to build a stronger economy, to improve our education and to restore hope in our state."
Pell's best moment might have come when he was asked to grade Governor Chafee's performance in office. "We've got an unemployment rate that is way too high," he said. "I would give him a C for the economy. But on marriage equality, I'd give him an A. And for becoming a Democrat, I'd give him an A-plus."
That was one of the few lines to draw laughs on Tuesday, and to the extent that comparisons to Chafee hurt him, Pell is wise to avoid gubernatorial grade inflation.
Raimondo's best moment might have come when Pell said he's not about to drop out. That matters to Raimondo because, to the extent Pell draws votes that would otherwise go to Taveras, she needs to keep Pell in the race.
Channel 12's Ted Nesi noted that the latest poll had Pell at 11.5 percent (trailing Taveras at 33.4 percent and Raimondo at 29.2 percent). "Some say you will have to drop out of this race," he said. "Can you promise your supporters you will still be in this race on Sept. 9?"
"Oh, absolutely," Pell replied. "I am not an elected official, so I was thrilled to see how many people are already supporting us. And we are going to work very hard over the next three months to share with people our plan."
Looking ahead, the Republican candidates for governor — Barrington software engineer Ken Block and Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung — will debate at 7 p.m. Tuesday at PPAC. If you've seen the negative ads that have already aired in that race, you know a (metaphorical) bench-clearing brawl can't be ruled out. As sports announcer Keith Jackson might say: "Whoa, Nellie! — it ought to be a barn burner."


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"Our family has farmed in this area for four generations. My dad and brother milk about 450 cows, and we farm about 1,000 to 1,200 acres. We grow corn for silage, but because the growing season is short up here, we've always leaned more to livestock than grain," says Willink. "When my brother went to school for animal sciences, I decided to go another route and studied nursery management and landscape contract management at SUNY Cobleskill. I really enjoy watching things grow; it's a big part of who I am."
In 2003, Willink started his business, along with wife and partner, Amanda. "At first I worked during the week on the farm and worked weekends building the landscape company." But it wasn't long before he had to reverse his work schedule and beg his wife to leave her job as a registered nurse.
"Things really took off. Our maintenance crews do a fantastic job of keeping the mowing up, and I couldn't be happier with my construction crews. We're actually booking jobs two months in advance now. It's crazy," he says.
Willink gives his dad a lot of credit. "Dad always bought the best equipment and always keeps everything well-maintained. If you look in our storage barn, practically everything in there is John Deere. That's mostly my dad's influence; he wouldn't buy any other brand. And we've got great friends in Tim Rater and John Griffith over at Z&M Ag and Turf who keep us updated on new equipment and trends in the industry."
Willink Landcaping generates about 40 percent of its revenue with commercial mowing. "I'm really impressed with the John Deere ZTrak. It has a tight turning radius and it's easy to maintain. It helps that we have Z&M nearby to help decrease downtime," he says, adding that it's all about the service. That's the same philosophy he applies to his landscape company.
"We've grown because our guys are prompt and courteous," adds Willink. "Customers see the type of services we perform and know that we will do our best. Whether it's a simple lot-mow or a complete outdoor kitchen installation, we're never done until the customer says 'perfect!'"
The company keeps its mowing routes to within about a 10-mile radius of its shop. However, for maintenance and design/build work, the company has broadened its horizons to include many outlying towns, such as North East, Harborcreek, Wesleyville and Lakewood.
"It's a natural progression in our growth. We'd like to offer mowing in those areas as well, but the costs are prohibitive. Fuel cost, along with maintenance on four trucks, mowers and increased labor cost makes mowing a very local business in today's landscaping market."
In addition to lawn maintenance, property maintenance and design/build, Willink Landscaping also does a good business with spring and fall cleanup.
"In spring we do a lot of mulching; last spring we handled about 12,000 yards of mulch. About half was resale to the public, but still, we do a lot of mulching. Wintertime in these parts is usually quite snowy, so we also offer snow removal. Last year, the winter was very mild, so we didn't grow the plowing business like we wanted to, but that's the nature of the business. You've got to take what God gives you."
The company employs six people in design/build, and because of their high customer satisfaction guarantee, it's seen that part of the business really take off this year."
Willink is extremely satisfied with his John Deere CT332 skid steer. "It's quite a versatile piece of equipment; it carries a great load and has a high tolerence tipping point. That track machine can move a lot of dirt in a short time. I really like being on our build sites, watching as our crews transform a lifeless area into something teeming with plant life. And the pavers we use can make almost any the grounds of any home look like a million bucks.
"We're doing a lot of fireplaces and barbecues because people want to spend more time outside. We're in a time when outdoor livings spaces are replacing the old wooden decks of the past and increasing the homeowner's quality of life, while at the same time increasing their property value. It's a great time for landscapers," says Willink.
Typically, he will meet with a potential design customer, find out how much of a budget the client has planned for the build, sketch out a preliminary design, then go back to the office to confer with Amanda. If the estimate that they come up with is within range, final plans are made. However, Willink cautions, "Almost always, changes to the original design seem to happen due to a different thought process and brainstorming on behalf of all the crew. It's part of the process, but we always communicate those changes to the customers as they come up."
Willink Landscaping operates from a 10-acre location outside of Clymer, N.Y. "We have a 40-by-40 pole barn for equipment storage, maintenance and the building also houses an office area for our foremen." Overlooking the operations, atop a knoll on the backside of their property is the Willink home and Amanda's office. "We have a separate room for the business functions. My wife runs the office, taking some calls, scheduling, payroll, taxes, things like that. I couldn't do it without her.
The company suffered a real setback this past year. "We lost three key employees to injury. Not on-the-job injuries, but nonetheless, losing the type of talent we had last year was tough on the business. We're back up to standard now, although, we've got some young guys who are new to the business, so I spend a lot more time checking on sites and that sort-of-thing than I had to last year. It all revolves around that complete customer satisfaction promise that's essential to our growth."
Just as his dad and forefathers built the family farm business, Willink is expecting to leave his mark on the area as well.
"My son, Porter, who is 5, almost 6 now, and daughter, Ava, who is 3, will reap the seeds that we will grow. If I can follow in my dad's footsteps, I'll have been a part of something special and have given my children a heritage that they, too, can be proud of," says Willink.
Jackie Ingles and her husband, Mike, are freelance writers who live and work in Columbus, Ohio. Contact them at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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New Living Translation (NLT) | New International Version (NIV) |
19 For I know that as you pray for me and as the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will all turn out for my deliverance. | 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. |
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. (New Living Translation - The Bible Online) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


