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Keep Calm and Carry Vegemite - author Allison Rushby on moving her family from Australia to Buckden for a year
Posted: August 06, 2013|
In her latest release, Keep Calm and Carry Vegemite, author Allison Rushby tells the tale of moving her family from Australia to Buckden for a year. Here, she explains why they took that momentous – and undeniably brave - decision.
All the sayings about change are positive.
Change always comes bearing gifts.
If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies.
A change is as good as a holiday.
Well, I'd just like to say… pffft. When you're a mother with a very nicely honed nap, swimming lesson, playgroup, library time and grocery outing schedule, change is often something to be feared, not applauded.
Still, my husband and I dreamed that dream of change a few years ago. At home in Australia, over and over again, we brought up the 'moving overseas' subject and then swiftly told ourselves it was too hard, it would put us too far behind financially, that it just wasn't the sensible thing to do. But then, staring down the barrel of 15 odd years of kiddie scheduling, we faltered. Suddenly, a big serve of sensible didn't look so appealing. And, just like that, we revisited going overseas for a short stint. What did we have to lose, after all (as it turned out, only thousands of dollars and our combined sanity…)?
So, when my husband came home one day and gaily informed me he fancied applying for a job in Cambridgeshire in the UK in order to do some further medical training at Papworth Hospital, it wasn't entirely a surprise. Still, I did what any self-respecting mother would do…
I panicked.
It wasn't that I didn't like England. I loved England. And, being half English, I'd traveled there many times. In fact, I loved travel and, while it was no longer as easy with two kids in tow, I now spent many happy hours with my nose buried in travel memoirs instead. It was always inspiring to be able to read about someone else's amazing journey while you were stuck at home, making endless sandwiches for tardis-like lunch boxes.
However, the reality of doing something similar myself was extremely confronting. After all, there was one thing I'd noticed in every single one of those travel memoirs – none of them had included travel with children.
I came up with every excuse under the sun now change looked like it might happen – it was too hard, the kids were happy at school, we needed to look into buying a house soon etc. (yes, yawn, boring, I know).
But my husband didn't let up. In the end, we decided he would apply and just, 'see what happened'. He did the interview via phone and claimed it went 'terribly' (I didn't take too much heed in this considering the last exam he'd sat had gone 'terribly' and he'd won a medal on receiving his results).
Naturally, he got the job (cue: more panic). And we decided he should take it (cue: sitting in the corner, rocking back and forth).
We began to tell people we would soon be off. I began to notice all the mothers I told said one of two things. Either I was 'awfully brave' to be making the journey (gulp, thanks), or that they'd love to do the same thing – that they'd dreamed about it, but didn't think it would ever really happen for them.
Before long, we were off. And, oh, but our year in England and its surrounds was quite the ride. From discovering every little exquisite side street in Cambridge, school gate tiffs over children's parties with infamous celebrity mother Sarah Burge, to mad dashes into London on the weekends to research a novel and accidentally killing a little girl's hamster in Denmark (don't ask), it was certainly no Eat, Pray, Love or Lunch in Paris type fairytale.
We're back home in Australia now and have bought that house and become super-sensible once more. So, looking back, was it worth it? Was it worth the hassle, the money, the time spent moving and the general upheaval in our lives? Seriously, it almost pains me to say it, but yes. Yes, it was. And then some. And while I'm not about to start spouting quotes about butterflies, I know I am a better person for it (the Danish hamster, however? Well, not so much…).
An extract from Keep Calm and Carry Vegemite
On our Dubai stopover, we're seated next to an older English couple at breakfast one morning. They're from Milton Keynes, around half an hour from where we'll be living, and they immediately begin sprinkling us with suggestions and peppering us with questions over bircher muesli, pancakes, waffles, big bowls of strawberries and other such Dubai decadence.
When I sit back down at the table with my third waffle and second coffee (and who is anyone to judge if heavy lifting equipment is needed to get me back on the plane?), Maureen, the female half of the couple, asks me a question. 'So.' She places her cup of tea down on the table. 'What's the first thing you want to do when you get to England?'
I've been getting this question a lot lately and everyone expects a different answer. Nana thinks I'll go straight to a sweetie store and buy a big paper bag of pear drops, which I loved ripping my mouth to pieces with when I was six. History buffs expect I'll be planning to swing by Stonehenge. And die-hard shoppers want to hear that I'll be heading straight for Knightsbridge. But, no. They're all wrong. The first stop on my itinerary? A supermarket. To be more precise, the Tesco in Bar Hill.
Usually I try to avoid grocery shopping, but this is different. This particular Tesco has been brought up in conversation so frequently with me now that the place has grown to mythical proportions in my mind. A number of people — all women, I must admit — have nodded when I've told them where we're headed. 'Cambridgeshire?' And then they've paused and added one of the following things:
a) 'You'll be wanting the Bar Hill Tesco.'
b) 'The Tesco in Bar Hill will be close by.'
c) 'Everything you need will be at the Bar Hill Tesco. It's a Tesco Extra, you know.'
