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For the past few years, just prior to the big barrel auction that the Napa Valley Vintners uses to fund much of its operations, it puts on a very interesting wine tasting event. Called the Vintage Perspective Tasting, it offers up a number of wines to be tasted blind by the trade and press as an educational exercise.
This year's tasting offered 14 Cabernets and 9 Merlots from Napa Valley, each across three different vintages: 2007, 2008, and 2009. The idea, of course, is to taste these wines and see what you think about the vintage character.
I often spend time making detailed tasting notes at this tasting, because someone has already done the work of double-blinding the whole group, but this year I decided to try to get as clear a feel as possible for the vintages themselves. I stuck to the Cabernets, and tasted them and jotted notes with the idea of simply trying to capture the dominant character of the wine, with the idea being that comparing these brief notes across different wines, I could get a good read on my reactions to the vintage.
After the tasting, the staff on hand will give you a key, so you can match your notes to the actual wines, and find out what you liked or did not (if you were keeping track).
So here's the 14 Cabernets I tasted, with my brief notes (completely unedited, including some false guesses about the identity of the wines) about each vintage. I'll sum up my thoughts after the notes.
Beaulieu Vineyard
2007 - fine tannin bright fruit
2008 - riper flavors more black
2009 - greener flavors, thick tight tannins
Chimney Rock Winery
2007 - taut, cool fruit, bright
2008 - riper, darker, thicker tannin leather
2009 - harder tannin, more bitter, lean fruit
Frank Family Vineyards
2007 - bright cherry, fine taut tannins
2008 - blacker, smokey, same tannins as 2007
2009 - lush, thicker tannins, stronger
2007 - cool, taut, vegetal not very ripe. I guess Clos du Val
2008 - riper, rounder, thick, thick, leathery tannins
2009 - lean, bright, riper than 2007, pretty, but stiffer tannins
Howell at the Moon
2007 - sweet, ripe, plush but drying tannins
2008 - ripe, sort of flabby, thick tannin
2009 - better acid, thick, stiff tannin, leathery
Kenefick Ranch Winery
2007 - lovely balance, muscular tannin, bright fruit
2008 - sweeter, lovely fruit, powdery tannin
2009 - bright fruit, lush wine, juicy, thick tannin
Macauley Vineyard
2007 - bright, thick tannins, ripe
2008 - dried fruit, drying tannins
2009 - drying tannins, brighter fruit
Martin Estate
2007 - bright fruit, drying tannins
2008 - slightly darker fruit, soft tannins
2009 - bright fruit, aggressive tannins, good acid
Patland Estate Vineyards
2007 - bright, with a hint of vegetal, muscular tannin
2008 - sweet, bright, ripe, lush
2009 - bright, leaner, thick tannins,
Robert Craig Winery
2007 - black olive quality, thick tannins, hint of bitter
2008 - tannin overload, thick, mouth drying, ripe fruit
2009 - whiff of sulfur, thick, stiff tannins, leaner fruit
Robert Mondavi Winery
2007 - bright, plush, sweet, thick tannins
2008 - even thicker tannins, dried fruit, must-scrape-off-teeth
2009 - leaner fruit, good acid, blocky tannins
Sequoia Grove Vineyards
2007 - dark fruit, thick tannin, drying
2008 - dried fruit, leathery tannin, good acid
2009 - crazy thick tannin, good acid, bright fruit
Silverado Vineyards
2007 - minty (is this Peju?), lush fruit, thick tannin
2008 - ripe, lush, but still good acid, muscular tannin
2009 - herbal, leaner, bright acid, stiff tannins
Sterling Vineyards
2007 - dark fruit, grippy tannins, juicy
2008 - ripe, more aromatic, lush, fleece tannins
2009 - more floral, bright fruit, more restrained tannins, vastly superior wine to other vintages. Lovely
It's obviously ridiculous to pass judgement on an entire vintage in any way, shape, or form. Leaving aside the drastically different outcomes that can be produced by the farmer in the vineyard regardless of the year, so much variation exists in micro-climates and sub-regions even in a smaller appellation like the Napa Valley, that any generalization can be immediately refuted. It's not that exceptions are the rule, it's that the differences defy any rule to begin with.
Of course, having said that, I'm about to make some generalizations about the 42 wines I tasted that are characterizations of the vintage character that seemed to be thematic across them.
The 2007 vintage in Napa Valley was generally marked by a very, very cold, and drier than normal winter. Spring warmed up nicely, however, and the key elements of budding and flowering proceeded without much incident. The cooler summer offered a few hotter days around the beginning of September, but it cooled off again quite rapidly, allowing a lot of discretion for when to harvest.
The 2008 vintage also suffered from lower rainfall in the winter. The dominant events of the vintage were a deep, crushing frost in May (the worst in decades, which actually killed some vines), some windy weather during fruit set and blooming which further reduced yields, and a late summer heat spike well above 100 degrees for seven straight days. After the heat spikes, the weather evened out, and those whose fruit wasn't cooked harvested happy.
The 2009 vintage had the third straight winter with rainfall below 60% of normal. What rain came, however, pushed much later in the Spring, delaying some vine activity, but giving them good moisture for a long, cool summer with only a few days here and there above 100 degrees (far less than normal) and harvest proceeded with only a brief rain scare.
To my taste, the 2007 wines above were generally well balanced when it came to fruit and acidity, but definitely showed some muscular tannin that seemed to be on the aggressive side in many wines. The fruit itself was what I consider fairly typical for Napa, which is to say that it was generally rich and ripe, but not over-ripe.
2008 by contrast seemed to have a much riper to over-ripe character across these wines, with lower acidity. Tannins were thick and sometimes overly heavy which, in combination with the lower acidity levels, made the wines feel a little thicker and a little clumsier, as well as a little dried compared to the 2007s.
2009 by comparison was my favorite of the vintages, with good acidity and what seemed to be a return to cooler, (relatively) leaner fruit profiles. A lot of these wines seemed to have fairly burly tannins, perhaps more than 2007, but not as thick and peanut-butter-textured as 2008 seemed to be.
While there seems to be a lot of good things being championed about the 2008 vintage by many critics, I think 2009 will be even better. Many of those wines, especially from producers that age their wines for some time, started to be released this past fall, and will continue to be released in greater numbers this spring. If you're a buyer of Napa cabs, I'd keep your eyes out.
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Carl Fowler's June 8 column is an outstanding example of clear exposition. He describes the wonderful arrangements made by the Property Owners Association of Timbercreek Canyon to take care of its roads - without tax money. It's all voluntary, you see, just as good laissez-faire Republicans would want.