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Diced veal with mushrooms and cream sauce
This is a classic Swiss dish, reserved for special occasions and honoured visitors, since meat of any kind (and veal especially) is an arm-and-a-leg job in Switzerland. Include some wild mushrooms with the cultivated ones, if available.
Serves 4-6
600g veal, diced + 200g veal kidneys, trimmed and diced
(OR skip the kidneys and use 800g veal)
flour, salt and pepper
50g butter + 1 tbsp oil
1 onion or shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, mashed
200g mushrooms, sliced (include some wild mushrooms if available)
juice of ½ a lemon
100ml/½ a cup dry white wine
about 250ml/1 cup veal or chicken stock (or ½ a cube + 250 ml water)
200ml whipping cream (Schlagrahm)
lots of chopped parsley
- Put a handful of flour, a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper in a plastic bag
- Throw in some veal and kidneys (if using), a handful at a time, shake well to coat with seasoned flour. Tip into a colander and shake off any excess flour
- Heat some of the butter and oil in a heavy frying pan and sear the meat VERY briefly in several batches, turning once. Remove the meat as it is ready and keep warm in a dish in a 80oC (cool) oven (or the warming drawer of a Swiss stove)
- Add a little more butter and oil if necessary to film the bottom of the pan and fry the onion and garlic gently till golden
- Add the mushrooms, lemon juice and thyme, season to taste, cover the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes till the juices run
- Uncover the pan, raise the heat and cook hard to evaporate juices
- Add the wine and cook hard to reduce to almost nothing
- Add the stock and cream and simmeer for 5-10 minutes or until well reduced and tasty
- Put the reserved meat (and kidneys, if using) into the mushroom sauce
- If ready to serve, heat the meat and sauce very briefly just enough to heat through and amalgamate the flavours. Alternatively, for a longer wait, let sauce and meat cool, refigerate them
- Reheat just before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the finished dish and serve with Rösti
- VARIATION: use tender, diced game instead of veal


