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During 2008, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), through its Transportation Planning Capacity Building program, conducted a series of peer exchange workshops across the country. FHWA designed three of these workshops for transportation agencies and organizations on the topic of integrating climate change considerations into the transportation planning process. This report summarizes the results of the second of these of these workshops, held in Seattle, WA on October 27, 2008. Representatives from metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) and departments of transportation (DOTs) from around the country participated in the day-long event.
FHWA developed this report to summarize the workshop for the use and benefit of MPOs and DOTs and their planning partners across the country. The report presents key themes from the workshop and summarizes participant presentations, discussions and issues of common concern. The report also includes a summary of workshop participants' recommendations to FHWA and other national transportation entities that will help support DOT and MPO climate change planning processes.
Several key themes emerged from the workshop discussions and presentations, including the following:
Peter Plumeau welcomed participants and stated the main objectives of the workshop. The first objective is to share information and to learn about climate change planning activities. While agencies and organizations do not have a one-size-fits-all approach, there is much to be learned from peers on this topic. Another objective of the workshop is to help build professional networks to encourage future discussion about climate change issues. A final objective is to provide FHWA with guidance on how to best support DOTs and MPOs in planning efforts for climate change.
Ms. Turchetta provided a brief overview of FHWA's perspective on climate change. There are three things to prepare for in the near future: transportation reauthorization, a new administration, and new national cap and trade or other climate change legislation. These three events occurring together may be the "perfect storm" for national change to occur. FHWA has recently been focusing on climate change and gathering information on how best to deal with these issues. These efforts include case studies, workshops, and technical assistance for states and MPOs. Ms. Turchetta mentioned modeling techniques used to estimate GHG emissions, such as the new EPA MOVES model. FHWA is responding to the need for USDOT to provide information and be national leaders on climate change issues. Ms. Turchetta also mentioned various other resources for DOTs and MPOs, such as the Pew Center and the Center for Clean Air Policy. She also said that adaptation to the effects of climate change is becoming a bigger issue, and FHWA is working with AASHTO and state DOTs on how to address adaptation issues in the transportation decision-making process. Throughout these workshops on integrating climate change considerations into the planning process, FHWA will listen to the concerns and needs of state DOTs and MPOs.
Cindy Burbank presented elements of climate change and transportation research that she is conducting for NCHRP. She began her presentation by using an analogy that we need to "skate to where the puck will be" to best deal with the challenges of climate change. Ms. Burbank has found that there is a wide range of strategies used by DOTs and MPOs across the United States in the planning process. There are also variations within state and regional targets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ms. Burbank presented a multidimensional approach that the transportation sector can utilize to integrate climate change considerations into the planning process. A "four-legged stool" model of strategies represented four essential components: Vehicles, Fuels, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), and Vehicle/Systems Operations. She said that DOTs and MPOs will have to consider all legs of the stool in strategy selection.
The first two legs of the stool, vehicle technology and alternative fuels, will create the largest reductions in GHG emissions. While some critics believe that vehicle technology will not come soon enough, there is great potential for technical improvements to decrease GHG emissions. VMTs, the third leg, will also need to be reduced to meet GHG targets, especially with traditional low emission-per-capita areas such as China and India emitting more carbon. The high cost of fuel will help reduce VMT and therefore GHG emissions. In addition, changes in land use patterns and the increase in smart growth will help reduce VMT.
The fourth leg is vehicle and system operations. Actions such as congestion management, ITS initiatives, signal timing, and speed management have been noted in recent studies to have a 10-20% GHG reduction potential. Keeping tires inflated and other 'eco-driving' techniques can have measurable effects on carbon reductions as well.
Ms. Burbank stressed the need for multiple strategies—the "silver buckshot" approach. Furthermore, strategies must be chosen for their effectiveness in reducing GHG emissions and the ease and cost of their implementation. Transit, for example, is often a high priority strategy for agencies, yet it has been estimated in some studies to have a minimal effect on overall carbon emissions.