The roads are all private, as is the dam within the village of Timbercreek Canyon. This arrangement, if applied to the entire nation, would have been the culmination of all that Bush-Cheney et al worked for during these long and difficult eight years. But that was not achieved. Timbercreek Canyon, however, might rightly be said to have led the way. The arrangements made by its Property Owners Association for road maintenance and repair are also non-governmental. The association collects annual dues from the residents of the village.
Fowler evinces some slight discomfort with this procedure. Over the years, he writes, the dues have risen from $48 to $250 annually. The dues, it seems, were raised because many members of the Property Owners Association didn't pay them. But that's OK. The excellent entrepreneurs who inhabit this political paradise will get on board soon - well, one of these ... years.
And then all will be well.
Allen Finegold
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latest from Cagayan de Oro Lifestyle
EVERYBODY has a fight to wage regardless of the extent.
At worst case, one struggles to live, to fight for one's life and be accepted in the society.Read more
AFTER the long planning and conceptualization, finally, the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) in partnership with its Alumni Association launched its first-ever Coffee Table Book with the title "36 Buttons: 36 Classes of the Public SafetyRead more
XAVIER University, through its Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) have opened the application period for the fourth installment of Sulat Dula Playwriting Workshop in MindanaoRead more
WITH all the hullabaloo going around because the newly-elected national and local public officials will start their formal public service next Friday, July 1, people ask "How much trust and confidence will we have in the accuracy, fairness and comRead more
BY VIRTUE of Proclamation No. 184, which was signed into law by the then President Fidel V. Ramos on May 31, 1993, the month of June of every year is declared as the "National Kidney Month."Read more
IN LIFE, we have to make difficult decisions in order to gain better results; we have to take risks in order to see what are ahead of us.Read more
BEYOND rekindling the timeline on how we acquired our independence from the colonizers, Filipino academics have put the spotlight on seeking the truth in studying our history and its promotion particularly to the millennials.Read more
THIS year's orientation seminar or OrSem, dubbed "Aim High, Senior High," wrapped up with exhilarating activities and inspiring performances, providing a warm welcome to the inaugural batch of Xavier University (XU) Senior High School students.Read more


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Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (representing Wisconsin's 2nd District, including Madison) voted with the majority March 21st to pass historic health care reform legislation.
Baldwin, who has been an open advocate of a single payer system of health care, released this statement the day of the vote:
I have worked my entire career to achieve health care for all.
As I looked across the well of the House, I saw so many of my colleagues tearing up because, like me, they sensed the moment and the history of this vote. I was also remembering the faces of people who have come up to me, often also in tears, and confided in me about their own experiences in our broken health care system – families who lost their homes because of medical bills; a mom who couldn't get health care for her daughter because of a pre-existing condition.
I thought about all those faces and that tonight, with this vote, we have finally stepped forward and responded to these pleas for help.
There is no doubt that this debate has been sullied with politics and vitriol; but nothing can sully the pride I feel today in taking this critical step in providing health care coverage for all Americans."
Baldwin sees the bill, which was signed into law today by President Barack Obama, as having direct benefits for Wisconsin. "Wherever I go, and in emails, phone calls, letters, and faxes, you tell me that health care is your number one concern and I've heard you loud and clear," Baldwin had said last week in a press release.
Baldwin listed these specific ways in which she believes the new law will benefit people in her district:
- 539,000 people in South Central Wisconsin will see improvements in their current health care coverage;
- 7,400 with pre-existing conditions will be able to obtain coverage;
- Up to 162,000 families will get tax credits and other assistance to help make health insurance more affordable;
- Up to 16,800 small businesses will get tax credits and other assistance to help make health insurance more affordable for their employees;
- 97,000 Medicare beneficiaries will see better care and pay less for prescription drugs because the Medicare Part D donut hole will be closed;
- 68,000 young adults will be able to stay on their parents' health insurance policy until their 26th birthday;
- 13,500 uninsured people will have access to health care coverage;
- 1,100 families won't have to file for bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs;
- 6 community health centers in South Central Wisconsin will receive millions of dollars in new funding to care for thousands of new patients.
"This plan is not perfect...none is," Baldwin said, "but thousands of Wisconsinites will see enormous benefits from health care reform now..."
For more info:
- Rep. Paul Ryan calls health care reform fiscal Frankenstein
- Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner explains his no vote
- Sen. Russ Feingold praises House vote on health care reform


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JWC TO ALEXANDER GILCHRIST ; 28 January 1859; DOI: 10.1215/lt-18590128-JWC-AGI-01; CL 35: 12-13
[ca. late January 1859]
Dear Mr Gilchrist
Your note has shocked and grieved us both extremely. We hadn't a notion of this!1 Every time I have sent to ask for your wife, the answer has been that she was "doing nicely" or that she was "better" or had had "a better night," except once, when Charlotte brought back word of her "having been very poorly the day before, but that she had had a better night."
I trust in God you will soon be out of anxiety about her; Nature doing for her restoration what the Drs don't know to do!
Meanwhile depend on my taking all possible pains to keep things quiet. I have tied up our knocker, and the dog2 shall be carried out and in— Indeed it is only his master that has no authority over him to stop his barking. I had been fearing that he might annoy your wife, without knowing how ill she was, and have several times run down to pick him up—after the mischief was done— But he shall be carried quite out of the street.3
If I can be of the least use to you in any way— Taking charge of the children4—when the servants are busy—going to shops—or anything—I should really take it kind of you to tell me.
I have, you know, a great debt of gratitude to your poor wife for very much kindness and help to myself in sickness
Yours very sincerely
Jane W Carlyle


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Applique Supplies Needed to get You Started
Threads; Finishing Supplies; Sewing Machine Supplies; Gift Ideas; Books » Baby Quilts Applique Assistants; Chenille Instuctions and Tools; Handy Helpers; Paper The top thread can be color coordinated with the appliqué design or a contrasting color. White bobbin thread will work for almost any project. Kits contain all the hand dyed, felted wool fabric you'll need for your applique design, plus any backing fabric required. Thread and/or applique floss is
How to Knot Silk Thread | eHow.com
Aurifil Thread for applique, applique thread Made in Italy, AURIFIL's Cotton Mako TM 50 weight / 2 ply thread is made from the highest-grade, long staple, 100% I'm making a few McKenna Ryan applique pieces and she suggests YLI invisible thread. Is this what most people use or do you use an embrory thread as I've done on YLI 100% Silk Thread Spools. Have you tried this yet? It is my favourite thread for hand appliqué. The 100wt thread is so fine it disappears into the fabric.