There is never any mention of the university, or the history surrounding the area, or even the short hop to Stansted airport and Europe. Just the Bar Hill Tesco — Extra! Which means it's kind of like a Kmart and a supermarket combined, apparently.
In my mind, over the weeks and months, the Bar Hill Tesco has grown until it has become the be all and end all of supermarkets. On arrival, I am expecting to need a little golf cart to ferry me from the car to the door, so vast will the car park be, and to have a personal shopping sherpa assigned to me, or at least an Ikea-style foldable floor plan and a little pencil, which would suit me just fine — I love those little pencils.
Some naysayers have tried to dissuade me: 'You're much more a Waitrose or Sainsbury's girl,' one friend, a long-time resident in the England, sized me up. But I stand firm. It will be Bar Hill Tesco or bust.
When, back at home, I began to imagine there would be a crèche, Willy Wonka-style crazy slides between floors and sherpas, who, in my head, were beginning to look a little like Simon Baker, I thought I'd better have a Google in case my frenzied excitement turned quickly to jetlagged disappointment once I actually got there.
Well, I don't see how disappointment is going to happen. There might not be any sherpas or Simon Bakers on offer, but the place claims to be open 24 hours a day. Peter Andre made an appearance there last year. He even sang — they couldn't stop him!
According to my Google search, there are only a couple of Bar Hill Tesco Extra downsides. Apparently it's a bit Non-U (the 'U' stands for upper class, don't you know?) and I should be shopping at Waitrose or Sainsbury's, as suggested by my girlfriend, if I must shop at all. Also, you can only park there for three hours now. And when I asked about the place on a UK mother's forum, one mother likened it to a 'malignant mole', swallowing up several lovely small villages surrounding it as further development continues to rush in.
It can't be all that bad, though — it has its own Facebook fan page! Then again, so does Peter Andre, who has one more friend than Bar Hill Tesco, which I'm hoping someone reading will be able to rectify, because that's really quite wrong.
But as I look across to the next table and Maureen's expectant expression, I'm guessing the Tesco at Bar Hill isn't the answer she's wanting to hear. 'I'm thinking I'll need a cup of tea and a nice sit down. Maybe even a digestive,' I end up telling her.
Maureen nods at this appreciatively. 'Oh, yes. Lovely. You'll have to stop in at Tesco's for supplies. There's a lovely big one in Bar Hill.'
Only a little bit of coffee comes out my nose.


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Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is a good thriller…with a good ending. Not a great ending (I wish one of the main characters' story was not left unresolved) but still satisfying.
Posts Tagged: Sidney Lumet
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is a good thriller…with a good ending. Not a great ending (I wish one of the main characters' story was not left unresolved) but still satisfying. And, maybe famed NYC director Sidney Lumet left that one character's end unresolved because that's how life is…sometimes left hanging. From the way it starts to the way Lumet structures the story (told from different POVs), this one is original. Basically, it's a robbery-gone-awry story which we've all seen over and over again in films. But Lumet adds an extra twist here that keeps you guessing until the end. Not Lumet's best movie…(can anyone say Twelve Angry Men???) but compared to some of the lame thrillers out there, this one is one of the best of late.
One man stands alone against 11 others at the beginning of this movie. Henry Fonda plays the only juror who buys the defendant's version of events and his innocence. Little by little, Fonda convinces the other jurors of the defendant's lack of guilt and by the end of the movie, the tables have completely changed. This is the type of film that you know going into it how it just has to turn out. But, you watch it anyway…mesmerized by the performances and amount of sheer power coming through on the screen. Fonda was never better as this lone man, plodding his case among his peers, trying everything he can before he is forced to give up and cave in to pressure. Also features some great actors in their early roles, such as Jack Warden and Jack Klugman. Directed by Sidney Lumet, who became synonymous with New York City and crime/legal dramas after this film's success.

subset: commoncrawl


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Blue Notes & Upcoming Shows
From pop to blues, funk to bop, Tyson Lynn measures the familiar, the unusual, and the up and comers in the Seattle music scene.
Posts filtered on Tag
Velotron Heavy Industries Composts Flesh, Brass, and Bits
The result? Food. For your ears. [Read More]
Go Psycho!
The Psychotronics, The Coloffs, and The Do Wrongs play the Jewelbox at the Rendezvous tonight at 9pm. Come out! [Read More]


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Felt artist Kathryn Walter of Toronto's Felt Studio explains her design process and inspiration, and reveals the material's rich history. From small accessories to large custom wall treatments, she shows us how industrial felt softens a space, and lends a modern yet cosy feel.
Design, Felt Studio.