Ms. Robbins stated that DOTs and MPOs have a lot to learn from each other about climate change issues. WSDOT has several initiatives and activities to reduce the transportation sectors contribution to climate change. There is a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) for the transportation planning process. Strategies include VMT reductions, transit, and compact land development. WSDOT has taken a balanced approach that looks to use measureable strategies and strategic planning. The agency has also worked to manage congestion and travel demand through various programs.
In 2007, the Governor of Washington created the "Governor's Climate Change Challenge" through an Executive Order. This required the state to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change, all while supporting the state's economy and specifically promoting "green" jobs. As part of the "Climate Change Challenge," the Governor appointed a Climate Advisory Team, drawn from several state agencies, to work toward reducing emissions in the state. While the Team did not originally include transportation agencies, they are now active Team members.
Washington State is also a member of the Western Climate Initiative, a collaborative effort of seven western U.S. governors and four Canadian Premiers. This initiative is starting the nation's first cap and trade system for carbon, beginning with the electricity-generating sector. Washington State has enacted several laws to facilitate reductions in GHG emissions. There are also a number of parallel efforts at the state level to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. GHG targets passed by the state legislature include cutting emissions to 50% below 1990 levels by the year 2050. Other legislative policies include VMT reductions, transportation planning guidelines, GHG emitter reporting, and a Green Economy Growth Initiative.
Ms. Robbins said that the state is now beginning to think about planning for climate change adaptation as it relates to both physical infrastructure resiliency and general operational continuity. Washington State policy-makers and planners are currently discussing the impacts of climate change, such as the melting of the snowpack that supplies public water systems, sustains wildlife, and provides hydroelectric power. Coastlines could be affected by sea level rise, severe weather could damage infrastructure, and landslides could become more frequent. Ms. Robbins said that adaptation to climate change needs to be addressed at both the system planning level and the project level. Likewise, it needs to be addressed for both passenger modes and freight modes (trucks, transit, boats and air cargo).
Mr. Kirby began his presentation by explaining the institutional structure of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. MWCOG formed in the late 1950s before the onset of MPOs. MWCOG houses the MPO, which has a separate board from the regional COG board. In April 2007, MWCOG initiated a climate change steering committee. This committee adopted a goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% below 2005 levels by 2050.
MWCOG has developed a best practice guide to track energy and climate legislation as well as Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) standards. A climate change report was developed that provided recommended actions. MWCOG also monitors Chesapeake Bay water temperature and sea levels and has begun to discuss adaptation to the effects of climate change.
The Transportation Planning Board (TPB), which functions as the metro Washington, DC region's MPO and is a department within MWCOG, provides transportation forecasts for the region. It has adequate models for measuring and forecasting emissions and has developed regional goals for reductions in energy use and more efficiency in land use. Various strategies to meet these goals include supporting increases in fuel efficiency, reducing transportation demand and VMT, and using alternative fuels. At this time, none of these strategies have been prioritized or analyzed for cost-effectiveness.
MWCOG has undertaken various education and outreach efforts in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area, such as climate action weeks and regional outreach partnerships. The MWCOG board received public comments on the implementation steps for climate change action and is considering these in decision-making processes.
MWCOG is currently assessing the relative cost-effectiveness of various GHG reduction strategies. The agency believes that new cap and trade programs or a carbon tax will set a price threshold for CO2 abatement that will help to determine cost-effectiveness strategies. A recent report by McKinsey & Company placed the price threshold for carbon at about $50 per ton.
The TPB developed two scenarios for long range planning purposes: a "constrained long range plan" and a "what would it take" (WWIT) scenario. It analyzed three categories for the WWIT scenario: Fuel efficiency, fuel carbon intensity, and travel efficiency. After extensive analysis, the TPB has begun to prioritize strategies based on GHG reduction effectiveness, scale, and cost-effectiveness. Some of the most cost-effective strategies include telecommute programs and signal optimization.
Each workshop participant gave a brief overview of the work his or her organization has undertaken to plan for climate change.
The Puget Sound Regional Council's (PSRC) newest regional growth and development plan is "Vision 2040." PSRC has established concrete goals regarding various climate change issues but specific related strategies are still undetermined. Issues for the region related to climate change mitigation and impacts include growth management and changing development patterns. In the transportation area, PSRC has its own GHG emission goals and VMT benchmarks.