Applique Basics
Hand applique requires few tools, but those tools matter. These simple things can make such a huge difference in the success, or not, of the applique experience and Easy Machine Applique Fabric, Thread Needles Fusible Webbing Chart Overlay Techniques Perfect Satin Embroidery Thread, Quilting Thread, Sewing Thread, Embroidery Stabilizers More! Red Rock Threads strives to carry the quilting, sewing, embroidery, applique and
Aurifil 50 Weight Applique Thread | Honey Bee Fabrics
How to use Fusible Web for Applique by Charlotte Warr Andersen: Not many quilters are familiar with fusible thread and I have not seen very many ways in which it has Use for bobbin thread for all machine applique techniques; Satin stitch applique (in needle) Straight edge applique (in needle) Machine embroidery Stitch along the edges of each applique, making sure that the stitches are as close to the edge of the applique as possible. Cut the excess thread.
Invisible Machine Applique Stitch – Quilting Tutorial from
Yay! I am NOT the only quilter in the world who does not use the Bernina knee lift! Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone. If and when I need a new A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about some threads I'd received from a major manufacturer. I'm sure you could tell from my gushing that I love Quilting.LifeTips.com offers Guru tips on machine and hand quilting, applique and crazy quilts.
» Blog Archive » Tools Matter: The Applique Needle
In a couple weeks I'll be taking a class from Elizabeth Carlson. She will be teaching us how to make an Irish Rose quilt with some hand appliqué. Do I match the color of appliqué thread to the appliqué fabric or the background fabric? Match to the appliqué fabric. When matching thread, if you can, lay a Silk thread works well for applique and embroidery purposes. Silk requires a slightly special touch when using due to its inherent springiness.
Embroidery Thread | Quilting Thread | Sewing Thread | Embroidery
Applique stitches will be nearly invisible with this fine, YLI silk 100 thread in 218-yard spools. This set of seven 218-yard spools has the near-neutral YLI Silk 100 This collection was put together by Elly Sienkiewicz, well known for her expertise and books on Baltimore Appliqué Quilts. Each YLI Silk 100 weight spool contains Follow these tips for great appliqué and check out troubleshooting tips at the end of Wind a bobbin with cotton 60-weight embroidery thread or bobbin-fill thread.
Charlotte's Fusible Thread | Using It For Applique
Applique Thread at ConnectingThreads.com A Guide to Thread. Item #: T89. Teri explains the different kinds of thread available to quilters, to help you pick the Hand appliquers and quilters everywhere often question me about which threads I use for hand applique. My prefered choice is the YLI silk thread. All YLI silk threads are 100% pure filament silk, the very highest quality silk thread in the world. YLI SILK – 100 wt Very fine for Hand Appliqué Fine Heirloom
YLI Silk Thread for Hand Applique
Applique stitches will be nearly invisible with this fine, YLI silk 100 thread. Set of seven 218-yard spools of the YLI Silk 100 threads great for applique Find step-by-step tutorial for invisible machine applique, binding, or stitch in the ditch by Sharla Hicks. Use an adjustable zipperfoot, very fine threads like Quilt Across Texas (Open to See the Collection!) Edyta Sitar's Favorite Aurifil Threads Sparkle Collection 50 wt Aurifil Thread
Fusible Thread – Patterns and supplies for quilters and fabric
The length of the next stitch determines the length of your blanket stitch – how far it goes into your appliqué. Put your thread into the fabric and bring it back up Fusible thread is a terrific product for fusing appliqué pieces in place. Made from nylon which melts at a fairly low temperature, the thread looks a bit like dental Applique Threads › Wool Thread; Cotton Thread; Block of the Month; Cotton Fabrics › Silken Pearl is a 100% silk, cordonnet (tight) twist embellishing thread which
APPLIQUE SILK NEAR-NEUTRAL THREAD SET – Product Details
Applique Thread. DMC "Broder Machine" 50 wt 100% cotton thread is good for hand applique. Metrosene Mercerized 100% cotton thread for machine quilting and appliqué. The following stitching instruction are for Needle-Turn appliqué. I like to appliqué with either 100% cotton 60 wt. thread that matches your appliqué piece or #100 Invisible Threads (monofilament) , nylon lingerie, monopoly and bobbin threads. Great for machine applique, machine quilting, decorative sewing machine and free
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Click here to learn more about machine and hand applique. I have become addicted to Hand Appliqué. Right now, I am using the freezer paper method to turn under the edge. I wish I had known about back basting first, I think Thread Bag. I love my thread bag. I use it to hold all of my hand applique threads. No matter where I sit to sew as long as I have my bag I have all the threads I need.
Posted in APPLIQUE DESIGNS


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Welcome to U.S. Department of Commerce's Safety and Security Team website! This website is your resource for market research reports, trade leads, and event information designed to help you succeed internationally. Our worldwide team of Specialists, located throughout the Unites States at 100 Export Assistance Centers and in more than 72 U.S. Embassies and U.S. Consulates worldwide, are dedicated to help you increase your export sales. We are the safety and security industry's primary export assistance resource and should be your first point of contact if you are looking to develop your business abroad.
Our Specialists can help you understand global markets, develop international marketing plans, meet buyers at international trade shows, and much more. Learn more about what we can do for you:
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Jan. 16, 2003
SEATTLE, Wash. - The Arizona women's tennis team is set to compete at the Pac-10 Indoor Championships beginning Friday in Seattle, Wash. Play will begin at 9 a.m. Friday at the Nordstrom Center on the University of Washington campus.
Singles competition will begin Friday and continue Saturday. Doubles play will begin on Saturday. Championship rounds for singles, doubles, and consolation will be held Sunday.
Arizona will compete with top-ranked teams, including No. 1 Stanford, No. 6 Arizona State, No. 7 UCLA, No. 9 USC, and No. 10 California. Arizona finished fall play ranked No. 20.


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Join Dan Kaercher for a pint of beer at Iowa's smallest brew pub in the north central part of the state. Hosted by Dan Kaercher, Iowa's Simple Pleasures features Iowa travel destinations,... 06:10
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Winco Fireworks Recalls Black Cat Cone Fountains Due to Fire Hazard
Children's Nightgowns Recalled by Saro Trading Due to Violation of Federal Flammability Standard
Following an Additional Child Fatality, IKEA Recalls 29 Million MALM and Other Models of Chests and Dressers Due to Serious Tip-Over Hazard; Consumers Urged to Anchor Chests and Dressers or Return for Refund
October Mountain Products Recalls Hanging Bow Scales Due to Impact and Laceration Hazards
HP Recalls Batteries for HP and Compaq Notebook Computers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards
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The Land of Nod Recalls Octopus Rattles Due to Choking Hazard
Tommee Tippee Electric Bottle and Food Warmers Recalled by Mayborn USA Due to Fire Hazard
Lumber Liquidators Agrees To Not Resume Sales of Inventory of Chinese-Made Laminate Flooring, Continue Comprehensive Testing Program As Part of a Recall to Test
Sony Recalls VAIO Laptop Computer Battery Packs Due to Burn and Fire Hazards
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CPSC, NFL Star Team Up on New Fireworks Safety Video
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Grocery stores are a necessary evil of life, at least to those of us who like to have a well-stocked pantry. The good news is grocery shopping has become significantly more pleasant in recent years, as companies have tuned into the idea that high quality customer service gives them a competitive edge. Check out this list of some of the top-rated grocery stores in the country, and what sets them apart from their competition.