Executive Producer
Lynda Reeves
Sheri Graham Delagran
Jason Stickley
Ryan Louis
Patrick Malone
Erin Gulas
Michael Zimmermann
Julie Whyte
Kathryn Walter
The Felt Studio
Copyright 2013


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William DeMayo, MDJohn P. Murtha Neuroscience and Pain Institute
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After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Boston College, Dr. DeMayo graduated from Columbia University Medical School and completed his residency at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. He is double board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Spinal Cord Injury Medicine. A published author, Dr. DeMayo has also served as a clinical instructor at Yale School of Medicine and Columbia University. In addition to his private practice as a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, he currently serves as Medical Director of the Post-Polio and Charcot-Marie-Tooth Clinics.
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On Thursday, May 18, the Big Three automakers have scheduled a trip to the White House to discuss their "needs" with President Bush. CalCars wants to bring a 100-MPG plug-in hybrid to Washington to meet them. I think that's a really good idea. If you do too, join me in helping out.
The New York Times is running an interesting article called "The High Cost of Cheap Gas and Vice Versa." The author calculates the current average cost of driving at 15 cents a mile, up from 6.6 cents in 1998, and down from 20.1 cents in 1980 (in 2006 dollars). He also puts up a cost-per-mile calculator, in case your math skills have deteriorated since you last took the SAT. My colleague JP Ross tells me that a Toyota Prius in electric-only mode uses .26 kWh to go a mile. If you are filling up with peak electricity rates, say 12 cents kWh, that's 3 cents a mile. Many utilities have nighttime off-peak rates way lower -- at 5 cents kWh, that's around a penny a mile. In places where the wind blows at night, you could be filling up as you sleep. And if you have solar covering your parking garage, like the City of Tucson, you could be charging while you work. You can tell the smart utilities -- they are the ones putting their lobbying power behind plug-in hybrids. It just makes cents.
The next big vote on renewable energy won't take place in Washington. It will take place in Phoenix. Some time this summer, the five commissioners on the Arizona Corporation Commission will vote on a proposed rule to significantly expand renewable energy in Arizona -- 15% renewables by 2025, 30% of that from distributed-generation resources like solar. We are talking on the order of up to 1,800 MW of solar: a very big deal. The emissions reductions are roughly equivalent to removing 1 million cars from the road -- not to mention jumpstarting the clean technologies of the future. There is a precarious 3-2 majority on the Commission right now, and the usual suspects are gearing up opposition. There's a public comment period culminating in a public meeting on May 23. Demonstrating the public mandate for renewable energy is critical. We've set up a petition -- if you live in Arizona, here's your chance to stand up and be counted. Or no complaining later.
Uh-oh. Climate scientists have documented a pronounced slowdown in the Pacific Ocean atmospheric system that drives the trade winds, a prediction of global warming theory that appears to be coming true. You -- or Jonah Goldberg -- might say: Trade winds? Who uses trade winds anymore? I get groceries by truck, not square rigger. The scientists continue:They focused on the giant system known as the "Walker circulation," named in honor of Sir Gilbert Walker, the late British scientist who was one of the first to trace connections among widely scattered weather events. The system is a kind of heat engine that drives half the world's climate. When you read things like this, remember that there is a relatively small group of people who took money to ensure that our federal government not only ignores the threat, but undercuts those working toward effective remedies.
After Jonah Goldberg published his scurrilous harangue on global warming in the Los Angeles Times on Earth Day, I and others posted some thoughts -- combined with what we thought were knock-out sit-yer-butt-down-and-shut-up witticisms. Amateurs. Professor Juan Cole shows us how it is done. I must admit to some jealousy.
I have no idea if this is actually the nation's largest solar home community. I do know, however, that it's good news: Homebuilder, Lennar today announced a partnership with PowerLight Corporation and Roseville Electric to build the nation's largest solar community. The Sacramento division of the national builder, Lennar, operates locally as Renaissance Homes and Winncrest Homes and will integrate photovoltaic systems and upgraded energy efficiency measures into 450 new homes slated to be built in Roseville over the next two years. When municipal utilites, homebuilders, and solar installers team up and cooperate, efficiencies and cost savings can be maximized. Solar installations are cheaper when installed at the time of contruction. Houses can be oriented to maximize production. And the distribution system can be sized appropriately, with additional potential savings. How did this happen? Back in November, the city passed a requirement making it so. Leadership on clean energy is at the local level.
I unfortunately did not take Dave Robert's advice, and went ahead and read Jonah Goldberg's vapid op-ed on global warming. I'll leave it to others to say why Goldberg is wrong. I want to discuss why the L.A. Times is wrong. A year or so ago, ESPN hired Rush Limbaugh to provide color commentary (the irony only became apparent later) during NFL football games. This little experiment ended, as any idiot could have predicted, when Limbaugh made on-air comments that -- how to say this in a balanced way? -- some listeners thought might be racist, and others knew for sure were racist. Limbaugh's shtick might play well on rightwing hate-radio (though is no less excusable), but no one, including ESPN, should have been surprised when it didn't translate well to a broader audience. An audience with black people, for instance. ESPN endured a firestorm of criticism -- the National Association of Black Journalists said "ESPN's journalistic credibility is at stake" -- and ended up issuing mea culpas and canning Limbaugh. Ditto Goldberg. His vapid screed might play well over on National Review Online, but the L.A. Times insults the thinking members of its circulation when they publish this kind of horseshit on Earth Day. What's next? Paul Bunyan's ode to lumber on Arbor Day? Will they give Hugh Hefner free rein on National Chastity Day? (Trust me. It's only a matter of time.) Shame on you, L.A. Times. You insult your readers at your peril.