PSRC uses various modeling tools to measure emissions and determine the effects of various investments and strategies within the region. These models include the EPA MOVES model and various other kinds of urban land use modeling. Overall, although PSRC possesses sophisticated technical abilities, it still finds itself grappling with how to best use these models. For example, at what level (e.g. project level) and scale (e.g. local vs. state) should analyses be conducted? What assumptions should be used?
Within both the Seattle region and the state, there is a high level of collaboration between regional planning organizations and the state DOT. In metropolitan Seattle area, there is also a lot of leadership and political support for climate change action and policy.
Gainesville, Florida is a small metropolitan area with a population of 185,000. The MPO has been updating its long-range transportation plan. The focus of this plan is a 2050 scenario where peak oil is a serious crisis. Through these peak oil considerations, the MPO has also examined climate change issues.
The MPO has worked toward integrating land use and transportation by supporting high-density growth in urban areas. Multi-modal transportation has been encouraged. The MPO has partnered with the University of Florida (located in Gainesville) to shift students to transit use, increasing ridership numbers by over 1 million per year.
The area is working toward the goals of "livable communities" and the MPO chooses projects to support these goals. With limited dollars, investments must be made to keep people centralized in a livable, central core.
The issue of climate change is not a widely discussed topic in Idaho, although the Governor is looking at making internal state government operations, such as agency fleets, more efficient. The DOT is beginning its next long range planning process. While Idaho is not a major contributor to GHG emissions on a national level, the state is taking into consideration the impacts of its growing population on such emissions. Idaho DOT has historically been more concerned about localized air pollutant levels and is just beginning to consider transportations' effects on climate change and the effects of climate change on its transportation system. In the long range planning process, the DOT is looking at congestion management. There is the realization that the problem cannot be solved through capacity expansion (for which there is little money) but rather through strategies such as transportation demand management that will also help address for climate change.
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission serves the Lansing, Michigan metropolitan area. The RPC has worked for many years to integrate land use and transportation planning and has implemented a regional program to preserve agricultural land and open space. While not specified as a climate change strategy, this and other initiatives of the Tri-County RPC are helping the region address climate change considerations.
The Tri-County RPC has been working as well on mode shift strategies such as increasing transit availability and partnering with the Michigan State University to increase non-SOV options for students. The University has an office of sustainability and has adopted GHG reduction goals. The RPC is working with the University on methodologies for estimating GHG emissions and to customize policy alternatives such as higher priced parking and satellite parking with shuttles.
The RPC's Long Range Transportation Plan will specifically address climate change issues and re-frame many of the current activities of the agency as climate change strategies. Outreach, education, and partnerships are needed to elevate the issue of climate change for the public and policy-makers. Other important issues for the RPC will be developing cost benefit analysis of climate change policies, GHG emissions modeling, carbon sequestration, and climate change-sensitive project selection criteria.
The Oahu metropolitan area is actively planning for climate change. Beyond mitigation strategies to reduce GHG emissions, the MPO is seriously looking at the effects of climate change on the island. Storm intensity and sea level rise are being examined. Sea level rise will have profound effects on infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public transit. Storms could create surges as high as 30 feet, and although there are mountains for retreat, there is limited road infrastructure at these higher elevations.
Another issue in Hawaii is the importance of trade winds to dissipate volcanic fumes and localized air pollutants. If climate change has an effect on these trade winds, it could have severe localized air consequences for the area.
The Oahu MPO is actively seeking guidance on how best to plan for and adapt to the effects of climate change. The MPO is also planning on a future with diminishing federal funds and are looking for ways to plan for climate change under a constrained budget.
Ms. Lifsey works for the Oregon DOT on the Columbia River Crossing project in partnership with the Washington State DOT. This $3.5 billion project has included environmental planning that includes climate change issues. The environmental impact statement for the project was the first in the Northwest to quantify GHG emissions. The GHG analysis was considered in the cumulative impact section. The final Environmental Impact Statement will also address GHG and climate change issues.
Oregon DOT has been discussing climate change issues but not many solid actions have been taken. There is a Governor's Climate Change Integration Group and the Oregon Global Warming Commission. Although there are goals for climate change related issues, there is no official guidance on how to interpret these goals. Overall, rural areas are resisting policy changes that would require reductions in GHG emissions. ODOT is working to collaborate with and educate rural partners.
