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Great Gluten-free Bruschetta
- By Jefferson Adams
- Published 11/29/2012
- Gluten-Free Italian Recipes
- Unrated
Jefferson Adams
Jefferson Adams is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. His poems, essays and photographs have appeared in Antioch Review, Blue Mesa Review, CALIBAN, Hayden's Ferry Review, Huffington Post, the Mississippi Review, and Slate among others.
He is a member of both the National Writers Union, the International Federation of Journalists, and covers San Francisco Health News for Examiner.com.View all articles by Jefferson Adams
In many Italian restaurants, sitting down to dinner means enjoying a appetizer of bruschetta: delicious toasted bread topped with chopped tomatoes, olive oil, basil, and a splash of lemon juice.
Bruschetta is one of those simple, tasty Italian treats that can make sipping your wine while waiting for your food a true pleasure.
When I was in Italy, bruschetta was often included as part of a prix fixe dinner combination. Being gluten-free, that meant that I had to gaze longingly (and hungrily) as others enjoyed the rich, crunchy bread and the fresh tomatoes.
When I came home, one of the first things I did was to seek out a recipe for a delicious bruschetta that was gluten-free. Below is a recipe for a simple, delicious gluten-free bruschetta that includes avocado for a bit of a California twist.
8 slices of gluten-free bread
4 large heirloom tomatoes
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 avocado
1 cup of fresh basil, chopped
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat oven to 375F.
Place the 6-8 slices of Udi's Bread on a non-stick baking sheet. Brush with Olive Oil and place in the oven. Cook for approximately 3 - 5 minutes until golden brown, turning if necessary.
Remove the toast from the oven and allow to cool on a plate.
Meanwhile, using a large chopping surface,
Dice the avocado and the tomatoes.
Combine the diced avocado and tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
To the bowl, add chopped basil, the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, and toss until well mixed.
Spoon the mixture over each piece of bread and serve immediately.
Note: For this recipe, I like to use Udi's gluten-free white sandwich bread, but you are welcome to use whatever brand you prefer. The recipe also works well with multi-grain bread.
Celiac.com welcomes your comments below (registration is NOT required).


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Benefit concert is Friday at EHS
A benefit concert and silent art auction for "Enumclaw's Baby" - the little girl who suffered 11 broken bones after being physically assaulted last month - will begin at 7:30 p.m. Friday. The event takes place in the Enumclaw High School auditorium, 226 Semanski St.
Master of ceremonies for the evening will be Seattle television and radio personality, Pat Cashman. Performers to date include:
Totalisti (rock band)
J.J. Smith Elementary School - Magic Strings
Cascade Foothills Chorale
Roni Spriggs, vocalist
Rob Waddell, vocalist
Academy of Ballet
The Ballet Workshop
Kelsey Maas, 13-year-old country vocalist
Plateau Community Girls Choir
Lilly Wilson, 14-year-old classical pianist
Karen Motherway
Rick Antes, vocalist
Michael McCauley, vocalist
Frank Thompson/Dan Corbett, the "Who's on first" routine
Stage Door Productions
Aubrey Moore, vocalist
Carson Johnson, vocalist
Rowan Fae (Irish dancing)
Local artists who would like to donate their work to a silent auction, or businesses interested in donating raffle prizes, may contact Karen Worthington at 360-825-7498.
For information about the event, contact Cathy Rigg at the Enumclaw Area Chamber of Commerce, 360-825-7666.
Admittance Friday is by donation only. All donations will be placed in the "Enumclaw's Baby" fund, established at Washington Mutual and managed by a member of the Enumclaw Police Officer's Association. All proceeds will go to meet the baby's immediate needs, and will be collected at the event by Enumclaw's police and fire departments. Donations may also be made at any Washington Mutual Branch to the "Enumclaw's Baby" fund.
The incident came to light last month when police responded to Enumclaw Community Hospital. Staff had reported an infant with serious injuries, which turned out to be broken bones in each arm and one leg. The baby was seven months old at the time.
In the week following, the 18-year-old boyfriend of the baby's mother admitted to police he assaulted the little girl numerous times and was arrested. The girl's 19-year-old mother was arrested for failing to stop her boyfriend and subsequently lying to police to protect him. Both have been jailed since their arrests.
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|Video: 2011 Aces & Blades
|Photo: 2011 Aces & Blades
|Photo: 2010 Aces & Blades
|Video: 2009 Aces & Blades
|Photo: 2009 Aces & Blades
|Photo: 2008 Aces & Blades
Aces and Blades is an exciting night of casino gaming where Sabres players are the dealers and Sabres fans are the VIP's. Black Jack tables and Roulette wheels fill the room along with rare sports memorabilia, which is auctioned for sale during the evening. Players and guests alike enjoy a unique evening of hockey and high stakes at Aces and Blades.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Buffalo Sabres Foundation, a non-profit foundation that is committed to enhancing the quality of life of everyone throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario.
In the process, the foundation strives to assist worthwhile organizations that make this region a better place to live and work. The primary focus of the foundation is to assist youth hockey initiatives, non-profit organizations and groups that provide vital services to those in need in our community.


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Thanks to a defense that didn't wilt as it has this season, the Jets closed the deal today with a 40-13 victory in Miami against the winless Dolphins.
The Jets (3-9) forced five turnovers against rookie quarterback John Beck (three interceptions, two lost fumbles), turning those into 13 points and making sure they didn't become the first team this season to lose to the Dolphins (0-12).
Leon Washington Thomas Jones (23 carries, 71 yards) scored his first touchdown as a Jet, and Kellen Clemens was 15 of 24 for 236 yards and a touchdown.
But the Jets' defense was the story. In the early part of the third quarter, Beck dropped back to pass four times, but he was sacked three times and lost the ball twice. C.J. Mosely, Bryan Thomas and David Harris each had sacks and forced fumbles in that span, and recoveries were made by Victor Hobson and Harris.
Interceptions by Darrelle Revis and Drew Coleman also helped the cause for the Jets, who host Cleveland next Sunday.


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MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The sponsor of a proposal to drug test some welfare recipients is now suggesting drug testing for another group of people – legislators.
The bill by Sen. Trip Pittman would require that incoming legislators certify whether they have been convicted of any crime related to an illegal controlled substance within the past five years. Any legislator "for whom reasonable suspicion exists" would be subject to periodic drug screenings, under the bill.
Pittman said that he is not really concerned that lawmakers are
legislating while stoned. He said the bill is a show of fairness after critics suggested he was singling out welfare recipients with his testing bill.
"I thought it would be a good faith effort to back up what we are requesting others to do," Pittman, R-Montrose, said.
Under the bill, "reasonable suspicion"
exists only if a member of the Legislature has been convicted for possession
or use of an illegal controlled substance within the five years prior to his or her election.
The requirements are similar to those Pittman proposed for
welfare recipients. That bill has not won approval.
The Senate Constitution and Elections Committee unanimously approved the bill dealing with legislators today. The proposal is a constitutional amendment and would have to be approved by voters.


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Civic Group Reports
S.I. Zen
The Staten Island Zen Community held its weekly meditation session at the Kairos House at Wagner College on Grymes Hill. The interfaith group meets at this location every Tuesday evening from 7:15 to 9 p.m. For further information visit www.zencommunitysi.org, or you may contact Sensei Kenneth Byalin, Resident Teacher at firstname.lastname@example.com or Jerry Mulnick at email@example.com.
The Smedley's Speakers Advanced Toastmasters club met at Staten Island University Hospital, Prince's Bay. The club conducted its annual Table Topic Contest. Club VP of Education Fran Okeson chaired the contest. John A. Weibel was the chief judge. The winner was Ann M. Lautner. The alternate was Emily Cohen. Ms. Lautner will compete in the Area 13 level of the contest next month. After the contest, the following speeches were heard: Joan Maurizio: "Are You Kidding?; Mrs. Cohen: "Stay Well Seniors"; Mrs. Okeson: "The Resolute Desk"; Ken Raftery: "A Growing Concern"; Mr. Weibel: "Food Cravings"; Jeff Maron: "A Half Inning Of Yankee Baseball"; Ms. Lautner: "The Long Road To Books." The club will host the Area 13 Table Topic Contest and the Tall Tales Contest at its next meeting on Sept. 25 in the hospital's main conference room.
South Shore Band
The South Shore Band held its weekly rehearsal at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Tottenville. The band finalized plans for its 9/11 memorial concert at New Dorp Beach on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at the corner of Cedar Grove Avenue and Ebbits Street. The concert is free; all should bring lawn chairs. Donations for our troops will be collected. Suggestions are food, snacks, candy, drinks, toiletries, dog treats, clothes, batteries and puzzles. For more information, contact Robert Bauer at 917-648-2135.
Conference House
The Committee for the 1776 Peace Conference Celebration met Wednesday to finalize plans for an event at Conference House Park on Sept. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The opening ceremony will feature the Staten Island Pipers and a memorial for those who died on Sept. 11, 2001. At 12:30 p.m., a rowboat carrying actors portraying John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge and a British hostage leaves Perth Amboy, and at 1 p.m., a 1776 Peace Conference Reenactment will take place after the "colonists" disembark on the Conference House Beach and are met by Admiral Lord Richard Howe. Other activities include house tours; Colonial dancing and music; open fire cooking demonstrations; children's activities including kite-making, calligraphy, butter churning and candle-making; 18th Century craft demonstrations, and carving and demonstrations by Colonial and Loyalist soldiers. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children, college students and seniors; free for children under 5. For information, call 718-984-6046.