The U.S. EPA released a new report on greenhouse gas emissions today. From the press release, here's EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson: "The Bush Administration has an unparalleled financial, international and domestic commitment to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. Can't argue with that. And don't get me started on their made-up-metric, "greenhouse gas intensity."
Like most people, I enjoy mocking New Jersey as a toxic miasmatic wasteland. Yesterday, New Jersey responded by serving me a double portion of shut-the-hell-up. By a 4-0 vote, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved one of the most robust renewable-energy standards in the country. By 2020, 20% of the electricity the state's utilities sell must come from renewable resources. And there's more: 2% must come from solar, making New Jersey, on a solar-per-capita basis, the nation's solar leader. Take that, you California hippies.


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GP4000 Tubular
1 stars (1 reviews)
Bicycling Review
Issue : Jun 2007
Editorial Review
Coninental's GP 4000 tubular has hot technology that's helping fuel the comeback of tubulars
Not too long ago, it seemed like the tubular tire was on its way out. However, the surge of super light and deep section carbon wheelsets has renewed the interest in the tubular. This interest has spurred some tire companies to develop new tubulars. One of the most interesting is Continential's Grand Prix 4000 tubular. This is a feature packed tubi, which may help explain the $90 price.
Perhaps the most interesting feature is the seamless casing. Most tubulars are stitched together opposite the tread, resulting in a lump under the base tape. The GP4000 is not stitched, rather it's built almost like a clincher, with the casing overlapping underneath the tread and vulcanized. This makes the tire much easier to center on the rim, and there is essentially no lump at the valve stem. The vulcanization process also makes for a straighter tread - some of the handmade tubis can be wobbly. If you're one of those old-school, and very patient, types, who likes to patch tubulars, it can't be done with these. Stock up on Tufo sealant or Vittoria Pit Stop.
The GP4000 tubular also has Conti's new Black Chili tire compound. This compound uses carbon filler-that's not news, almost every black tire made uses carbon filler. What's different is the size of the carbon particles. Black Chili uses nano-carbon particles that are many times smaller than the stuff found in other carbon fillers. By using the nano-carbon filler, Conti says the tire is able to conform to the ground better as it rolls along. This, combined with a fast rebounding, but relatively soft compound, results in a tire with, Conti says, 30-percent more grip and 15-percent less rolling resistance. Because the tiny particles are so tightly packed, tread life is also claimed to increase, though Conti does not say by how much.
The last bit of cool tech inside this tire is a Vectran breaker belt, first introduced in the GP4000 clincher. A breaker belt resides underneath the tread and protects the casing and tube against punctures and cuts. Traditionally, breakers have been made of Nylon or Kevlar. Conti says Vectran is better because it's more flexible, for a better feel and lower rolling resistance-it's lighter and it's tougher, so it's... tougher. It better be. A $90, 254 gram (the weight on our scale for a 22mm) tire that can't be patched (not that many people patch tubulars anymore), better be pretty good at fending off flats.
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Carrot & feta latkes
By Tali Simon | December 4, 2012
Latkes might be my favorite food…next to iced coffee. Which would make Chanukah my favorite holiday, at least food-wise. Five more days! I hope you're collecting recipes.
I love how just about anything passes for a latke. Your bubbe might have only used white potatoes, but today everything goes. Beets, zucchini, apples, spinach, cauliflower. Oh, and sweet potatoes, of course. I'll have a recipe for that version up next week.
But first let's talk about carrot & feta latkes.
With their earthy flavor, carrots make a great base for a fritter. In this version, they're punctuated with thinly sliced onion, cubes of feta, and fresh chopped cilantro. Try not to skip the cilantro — it has a kick to it that complements the feta wonderfully.
If you'll be having a crowd over this Chanukah and feel you have to make classic latkes for the kids, I totally get that. But then make some carrot & feta ones for the adults. You're basically guaranteed a few new best friends.
Embrace the grease stains.
One year ago: Sunday barley vegetable soup
Adapted from BBC's Good Food
Yield: 22-25 latkes
- 6 large carrots, shredded
- 1 large onion, very thinly sliced
- 1 cup cubed feta cheese
- 6 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (in Hebrew: cusbara)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup matzah meal
- 4 eggs
- canola oil, for frying
1. Chop the onion slices into a few sections so they're smaller (which makes them fit better in the latkes). Combine carrots, onion, feta, cilantro, cumin, salt, matzo meal, and eggs in a large bowl. The consistency of your mixture may vary, depending on the size of your carrots. If the batter seems too dry, add another egg. If it seems too wet, add another 1-2 Tbsp matzah meal.
2. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over low heat. Fill a ¼-cup measuring cup with latke batter, turn it upside down over the skillet, and gently tap it out into the oil. Use a fork to press the mound into a patty (you can use the back of the measuring cup, too, but your fork probably has a longer handle).
3. Fry for 3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned and crispy. Serve hot with sour cream.
4 Comments
These look delicious!
Yes they do! How fun! (she says as she eats her Perfect Split Pea Soup)
When I see a recipe like this along side photos this beautiful, I question our decision to have a fleshig only kitchen.


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The Aboo Makhado is a beautiful dream home but honestly this is an understatement because in my opinion everything from its interiors to its layout is inspirational in more ways than one. This modern home is designed and completed by Nico Van Der Meulen Architects and I am clearly impressed not only by its interior design but by its architectural design as well.
I find the implemented house floor plans to be adequate and suitable to the kind of result the modern architects wanted to achieve. Honestly, this modern architecture is breathtaking, elegant, luxurious and modern but not too overwhelming to the senses. It features high ceilings and open spaces that created a visually spacious place. In addition, the materials and glass combined created an exquisite atmosphere.
Personally, I love the great kitchen with its clean edges and uncluttered design. The building was previously an unappealing face brick house and has now turned into something stunning, sophisticated and modern. Steel is one of the dominating materials but smartly used so. Opening glass, as mentioned, created a visually spacious area while allowing abundant natural light to seep through.
You should also check out the bathroom design, which in my opinion far exceeds my expectations of a simple space of privacy. I would love to have this home where I can retire after a long day's work. (Via)


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34 Holiday Ideas for Gifts in a Jar
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Beaded Book Thong
By: Bead Studio
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Use leftover charms and beads to create a beautiful beaded bookmark from The Bead Studio, perfect for the graduate headed to college or your bookworm friend. These can also be hung from the rear-view window. This homemade gift is so quick and easy!
- 2 feet of Waxed Linen Cord
- 1 Charm
- Assorted Beads – about a dozen with holes that just fit over the linen
- Clear Nail Polish
- Scissors
- Tie the charm onto one end of the cord, trim and set knot with clear nail polish.
- Slide a grouping of beads onto the cord and tie a knot after the last bead. (Use an awl to get the knot close to beads if needed).
- Determine the length of cord needed for the type of book (less for paperback more for hardcover) and tie a knot were the beads will start.
- Add beads to the tail of the cord and tie a knot after the last bead.
- Trim the excess cord and set knot with clear nail polish.
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abeersilat 4600791
Oct 15, 2011
its very nice
Mar 20, 2011
this is verry cute i am going to try to make one i think and maby use it in some of my birthday or christmas gift..... !! i think this is always sooo cute when i see one i have saw many people with hem !!!!!! =)
Mar 06, 2011
Excellent for last minute gifts!
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by the way, were the yellow rods and orance connecters that went in the stock spare ammo or something?
im soo gonna build this (word removed) gun!
BTW, do you want me to post a (word removed) step by step..itll probably be (word removed), but it might make it easyer from poeple new to instructables
and it cost $35.00. It was $17 something for 300 yellow connectors and $7 something for the ladder connectors. So I should have enough to build it. It will be so awesome.


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And, don't forget that "Mayor" Kurt HOffman (another EADA shill was caught completely re-building his kitchen without any permits. His wife Kathi -- also a Township Official at the time-- came in and told Stew that she "was the Mayor's wife." EADA officials do not have to get permits, just the rest of us schmucks. On the subject of money ill spent. The Township Committee also spent over $220,000 of TAXPAYer money paying Dick Cushing for the McGee lawsuit. This was not insurance company money. OPRA all of Cushing's bills about the lawsuit if you don't believe me. The public should definitely OPRA both of Tim Matheny's depositions. The stuff he did is unbelievable. Larry Tatsch's deposition is pretty good too. They are public and are required under the State Records Retention law to be kept by the Clerk forever. In addition, all the papers filed with the court are public. Sourman is not very knowledgeable (not surprising) to say that it is all confidential.I hope he is not a public official. That speaks poorly of our Township. Again, the EXECUTIVE SESSION minutes about any lawsuit that has concluded are public. Look at the Open Public Meetings Act.
Of course Sourman wants to remain anonymous. That is exactly what the EADA always does when confronted with facts. The fact is that Tim Matheny created the McGee lawsuit. All the documents about it are public information. Witnesses lied under oath and anyone can OPRA any depositions, executive session minutes and other information.