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Anyone know what the small great tasting nanas for sale in ethinic stores? Better yet where can I get one and will they grow in pots like my other musas? |
Follow-Up Postings:
Unfortunately, there is no accurate answer to your question, as they could be any one of a number of different varieties. You've been fortunate in obtaining good-tasting ones, as it has been my experience that these small bananas purhcased in grocery stores and small markets taste horrible. The reason is that they are picked "green" like commercial varieties to get them to the retail location, but small bananas must ripen completely on the plant to achieve maximum flavor. For example, Ice Cream bananas (which are medium-small), taste best when harvested as they are starting to turn black. Any banana will grow in a pot, if its other needs are being met. I have only read of rare occasions, though, with one or two varieties, that can be brought to fruit. You need a large pot, sunny location, and plenty of water and fertilizer. I would recommend Going Bananas for purchasing high-quality plants. -Bruce C. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Going Bananas
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text: Since 1948 Mabef easels have been manufactured in Italy by skilled craftsmen who have perfected the art of making easels. Each Mabef easel has a simple, functional design that is strong, solid, reliable, and long lasting. That is why all Mabef easels are backed by a lifetime warranty. When the search for the perfect location leads you off the beaten track, this is the easel to take along! It can handle a canvas up to 34" tall. Two sturdy leather straps let this lightweight folding easel travel efficiently on your back like a backpack. Carry it also using the conventional leather handle on the top. Adjust it vertically or horizontally to the size of your canvas. A tin-lined drawer holds supplies in three compartments, and includes a folding palette. This easel is made out of sturdy beechwood with a stain resistant oil finish. Made in Italy with brassy hardware. Some assembly is required. see also ... ™ Mabef is a trademark. |


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| Email | Full Article (TrendHunter.com/id/89030) |
These non-gaming controllers show just how loved video games are. People have become so obsessed that they would convert their entire home into a gamer shrine if they could—starting with the controller coffee tables seen in this cluster.
From clothing to cleaners, there have been a slew of non-gaming controllers created. These are just a few of them.


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Our Little Port Is All Grown Up: Liveblogging The City
Our Little Port Is All Grown Up: Liveblogging The City
Listen y'all, I don't know much about fancy MTV shows like Laguna's Beach or The Big Hill or what have you. Basically I've spent the last 84 hours watching non-stop Friday Night Lights, so I'm sort of in the mindset to watch Tim Riggins and Matt Saricen score a touchdown for the Dillon Panthers. But hell, Whitney Port arriving to The City is this momentous (barf) occasion for NYC'ers who can now watch their third or fourth favorite vapid faux-celebrity walk around in their own time zone, so we'll be liveblogging the premiere of Le City tonight, which is french for The City, which I've already hilariously dubbed The Shitty. Also I'm a little bit tipsy and it's all downhill from here. Let's get this ball rolling!
9:30: Watching the end of In & Out (great film) and talking in a Southern accent while sipping a Black and Tan. Appropriately, just found out that Bristol Palin gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. T-minus 27 minutes to go!
9:45: Seriously, if the end of In & Out doesn't make you cry, you're dead inside. Also, on MTV they are wrapping up Bromance, which looks just as douchy as it promised. It's really skirting the limits of homophobic homoeroticism.
9:58: First cry after first elimination. I'm way more psyched to watch some Bromance now instead of this two hour premiere. Looking at the rest of the season, it's all tears and hugs. If I wanted to watch that shit, I'd turn to Lifetime. Actually, haha, this show looks like the best.
10:00: It begins. My friend David is already giggling. He's still riding the Bromance high. Erin Lucas (sp?), Adam and his girlfriend. There is already crying. Jesus MTV. Olivia is the "uptown" girl, she hates hipsters. Hipsters wears fedoras. David is no longer giggling.
10:04: Whitney Port meets socialite/coworker Olivia Palermo. It's a match made in producer heaven. For the rest of us, it's hell. Best frenemies!
10:07: Wait, Whitney already knows her love interest/muddled accent-haver Jay? How did they meet? Backstory please! He's making her say "Good'aye, Bob's yer uncle" which I'm pretty sure isn't a real Australian phrase. He's a faker!
10:10: Every time there's a commercial for Real World: Brooklyn, David raises a fist bump in solidarity. He thinks they're talking about him. Nope.
10:16: Whitney is sooo busy during fashion week working for Diane von Furstenburger Furstenberg. Holy shit…was Whitney sitting next to Rupert Murdoch during the show? I officially care.
10:19: Whitney's voice is super-grating y'all. How do you get past that? If I was Olivia I would scrunch my faced up confused whenever her shrill voice yelled into my ear during a party too.
10:20: Jay thinks it's bad idea idea for Whitney to hang out with Olivia's socialite friends. Because children of art dealers uptown are almost as bad as the children of Xanax dealers downtown? Or are they the same people? NYC conspiracy.
10:27: Olivia's dinner party. I always thought those socialite parties I wasn't invited to were more fun that I was having sitting at home liveblogging these parties, but the awkward eyerolls that Olivia keeps throwing when Erin and Whitney isn't looking makes me think that I was wrong. Olivia seems to want everyone to know she's "in" on the joke of being on reality TV, but she just comes up as an uber-condescending bitch.
10:30: Jay shows up to meet Whitney at Olivia's party after being afraid of "moving to quickly" and my friend David won't stop giggling, again. "Who does this?!?!" Fin of episode.
10:32: Whitney met some other guys in NYC before the premiere took place. Hasty backstory with this Alex guy. People on this show love weird hats. Alex's roomate/best friend used to date Jay. "She's a model" is a theme for this show, as is the phrase "small world." When in Rome!
10:35: Dave and I are arguing about what kind of people allow themselves to be on this show. I'd say I would go on: it's easy money and opens a lot of doors. Right? Sure you're ridiculous but then maybe you can get your own fake-wedding and spin-off show!
10:37: Jay might be sleazy! He knows other girls, and he may be dating them! That is actually a totally reasonable and normal thing to do, provided those other girls don't also have competing reality shows. But we already know this is being set up as a dramatic arc because that is how scripted reality television works.
10:40: Bad call: Jay, instead of laying down the law and telling Whitney that they are both free to see other people, starts squirming and stalling. Man up, Aussie! Crisis averted…for now.
10:45: Manola Blahnik is signing shoes at Bergdorf Goodman. Olivia uses the setting to talk about all her pairs.
10:49: Alex shows up at the club where Whitney, Erin, and Jay are. Because it's a small world and there are fifteen people in NYC, and they all suck. Jay and Alex have a walk-off, or whatever really really ridiculously good looking and effeminate guys do when they get fake angry at each other. Like "lame pretty gorillas" says David.
10:52: Amazing crossover potential: Brody and his Bromance costars "run into" Whitney and Jay at a club and there is some sort of posing contest where guys have to hold their own against Jay's strong jawline and ostensible masculinity.
10:56: Time to recap the night! That is what couples do the next day (it is sort of what couples do the next day). Jay's wearing a weird hat because that is what he does.
10:58 Kelly Cutrone wants to "catch up" with her former employee. Naturally, it's all about Jay and Alex's fight the previous night. It would be remiss not to mention how highly unlikely this would be in a former employer/employee relationship, but hey, it's what we've come to expect from The Hills crew.
Next week: More of the same! Tune in.
Drew out.
Amazing how MTV can have these shows set in major cities, and have virtually no people of color.
Viva the era of Obama
OMFG I had no idea that everyone in NYC is so beautiful AND rich until I saw this show.
I am quitting my job in Anchorage and moving to NYC right away. Anyone know how I can land a fashion job and get on this show?
Try that new show set in L.A. on MTV about black people and their dumb shoe company. That's diversity.