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Today's Pittsburgh Steelers news examines a Week 4 loss and the team's 0-4 start. The Steelers were doomed by poor tackling and big plays in a 34-27 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in London's Wembley Stadium.
Rookie running back Le'Veon Bell's solid debut (16 carries, 57 yards, 2 TDs) was spoiled by Adrian Peterson and the Vikings. The Steelers secondary also allowed backup quarterback Matt Cassel to throw for 248 yards and two scores.
The Steelers badly need a reality check, columnist Gene Collier concluded. This chaotic team is a bloody mess, Dejan Kovacevic wrote. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Pittsburgh was among the NFL's worst teams.
All those headlines and more in today's Steelers news roundup:
Le'Veon Bell's debut spoiled by loss (Steelers.com)
Steelers 0-4 after loss at Wembley (Steelers.com)
Gene Collier: Steelers badly in need of a reality check (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Steelers notebook: Another big Big Ben game goes to waste (Post-Gazette)
Steelers report card: Week 4 vs. Minnesota (Post-Gazette)
Dejan Kovacevic: Chaotic Steelers a bloody mess (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Steelers' secondary now a primary concern (Tribune-Review)
Ex-Steelers defensive great L.C. Greenwood dies (Tribune-Review)
Former Steelers DE L.C. Greenwood dies at 67 (PennLive.com)
There isn't much to like about this year's Steelers (PennLive.com)
'Uh-Oh' and Four (Behind The Steel Curtain)
Antonio Brown among league statistical leaders (Behind The Steel Curtain)
David Johnson, Cameron Heyward given top grades by Pro Football Focus (Behind The Steel Curtain)
Yeah, let's keep blaming Todd Haley for all of the Steelers' woes (Nice Pick, Cowher)
Are 0-4 Steelers playing for '14? (Bleacher Report)
Poor tackling and explosive plays hurt the Steelers most in loss to Vikings (Steelers Depot)
Steelers offense is slowly starting to run through Heath Miller again (Steelers Depot)
Ben Roethlisberger: 'We're the worst' (ESPN.com)


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The question is what does Wagner do for an encore?
After snapping reigning league champion LIU's 31-game home win streak in Brooklyn on Thursday with an 86-75 victory that included 9 of 10 shooting from three-point range, the Seahawks, winners of seven of their last eight, face a gritty, inside-powered St. Francis club that has won four of its last five.
Wagner shot a sizzling 59 percent from the floor in the Northeast Conference win, out-rebounded the Blackbirds 37 to 24, and received a virtuoso 19-point, 11-assist, four-steal performance from point guard Kenny Ortiz.
The junior floor general couldn't have played much better.
And Terrier coach Glenn Braica noticed.
"You have to contain him off the dribble," the SFNY coach said of the Southern Miss transfer. "He's quick, strong and has great body balance."
Ortiz, last season's NEC defensive player of the year, has added a new wrinkle to his game recently, one that makes the Newark product all the tougher to deal with.
After going 0 of 12 from three-point range in his first 42 games as a Seahawk dating back to the beginning of last season, the pin-ball, get-it-and-go type has taken to sailing home three-pointers.
@ Wagner College (9-5, 3-0)
Probable starters
He's made 5 of 6 over the past three games, including a pair of back-to-back from long, long distance to spur a 19-2 game-changing run on Thursday.
"I've been working a lot on my jump," Ortiz said of the transformation to deep threat. "It's a matter of getting confident, and I'm doing that."
The Terriers are 2-2 over the last two years vs. Wagner, and they have the inside power types in Jalen Cannon, Akeem Johnson and Travis Nichols to play with the Seahawk interior.
"We have to defend, rebound and get back in transition to have a chance," said Braica. "We've been practicing well, and that's carried over into the recent games."
And one other thing.
"We have to deal with Ortiz," declared the Terrier coach.
Thursday was a break-out game for Latif Rivers.
Last year's team-high scorer (14.6 ppg), was playing in only his fifth game of the season, and the junior guard responded with a season-high 20 points, shooting 6 of 10 from the floor.
"I'm getting there," the 6-1 junior said of his return from lingering soreness following off-season knee surgery. "Right now, I'm not as explosive as I can be and I can't do some of the things I want to do, but I'm getting better every day."
Saturday's game is the back end of an NEC doubleheader with the Seahawk women taken on SFNY, tip-off at 1 p.m.
As of Friday, Wagner's daily RPI rating was an NEC-leading 105.
Wagner's 5.5 blocks per game rank it 16th in the nation.
As for team scoring defense (61.1 points allowed and field-goal defense (38 percent), the Seahawks are No.1 in both categories in the Northeast Conference.
Ortiz ranks 4th in the NEC in assists (4.6 apg) and 6th in steals (1.86 per).


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Pinching is removing the stem tips of a young plant to promote branching. Doing this avoids the need for more severe pruning later on.
Thinning involves removing whole branches back to the trunk. This may be done to open up the interior of a plant to let more light in and to increase air circulation that can cut down on plant disease. The best way to begin thinning is to begin by removing dead or diseased wood.
Shearing is leveling the surface of a shrub using hand or electric shears. This is done to maintain the desired shape of a hedge or topiary.
Rejuvenating is removal of old branches or the overall reduction of the size of a shrub to restore its original form and size. It is recommended that you do not remove more than one third of a plant at a time. Remember to remove branches from the inside of the plant as well as the outside. When rejuvenating plants with canes, such as nandina, cut back canes at various heights so that plant will have a more natural look. Conditions : Full Sun Full Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
* The key to watering is water deeply and less frequently. When watering, water
well, i.e. provide enough water to thoroughly saturate the root ball. With
in-ground plants, this means thoroughly soaking the soil until water has
penetrated to a depth of 6 to 7 inches (1' being better). With container grown plants, apply enough water to allow water to flow through the drainage holes.
* Try to water plants early in the day or later in the afternoon to conserve
water and cut down on plant stress. Do water early enough so that water has
had a chance to dry from plant leaves prior to night fall. This is paramount
if you have had fungus problems.
* Don't wait to water until plants wilt. Although some plants will recover from this,
all plants will die if they wilt too much (when they reach the permanent
wilting point).
* Consider water conservation methods such as drip irrigation, mulching, and
xeriscaping. Drip systems which slowly drip moisture directly on the root
system can be purchased at your local home and garden center. Mulches can significantly cool the root zone
and conserve moisture.
* Consider adding water-saving gels to the root zone which will hold a reserve
of water for the plant. These can make a world of difference especially under
stressful conditions. Be certain to follow label directions for their use.
Conditions : Normal Watering for Outdoor Plants Normal watering means that soil should be kept evenly moist and watered regularly, as conditions require. Most plants like 1 inch of water a week during the growing season, but take care not to over water. The first two years after a plant is installed, regular watering is important for establishment. The first year is critical. It is better to water once a week and water deeply, than to water frequently for a few minutes.
A week to 10 days before planting, add 2 to 4 inches of aged manure or compost and work into the planting site to improve fertility and increase water retention and drainage. If soil composition is weak, a layer of topsoil should be considered as well. No matter if your soil is sand or clay, it can be improved by adding the same thing: organic matter. The more, the better; work deep into the soil. Prepare beds to an 18 inch deep for perennials. This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now, but will greatly pay off later. Besides, this is not something that is easily done later, once plants have been established. How-to : Planting Perennials Determine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day, exposure, water requirements, climate, soil makeup, seasonal color desired, and position of other garden plants and trees.
The best times to plant are spring and fall, when soil is workable and out of danger of frost. Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring. Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas, allowing full establishment before first winter. Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants, unless planting a more established sized plant.
To plant container-grown plants: Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between. Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container. Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole, working soil around the roots as you fill. If the plant is extremely root bound, separate roots with fingers. A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay, but should be kept to a minimum. Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly, protecting from direct sun until stable.
To plant bare-root plants: Plant as soon as possible after purchase. Prepare suitable planting holes, spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in. Water well and protect from direct sun until stable.
To plant seedlings: A number of perennials produce self-sown seedlings that can be transplanted. You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting. Prepare suitable planting holes, spacing appropriately for plant development. Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel, and replant it immediately, firming soil with fingertips and water well. Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable.
Prevention and Control: Plant resistant varieties and provide maximum air circulation. Clean up all debris, especially around plants that have had a problem. Do not water from overhead and water only during the day so that plants will have enough time to dry before night. Apply a fungicide labeled for rust on your plant. Fungi : Powdery Mildew Powdery Mildew is usually found on plants that do not have enough air circulation or adequate light. Problems are worse where nights are cool and days are warm and humid. The powdery white or gray fungus is usually found on the upper surface of leaves or fruit. Leaves will often turn yellow or brown, curl up, and drop off. New foliage emerges crinkled and distorted. Fruit will be dwarfed and often drops early.
Prevention and Control: Plant resistant varieties and space plants properly so they receive adequate light and air circulation. Always water from below, keeping water off the foliage. This is paramount for roses. Go easy on the nitrogen fertilizer. Apply fungicides according to label directions before problem becomes severe and follow directions exactly, not missing any required treatments. Sanitation is a must - clean up and remove all leaves, flowers, or debris in the fall and destroy. Fungi : Downy Mildew Downy Mildew, a fluffy white fungal growth that develops on the underside
of leaves, is most common during cool, humid conditions. Foliage often discolors
and is stunted.
Prevention and Control: Use disease free plants and space far enough
apart so that air circulation is good. Remove and discard infected leaves or even
entire plants. Use a recommended fungicide and always follow the directions on the label.