Trader Joe's
This grocer, which features locations in 31 states and Washington D.C., offers an eclectic mix of unique foods and low prices. The chain also stresses customer service, with a fun shopping environment and cheerful employees. Samples abound, and employees are always standing by, ready to help customers locate their favorite products.
Although this chain is primarily located in upstate New York and a handful of other New England states, 80 stores make it a well-known brand in the Northeast. So does the service culture at Wegmans, with a large selection of fresh foods, a full calendar of cooking classes, and hot tea and coffee bars.
The one word used most often to describe this Southeastern chain is "immaculate." Their commitment to providing a bright, clean shopping experience has brought this mom-and-pop store into its own with more than 1,000 stores in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and South Carolina. The stores also offer many special features, including a drive-through option at some locations.
This California grocery store serves its customers well with grain-fed meats and fresh produce grown right on their own farms in Sonoma. The store also sells prepared foods from their in-house kitchen that rival the cuisine at some of the top restaurants in the area. Bi-Rites commitment to the environment, as well as its customers, has gotten this tiny chain a spot on the map.
It may not be much to look at, but this warehouse chain packs in the customers for more than its low prices. Costco has a reputation for some of the best customer service in the retail industry. Why? Because Costco learned long ago that creating happy employees leads to happy customers as well.
Other Special Features
Other unique customer service features offered by some of the smaller grocery chains across the country include:
• Specialty and ethnic foods catering to a specific clientele in an area
• Outdoor barbecues featuring finger foods for hungry customers
• Wine and beer bars so customers can sip while shopping
• World-class delicatessen located right inside the grocery store
• Fresh fish, produce and meats, handpicked from local suppliers
While convenient location and low prices tend to draw shoppers to their favorite grocers, customer service plays a significant role in the process as well. It wasn't long ago that the grocery store experience was a relatively sterile one, featuring narrow aisles lined with cans and boxes, squeaky shopping carts and impatient cashiers. Today, the experience is very different, as companies strive to create a customer experience that brings customers back into their stores every single week.


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ScienceLogic Reports Record-Breaking Quarterly Results for Smart IT Management Software
RESTON, VA -- (Marketwire) -- 11/29/12 -- IT management software provider ScienceLogic Inc. reported that its rapid growth trend continued during the third quarter of 2012, with a 53-percent year-over-year sales increase. This adds to the 20+ percent quarter-over-quarter sequential growth ScienceLogic has achieved so far this year.
The success is attributed to a record-breaking number of new enterprise, managed service provider and federal government customers added throughout 2012, but especially in Q3 where ScienceLogic shattered its record for the most new customers ever in a single quarter. Through the end of the 3rd quarter, ScienceLogic has closed more new customers than in any prior year in the history of the company. Also contributing to the third quarter sales volume are current customers who added onto their existing implementations due to the unique value ScienceLogic provides.
"It's clear the marketplace sees tremendous importance in ScienceLogic and our software offerings," said John Becker, CEO, ScienceLogic. "We take pride in providing the only truly pre-integrated IT management software available, and that pride shows through in the quality of our product which in turn is reflected in our bottom-line results. The IT field is growing more and more complex each day, and ScienceLogic's Smart IT solution enables IT professionals to work smarter despite increasing challenges. Our remarkable growth is a direct result of our award-winning product and dedicated employees who continue to make ScienceLogic better each day."
ScienceLogic has also received a number of prestigious awards highlighting its rapid growth rate. ScienceLogic is a Red Herring 2012 Top 100 Global award finalist, won the Red Herring 2012 Top 100 North America award, and was named to the 2012 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list of fastest growing technology companies in the United States.
The ScienceLogic Smart IT management software simplifies the exponentially harder task of managing resources and data that are constantly shifting to meet the needs of virtualization, cloud computing, and bring your own device (BYOD). Using ScienceLogic for IT operations and cloud monitoring, organizations can manage any mix of physical, virtual, and cloud resources as one entity to improve business service delivery to end-users. Having a consistent, correlated set of metrics across both on-premise and cloud infrastructures speeds troubleshooting and simplifies management workflows to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Engineered for the scale, security, automation and high availability needed to run today's complex IT environments, ScienceLogic Smart IT software provides a unified management platform that enables customers to deliver business-critical IT services using a modern management framework.
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U.S. government climate control investments: Farce or no farce?
According to the document from Gaia dated June 11, 1986, (document snapshot image) our earth was supposed to become extinct 4 years ago (with another source stating 8 years ago). Additional information at blog post "Gaia is Truly Merciful - Grants Earth a 25 year Reprieve From Climate Doom")
On April 14, 2014, former president, Mary Robinson stated global leaders and scientists have 20 years to save the planet, which means we roughly have until 2034/2035 before our planet is going to disappear.
"Alarmists are very lucky that there haven't been any large eruptions in the last 15 years, because the depravity of their scam would be obvious to everybody" ~~ Steve Goddard
Earth Day is near and in honor of "ED" I sincerely want to stress the "sky-will-fall if we don't invest $400 billion or more per year" nonsense thrown around by our feathered, liberal friends.
To say "fossil fuel emissions are causing global warming" is mathematically + scientifically preposterous, impossible, and a bunch of more farcical gibberish.
Essentially what the government is advocating is that "cancer causes cigarette smoking."
Consequently, the politicians and our government have this all backwards as do the quaky scientists the government commissioned to scientifically quantify the myths and speculative climate control farce all at the expense of "we the people's" tax dollars.
According to a Columbia University article titled "The Carbon Cycle and the Earth's Climate," our global climate would be significantly cooler even with no CO2 in the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, what the politicians, celebrities, ultra-rich, liberal elitists want "we the people" to believe and to waste our $$$ on is that "our-sky-is-falling" and we can stop this only if we invest billions and trillions of dollars in the next few years (our government never guarantees any of these investments will work nor do they care so long as the liberal elitists and ultra-rich are getting richer).
Despite many scientists' claims of global temperatures rising an average of 2 degrees per year (as far back as 1986), according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change our world has actually increased a fraction of that amount and has been actually cooling off since 1998. Note the global mean temperature graph (see posted photo) global temperature increased roughly 1.53 degrees (or .85C) from 1880 to 2012. (Source: NCDC.NOAA.gov) .
Do you agree that we all need to examine why the government is so hell bent on heavily investing in these unsubstantiated climate control programs?