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The # 1 rated tour in Vancouver on Trip Advisor for over a year! The Tour Guys are a collective of guides - passionate history junkies, pop culture buffs and dynamic storytellers - who have their finger on the pulse of what makes Vancouver tick. As one of the top rated tourist attractions in both …more >
The original Vancouver Food Tour is a culinary adventure company that guides locals and visitors to BC's best dining gems. A passionate team of local food and drink experts entertain guests on the delectable and informative tours. Our evening tour is the best way for travellers to meet new friends …more >
Vancouver Foodie Tours offers food tasting and educational walking tours, introducing food lovers to one-of-a-kind dishes that define Vancouver's culinary scene. Guests indulge in a feast for their eyes, belly and mind, tasting signature dishes at award winning Vancouver gourmet restaurants, food …more >
Vancouver Heritage Foundation is a registered charity that is dedicated to supporting the conservation of the city's heritage buildings through education, public awareness and granting activities. VHF activities are open to everyone with a special emphasis on members of the public with an …more >
Be the hero of a thrilling detective story! Solve a mysterious murder and discover Vancouver while having fun! CRIME IN DOWNTOWN™ is a new amazing scavenger hunt based on a Detective Investigation that will leave you with unforgettable memories! The game is designed for everyone. There are many ways …more >
With Vancouver Photowalks, you'll learn to see the city through a fresh lens – whether it's your DSLR or your point-and-shoot! During the two-hour sessions, you'll learn to use your camera to its full potential with the city of Vancouver as your classroom! Photography instructors double as …more >