Oregon DOT is currently working on a list of potential activities; these include more research and analysis. Travel demand models will continue to be used in climate change forecasting and there will be an increased focus on climate change in the next long range plan. The DOT is also beginning to examine the effects of climate change on elements of the transportation infrastructure for susceptibility to extreme weather events. For example, ODOT is conducting an inventory of culverts near the state's extensive coastline to determine the extent of climate change vulnerability.
The Central Lane Metropolitan Planning Organization covers the Eugene-Springfield region in central Oregon. The MPO has recently faced pressures from the state to encourage more land conservation in the region. The Governor has developed goals of land conservation and has required the MPO to use transportation-land use models to judge development projects. This has been politically challenging for the MPO to accomplish, as it has no authority for land use decisions.
Within the metropolitan area, there are two cities (Eugene and Springfield) that have different views about climate change. The larger of these two cities (Eugene) is promoting the goal of carbon neutrality through the leadership of a mayor who is part of the US Mayors Climate Projection Center. The city is promoting dense growth and transit. There are also partnerships with the University that provide transit passes to increase transit use by students.
The MPO has been focusing its efforts on modeling techniques and finding the right tools for estimations. It is considering population growth in VMT models. The MPO is also examining ITS initiatives to improve systems operations that will reduce GHG emissions.
The Los Cruces Metropolitan Planning Organization is located in south-central New Mexico. As it is close to the borders with Mexico and Texas, the MPO has collaborated with the El Paso (TX) MPO on various projects. The MPO is working on Vision 2040, its long-range regional plan, looking at issues such as land use, transportation, utilities and energy, and urban development. The MPO has initiated bicycle programs to promote non-motorized transport.
The policy committee of the MPO has not yet focused on climate change issues. Mr. Hume is hoping that Vision 2040 will highlight the importance of climate change planning and increase its priority in decision-making. He is also concerned that the effects of climate change could adversely affect the region's residents, particularly poor agriculture workers who live in undeveloped agriculture areas with limited infrastructure.
The Los Cruses area needs more education about climate change issues. Vision 2040 will hopefully shine some light on the importance of addressing climate change and encourage the public to look beyond parochial local considerations toward national and global issues. Recently, for mainly economic reasons, residents are seeking alternatives to single occupancy vehicle travel, but the region offers few alternatives at this time.
The New Mexico DOT has worked with Governor Richardson to increase transit, including bus and passenger rail, park-and-ride programs, and non-motorized transport. Although there has been strong leadership from the Governor, New Mexico has not traditionally been a planning-oriented state and there is no current state planning legislation. Local property rights frame most land development efforts, and like many places in the U.S., there is reluctance to discuss land use rights at a state level.
NMDOT has been trying to take the "silver buckshot" approach in planning for climate change. The agency is working toward reductions in VMT per capita, and consultants have forecasted that a 22% reduction in GHG emissions could come from achieving certain levels of VMT reductions in the state. Policies in consideration are pay-as-you-drive insurance and efficiency rebates. NMDOT is also conducting a public education campaign to encourage climate-conscious actions such as purchasing fuel-efficient cars.
The State of Arizona has been addressing climate change issues for a few years, but the original 2006 Arizona Climate Action Plan did not have a strong transportation focus. Although there was a representative from Arizona DOT on the original Transportation-Land Use Technical Working Group under the Plan, there were no representatives from a DOT, MPO, or RPC on the high-level Advisory Group. This lack of transportation agency representation may indicate a lack of coordination between the general state government and the DOT on climate change issues. She noted that, in 2007, the Governor directed the DOT to provide a detailed list of options for transit as part of fleshing out the overall statewide Climate Change plan.
Although the 2006 Arizona Climate Action Plan proposed only a few transportation related actions, including adoption of a Clean Car Program and implementation of a pilot program for hybrids on HOV lanes, ADOT has been addressing climate change through various means. For example, ADOT is conducting a research study on travel demand management techniques, although it has not yet established quantitative measures to determine the effects of TDM programs on GHG emissions. In addition, ADOT is currently working to incorporate a Smart Growth Scorecard developed by the Governor's Office into its project programming process. The agency is also conducting a statewide 2050 visioning process that reflects Smart Growth principles. Ms. Kresich noted that within the agency, increased partnerships between the planning and the air quality staff would benefit the climate change planning process.