Politicians (all parties and all levels here), celebrities, advocates, and supporters of this nonsense – receive tons of donations for campaign funding for their own selfish interests at "we the people's" expense. The poor are getting poorer and the middle class are on the brink of extinction.
Not surprisingly, the rich become richer, investors make tons of $$$, politicians stay in office for longer terms, etc., and they do not care if the program doesn't work. All this while "we the people's" taxes are spent on climate control programs that are not substantiated but since investments are made by government insiders, they continue to have inflated bank accounts.
Moreover, there is no proof that what these climate control companies are doing will actually be successful or have any substantial impact. Do you believe technology can win over Mother Nature?
Theoretically, the only math and science relevant is that the climate control quaks hired by our government are getting ultra-rich, becoming million to billionaires all at the expense of "we the people's" tax dollars.
Consider the growing wealth of Gore, Clinton, Pelosi, liberal celebrities, etc., (to mention a few) all emanating from our government's climate control propaganda. All while "we the people" keep on getting less opportunity.
It's not redistribution of wealth that is needed but redistribution of government expenditures that really matter.
Additionally, the tax rates consistently decrease as the rich get richer and middle class taxes increase as their wages decrease.
The Columbia article titled The Carbon Cycle and the Earth's Climate explains the outgassing as well as how photosynthesis works and how the majority of CO2 released is from natural elements (e.g., mid-ocean ridges, volcanoes, rock, plants, trees, animal life, cows, man, etc. and not fossil fuel emissions).
Additionally, the article describes how photosynthesis and respiration are in continual opposing sides and will never balance out. We cannot inject a needle with chemo or antibiotics into the ground and alter our planet's climate.
Not surprisingly, the result is that over geologic time, there is more "oxygen put into the atmosphere and carbon dioxide removed by photosynthesis than the reverse." This is in total contrast to what scientists commissioned by our government have been indicating.
Isn't it about time that we stop putting our country into more debt over this absurdity thrown upon us by the ultra-rich and liberal elitists via our government who are heavily invested in these bogus climate control programs?
Isn't it about time we invest in substantial issues such as eliminating our deficit, investing more in our economy, employment, health care insurance reform, technology, sustainable and viable climate control programs, education, military, families, their health, mental illness, defense, etc.?
Sustainabilty is integral for making better decisions for the future of our ecosystems and environment but it must be clearly thought out and planned in a much more organized, integrated scenario and at significantly lower costs. No individuals should be capitalizing on sustainability efforts period! The benefit of sustainability development is that it takes into account everything including social, economic, environment, and viability (meaning viability will guarantee the success of the program).
Do you agree we need to focus on real issues that matter? The government has been working on a backward equation (e.g., "cancer causes cigarette smoking") for several years and our deficit is growing exponentially. We will probably reach a $20 trillion dollar deficit before 2020.
Unequivocally, I hope this puts climate control expenditures into perspective. Our government cannot keep on wasting tax dollars on nonsensical climate control quack programs that simply do not work.
Disappointingly, the current government climate control programs add a few jobs (if any), go to family members, buddies, etc., and few insiders become rich at the expense of making "we the people" poor. The Columbia University article (http://www.columbia.edu/~vjd1/carbon.htm ) also describes real facts about the "Greenhouse Effect."
Earth Day will be celebrating its 45th event (44 years) this coming April 22nd, and I have been supportive of Earth Day since it was first introduced back in 1970. I would not advocate that we all should ignore efforts to conserve energy, water, and recycle, as well as implement solar and alternate fuel. However, they need to become available for public use only when there is valid proof that our atmosphere will positively impact the world with significantly less dollars than current costs.
An article in 2009 by American Thinker reported that a Princeton University professor and former Director of Energy Research at the Department of Energy (1990-1993), presented some of his key findings on climate change and reported that 650 prominent international scientists, including both former and current IPCC participants, have challenged the claims about global warming made by the 52 scientists commissioned by U.N. panel's report. He also stated carbon dioxide (CO2), the compound singled out by the IPCC as a major contributor to global warming, has, in fact, a beneficial compound essential for life on earth.
Moreover, we need to be reminded, that the earth has been changing climates for zillions of years way before America was burning fossil fuels. This article also concludes that current warming period (which actually ended 10 years ago) began in 1800 following the close of the little ice age (1300-1650 AD), which was preceded by a Medieval Warm Period (800-1300 AD) and noted that the little ice age and the Medieval Warm Period were conveniently omitted from the IPCC report.
On all accounts, this fact is valid proof that global warming had nothing to do with fossils fuel burning.
Also worth noting is that over the last 10,000 years since the last ice age, there have been several global warming events. Thus further supporting that climate change has occurred multiple times without actions of mankind. (Source: American Thinker)
Obviously, wasting inordinate amounts of government time and money on climate control programs that bear no guarantee to significantly improve the earth's atmosphere is stupidity. Also, over the past 3 years the U.S. has spent nearly 8 billion dollars of "we the people's" tax monies in other countries for climate programs that we will never know outcomes or if the $$$ are going to the program.
Unfortunately, even if what these 52 scientists reported had any grain of validity, nothing we would do would ever generate a significant difference in our world's atmosphere.
Historically, our government and politicians have been wasting our tax dollars on programs that will have no impact on the forces of Mother Nature, have no proof or guarantee these programs will work, and it's about time they focus on the more pressing issues.
Regrettably, our government spending is on the verge of increasing debt to $20 trillion before 2020. The government needs to focus on our economy, eliminating debt, improving employment, supply chain sustainability, reforming healthcare, our military, the injured, families of deceased military, mental health, hunger, homelessness, education, etc.
Additionally, as much as I respect and admire Ann Curry, the likes of liberal NBC media, sorry to say, they are riddled with deception and nonsense and propaganda. Many are out of touch with what our country imperatively needs.
Do you think our government is intentionally silencing the hundreds of prominent atmospheric and climate scientists who oppose the existing global warming programs? Do you think climate control is a farce? Isn't it time our country moves forward instead of backward?
AllThingsDigitalMarketing blog post titled "U.S. government climatecontrol investments: Farce or no farce?" includes additional resources and more photos.
♦Global Warming is a Farce, SteveGoddard, https://stevengoddard.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/global-warming-is-a-farce/; The Past is the Key to the Future ; Gaia Is Truly Merciful - Grants Earth A 25 Year Reprieve From Climate Doom
♦Columbia University, "The Carbon Cycle and the Earth's Climate," http://www.columbia.edu/~vjd1/carbon.htm
♦Barack Obama Admits the Farce of Global Warming Won't Be Curbed by His Taxpayer Funded Climate Control Agenda, Freedom Outpost http://freedomoutpost.com/2014/01/barack-obama-admits-global-warming-won...