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Targeting mineral discovery throughout Western Australia3D Resources Limited (3D Resources) is a minerals explorer targeting high value commodities (gold, copper, lead, zinc and nickel) in Western Australia and advanced projects(Coal and manganese in Indonesia, Gold in Australia) that can transform the company into a mineral producer. The Companys Western Australian projects are located in the Proterozoic Lamboo Complex of the East Kimberley, the Paleoproterozoic Glengarry Basin, in the Peak Hill Goldfield and the highly prospective Archaean Cosmo Newbery area, in the Eastern Goldfields..
3D Resources represents a high risk high reward investment with the potential for locating economic mineral deposits within all of these project areas that have received only moderate exploration in the past. One area, the Mt Angelo Porphyry in the east Kimberley, was last explored to any depth in the late 1960s with recorded diamond drill hole intercepts up to 152 m grading 0.54% Cu. This area can now be easily explored using modern deep drilling RC techniques and fully tested for its copper gold molybdenum silver potential.
The Company is actively evaluating various projects in Indonesia that offer the potential for early stage cash flow and has targeted initially coal projects in Indonesia, a country that has seen a massive expansion in production as a result of the available infrastructure and readily accessible resources, low cost mining and transport. The company has also assessed manganese in Timor and Kalimantan, Iron ore projects in Kalimantan and Sulawesi, as well as several gold resource projects in Australia.


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BRIDGETON — A Vineland man was found guilty of possessing an imitation firearm used in a 2012 Millville shooting, according to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.
Alfonso Rosado, 41, was found guilty last week of fourth-degree possession of an imitation firearm for an unlawful purpose.
The case arose from a May 28, 2012 incident, where Rosado, after an argument, was alleged to have returned armed with a handgun and shot twice at the victim. No weapon was recovered, the prosecutor's office said.
At trial, the jury returned a verdict acquitting Rosado of unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a handgun for unlawful purpose and aggravated assault.
Rosado faces up to 18 months in state prison.
The state was represented by Cumberland County Assistant Prosecutor Sarah Slachetka. Rosado was represented by Oded Weinstock. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 5.
Contact staff writer Spencer Kent at 856-451-1000 ext. 516 or at email@example.com.


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This is the time of year when we count our blessings.
For me, this means reviewing the blessings associated with being quadriplegic. I have taken considerable time over the last 12 years to complete this list. You who are even paraplegic rather than quadriplegic may marvel at the degree of imagination and inventiveness which have gone into this exercise. I marvel at it myself.
You may think the day-to-day life of the person with quadriplegia is one long list of negatives, beginning with the inability to walk and ending with the inability to walk. But not so. Contrary to popular opinion, life as a person paralyzed in most of his body, including his extremities, isn't all bad.
Below is a list of those things which make our lives anything but tragic and sad and depressing.
1. Itching.
When you are paralyzed in 90 per cent of your body, there are far fewer places which itch. Thus there are far fewer places to scratch. This includes the human bottom, otherwise known as the backside, the butt and, for the more sophisticated among us, the derrière.
For those with no couth, it's also known by another name: the rear end, which is what it really is.
Itching in this area of the human body leads to scratching in the same area which, if done in public, can lead to acute embarrassment for the scratcher's spouse. Strangely, for others who are observing this activity, it can create much hilarity.
When your bottom is paralyzed, the potential for this kind of problem is minimal. For this reason, I list it as the first of many blessings for those of us who are quadriplegic.
For further study, the reader is referred to a small body of water on Twillingate Island known as Scratch Ass Pond. I'm not sure if the good residents of the island eat the trout that come out of the pond or not.
2. Helping little old ladies across the street.
You don't have to, which is the whole point. Surely you've seen examples of legal suits which have been brought against well-meaning people trying to do a good deed. The octogenarian slips, falls and breaks a hip and sues the Good Samaritan out of his pants — or her pants, whichever is most appropriate.
The person with quadriplegia, on the other hand, is more likely to be on the receiving end of good deeds and thus in a position to better his financial worth should someone be foolish enough to try helping him or her across the street.
3. Saving soles.
No, I have not spelled "soles" incorrectly. I am aware that a sole can be a very flat and very ugly fish. It can also be a very flat and ugly part of your shoe. When one considers the materials — for want of a better word — this particular sole comes in contact with on a daily basis, particularly if your next door neighbor happens to own a dog, it's not the stuff of which dinner conversations are made.
A person with no legs to speak of: 1) doesn't come in contact with such materials, and 2) doesn't wear out his soles as quickly as someone who seems to be better off simply because he can walk.
I still have the same soles I had at that time of my accident, which in four days will be 13 years ago.
My soles tend to rot away rather than wearing so thin they have to be thrown out.
4. Flirting with women.
This isn't normally done by your normal able-bodied male. On the other hand, perhaps it is and I never knew about it. But for the last 13 years of my life, I have been making up for lost time.
I have come to the conclusion, albeit a bit late in life, that there are three ways to meet women. The first is to buy a Lamborghini (for the more ignorant among us, that's not a famous painting or a famous painter or the head of the Mafia in Sicily — it is a most expensive automobile that says more about you than Facebook ever could).
The second is to buy a puppy. However, it seems to me that the sensuous nature of flirtation would not be enhanced by the chap with a pooper scooper in one hand and a paper bag in the other. Holding hands might not be all that it once was.
The third option is to break your neck and end up in a wheelchair. I tell you the truth, nine out of 10 women I meet in malls are very friendly. If you make eye contact at all, they give you this warm smile and you just know that if you stopped you'd have her telephone number in less than a minute.
OK, I'm not stupid. I know it's because they consider me harmless. It didn't happen a whole lot when I was six-foot-two and 200 pounds. But it's still nice enough to be included in this list of things that are positive about being quadriplegic. You might remember that next time you see me coming.
5. You live the life of Riley.
Yours is a chauffeur-driven existence. You get aboard your vehicle to drive to St. John's or St. Barbe and you lay back and go to sleep. Six hours later, you're where you're supposed to be. Only thing left to do is eat and go to sleep. Admittedly, that's the sad part.
The five items I've listed here came easily and quickly. If I should think about it some more, I could undoubtedly come up with several other factors pertaining to life with quadriplegia that might cause you to rethink what you feel when someone floats by in a wheelchair.
A little envy might even be in order.
Ed Smith is an author who lives in Springdale. His e-mail address is email@example.com.


text: With a stay at Alba Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Zakynthos, steps from Museum of Solomos and Kalvos and Byzantine Museum of Zakinthos. This hotel is within close proximity of Dimokratias Square and Solomos Square. Make yourself at home in one of the 15 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Rooms have private furnished balconies. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Additional features include a television in the lobby and tour/ticket assistance. Grab a bite from a snack bar/deli, or stay in and take advantage of the hotel's room service (during limited hours). Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Featured amenities include high-speed (wired) Internet access (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and multilingual staff. The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby, fees may apply.


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Professionals Corner: Comorbidities of Hearing Loss
How are cancer treatments, dementia, diabetes, falling, cerebro & cardiovascular disorders linked to hearing loss? Free Download
Enjoy Relief from Tinnitus
Anyone with tinnitus can benefit from the ReSound Relief app as part of a tinnitus management program. It offers a combination of sound therapy and relaxing exercises that aim to distract you from focusing on your tinnitus. Download the ReSound Relief app to play soundscapes and audio exercises. Balance the sounds between your right and left ears, or turn on the timer so you can fall asleep to soothing sounds. If you would like to learn more about Tinnitus relief, check out our Guide to Tinnitus.
Control your hearing aid from your Apple Watch
Being able to control the volume of the world around you from your wrist would be a game changer for anyone with less than stellar hearing. GN ReSound, makers of Bluetooth hearing aids ReSound Linx, is rolling out ReSound Smart, a Watch app that functions as a remote control for those smart hearing aids.
Instead of taking out your iPhone to alter the Linx's settings, which can be a little obvious, now you can use the Watch to quickly toggle on wind noise reduction, adjust the hearing aids' microphones to enhance speech, and customize noise filters for specific environments. The app also lets you geotag locations to trigger those filters if you know particular places are noisier (or more quiet) than others. No one will ever know what you're up to, and the quick access to settings will prevent you from missing a word.


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BOSTON — The state Department of Public Health on Tuesday confirmed the state's first fatal case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) involving a person after determining the death of an elderly Norfork County woman earlier this month was due to the mosquito-borne virus.
The woman, who was in her 80s, died several days after being hospitalized, according to Anne Roach, DPH spokeswoman. The woman's name was not being released, and officials were not disclosing where in Norfolk County that she lived.
Norfolk County is in the eastern portion of the state, in between Worcester and Boston.
The Department is now conducting an epidemiological investigation to determine where the woman was most likely exposed to infected mosquitoes. Assessment of EEE risk areas will depend on the findings of this investigation.
"Our condolences go out to this individual's family and friends," said DPH Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett said in a prepared statement. "This underscores the serious nature of EEE and the need for vigilance. While the investigation is ongoing, this is a reminder to continue to use personal protection against mosquito bites, including covering exposed skin when outdoors, limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, and using approved insect repellents."
There were seven cases of EEE reported in people across Massachusetts in 2012, three of them ultimately proved fatal, Roach said.
There have been no other cases this year involving a human, although in Western Massachusetts, two horses in Belchertown have died in recent weeks as a result of EEE.
Several communities in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties have announced increase threat levels, and cancelled various outdoor events to lessen the chance of exposure to mosquitoes.
EEE is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can cause death.
The first symptoms of EEE show up three to 10 days after being bitten, and include fever of between 103 and 106 degrees, a stiff neck, headache and a lack of energy. The symptoms can lead to inflammation and swelling of the brain, which is the most dangerous and common serious complication. The disease generally worsens quickly, and some patients may go into a coma within a week.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2013, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.