As far as Matheny's performance, Sourman clearly has not been in the office or checked his time sheets. Tim is rarely in the office, yet he keeps getting increases in benefits every year. He was originally hired to work 25 hours a week (check the minutes!), and attend 2 meetings a month. Now there is one meeting a month and he is required to "work" 3 six hour days a week and can count his conferences and vacations as "work." He allows 3 workers (with Larry Tatsch's approval) to do work for other townships while they are paid by East Amwell taxpayers -- Maria Andrews, Cindy Hooven and Jane Luhrs -- all of whom have multiple municipal jobs. They use East Amwell equipment, etc. The Housing Officer has done absolutely nothing in 2 years. No housing; no contracts; no nothing, but he still gets paid his salary. Matheny does not and does not have the ability to supervise employees. AND THE BEST IS THAT MATHENY REFUSED TO FIRE A ROAD CREW MEMBER WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR TAKING DRUGS TWICE WHILE WORKING. But,Tim has no problem getting rid of good employees like Stew Doddy. Sourman has no facts to back up his sweeping statements. More EADA fluff about nothing. EADA has not moved forward to achieve anything in years.


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Last week, I wrote about Israel's lack of attractive options now that Secretary of State John Kerry's peace initiative has collapsed in the wake of the Fatah-Hamas unity agreement. Among the possible options being floated is the one that Michael Oren, Israel's immediate past ambassador to the U.S. calls "Plan B," which advocates for Israel to attempt to unilaterally determine its borders. In that piece, I said that Oren's idea involved "a withdrawal to the security fence that would remove some settlements and make it clear that the settlement blocs and Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem will forever be part of Israel." He has written me to say that this is untrue and asserts that his idea specifically rejects a retreat to the fence and instead says:
At this stage, Plan B is about principles, not specific borders. Maximum security capabilities for Israel. Maximum number of Israelis within Israel. And maximum degree of international–especially American—backing.
I'm happy to correct the record on this point. However, while I was wrong to specifically tie his Plan B to the fence, his eschewal of specifics makes it easy to imagine that any such unilateral move is likely to come pretty close to the current position of the fence in much of the West Bank. Yet even if we leave the fence out of the discussion, I'm afraid I can't help being skeptical about the scheme. Oren—a brilliant historian and COMMENTARY contributor who ably represented Israel in Washington for four years—believes that it is in Israel's interest to withdraw settlements, though not the Israel Defense Forces, from parts of the West Bank. He thinks that doing so will mean that the definition of Israel's borders will be set by Israelis rather than being held hostage to the whims of a Palestinian leadership that seems incapable of making peace. While this is not as reckless as Ariel Sharon's bold gamble for peace in which he pulled every last soldier, settlement, and Jew out of Gaza in 2005, it would still be a mistake.
Oren is right that his Plan B has the virtue of being in the best traditions of Zionism. Rather than waiting for others to decide where Israel should be, the Jews would act on their own and then wait for the world to accept their actions. It would balance the justice of Israel's rights to the land against the pragmatic need to separate from the Palestinians and to grant them the right of self-determination. And by leaving the IDF in place, it will not lead to a repeat of Sharon's fiasco in which Gaza was transformed into a terrorist base/independent Palestinian state in all but name that rained down missiles on Israel with impunity.
But any move that will leave the Israeli army in the territories will do nothing to increase international or American support for the Jewish state. While the settlements are the focus of much of the anger about Israel's presence in the West Bank, so long as the IDF patrols parts of the territories—even without the burden of protecting Jewish communities there—it will still be termed an occupation. And, as such, it will not diminish the fervor of those advocating the boycott of Israel. Nor will it even stop those who specifically advocate the boycott of products from settlements rather than all of Israel since few of those communities that will be abandoned are producing much that is exported.
Unfortunately, like all past Israeli territorial withdrawals it would be quickly forgotten and the focus of international pressure would be on what was retained with no concern for past sacrifices. Both the Palestinian and the international position on the borders would be one that started with the assumption that the Palestinians would get whatever was left by Israel as part of Plan B. The bargaining would then be about how much of what Israel retained in Plan B, if anything at all.
Israel would be forced to go through the agony of uprooting tens of thousands of people from their homes with no upgrade in its security, its diplomatic position, or international support. The retreat would not be interpreted as a sign of moderation or a desire for peace that involved a painful parting from lands to which Jews have rights. Rather, the Jewish state's critics and even some who call themselves its friends will see it as further proof that Israel had "stolen Palestinian land" and had decided to render some but not all of the restitution that they should be forced to make. It would merely increase pressure to force the removal of hundreds of thousands of Jews in the settlement blocs and Jerusalem that Oren rightly wishes to preserve as part of Israel.
Oren is right that Israel can't, as he told the Times of Israel back in February, "outsource our fundamental destiny to Palestinian decision making." He's also right that there is no perfect solution to Israel's problems. As long as the Palestinians define their national identity more in terms of rejecting Zionism rather than building their own state, the conflict will not end. Waiting for the sea change in the political culture of the Palestinians that will make peace possible is difficult. But this plan, like every other solution that seeks to cut the Gordian knot of Middle East peace without Palestinian acceptance of a Jewish state, will worsen Israel's position rather than strengthen it.