♦We prove the farce of global warming, The Black Sphere, [VIDEO] http://theblacksphere.net/2014/2/global-warming-farce
♦The Farce of Global Warming, American Thinking, March 2009, http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/03/the_farce_of_global_warming.html
Please check out all the links in the resource section above and share this on your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media networks you enjoy! Thanks!
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia.org, unless otherwise mentioned.
Visiting this blog frequently and sharing this with your social media and professional network is much appreciated. Thanks.
All photos courtesy of Wikimedia unless otherwise indicated.


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Welcome to Blades and Knives Direct
At Blades and Knives Direct we pride ourselves on our customer service and a prompt delivery service. We stock a wide range of scalpels, handles, safety knives and blades including top names such as Swann Morton and OLFA. Whether you're a chiropodist, veterinary surgeon or keen modeller we're sure to have the blades or knife for you.
We accept most major Debit and Credit Cards as well as Paypal. Can find what you're looking for? Please don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll help wherever we can.
We look forward to processing your order.
The Team @ Blades and Knives Direct


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Are your kids Little House on the Prairie fans? There are all sorts of wonderful resources on the internet to help use the famous book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder in your homeschool.
Here's a round-up of some great sites.
~ Laura's Prairie House has lots of hands-on activities, printables and recipes, plus much more. One particularly interesting section is the researcher's corner, where visitors can read actual marriage announcements, obituaries and other clippings of interest about members of the Ingalls and Wilder families. This is a can't-miss site for Little House fans.
~ The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library offers lots of Laura Ingalls Wilder activities, lesson plans and printables for kids and teachers. There are some wonderful resources here, such as printable templates to make your own pioneer town (complete with information about how much things like hotel stays and meals would cost) and an online Little House counting book.
~ Marine Corps Nomads has made up free lapbooks on many of the Little House books for Homeschool Share. They include: Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy, On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years and The First Four Years.
~ Eclectic Education has a wonderful Little House Unit Study page on Squidoo that includes all sorts of Little House activity pages, printables and links.
~ Little House Books offers lots of activities for teachers and librarians, plus fun sections for kids. Examples include Little House recipes, word searches, crafts and extensive classroom activity guides for teachers.
~ Blanchard Elementary offers a large Little House on the Prairie page full of resources such as author sites, timelines, discussion questions, teacher resources, recipes, crafts, links and more.
~ Little House Teacher Guides has a very thorough series of lesson plans and resources that cover each chapter of four Little House books, loosely geared towards 3rd through 5th grade. The site contains chapter-by-chapter lesson plans in all subjects for Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, On the Banks of Plum Creek and The Long Winter. Subjects include math, science, language arts and social studies. Typical activities include researching the current value of the horses and ponies that Pa traded, observing the effect of hot and warm water on ice, and estimating the weight of an ox compared to a car, people and other objects and then finding out the actual weight. Note: not all chapters have been completed in the series.
~ Home Ed magazine offers On the Little House Trail, one homeschooling mother's account of visiting all of the home sites mentioned in the books with her family.
~ Mama Scout offers a wonderful blog post about Unschooling Little House on the Prairie. She writes:
On this particular morning, I woke up to 3 children dressed in their prairie garb ready for a day of pioneer school. We made biscuits from scratch (a rare treat around here) and ate them with the jam we had made last summer (our pioneer selves that is :). We then took a long walk mimicking Laura and Mary's 2.5 mile walk to school. We stopped at our lake (creek) to poke around and catch some minnows. When we returned home, each kid came to my store to buy their slate and slate pencil. Then we played school. They read to me from McGuffy readers, worked on penmanship, and figured arithmetic on their slates.
~ Chasing Cheerios has lots of sweet little Camp Laura activities archived that are wonderful inspiration for doing your own Little House activities.
~ Simple Homeschool has a Little House virtual tour of Laura's hometowns.
~ More miscellaneous printables and activities:
- Winter in the Big Woods Unit Study
- Little House on the Prairie Notebooking
- Little House Crafts and Ideas from School@Home
- Little House on the Prairie Postage Stamp Coloring Page
- Little House in the Big Woods Character Word Search
- Making Butter Activity Worksheet
- Little House in the Big Woods Sugaring Off Word Search
- Covered Wagon Journaling Page
My own family feels a special connection to the Little House series, since we live near Walnut Grove and take part in its Wilder Pageant every year. This summer will mark my daughter Anna's 10th year in the pageant (she started out playing little Grace when she was just four years old). Three of my other children have acted in the pageant for many years, as well, and my husband plays Reverend Alden and the mayor. I highly recommend visiting Walnut Grove during weekends in July to see the pageant and enjoying the free family festival in the park every Saturday during pageant season.
This is just a fraction of the educational resources out there for homeschooling with the Little House series, but these are some of my favorites. If you have other resources you recommend, feel free to leave them in the comments.
Stay tuned for more Little House activities in the future.
Want to stay in the loop? Subscribe to my column to be notified when new articles are published. You can also follow my homeschool boards for all subjects and ages on Pinterest and on Facebook at A Magical Homeschool.


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Fresh food products including bananas, beans, and potatoes, vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and onions have become more affordable in Kigali markets after a huge price rise that was witnessed in the past few months.
According to a mini-survey carried out by our reporter at Kimironko market in Gasabo district fresh beans are sold at Rwf700 a kilogram, the bananas are sold at Rwf150 per kilogram compared to Rwf250 selling price last month.
Some commodities saw a rise in prices while others remain unchanged like Tanzanian rice still at Rwf1000 per Kilogram, Pakistan Rice at Rwf700 per kilogram and sugar at Rwf700 per kilogram.
A big bucket of tomatoes goes for Rwf2500 and a small one for Rwf600.
Most vegetables have their prices reduced their prices and some kinds of fruits are still unchanged their prices and others are even higher. With mangoes going for Rwf2500 per kilogram, sweet bananas for Rwf1000 and passion fruits at Rwf1200 per kilogram.
"The market is stabilizing and one has a variety of fresh goods to select from and shopping is becoming better, the decline of prices traders attributes it to the increase in supply," explains Jean D' Arc Muberarugo, a market vendor at Kimironko.


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But how did things get to be this worse I mean R2.2Billions in the red, did anyone not see this was going to happen what kind of brains do we have in the public sector.
The R202-million allocation for this month follows the R600-million paid out in December, spokesman Simon Zwane said.
The payments were managed through cash flow allocations the department received from the provincial treasury.
National Treasury was helping the department sort out its budget.
The health department owes providers for services delivered as far back as 2007. Some were forced to shut down as a result.
In his report last week, Auditor-General Terence Nombembe found that the Gauteng department of health and social development had incurred R2.2-billion in irregular expenditure for 2010-2011.
Earlier this month, the SA Medical Device Industry Association said medical suppliers were owed R403.8-million by the department.