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The last of the three pit bulls responsible for biting a child and killing another dog this past weekend in Susquehanna Township were all captured as of Tuesday, police said.
Township police were first made aware of the loose dogs Saturday when, around 7:30 a.m., a resident called to report seeing the dogs in the 3300 block of Trinity Road where they had apparently attacked and killed another dog nearby. As officers were headed toward the area, another report came in that one of the dogs had bitten a child, according to a department news release.
While officers subdued two of the dogs and captured them, a third dog escaped and remained on the loose until it was finally captured by police Tuesday sometime before 3 p.m., the release states.
The release does indicate that police identified the owner of the dogs and charges were being filed, but a receptionist at the police department could not confirm if police were ready to name the individual as of shortly before 4 p.m. Tuesday.


text: Wheatgrass is a little tricky. The grass itself is fine and doesn't contain gluten. But it is hard to find something with wheatgrass that has not been cross-contaminated with the seed, which does contain gluten. So if you can witness the grass and it being cut to make sure it is not contaminated with the seed, you should be fine. If not, it is best to skip it.


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NOLA East Jeff-McDonogh35.zip
Friday, November 09, 2012 10:34 PM
Inappropriate photo? Alert us.
The East Jefferson cheerleading squad work on some routines prior to the start of the McDonogh 35 vs. East Jefferson playoff football game at Joe Yenni Stadium in Metairie on Friday, November 9, 2012. (Photo by Peter Forest)


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Palisades Interstate Park
Boating, fishing, picnicking, hiking and history combine in this park created in 1900. Thirty miles of hiking trails on the Hudson River Shore Trail and the cliff-top Long Path, two public boat basins and a boat launching ramp. Also, four riverfront picnic areas, a scenic riverside drive, a cliff-top Parkway with three scenic overlooks, a nature sanctuary, historic sites, and miles of rugged woodlands. For information, call 201-768-1360, or visit www.njpalisades.org.


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He was taken to headquarters for processing. Bail was set at $100, cash, which Zuniga-Lazo posted. He was given a court date for later in the month.
Carolina J. Recinos, 26, of Plainfield, was charged with shoplifting $29.24 worth of cosmetics from the display shelf at Walmart at 1:13 p.m. on Jan. 12.
According to police, she placed the items in her purse then continued to the register to pay for the other items that were in her possession. After she paid for those items, she left the store with the unpaid items still in her purse. She was stopped by Loss Prevention and brought back to the office.
She was given a summons and released on her own recognizance, pending a municipal court appearance.
Christine C. Bailey, 45, of Westfield, was arrested at Home Depot at 12:53 p.m. on Jan. 10, and charged with shoplifting five fabric drawers and a lighter valued at $37.87.
Bailey was taken to headquarters, where the charge was placed on a summons and she was released on her own recognizance, pending a municipal court appearance.
More Somerset County news: NJ.com/somerset


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FLEMINGTON — The old Stangl pottery factory on Mine Street provided an industrial-chic setting for Chabad of Hunterdon County's fourth annual Auction Evening on March 3.
The beneficiaries are the Matthew Harms Medical Fund and Chabad of Hunterdon's scholarship fund, and the entertainment was provided by a comedian named Sarge.
The auction was done in the "tricky tray" style, with patrons depositing raffle tickets according to what they hoped to win. The refreshments included an open bar, a sushi bar and plenty of hot hors d'oeuvres.
More Hunterdon County news: NJ.com/hunterdon • Facebook • Twitter


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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Steven Sierra's world came crashing down when he learned that his wife, Sarai, had been slain while vacationing alone in Istanbul, Turkey.
On Wednesday night, Sierra had the grim task of telling his two boys, Sion, 11, and Silas, 9, their mom is dead.
"They had no idea, and I didn't want anyone telling them because that is something they needed to hear from me," an emotional Sierra told the Advance Thursday. "I didn't want them to find out while I was in Turkey. I wanted to be here speaking to them, because when they break down I needed to be here to comfort them."
Steven, 40, and Sarai, 33, were married for 14 years.
He traveled to Istanbul with Ms. Sierra's brother, David Jimenez, on Jan. 28, a week after his wife was reported missing. On Saturday, her body was found near ancient walls in Istanbul's Sarayburnu neighborhood. Police said she suffered a single, fatal blow to the head.
"I told them somebody hurt Mommy very badly and Mommy died. It was crushing -- and it's still crushing me right now," said Sierra through his tears. "Right now, we have a house full of people, but there will be quiet times when there's no one around. When it's quiet and the TV is off, it's really going to be a battle."
He said his sons had not been aware their mother was missing, because the family shielded them from all news reports.
"They knew something was wrong, though, because they hadn't spoken to their mother in days," he said.
While Ms. Sierra was in Turkey, she spoke with her sons via Skype. "The last time they spoke to her was on Jan. 20," he said. "The boys were expecting Sarai back on Jan. 25, even though she was coming home Jan. 21. [The early arrival] was going to be a surprise for them."
Describing himself as a man of God, Steven Sierra said he thirsts for justice, but he's not angry.
"I hope they find the right person or people. About the way they see fit for justice to be served, I leave that on them [Turkish police]," he said. "I know in my heart, I don't want to be angry at whoever did this. I don't want to live with anger or any type of bitterness. And I tell my sons that. It doesn't benefit us to keep anger in our hearts or lives."
Sierra admitted he didn't want his wife to take the solo trip.
"I was nervous about her every day. I never wanted her to go to begin with; no one in her family wanted her to go," he said. "But at the same time, I loved my wife so very much that I wanted to be as supportive as I could."
But once she was reported missing, he had to tell his boys something about the situation. "The day I left for Turkey, I brought them into the room and said, 'Mommy missed her flight, and me and your uncle are going to go there and see what's going on,'" said Sierra. "When I called them from Turkey, I had to tell them the same thing every time I talked to them. I had to say, 'Hey, guys, Mommy's not here right now, so she's not able to talk to you.'"
Of his wife's love for her family, Sierra said, "She truly loved her family a lot, especially the boys." The city bus driver said, "Sarai was a stay-at-home mom since we had the boys. ... We lived paycheck to paycheck but it didn't matter. Her staying home is what she wanted to do. She was very involved with the boys' school."
He noted that his wife had worked part-time as a medical receptionist, and was pursuing a psychology degree from the College of Staten Island.
In addition, "Sarai was an outdoors person. It was hard for her to stay put inside the house, but at the same time she was a simple person. She didn't ask for much. She didn't want much; she was very content with being with her family. The four of us did a lot together. We laughed a lot."
He recalled the day the pair met while attending a service in Christian Pentecostal Church in Graniteville. "It was summertime 1996, and I saw her from a distance. I remember what she was wearing. She had on a long, silky skirt with black platform patent leather shoes, and I was struck by her long, beautiful hair. I have always loved her hair; I adored everything about her," said her husband, who is seven years her senior.
"When I found out her age, I backed off and said, 'You're too young," said Sierra. "But then we got to know each other, and I was very impressed with the way she carried herself. It reminded me a lot of my mom. We dated for two years."
They tied the knot on Sept. 26, 1998, in the church where they met.
It's that same church where the funeral for Ms. Sierra will take place on Feb. 15.
"Sarai grew up in the church, and she really did love the Lord," he said.
Ms. Sierra left for Istanbul on Jan. 7 to explore her photography hobby, and made side trips to Amsterdam and to Munich, Germany.
"Sarai picked up photography two years ago. But she really started to blossom in the last few months," her husband said. "She was constantly walking around Manhattan and the other boroughs photographing architecture and scenery. She really had an eye for that."
To raise money for her sons, the family is selling her photos on Instacanvas.com. (To purchase Ms. Sierra's photos, go to the website and type in: memyself_Sarai).
"The proceeds will go toward our sons. She didn't have life insurance," Sierra said.
Meanwhile, there are still many disturbing questions surrounding her death.
Sources told the New York Post earlier this week that Ms. Sierra met with a "criminal element" on her solo trip to Istanbul. However, in an interview with the Daily Beast, Ertan Ercikti, an Istanbul homicide division police official, dismissed the claim as rumor.
Turkish media reported that another official, Istanbul Public Security Branch Office Deputy Manager Yener Ulgutol, also said there was no validity to the claims.
According to Ercikti, Ms. Sierra was hit on the head with a "blunt object," which is likely the cause of her death. He told the Daily Beast that parts of her clothing were ripped, a sign she tried to defend herself.
The police official said her body was found under a blanket inside a cavern of the ancient walls. Ercikti surmised that Ms. Sierra was murdered nearby before her body was moved to the spot.
Fox News has reported that samples taken from under Ms. Sierra's fingernails suggest she may have tried to fight off her attacker.
In addition, a Turkish man known as "Taylan," who met Ms. Sierra on Jan. 13 by the Galata Tower, told police there that he had sexual intercourse with her, according to Turkish media reports. He gave DNA and sperm samples to the police, the reports said.
While Sierra said he hasn't paid much attention to the media reports surrounding the case, he said he was "aware of Taylan."
"He [Taylan] was a tour guide for Sarai. They [Turkish police] are questioning him, among a number of other people," he said. "They [police] aren't informing me about how it's going. I guess they didn't want to tell me anything, and they don't really have anything solid to begin with."
However, the Daily News reported that Taylan is no longer is suspect.
Sierra said he is "confident" that Turkish officials are doing all they can to solve the case. "I've witnessed what they are doing firsthand -- all their determination and the hard work," he said.
Ms. Sierra's body was to arrive at Kennedy Airport on Thursday evening and be brought to the Matthew Funeral Home, Willowbrook, which is donating its services, according to Robert Pinnisi, funeral director.
"We are very thankful for all the love and support we have been receiving," Sierra said.
The funeral arrangements include visitation on Thursday, Valentine's Day, at Christian Pentecostal Church at 900 Richmond Ave. between 2 and 4 p.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Feb. 15 at Christian Pentecostal Church. Burial will be in Silver Mount Cemetery -- within sight of the couple's apartment.
Follow @siadvance on Twitter