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Distinguished Scholars 2011: Jessica Heard, Service and Leadership
Standout is never too busy to help others
CORPUS CHRISTI - It started in the garage. She and her brothers playing instruments they received for Christmas.
Music isn't just a fun way for them to hang out as a family. It's a way for them to give back to their community.
As a member of The 'Bout Time Band, Jessica Heard is able to use her voice in a positive way. The country band is made up of Jessica and her two brothers Ben and Wilson, and friend Hunter Wilson. Many of their shows benefit local groups such as their 4-H club.
Recently the teens raised $800 for a fellow student to participate in a state competition.
"It's a great experience to be able to help someone that needs your help," Jessica said. "It's amazing just to be able to play."
Because of her willingness to lend a hand, Jessica, 17, has been named a winner in the 2011 Caller-Times/Citgo South Texas Distinguished Scholars in the Service and Leadership category.
Jessica is ranked 40th out of 289 students in her graduating class at Calallen High School, where she maintains a 96 grade average. She plans to attend Schreiner University, where she will major in animal science, before transferring to Texas A&M University.
Frances Nelson, Calallen FFA advisory and agriculture science teacher, said Jessica is a studentwho always can be counted on to lend a helping hand.
Nelson, who nominated Jessica for this year's scholarship award, described the band as popular among the community.
"The money she makes isn't for her profit," Nelson said. "It is for the benefit of others. That is what you always see with Jessica."
Jessica said she isn't sure where music will take her.
Their goal is to be able to return home and play on the weekends, but with three of the four band members graduating and going in opposite directions, she's not sure how that will work out.
In addition to her rehearsals, Jessica and her brothers also play with a group called Salt at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. She is active in local livestock shows, plays softball and volunteers as an altar server.
"It's a lot of late nights filled with school work," she said. "But if you want to succeed and do what you want to do (with your life), you have to put your priorities first. My brothers help a lot. So does lots of praying."
Sometimes all the things she has crammed into her busy schedule can be overwhelming, but she knows why she does it.
"All this hard work it will pay off."
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David's Vision & Your Comments
|Posted on October 11, 2011 at 2:10 PM
Superbowl 2015 coming to Phoenix lets us prepare now for tourism down here. Get those spectators to stay in Tucson and shuttle those folks
|Posted on September 24, 2011 at 4:00 PM
I just placed a phone call to Baseball Commisioner Bud Seling and left a message for him to bring LA Dodgers to Tucson. Who is with me on this? Send email to firstname.lastname@example.com I would buy them if I could
|Posted on September 18, 2011 at 5:45 PM
We the city taxpayers need to take back Tucson. Mayor Walkup is not allowing free speach at city council meetings. I am starting a committee of Tucson taxpayers to take back Tucson, are voices need to be heard. It appears our city council and mayor has personal agendas, they are not listening to their constituents. The next 4 years will be same ole same ole. Yes! I intend to run for mayor in 2015, this time on the ballot. We need people in office that care about city and the taxpayers. If you are intersted in getting involved. Send me email we will hold our first meeting in October and brainstorm.
|Posted on September 10, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Stay tuned ! I am going to run for mayor in 2015. This time I will be on the ballot
|Posted on September 10, 2011 at 1:40 PM
If Sheriff Clarence Dupnik retires I may consider running for Sheriff
|Posted on August 31, 2011 at 11:45 PM
Thanks to all of who supported me and my ideas. While campaigning I ran into many people who did not see or hear anything about my candidacy. They were totally unaware there was a candidate opposing the way the Rio Nuevo project is being run. Al they knew through the media coverage in town, was Rio Nuevo was going to remain as is.
There were many who expressed they were very supportive of my ideas but had already sent in their ballots. Because of them, and the many business owners who were dissatisfied with the established choices offered, I've decided to remain involved in the process. I'm taking a look on how I can remain engaged, providing a voice for those who do not want the albatross that is the Rio Nuevo project to be hangin on their necks. And, for those who want this to be a businesse enterprise, with private money at risk, not the taxpayer's.
I'm looking for ways in which I can have a role in representing those business and private citizens while impressing upon the city council and the new Mayor, of their seriousness and, to not take their concerns lightly.
Of course, this site will come down in a few days, but the ideas will remain and will remain as a jumping off point for future political action.
|Posted on August 26, 2011 at 12:00 AM
An economic plan, within which the city is a catalyst in improving the business climate and growth, is what I want for Tucson.
Any economic development plan needs to benefit our current businesses first and foremost.
I foresee a plan, which involves the entire metropolitan area working within a coalition of all stakeholders.
Such a broad group would develop an economic improvement plan benefiting each of the communities and all of our Mom and Pop businesses. These small enterprises are the city's bread and butter.