Zwane said a meeting was held with Samed yesterday. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for tomorrow.
"Up to November 2011 an amount of R108-million had been paid to Samed members," he said.
In an effort to reduce accruals, a team has been set up, comprising officials from the provincial health and finance department.
Zwane said the issue of reducing accruals would be dealt with in phases. The intention was to clear most accruals by the end of June this year.
But how did things get to be this worse I mean R2.2Billions in the red, did anyone not see this was going to happen what kind of brains do we have in the public sector.
Its worthless trying to put fire in a room while the place where fire started is still burning. Get rid of the manual system then u would be able to record accruals in an electronic financial system.
Why would you think I'd live in a place with such k@k weather?
I live in Pretoria - best city in the country
Gauteng showed irregular expenditures of R4.2 billion.
Brought out the big stirring spoon today?
It isn't racist here at all ...... providing you don't consider Pta West and Pta North as being part of the city :)
MommaC - Hehehehe.
Im stirring so much, I need a bodyguard nowadays apparently :P
Call me stupid, but I cannot understand why the people who run these bankrupt departments (in all provinces, not just Gauteng) still have a job.
Does training come with the appointment or do they appoint qualified people? Obviously, neither.
How can they waste all this money by appointing anc pals and cadres, in a country like SA, which needs so much infrastructure? It boggles the mind.
Morena: I don't think for a second that those in control were unaware of the problem. They just couldn't care less, knowing that National would have no choice bu to bail them out, as Health is a pretty crucial area gauranteed to get media attention and to get people's tempers raised.
Candi: Do you seriously think our current leadership give two hoots about the principles of the struggle? I definitely do not believe it at all.
This is just insane for people who claimed to have been in the struggle to do this unto its people
Those who do not read History are doomed to repeat it!!!! Look at african states that were liberated before us, many of them are either recovering from being failed states or from civil wars, genocide; etc. South africa is not immune to all of this; sadly our voters believe that we are!!!! That is why even with so much incompetence, others will still argue for the perpetrators of the same. It's not only insane as you put it; but also very painful to those of us who are watching it unfold right before our eyes!!!!


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PERRYVILLE, Ky. - Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the largest Civil War confrontation in Kentucky on Oct. 6-7, with three battle re-enactments.
The weekend will also include living history demonstrations, artillery demonstrations, military camps, expert speakers and paranormal tours.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Kentucky's 38,000 Beef Producers are once again the proud sponsor of the 2012 Gourmet Garden at the Kentucky State Fair.
The Gourmet Garden, located in the air-conditioned South Wing Lobby A, showcases daily educational and entertainment events from culinary professionals from across the state of Kentucky. The Gourmet Garden has won the International Association of Fairs and Expositions' Award of Excellence in 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2011. (The full Gourmet Garden schedule is attached.)
Louisville, KY - Each year, thousands of fans fill Cardinal Stadium to relive their glory days with classic hits and experience new and upcoming acts that are on the verge of super-stardom. And this year's free concert line-up is no exception. Fans can witness the next big thing with artists such as Jake Owen and Hot Chelle Rae and break out their 80's aqua-net with Cinderella. Check out this year's line-up to find old favorites and new ones.
Thursday, August 16 – Cinderella with Sebastian Bach
Louisville, KY - The Kentucky State Fair wants to make this year's visit more personal and convenient than ever by giving patrons the chance to plan their entire visit before arriving at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
MOUNT OLIVET, Ky. - The 230th anniversary of the Battle of Blue Licks, the last Revolutionary War battle in Kentucky, will be commemorated Aug. 18-19 at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park.
LEXINGTON, Ky. – John W. McCauley, State Executive Director for the Kentucky USDA Farm Service Agency, announced that continuous sign-up for the Highly Erodible Land Initiative under the Conservation Reserve Program started on July 23, 2012. Kentucky received a total allocation of 39,400 acres to enroll in the HEL CRP program. Offers will be accepted until either the state acreage allocation limit is reached or September 30, 2012 whichever occurs first.
By SARAH BEACH
The News-Democrat Intern
Spinner is blind and deaf.
He got his name because he cannot walk in a straight line. Instead, he goes around in circles because he cannot see or hear.
Spinner is a four-month-old chihuahua/terrier mix under the foster care of Leah Hill. Leah is a member Carroll County Animal Support, which she says can be a "full-time job." Her other full-time job is at Carroll County Dispatch.
The Kentucky State Police will be conducting traffic safety checkpoints in the counties of Oldham, Trimble, Henry, Owen, Carroll and Gallatin during the period of August 13 - August 27, 2012.
The intent of a traffic safety checkpoint is to provide for high visibility public safety service, focusing on vehicular equipment deficiencies, confirming appropriate registration of vehicles and the licensing of drivers. Violations of law or other public safety issues that arise shall be addressed in accordance with Kentucky traffic and regulatory laws.
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Oaks are the most important tree species to wildlife in Kentucky forests, but the impact of this years drought remains to be seen. White oaks are faring better than red oaks so far.
White oaks produce acorns that are a critical food source for squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear and many non-game species. White oak acorns are preferred by wildlife because they are more palatable. Acorns produced by red oaks contain tannin, which makes them bitter.
Copyright © 2016
The Trimble Banner is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Trimble County, KY and the surrounding area.


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For several years, ok, since I was six, I've wanted to help laboring women as they give birth to their babies. First, I wanted to be a delivery nurse, then an obstetrician, then a nurse midwife.
When I was pregnant with my third child, I discovered home birth midwifery and, after a particularly negative experience with my OB, switched to a midwife for the remainder of my pregnancy.
I researched home birth thoroughly and found my passion for birth reignited and decided that I wanted to be a homebirth midwife.
Suffice it to say, I'm still not one.
I've studied on my own and sampled different programs. I've even done a little apprenticing. But I never truly committed, and over the past four years, not much has changed in that regard.
Even after sitting in church, watching a presentation about Africa and hearing the words "Malawi midwife" whispered in my heart as clear as day. I still come up with excuses for why I can't do it:
- I have too many kids
- I can't afford the training
- I'm not smart enough
- Someone could die
- It's too hard
And really, what's stopping me most is that four-letter f-word: FEAR.
Isn't that usually the culprit? Behind all of the other excuses, our inability to commit, the real reason fueling the inaction is fear. There are so many things we don't do because we're afraid, especially as parents (I know I'm not the only mom who can dream up horrific what-if scenarios involving my kiddos).
Yesterday, my husband posted this quotation:
Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
– Mark Twain
Fear is the root of regret.
Moms, we can do this! We can view our kids as our reasons, not our excuses. We can show them that facing fear puts it in it's place. We can show them what it's like to commit to a life of purpose instead of teaching them how to accumulate stuff and do whatever possible to stay comfortable.