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- 167 total posts
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Reviews by BBL2014
UK almonte doll 2015
Just to avoid any confusion i was previously posting under the username UK_BACK as I was originally planning to go to DR to the talented Dra Duran, however, I finally realised I am not that brave and want the best facilities and service incase of complications, hence my final decision to go to... READ MORE
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Bradycardia 45bpm is it safe to undergo surgery liposuction Brazillian Butt Lift??
I have recently given up smoking and was using chantix for about a week. My pc noticed that my bmp 43 he advised me to stop taking champix immediately, he aslo done an ECG... READ MORE
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Thanks hun i have a lot of tests xrays coming up over the next couple of months so hopefully can get this sorted and sx by the end of the year. good luck on your journey too x READ COMMENT
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Sure ill inbox u x READ COMMENT


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Bremerton School District names new Renaissance principal
Bremerton High School teacher Kristen Morga was named Renaissance High School's new principal Tuesday, replacing Lynn Caddell, who is taking over the Washington Youth Academy.
Morga, born and raised in Bremerton, has taught computer classes, accounting, financial literacy and web design at Bremerton High School for the past six years and also started a youth mentoring program. Her new post at the alternative high school will be her first job as a principal.
"I'm really excited to be working at Renaissance High School," Morga said, adding that she had witnessed some of her former students doing better in school at Renaissance. "I just hope to help students in giving them that extra support."
Morga met with Renaissance students and staff this week and said she enjoys the close-knit environment there, strengthened by outgoing president Caddell.
"One of my strengths is being able to build those relationships," she said. "I know I can't ever be Lynn, but we can move forward."
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News, Environment, Santa Monica
Santa Monica's 2nd Annual Citywide Yard Sale Saturday
Posted Sep. 26, 2013, 11:09 am
Mirror Staff
Before Santa Monica celebrates Glow on Saturday night, the City of Santa Monica will host the 2nd Annual Citywide Yard Sale during the day from 8 am to 3 pm.
For one day only, Santa Monica will turn into one big citywide yard sale. Cruise for bargains all over town and go green by reducing waste and keeping valuable resources out of the landfill.
Whether you're trying to clear out your attic or searching for secondhand treasures, reusing items is one of the smartest ways to reduce waste.
Visit www.smgov.net/r3 to download/view the yard sale locations list along with links to maps of each location.
Sep. 26, 2013, 12:58:34 pm
Michael Tarbet said...
The map doesn't work well at all. Have you tried it? Maybe you should just provide a list. We know how to get around from one address to another in our town. Or fix the map
Sep. 28, 2013, 4:14:44 am
Robert (BOB) Smith said...
Sorry to point out, 7hrs no way you can take in every Sale Site. Bob


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The LG Nexus 4 launch, despite being one of the most awaited events of the year, was handled pretty shabbily, with the device going out of stock on Google Play minutes after it landed on launch day. Can't blame the folks who were trying to get one, but LG & Google should have anticipated all this frenzy and made sure that there were enough stocks available.
With the second batch of Nexus 4 phones starting to ship this week, Google seems to have gotten smarter with how Google Play orders can be regulated, and has imposed a limit on the number of units once can order per account. Our pals over at Phandroid discovered that one could not order more than two units from Google Play. Smart play that from Google, considering someone could just order a bunch, and then put them up for sale on eBay or Craig's List for atrociously high prices when the Play Store stocks run out.
If you've already purchased two, you are likely to see exactly what's in the screenshot above. Though, it does look like ordering a different variant from the one you ordered earlier, is fine. There is no indication yet, on how long maxed out users would have to cool their heels, but given the demand for this awesome device at that awesome price, we think it's going to be quite a while before the limits are off.
Via Phandroid


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Event committee hosting appreciation night, information session
TRURO – Tuesday will be a night of appreciation and information surrounding the Relay for Life
The committee of the Colchester County event is hosting a team appreciation night beginning at 6 p.m., followed by an open public meeting at the Truro fire hall on this summer's event.
"We really do appreciate all the hard work that our teams put in to the event," said Sharon Bristol, the Canadian Cancer Society's northwest district co-ordinator. "Every year we have a successful Relay for Life in Colchester County and it's because of the hard work and dedication from our teams. This is our way of saying thank you."
Team captains and a guest from each of last year's registered teams are welcome to the appreciation event, which will include the presentation of certificates and awards. Refreshments will also be served.
Beginning at 7 p.m. is an hour-long community meeting.
"There are a lot of changes to the event this year, from the timeframe to even the activities, so this is a chance for anyone that is interested in knowing what the Relay for Life is about to come on out," said Bristol.
This year's event will begin at 1 p.m. on June 14 at Perennia Innovation Park, and end 12 hours later. The committee has a goal of having 50 teams registered with a total of 500 participants. The fundraising goal is set at $150,000. Last year, more than $115,000 was raised.
"We're hoping to register at least 150 survivors as well, and once again have more than 100 volunteers," Bristol added.
Anyone wishing to register as a team, participant, survivor or volunteer during Tuesday night's community meeting can do so, as committee members will be on site handling registration.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa


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Barbara Luscher leads her class of fifth-graders in a cheer before they begin the triathlon they have trained for all school year. "Five, four, three, two, one! Luscher's Mushers love to RUN!" they yell. Before they get to the one-mile run (five times around the Buckman Elementary School field), they will swim three laps of the Buckman Pool and ride two miles on their bicycles.
They plunge into the pool as their parents cheer loudly. Some of the kids are confident swimmers, others need a board or a lifejacket to complete their laps, but all of them are grinning as they clamber out of the pool and dash to the changing room.
Bikes of all sizes are waiting outside and the children run out, don their helmets and pedal away. Luscher, a keen runner who has organized three of these events, cheers them on. It's strictly noncompetitive: She wants the kids to enjoy moving their bodies.
By the time the running starts, many other Buckman students are cheering on their friends. Parents wave bubble makers, and a victory arch made of blue and yellow balloons bobs in the sunshine. As each of the 27 runners comes through the balloon arch, Luscher gives a hug or a high-five in greeting and hangs a medal around the runner's neck. They're all triathletes now.


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Just looked it up. This is as of October 1, after the $258M paydown:Bank loan, at 6.75%...........$503MSr. Notes, at 10.5%..............324M Total .............................$827MThe $125M they'll receive from Blackstone must also be used to reduce that balance per their loan agreement.
Morningstar analyst that covers XTXI wrote yesterday that the deal puts total debt around $750 million. Half that of a year ago and making them under leveraged compared to their peers.


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Harkening back to the bath fixtures in turn-of-the-century New York City hotels, our Alcott Magazine Rack and Paper Holder feature square bars and stepped back plates.
This is a general shipping item.
Shipping Information
Return Policy
At Pottery Barn, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment. Upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage; we will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, made to order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items which are identified by a price which ends in .99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
You may return merchandise through the mail for a refund or replacement. For detailed procedures for returning items through the mail, please contact Customer Service at 1.888.779.5176, 7 days a week, 5:00am - 9:00pm (PT).
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|Alcott Magazine Rack & Paper Holder, Chrome finish
|$99 Sale $28.99
|Alcott Magazine Rack & Paper Holder, Polished Nickel finish
|$99 Sale $28.99


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This deal has ended.
Update: the deal is dead! This is now being sold at a different price by a third-party vendor.
The Simpsons Game for PlayStation 3 is now at Buy.com for just $11.99, despite its original $60 price tag. This game takes the animated family throughout Springfield on different adventures, but also parodies other popular video games. It is rated T for Teen. Shipping is free (you need to select budget shipping) and there is no sales tax (except CA, MA, MD, NY, TN).


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According to Journal columnist Rev. Alexander M. Santora, Hudson County priests are having a more difficult time than ever getting foreign priests to take over the ministry in the summer when regular priests are on vacation, as reported by the Jersey Journal.
The Archdiocese of Newark coordinates parish requests for foreign priests and made changes to their procedure in 2008 that have complicated the process, Santora says.
According to Jersey City's Rev. Stanley Gomes, a director of adjunct clergy, there used to be about 50 or 60 clergy coming to the archdiocese in the summer. Last year, there were 26.
One of the obstacles is the high cost of bringing the priests into the county and paying them a stipend.
U.S. bishops have also complicated the matter by requiring a certificate of aptitude that requires the sponsoring bishop or religious superior to answer ten questions about the priest.
Despite difficulties acquiring foreign priests, the church is expanding its horizons by incorporating 703 priests from different countries as full-time priests, not summer replacements. The Philippines leads with 52, followed by 43 from Poland, India 26, Italy 25 and Colombia 23.
Full story: Parishes find it harder to get foreign priests


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Photographs found on Staten Island shores in the wake of Hurricane Sandy
Staten Island's sense of time has been forever altered by a catastrophic event that tore much of its shoreline to pieces.
In the most devastated communities along the waterfront, bulldozers cleared private possessions into heaps ready for the garbage truck.
Vinyl albums. Suitcases. Crutches. A pasta pot. A washing machine. A baseball. A stuffed animal.
All piled at curbside.
As they raked, shoveled and swept, volunteers discovered amid the debris the most personal possessions -- family photographs.
Covered in muck and sand, scratched by sea water, the images are surprisingly still vivid. They chronicle weddings, holiday gatherings, romances, graduations, proms -- lives lived before the hurricane.
For now, after the hurricane, their owners are unknown.
Click here for a story on the search for the owners of the photographs.