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Maryke Gird Cell: 082 470 2950 email@example.com
World Transplant Games 2013: Outstanding Athletes
Six of our members attended the WTG 2013. (Anton Grobler, Johan Kleingeld, Attie Kok, Lourens Schultz, Stephan van den Berg) Many supporters from our region were there as well. Results: Anton Grobler – Lawn Bowls – silver Johan Kleingeld – Badminton singles – Gold. Squash – Gold Philimon Mogotsi – Long jump – Gold Lourens Schultz – Discus – Bronze. Javelin – Silver Stephan van den Berg – Tennis singles – Bronze. Javelin – Bronze
Everyone from our region has expressed their gratitude to all that contributed to the huge success the WTG 2013 were. It was an international event of note and ranks between the best presented and organized international sports events of 2013.
Membership: This region has 15 full members and 12 associate members, giving a total of 27.
News reports: We contributed to creating awareness for the WTG 2013 by placing news reports in our regional newspapers of the athletes that qualified for the WTG 2013, what the WTG 2013 represented and who the participants are made up of. After the WTG 2013 the outstanding results achieved by athletes from our region were again reported in the regional newspapers.
Awareness drives: I've got a very good relationship with SANBS in Klerksdorp. They often invited me to blood clinics where we tried our best to create awareness for organ donation and for SATSA. At Laerskool Unie is a nine year old learner who is awaiting a bone marrow transplant. In conjunction with the Sunflower Fund we organized a Bandana day on 11 October where most of the learners at the school wore bandanas to support little Reba and create awareness for bone marrow transplantation. We sent out letters to all the parents of the school and also got coverage for this event in the local newspapers. On 9 November the annually local Relay for Life (Cancer awareness Walk) took place in Klerksdorp. Esme de Beer of North West Dialysis Centre sponsored a stall at the walk for organ donation. Anton Grobler, his wife, Annelien and I spent the night at the Walk, talking to people about organ donation and giving out pamphlets to everybody present.
Challenges: Our region is spread over a very big area. Communication is difficult and arranging meetings for the members of the region prove to be a near impossible task. We believe that early in 2014 we will be able to establish a formal region and that it will make a big difference in the functioning of our region.
Maryke Gird


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Hyde Park/Green Park
The Wolseley
London, England, W1J 9EB, United Kingdom
First designed as a luxury car showroom for the Wolseley Motors Company, this cavernous Art Deco building now houses an all-day brasserie frequented by both tourists and local celebrities. Renovated in 2003 by famed restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, the Venetian-inspired interior still contains original design elements, including high vaulted ceilings, black marble columns, and grand staircases. The restaurant serves modern European fare from 7 a.m. to midnight, with options ranging from classic eggs Benedict to steak frites and Weiner schnitzel. Also popular is the traditional afternoon tea, which includes homemade fruit scones and tea served in antique teapots.
Insider Tip:
Before leaving the restaurant, sign one of the complimentary Wolseley postcards available downstairs and leave it at the reception desk—the staff will mail it free of charge.
Open / Closes- Accessible by Public Transportation
- Breakfast
- Celeb-Spotting
- Dinner
- Handicapped Accessible
- Historic/Legendary
- Lunch
- Late-Night Dining
- Romantic
- Tea Time
Cuisine Type:: Irish/English


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Brave Sir Robin dropped a link to this "hilarious" novelty item in comments after hearing an advert for it on the radio. It's not a parody, but a real product, available for purchase by (or for) men who get a real chuckle out of disembodied parts of a woman being mounted as though they were a trophy after a hunt in which the imaginary woman to whom these breasts belonged was stalked, killed, and dismembered. Ha ha ha!
Of course, you're not supposed to think about that.
And you're definitely not supposed to think about the fact that there is a real-life precedent for retaining body parts and/or personal items (trophies) of preyed-upon women—a common habit of psychosexual serial killers and serial rapists. Because, ya know, that kinda takes the shine off a pair of fake breasts mounted like a trophy "singing" tunes while mechanically jiggling.
The gamut of disembodied female parts products available for consumption is alarming, and I wish I could say that the creepy undertones of the Jingle Jugs make it the worst product available, but that dubious honor would have to go to the seemingly neverending series of (partial) woman-shaped bathroom fixtures, like:
The Vagina Urinal
The Headless Toilet
and The "Fuck Me" Sinks
Ahh, variety:
Charming, no?
If you ever come across someone who questions why there's (still) a need for feminism, someone who suggests that sexism no longer exists or someone who asserts that it's time for a humanist movement to eclipse the feminist movement, just point them to this post. We've got women's disembodied parts being used as toilets in restaurants, on airplanes, in public fucking spaces, as if there's nothing wrong with it, and mounted disembodied breasts being sold as a gag gift as if there's nothing wrong with it. (It's a gag all right. I'm gagging right now.)
As I've said before: Telling a girl since birth that she is equal matters little if she travels within a culture that consistently sends signals to the contrary.