Because life is about more than being comfortable. And deep down inside, we know that, we just don't know how to get past the fear and self-imposed limitations to commit to the life we truly want to live.
As I write this, Ian and I are searching for a bus. To live in. With our whole fam damily. Why?
We want to travel. And build more relationships. And deepen existing ones. And so I can fully commit to the one thing I've dreamed about doing my whole life but have always had an excuse not to pursue.
It won't be the most comfortable living situation we've ever had, but I don't care. A spacious house is no longer my priority. Neither is the comfort of knowing that on the outside, I still look like everyone else.
We've shifted our priorities. It's crazy, scary and all of the details aren't planned out. But we're committed.
Because once you commit, everything else just falls into place. Once fear is faced head-on, it loses its power. Once you see that self-imposed limitations are just that, you can simplify your life and focus on what really matters.
You just have to commit.


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Wrote, Benjamin Butcher, Treasure Mountain Middle School 8th grader
The name Benjamin "The" Butcher could be mistaken as the greatest school yard bully's name of all time.
Yet, the 8th grader at Treasure Mountain Middle School, who isn't afraid of admitting he's been a bully as well as the bullied, was recognized recently for an essay he wrote to deter the vicious act from happening at his school.
"Once I was introduced to the topic, I knew I could write a good, solid essay, about bullying because I have experienced it," Butcher said. "During these experiences, I have been both the bully and the victim. If I had to give advice to anyone who was being bullied, it would be to walk away. Be proud and confident, and no one can stand in your way."
On Friday, April 26, Lt. Governor Greg Bell and the Utah Board of Juvenile Justice honored Butcher, along with 11 other Utah middle school students for their written anti-violence entries to Utah's 13th Annual "Do the Write Thing Challenge," as a part of the National Campaign to Stop Youth Violence.
During the ceremony, Bell gave a speech to the students addressing the importance of anti-bullying campaigns in Utah schools, and also shared personal stories about how he has experienced both sides of bullying.
"I'm so glad I was chosen to be a finalist in this contest," Butcher said. "(Lt. Governor Bell) talked about how he was a bully and how he was a victim as well. This just goes to show that everyone has experienced this before."
School Districts around the state reported that more than 3,400 students participated in classroom discussions about youth violence. More than 1,700, like Butcher, chose to submit essays for review.
Students from the University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University and Utah Valley University, participated in the first round of judging, selecting the top 91 writings. The Utah Board of Juvenile Justice then selected the top 12 finalists, whose work was forwarded to Utah' VIP judges of scoring.
VIP judges included: Chief Chris Burbank, Hope Woodside, Mayor Ben McAdams, Miss Utah Kara Arnold, and other prominent members of the community.


text:
Mzalendo.com is without a doubt one of the most interesting, and at the same time one of the most taxing things that I have ever done. You'd not think so by looking at the home page but take it from me — there is a lot of plumbing under the hood.
Blood, sweat and a lot of tears have gone into Mzalendo.com to make it what it is today, and there is a lot more that we are still doing to make it a complete resource that you, the electorate, can use to make informed decisions when it comes to evaluating your leadership.
I can't offhand recall the exact date Kenyan Pundit and I first discussed the idea, but I do remember it was a substantial breakfast at Java House where ideas were evaluated and either tossed out or scribbled down.
The major obstacles were obtaining information about the parliamentary process — members, bills, motions, etc. The other was tying together everything using technology so as to present it easily to Kenyans, or indeed anyone who is interested.
I won't make any bones about it. It has been, and continues to be quite the effort because we have to find time for our schedules to volunteer to do this. It is entirely a part time effort, mostly done at ungodly hours in the night and weekends.
Which brings me to the question we get fairly frequently: Why?
The simplest answer to this is simple — whining does not help. We have whined and whined and whined about the quality of our leadership for over 40 years. There is nothing you are going to say over drinks with your friends that has not been said before. There is no editorial or blog post or speech that will say anything that has not been said before. And after that what then?
Nothing. Nothing really changes.
Basically whining and ranting about our spectacularly inept leadership has become dangerously close to noise.
Since whining does nothing, we need to do something about it, rather than just talk. Put in some effort. And there are several ways to do this. Facilitate or conduct civic education, run for office, civic or parliamentary, audit the various levels of government, and so on.
But enough with the whining. Everyone knows the problems.
Our way was to build a resource where everyone cold see who their representatives are and what they have done while they were in office so that people could see in black and white the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of their leaders.
We're just about done with the first of the major efforts — putting together complete member profiles which should be done in about a week. It has taken a while because it is very difficult to get this data. When we started compiling it the parliament site had been offline for several months.
But regardless we have been online since February and went public about April.
By and large, Mzalendo.com has been fairly well received. Most people can appreciate the value of such a resource. We have received and implemented a number of ideas. Since everything, and I do mean everything, is in a database, we can manipulate and display it in almost endless ways.
But as with all things, there are always detractors. Most of the attacks fall along these lines
– Despite saying it in black and white that we have no affiliations of any kind with political parties, accusations come in thick and fast about how we are aligned or are some sort of mouthpiece of LDP, NARC or KANU. The basis of these accusations? Your guess is as good as mine!
– Again, despite saying it time and time again that we are just volunteers and don't command resources in terms of time and labour and therefore our data is incomplete, some people see mischief in this. As some sort of "plot" to hide the truth. And so some more allegations come. When challenged to help us fill in the missing information instead of just whining about it — silence.
– Still others pontificate from lofty shores across the seas about how such an initiative is futile because Kenyans have no access to the Internet. I find this as ridiculous as argument as not writing in English because not everyone can read English. While is true that not all Kenyans can go online, those that do have friends and family to whom they can share what they have learnt. Having people access the resource is not the aim of the game. Having them share what they have learnt is.
What I find especially interesting is that almost all of the complaining has come from Kenyans, or at any rate people that claim to be Kenyans.
Luckily, this is more than made up for by the fact that the bulk of our support correspondingly is from Kenyans, and I'd like to thank each and every one of you for your continued support and ideas.
In particular I'd like to thank (in no particular order) Afrofeminizta, Bankelele, Shiro, Alexcia, Guessaurus, my main man Rip and and one Mr X for their support before and behind the scenes. You guys rock!
We're always looking for some extra help. Not sure how you can pitch in? Check this out. Or if you can think outside the box and come up with ideas? Write to us.
Remember — knowledge is power.
I highly encourage you to visit parliament at least once and see for yourself exactly how our MPs conduct themselves and articulate issues. It will be an eye opener. I guarantee you. Details for visiting can be found here so take up the gauntlet and find out how you are governed. After all, it is your right. Visit. Take note. Share.
Livestock and Fisheries Minister Joseph Munyao called a press conference last week to declare to Kenyans that he has only one ass. I kid you not