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Pete Tong fan wins competition with Fusion Nightclub and iQ
FUSION Nightclub and Apple retailer iQ have given away an Apple TV to one lucky Guernsey competition winner.
Nearly 100 people entered the competition organised by Fusion Nightclub and iQ to launch legendary DJ Pete Tong's upcoming set in Guernsey on 28 April.
The competition involved Facebook fans tagging themselves in a photo of the BBC Radio 1 DJ on the Fusion Nightclub Facebook page to win the new Apple TV.
18 year old Beth Abbott, who works at the Health and Social Services Department, was chosen at random as the winner.
"I'm really pleased with the prize. I'm an avid Apple user so to win the Apple TV is really exciting," said Beth.
"I can't wait for Pete Tong's set at Fusion Nightclub as I'm a big fan. I'll be going with my friends and it should be a really great event."
Mat Greening from iQ – Apple Premium Reseller said: "IQ is really excited to be supporting Pete Tong's set in Fusion Nightclub. Pete is such a legend in the dance music scene and it's great that someone of his calibre is performing in Guernsey, giving local music fans a chance to see him in the flesh."
Pete Tong's 9pm-11pm Friday night slot on BBC Radio 1, 'The Pete Tong Show', known as the Essential Selection, regularly attracts over two million listeners and his sets at Pacha nightclub in Ibiza are world renowned.
"This competition with iQ was a fun way of letting local people know about Pete Tong's set. This is the first time Pete Tong has performed here and we could not be more excited. He will have just returned from sets in Miami and LA when he comes to Guernsey," said Fusion Owner, Adam Burroughs.
Pete Tong is performing at Fusion Nightclub on Saturday 28 April as part of his 'All Gone Pete Tong' UK tour.
The doors will open from 10:00pm and tickets can be purchased at www.fusion.gg.
Category: Community, Editor's Choice, Events
SEE OUR LATEST OFFSHORE JOBS: All Offshore Jobs | Isle of Man Jobs | Jersey Jobs | Guernsey Jobs


text: Peter and Shirley LaHart Sr. of 29 Trillium Dr., Lake Placid, celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on April 12, 2008. An anniversary party was given by their children, Peter LaHart Jr., Linda Greene, Sharon Mahmudi, Pamela Pozzi, Patricia Williams, Lucille Goff, Rebecca McKillip and Venessa Buckley on July 19th at the Craig Wood Golf and Country Club in Lake Placid, where several family members and close friends attended to witness the renewal of the bride and groom's wedding vows. It was a blessed event as the ceremony was performed by a very special nephew of the bride, Mr. Mitchell Terry (Skip) of Jay, NY. After the exchange of vows, a buffet and cake were served and family photos were taken on the deck overlooking the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.


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Voters keep council incumbents
The Mirror
Voters in Federal Way re-elected two City Council members Tuesday, rejecting their challengers' calls for change.
Position 4 incumbent Jeanne Burbidge won her third four-year term by collecting 53.6 percent of the votes in her general election race against Mark Walsh, who finished with 46.1 percent in unofficial results.
In the Position 6 contest, incumbent Eric Faison captured his second term easily over Dini Duclos. Faison received 64.6 percent of the votes to Duclos' 35.1 percent.
A third council incumbent, Linda Kochmar, ran unopposed and will begin her third term in January.
Burbidge fended off three challengers in the primary election in September, then completed her re-election bid against Walsh, a businessman who campaigned aggressively with claims that Federal Way suffers from an unfavorable business climate, an inadquate employment base and crime. Burbidge, a council member since 1997, defended her record and the council's, saying the city is a good place to live, raise families and cultivate businesses.
Faison, a councilman since 2001, and Duclos offered few substantial differences in their campaign positions. Both are strong advocates of downtown redevelopment, for instance, though Duclos took relatively mild exception in campaign apperances to some of the approaches favored by Faison and the council as a whole.
Duclos, who made her first foray into elected politics, heads Multi-Service Center, a social services agency.
About 26 percent of Federal Way's 38,863 registered voters cast ballots.
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Which 80s Sitcom Star's Wife Found Out About His Gay Bar Visit?
BLIND ITEMS — "This former '80s sitcom star was always very cute and popular and respectable. He married his actress sweetheart, and the couple are two of the straightest and most uber-conservative celebs and parents around. So it pains us to inform you that he's actually a major closet case. One of his wife's friends spotted him in a gay bar a few nights ago. The wife was so mad that she locked him out of the house and threatened divorce." [via BlindGossip]
(Note: Accompanying photos do not indicate any relationship to the report.)
Kirk Cameron?
let the outing of kirk cameron begin
ALF picked me up in a hustler bar when I was younger, more attractive and had more hair.
Kirk Cameron is a power bottom for Jeebus.
Fcuk it! Even if it isn't, Just to rub sand in his rightwing rightous vagina lets all post that its Kirk Cameron…… :p
PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE for the love of all that is holy let it be Kirk Cameron.
Well Kirk Cameron fits the stereotype. Weirdly anti-gay for somebody who grew up in hollywood, became uber religeous and conservative and sex-phobic to the point where he had one actress kicked off the show after it turned out she had posed for Playboy.
So yeah, I'll totally buy that he's a major closet case.
guess I'm not the only one that thought of Kirk C – –
Obviously this has nothing to do with whether this blind item is true or not, but "it PAINS us to inform you…" seems to be a pretty big indicator that it is referring to Kirk, star of Growing Pains.
I think everyone would get a good laugh out of it if it was Kirk Cameron, and reasonably so.
@adam: I bet his wife and kids wouldn't be laughing……
I thought of Kirk Cameron immediately. Is his wife an actress?
Kirk Cameron! This is going to be DELICIOUS.
@JoeyO'H: A failed one.
I find it really hard to believe Kirk Cameron would ever step foot in a gay bar – he would be so recognized. Not to mention that in this day and age with cell phone cameras the evidence would be all over the place.
That guy makes super religious films and he is commited to that – so you guys just keep on wishing.
What sitcom was Anderson Cooper in? My Mom won't let me watch TV.
Oh, man! ALF! It makes sense now. That running gag about him wanting to eat pussies was just a way to make him seem more straight. ROTFLMAO!
How about Mark-Paul Gosselaar? Saved by the Bell started in 1989 so I don't know if it counts as an 80's show but he met his future wife on the set when she guest starred. They just divorced and the blind item seems to suggest the couple is still together.
Chelsea is also several years older than Kirk.
KC does spend a whole lot of time with that guy Ray Comfort, proud owner of an impressive pornstache. Some things just scream closeted, so can you blame us for wondering? Kirk: "Jesus, that tickles in such a nice way!" Ray: "That wasn't Jesus, son."
OK I'm sorry, to all Queerty readers, I owe you a gallon of brain bleach. My bad.
@Jon B: Nice catch. And I hope you are 100% correct. It would be sweet karma.
this is just gossip, queerty does this every now and then just to stir up talk on their website. There is no pictures, no proof, and that makes it a "blind joke". Give me a break, already!! Get on with the news. Kirk Cameron would be good to laugh at, but seriously stop trying to drum up talk
Ewwwwww. Jesus can keep him. Creepasaurus Rex.
This is far from the first time I've heard about this aspect of Kirk Cameron though. But he's just the kind of sanctimonious half-wit that deserves some time on the cover of one of those supermarket rags.
thanks for another almost, but ultimately non-story.
He's gotten kind of busted in his dotage anyways….from having all of those children, no doubt.
I went to a lesbian bar once…..wow….so I guess I must be a lesbian according to this post.
@Casey: Were you rumored to be a lesbian? Are you? Then get lost!
Are they going to tell us who it is?
@jack e. jett: What does ALF stand for?
I think Kirk could slip into a gay bar unreckonized, I mean, time has taken a toll on those boyish good looks…
I'm sure he was just thirsty. What was he thirsty for, though?
@shle896: Jizz? Is the answer jizz? Did I get it right? Is it jizz?
@Vixlad: Alien Life Form
My "Gaydar" went off on Kirk Cameron long time ago !
Other stories about KC mention crusing the trails in various parks.
kirk cameron
What a hypocrite Kirk Cameron is.
@adman: Whoever you are, trolling a defunct (defunky?) username on Queerty, please carry on. Keeping the ball in the air, it's why beaches host so many nudists, after all.


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The wine and food of ely through the seasons wins Gourmand World Cookbook Award
Today, Monday 7th December sees the announcement that the wine and food of ely through the seasons has won a Gourmand World Cookbook Award (three days before ely winebar's 10th anniversary). As the Irish winner the book will now represent Ireland in the category, 'Best Wine Book and Best Book on Matching Food and Wine', in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards "Best in the World" Competition.
The wine and food of ely through the seasons, which is two books in one: a great cookbook and indispensable wine reference was published by the husband and wife team behind ely, Erik and Michelle Robson and printed and bound in Ireland, from sustainable, well managed forests and is fully FSC compliant.
The book, that's as stylish as the restaurants themselves is 240 pages, printed in hard back and full colour and offers over 70 delicious, all grouped according to the seasons, with each one matched with two sensational wines, carefully chosen by Erik and Michelle. The book also touches on subjects such as choosing, storing and serving wine, how to know if a wine is corked, advice on the best glassware and a comprehensive reference of grape varieties. Notes throughout the recipes give handy hints for getting the best out of each one, while illustrated step-by-steps take a closer look at some trickier techniques, such as shucking an oyster, or boning a chicken. There's also the low-down on creating a cheeseboard, serving great coffee and mixing cocktails - things that the people in ely know a thing or two about.
Glorious colour photographs by Trevor Hart and a foreword by Mary Dowey make this more than a wine reference and great cookbook. You'll be tempted to bring it out of the kitchen and browse through it, curled up with - yes, a glass of wine - on the sofa.
The wine and food of ely through the seasons will represent Ireland in the 'Best Wine Book and Best Book on Matching Food and Wine' competing against the winners from the same category from other countries for 'The Best in the World'. The results for The Best in the World will be announced on Thursday February 11th at the Paris Cookbook Fair.
The book, which retails at €24.95, is available in all three ely venues, online at www.elywinebar.com and in Hughes and Hughes, Hogges Figgis and Waterstones. For anyone buying the book as a Christmas gift, or for themselves over the Christmas season, they will also receive an exclusive offer of €7.50 off a bottle of wine, from a choice of wines that are rising stars, new to the market and our wine list.
For more information please contact:
Anna Karellas
e: email@example.com .
m: 083 33 44 88 7
t: 01 676 8986
Note to Editor:
ely have three venues all in Dublin city centre.
ely winebar, 22 Ely Place, Dublin 2
ely chq brasserie, Custom House Quay, Dublin 1
ely hq gastro pub, Hanover Quay, Dublin 2
On December 10th the original ely, ely winebar, 22 Ely Place will celebrate its 10th anniversary.
1999 was a great vintage for wine bars. On December 10th ely winebar celebrates 10 years in business, 10 years of great wine, good food and excellent company. That's a lot of birthdays, first dates, engagements, anniversaries, weddings and everything else in between. Stop into ely winebar, raise a glass and reminisce over your favourite ely moment from the last 10 years.