I do believe, as do virtually al of the business people and individuals with whom I've spoken, that what's been occurring all these many years with Rio Nuevo is the classic definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.
|Posted on August 24, 2011 at 5:40 AM
I'd like to see more bicycle patrols, add foot patrols. This will allow private citizens to become familiar with the officers and for the officers to become familiar with the people who belong in the neighborhood. This will also aid in eliminating the barriers & sense of distance which may exist otherwise,
By being on the ground in the neighborhoods, it'll be easier for officers to notice things which are out of place, or people who are not part of the normal activities.
And, officers should be able drive their patrol cars home. This will project a higher profile, increasing the "halo effect" to help control traffic & reduce the number of speeders.
|Posted on August 18, 2011 at 3:05 PM
|Posted on August 14, 2011 at 2:55 AM
The Tucson Police Department has been authorized, in the current 2011-12 budget, 917 commissioned officers and 3,165 civilian positions
As taxpayers let's put the pressure on the city council put the the hiring process put on the fast track, Let's get more officers on the street!
|Posted on August 12, 2011 at 6:20 PM
The future is here, with more changes coming at us as quickly as our collective creative brains can develop them.. We have new technologies to explore and implement.
We want Tucson to be on the cutting edge of implementing new energy sources in our daily lives. We want to utilize the latest proven technologies being implemented throughout the world.
If remote peoples can connect to the internet for teaching their young and farmers are being taught how to best manage their crops and animals within their changing environments, bettering their lives, why aren't we incorporating new technologies designed for our specific requirements at a quicker pace?
We are just the right size community to help develop computerized, synhronized traffic control systems to keep our traffic flowing smoothly by adjusting for changes in driving patterns during day parts. Why are we sitting at a long light, during light traffic periods, or for that matter, waiting for 2-minutes for a light to change at 3 in the morning?
If Germany has their residential solar systems off-setting some 60% of their industrial power useage we can certainly do considerably better with the number of sunny days we experience.
If China, Japan and other developed countries are issuing grade shool children their own laptop computers, why can't we.
If this agrees with your expectations for the future of Tucson then let's keep the pressure on the city & the school boards!
|Posted on August 10, 2011 at 1:20 AM
Let's get our city leader's to commit to the process of making our city more energy efficient by personally driving electric powered vehicles.
Get the city replacing all vehicles with electrics and hybrids, on the current replacement cycle.
Ft. Huachuca's installation command replaced many of their gas vehicles a few years back, which were used for daily business commutes on the base with electric vehicles. We can do the same here.
We can have a small vehicle pool at each distant city building complex. An employee would park the vehicle at a parking station at the destination, where it would then be plugged in for charging. It would then be ready for the next driver to take to another location.
Even though this may involve a few extra vehicles parked at each location, the benefits of shareing vehicles would save money in the long run. Hybrids would be used for longer for those in positions which require longer runs.
|Posted on August 8, 2011 at 12:35 AM
Let's make certain we are prioritizing public works repairs using the criteria of safety, health & welfare.
No new major projects until we're out of the budget crunch. Potholes must be repaired,water and sewage mains must be replaced. No public works employees will be laid off but re-assigned to the critical projects.
|Posted on August 6, 2011 at 1:30 AM
Let's take a look at a summer hire program for high & middle school students.
I'd like to see the city encourage a youth musical theater group where they can take part as actors, stage hands, musicians.
|Posted on August 6, 2011 at 1:10 AM
I'd like to see incentives targeted at our college graduates to keep them in Tucson. We can work together with area private businesses and other governmental agencies, hiring them with an 18-month probation period after which we could pay a percentage of their student loans.
|Posted on August 4, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Let' tell City Hall to abolish unneccessary management positions through early retirements & attrition, combine positions with no increase in pay, merge departments, employ more front-line workers, and allow workers the opportunity to take early retirements.
Tell the city council they work for us. We want to eliminate duplicate paperwork, sell-off unneccesary equipment, and have management drive their own vehicles, not the city's.
|Posted on August 4, 2011 at 10:30 AM
I'd like to se our Film Commission bring back television productions to Tucson. Creative incentives would help. Univision shows like Don Francisco and Sabada De Gante could be produced here.
I believe we should and turn over the Tucson Community Center to a professional entertainment management company which can operate it effectively.
Let's seriously look at relocating a facilty in a central location, seeking proposals from local developers.
I envision an arena on the bottom, a second floor music hall, with a little theater on the third floor. While we're at it, power it with solar. And incorporate the latest in water-saving technologies. Such a 3-story structure would save on land space.
|Posted on August 4, 2011 at 10:20 AM
It 's time to cut our losses, pulling the plug on the Rio Nuevo project. $77 million of the taxpayers money has been spent with nothing to show for it, but architectual drawings. As mayor I want to do a forensic audit and see if any illegal practices took place. Prosecuting those who may have abused the system. Let's recoup the money by encouraging the building of recreational facilities such an amusement park, a drive-in movie theater, (one is already being proposed by a citizens group, and allow co-op farming.
Put in your 2-cents worth . . .