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Calling all scholarly fans of Elizabeth Bishop! If you write about Bishop, or, in particular, her poems, The Worcester Review is looking for article submissions for a special issue in honor of the poet, who was born in Worcester in 1911, and was buried there in 1979.
Elizabeth Bishop's more popular poems include In the Waiting Room, Filling Station, One Art, and The Fish.
The Worcester Review is published by The Worcester County Poetry Association, a lively group of dedicated Worcester area poets who organize local readings, publish The Issue, an occasional journal of WCPA members' writings, and \SpokenWord Worcester, a bi-monthly calendar of spoken word performers. (They also gave me my very first writing award at age 14 for my poem, Lisa.
Submission guidelines here.


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Registration is Now Open!
Is that Christmas cash BURNing a hole in your pocket? Registration is now open for the 2012 BURN 24 Hour Challenge and we've got a SUPER SAVER discount set to expire on 1/13! The only other way you'll get in the race this cheap is if you're one of the lucky to snag a spot in that 6 hour race we host and register for the BURN on sight. So if you missed out on your chance at the 6WC, sign up now. BURN that holiday cash with us and do your part to help build and maintain the trail systems at W. Kerr Scott.


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Mini Update and planning question
Hello to my beautiful amazing mama's! I have been MIA for awhile since we have been busy. Kicking myself not at least checking in.
Update on me... I'm in school right now studying my butt off, working full time as always, busy at home with my 3 beautiful kids (DD1-6, DS-2 in march, DD2-7 months) and i just GOT ENGAGED!!!!! Planning a wedding and bday and living this beautiful busy life.
Anyways, when your planning a party how do you make sure you get everything done on time. Like What timeline do you use, when do you set up your decorations?
Congrats joselyn! I usually put up decorations the morning of, balloons I try to blow up the day before
I pretty much make sure all the cleaning is done the day before, balloons I always wait til day of. If I can get something set up, like if I am doing something like a dress up station or whatnot I will set that up the day before. Most of the time I am stressing and getting it all done the day of. Good Luck!


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|Samsung L110 Digital Camera Review
Digital Camera Review by: Katrina Putker
The Samsung L110 is an 8.2 mega pixel point and shoot camera that certainly rivals other digital compacts of its size and price range. The unit itself is of a simple yet stylish design available in black, silver or red and comes complete with a long list of features all packed into a 114g aluminium metal body, including 3x optical zoom and auto red-eye fix.
The L110 kit includes the camera, strap, warranty and quick start guide, USB cable, AV cable, adapter head for charging, and a dedicated rechargeable battery with an approximate life of 130 minutes (manufacturer testing results.) You will need to purchase a case and a memory card additionally but after that, you're ready to shoot.
As is common with Samsung compacts, face detection technology is automatically utilised during shooting to make self-portraits and portraits of friends and family hassle free; just compose the shot and the L110 will adjust exposure and focus accordingly for optimal results. Up to nine faces can be detected at any one time, so group shooting is a breeze and when shooting self-portraits the shutter will not fire until you are centrally framed, which means no more half-head or no head shots!
When selected via the L110's mode dial, dual image stabilsation combines both optical and digital image stabilisation to help counteract handshake and repeatedly provide sharp, non-blurry images. There are also five levels of sharpness, contrast, and saturation manual adjustments available to help you tweak your images further to suit the look and feel you are aiming for.
The 2.5 inch intelligent LCD provides a live preview that suffers no lag and offers a clear, bright picture in all lighting situations thanks to the automatic adjustment, which doubles as a power save function when indoors by dimming the screen.
The inclusion of movie mode complete with sound is popular in digital compacts - with the L110 no exception - as it offers a second mode of expression and moment capture for the user. Successive recording mode cleverly allows for clips to be paused and resumed again at a later time without separate files having to be saved, which means you can make one progressive clip of various snippets rather than numerous short clips that have to be saved and played singly, thereby ruining the overall effect.
Additionally, the L110 enables the user to review and share images with others using the multi-slide show feature, while their personal selection of MP3 music files accompanies and one of five transition effects operates. It is a great, fun way to share and present your images with mood music to suit. You can select your settings and then pass the L110 around and let everyone view and enjoy your complete slideshow of your night out, wedding, birthday, holiday, dinner party etc. without having to fuss around with prints or burning CDs/DVDs etc.
If it is sounding a little complex to those less technologically literate, do not be worried. The L110 regularly provides on screen function descriptions as well as hosting a photo help guide accessible via the 8-mode dial, which offers step-by-step instructions and diagrams to help you achieve quality results in a variety of shooting situations. If all else fails, simply select auto mode, point, and shoot and the L110 will give you solid results time and time again.
Seven different colour effects are available: normal, black and white, sepia, red, green, blue, and negative, which encourage greater creativity and experimentation from the user. Eight shooting modes also operate via the dial and include: program, auto, manual, dual image stabilisation, photo help guide, portrait, scene and movie modes and again, allow for greater flexibility and control when shooting.
10 scene modes are offered with the L110, which will help to give you fantastic results under specific situations such as at nighttime, within close range of subjects, at sunset and dawn, at the beach and snow, and for backlit subjects etc. As mentioned, the L110 is capable of handling most situations on its own so you don't need to be a master photographer to get the most from it, you simply need to get to know what the L110 is capable of and how to set it to work for you.
If you're an amateur photographer in the market for a smart-looking, smart-operating digital camera that is quite compact (87.7mm x 56.3mm x 20mm) and lightweight but still hardwearing, the L110 is one to consider and if, for some reason, this model is not suiting your needs, have a look at the other digital compacts in the Samsung range and no doubt you will eventually find the unit best-suited for you.


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Silverdale Dentist
Bright Now! Dental
Silverdale Dentist
Office Hours
At Bright Now! Dental, we understand you are busy. Between getting the kids to school, conference calls, negotiating deals, grocery shopping, doing laundry, etc., you have a lot going on. So we do things to make your life easier. Like convenient office hours and appointments that fit your schedule.
Emergency appointments are always available. Give us a call at (360) 536-9033 and we'll get you in as soon as possible.
We always offer new ways for you to save money on dental care.
Thank You For Requesting An Appointment!
If you have any questions about your upcoming appointment, please call 1-844-400-SMILE (1-844-400-7645).
Request an Appointment
To request an appointment, please fill out the form below. A representative will get in touch with you within one business day to confirm your appointment.
To cancel an appointment please do not use this form. Phone your dental office directly and speak with the office personnel to avoid any cancellation fees. If you don't know your office phone number click here to search for it. Thank you.
We always offer new ways for you to save money on dental care.
Nurani, Mitchell, Kim, P.C.; Ashifa Nurani, DDS; Ahyoang Amber Kim, DDS; Michael Mitchell, DDS
See What Patients Are Saying...
Lena R Says
I love BrightNow! Dental. It has been a wonderful experience in every way, even though the dentists is not my favorite type of doctor. I have enjoyed Dr. Park's gentle approach to surgery. He has made the experience as comfortable as possible for me. Katy at the front desk is very professional. I also enjoy Lindsey, the Hygienist, and her positive attitude.
Lee H Says
Jesse L Says
Laura R Says
The staff there - Taryn, Dr. Mitchell, Dr. Em, the front desk girls, and the rest - are so accommodating and friendly. They know dentistry inside and out, but truly take the time to assist each patient, no matter the time of day. I called and said I was in a lot of pain, and got a call back that day for an appointment that evening! You would't have known it was 6:00 in the evening; they were so quick and efficient with the procedure (and I felt so much better after my visit). I honestly appreciate Brightnow's extended hours so I don't have to take time off work, and they also have consideration for the fact that I'm on a budget. Thanks again!
Kelly B Says
Karen H Says
Jeffrey S Says
- Dr. Michael Mitchell - Lead Dentist
- Dr. Royal Aaby - General
- Dr. Brandon Johnson - Orthodontics
General Dentistry
Specialty Dentistry
Cosmetic Dental Care
Major credit cards are welcomed at all locations.
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
We offer a wide array of payment and financing options tailored to fit most budgets. Plus, we've arranged for many additional money-saving dental offers for you to choose from.
Everyone deserves the access to the best dentist available in their area. Our goal is to provide Smiles for Everyone®!
You're coming to a Bright Now! Dental office because you want to see a dentist, not be handed a clipboard. Make it easy and download all our patient information forms now. Simply complete the forms and bring them to your first visit. See? Things are already easier.
Patient/Health Information FormDownload English Version Formulario de información del paciente
Informed Consent FormDownload English Version Formulario de consentimiento informado
Notice of Privacy Policy FormsDownload English Version Formulario de Aviso de Prácticas de Privacidad
Our Practice
Silverdale Dental Services
Want a dentist in Silverdale who can meet all of your family dental needs? Then come to Bright Now! Dental. Our team of skilled professionals offers everything from regular check-ups, X-rays, cleanings and fillings, braces, tooth extractions, dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures and root canals.* We also perform cosmetic dental services such as in-office and take-home teeth whitening, bonding and veneers so you can have your ideal smile.
To make it easier for you, we're a preferred provider for almost every dental insurance plan there is including: Delta PPO, MetLife PPO and Aetna PPO. But if you lack dental insurance or perfect credit, that's not a problem at all. All you have to do is ask about our ConfiDent Plan, which can save you up to 30% off your next dental service, or inquire about our flexible and affordable payment plans. Special discounts and offers are available for new and current patients as well.
To accommodate those with a busy schedule, we offer extending evening and weekend appointment options. Our office is located at 10404 Silverdale Way NW, Suite E109, Silverdale, WA 98383—ideal for those patients living throughout Kitsap County.
*Services vary by location.


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This deal has ended.
These Microfiber Sheet Sets are $24 right now at Maxwell's Attic. New customers add code DISCOUNT5 and drop the price to $21.60. Two are sets $45.60, three sets are $64.80, and shipping is free, for the lowest prices we can find anywhere. Each set includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet and 1 (twin) or 2 pillowcases. Sales tax is not charged in most states.No longer available


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Two months after arriving in town to become CEO, Rick Baker is ready to help find the "next level" for the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.
The 2,700-member chamber is about to embark on a strategic-planning process that Baker says will engage business leaders locally to learn their expectations for the future. The chamber will ask business leaders for specific goals on "what they want this team to focus on and what they really want us to look like three and five years down the road as an organization," Baker said.
Starting with a "blank canvas," the chamber hopes to update its strategic plan in a just few short months, completing the process by September, Baker said.
"We're opting for a short process, but trying not to short-circuit the quality of the product at the end of the day," said Baker, who's eager to see where the process leads and doesn't expect a major course change for the chamber.
"It'll be interesting to see if there's anything that will surprise me. I don't expect any huge surprises," he said. "I think there will be some folks who will say, 'Well, let's re-shine the light and bring some additional emphasis back on some things that we've done in the past and raise them to a whole new level.' But perhaps there will be something that comes out of the creative thinking that goes on in the room — 'Here's something that we haven't thought about' — that will be a good idea for us to engage in."
Baker joined the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce on April 11, succeeding former CEO Jeanne Englehart. Baker came to Grand Rapids from Moline, Ill., where he served as president and COO of the 1,800-member Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. During his tenure, Baker helped to lead the consolidation of three chambers of commerce and regional development organizations in the area.
He spoke with Business Review last week.
What have you learned about Grand Rapids in your first two months on the job?
It's an innovative community, and people are very good ambassadors. They're very proud of their community, and they are great ambassadors. They want to tell people about their community, and they are positive in their message.
And they are creative and innovative and looking for new ideas — as a community, looking for new ideas to solutions, but also as individuals, looking for creative ideas for businesses and for growth and creating their own opportunities.
We've heard business leaders say, and Gov. Snyder talked about it a number of weeks back when he spoke to the Econ Club, that we dwell too much on the negative in Michigan and need to have more positive attitude. Do you agree, based on your early experiences?
That was interesting. I'm not sure, based on my experiences, that that necessarily resonates true here in Grand Rapids. Now it may be the case in other parts of Michigan — I don't know. But my personal experiences in Grand Rapids have been quite the opposite.
During the process of them selecting me and me agreeing that I should be the next CEO, I did a lot of my own secret shopping about the region and talking to people all across the board: young folks, the person in the coffee shop, hotel folks, taxi cab drivers, whomever I could talk to.
And every single one of those people were great ambassadors, and every one of them said, "I love it here," and there was enthusiasm and a passion and excitement. When I told them I was thinking about moving to the region, they'd launch into "you're going to love it here."
What kind of role do you want to play in the business community in Grand Rapids?
My role is a collaborator, but my board of directors and the business owners in the region really identify what are their priorities for the community and how we as an organization can deliver the results that they are looking for.
What do you want the business community to know about you?
I am a very goal-oriented person and outcomes-focused.
I'm excited about the strategic-planning process and having a clear strategic focus for us as an organization with deliberate goals so that we can say, "Here's where we're going," and be very focused on delivering results for the community and for our investors.
Also, I'm pretty much "what you see is what you get."
I'm an honest person who's going to tell you my perspectives and what I'm seeing and encountering.
Why embark on this strategic-planning process at this point in time, this early in your tenure? Why not give it six months or a year?
We wanted to get started in it right away.
I don't think we have six months or a year. I think the community is looking for us to be very focused and become very clear what it is we're trying to achieve, so we need to come out of the gate right away with a plan that is meaningful and relevant to the business community of Grand Rapids.
We're a very good organization, but when I was hired, the challenge (from the board of directors) was "We want to take it to the next level." So I want to get started.
Here's what they didn't do — they didn't paint what the next level looks like, which is exciting. The board said, "Next level is the goal … the canvas is blank." So now what we're going to do with the strategic plan is start sketching on the canvas, what "next level" looks like, and get started on that.
What do you think the Grand Rapids Area Chamber does well?
Some of our tremendous strengths are the advocacy work on behalf of the business community. One of the lead purposes of what we do is keep an eye on government so the business people can keep serving their customers and providing the services that they do with confidence that we're working and watching on their behalf, and then we engage them in the conversation to help us deliver the message.
What's unique and what was really interesting to me about the chamber, also, was the effort on diversity. It's one of the few chambers in the country that has such an emphasis on diversity. But I think there are opportunities to take that to a much higher level and really be a role model for other regions and be very impactful.
The work force in our businesses are very diverse, and we need to make sure that we are a community that's very welcoming to all kinds of people in order for us to grow. There are opportunities for us as a chamber and as a region to really take those efforts that are in place now to a much higher level.


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Archive » March 22, 2007
Focus on Film
By Steven Libowitz
Directing Debuts
A first-time director with ties to the area is hosting a preview screening in town this week. Scott Frank, who was nominated for an Oscar for his 1998 adaptation of Elmore Leonard's "Out of Sight" and lists "Get Shorty," "Minority Report" and "Little Man Tate" among his screenwriting credits, is a graduate of the UCSB Film Studies program, which is also the beneficiary of the preview of his directing debut "The Lookout." The high-profile film (Frank was the subject of a front-page "Calendar" feature in the Los Angeles Times last Sunday) had its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival earlier this month, where it garnered a rave review from Variety. The industry magazine said the "more-than-promising debut" was a "stealthy neo-noir drama that isn't afraid to take its time developing characters on the way to the payoff of a neatly designed caper scenario."
"The Lookout," slated to open on March 30, screens at 7:30 pm March 22 at Paseo Nuevo, preceded by a reception with Frank across the way at the Contemporary Arts Forum at 6 pm. (Tickets are $30 [$20 for the screening only, $10 students]. Call 893-8675 for reservations.)
The Santa Barbara Community Action Network and the Rape Crisis Center host another directing debut a week later on March 29 for a screening of Mia Goldman's "Open Window" at 7:30 pm at the Metro 4. In her latest, Goldman, whose editing credits include "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and "The Big Easy," has fashioned a hard-boiled examination of the impact when a just-engaged struggling photographer is brutally raped in a random sexual assault. Goldman and other filmmakers will be on hand for the benefit screening.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call 563-0463.
SBIFF Aftermath
Festival-premiered films keep returning to town. Both Michael Apted's "Amazing Grace," a historical examination of Britain abolitionist William Wilberforce, and Foreign Film Oscar winner "The Lives of Others," are enjoying extended runs at local theatres. "The Host," the South Korean political thriller/monster comedy in the guise of a thinking man's horror movie that was recipient of a "universal acclaim" score of 85 on metacritic.com, opened just last weekend. And the charming French farce "Avenue Montaigne," which was nominated for five French "Oscars," is scheduled to arrive at a Metropolitan Theatre screen this Friday.
Meanwhile, on April 5, UCSB kicks off its spring film series with another SBIFF film, "Manufactured Landscapes," a portrait of Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky, who specializes in large-scale studies of industrial vistas, though the film goes well beyond its ostensible subject to examine industrialization as a whole. The series also features a benefit screening of "Monty Python's Life of Brian" with co-creator (and Montecito resident) John Cleese, plus a three-day, six-film Santa Barbara Human Rights Film Festival (featuring "Cautiva," which screened at SBIFF in 2005, and this year's "Grbavica"); more on these in a later issue.
Finally, the "Dinner: Impossible" episode that caught chef Robert Irvine hustling to prepare the food for the Centerpiece after-party following the January SBIFF screening of "Amazing Grace" airs on the Food Network (Channel 61) and will play throughout the month.
A Jewish Sequel
If you missed out on this month's Santa Barbara Jewish Film Festival or just want to see more movies with a Jewish theme, head south for this weekend's Ventura County Jewish Film Festival.
The event, now in its fourth year, offers four feature films making their area premieres: "The Rape of Europa" (March 22 at 7 pm), a documentary about the Nazis' systematic theft and deliberate destruction of Europe's art treasures; "Monsieur Batignole," a French film set in war-torn Paris about a butcher who saves three Jewish children; "A Journey Of Spirit," about singer/songwriter Debbie Friedman and her transformation of Jewish liturgy; and "Something Sweet," a heartwarming Israeli film about a love triangle in a small village in Northern Israel. The festival also has a special screening of this year's Academy Award winner for Best Live Action Short Film, "West Bank Story." Screenings take place at Temple Beth Torah's Meister Hall and the Buenaventura 6.
Festival passes are only $36, (individual screenings $10 in advance, $12 at the door). Call 647-4181 for information or reservations.
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