Ms. Kresich noted that Arizona is part of the Southeast Climate Change Initiative, the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative, the Climate Registry, and the Arizona-Sonora Regional Climate Initiative with the Mexican state of Sonora.
Participants generally concurred that climate change is a national and global issue, yet most efforts to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation in the U.S. have been pursued in a disjointed manner at the state and local levels. Without national policy and coordination, different agencies and jurisdictions may be inadvertently working at cross-purposes and actually undermining any positive progress in reducing GHG emissions. At the same time, most participants agreed their agencies need to assume some level of leadership in their regions and states on addressing the transportation-climate change connection.
It was also generally agreed that DOTs and MPOs need assistance from the federal government on how to prioritize climate change actions. There was also some concern that moving toward more aggressive and "radical" strategies, such as significant gas tax increases, would be met with stiff public and political resistance if such actions are pursued ahead of enhanced public education on climate change. A set of common methodologies and standard assumptions would also be beneficial to DOTs and MPOs as they measure GHG emissions, select strategies, and analyze policies. While these models need to allow for sensitivities related to differences in scale, demographics, political climate, etc., a common template for analysis is needed. A combination of technical and financial assistance would be very useful for transportation agencies.
From this workshop, key elements emerged that can be summarized into specific recommendations for FHWA that will help support DOTs and MPOs in the process of integrating climate change issues into transportation planning processes:


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A Fine Balance
How pH balance affects your health and athletic performance
The adage goes, you are what you eat. But what does it really mean? Is someone who eats fresh fruit ...
Photo by Duane Raleigh
The adage goes, you are what you eat. But what does it really mean? Is someone who eats fresh fruit and oatmeal for breakfast healthier than someone who has a double espresso and jumbo chocolate-chip muffin? And does your body really know the difference between a post-run meal of a burger and fries or steamed kale and tofu?
The experts say yes. And the reason lies in food's chemistry. Everything we eat and drink causes the formation of either acids or bases in the body, which influences everything from the effects of aging and stress to our ability to fight diseases including cancer.
Athletes can manipulate their body chemistry for optimal performance, as did professional Ironman triathlete, Brendan Brazier, 34, of Beverly Hills, California. He studied the training habits of his sport's top contenders to learn what set them apart. "It turned out that it's not training that separates top athletes; it's their rate of recovery," says Brazier. Those who ate a wholesome diet low in refined foods, animal products and sugar were simply able to train more frequently at high intensity.


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See images from Himawari-8 in the new satellite viewer
This demonstration product is most suitable for people
with fast internet connection and high data allowance.
Low-definition satellite images
Satellite View Selection
06:30 AEST on Sunday 22 January 2017 | Cloud/surface composite, Australia
Images from Japan Meteorological Agency satellite Himawari 8 via Bureau of Meteorology.
IDY28000 Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology Bureau National Operations Centre Satellite Notes for 0600UTC chart 22 January 2017 Issued at 6:38 pm EDT Sunday on 22 January 2017 A broad area of low pressure persist over the western and northern parts of the continent. A series of surface troughs are triggering showers and thunderstorms over the interior. A humid and unstable air mass is resulting in the thunderstorm activity across the Top End and near the Gulf of Carpentaria. High pressure is maintaining clear skies across the southeast of the country. Patchy high cloud is evident about the coast of South Australia while southwesterly winds are bringing patchy low cloud to the far southwest of Western Australia. Further east, a band of cloud is evident over the Coral Sea which extends further southeast. This is associated with a surface trough connected to an intense low pressure system near the south island of New Zealand.


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Movie Mondays - Flight
Category: Movies
Location: Plaut Room
Join us for a screening of Flight on Monday, March 25 at 4:00 p.m. in the Plaut Room.
Academy Award® winner Denzel Washington stars in this "riveting and powerful nail-biting thriller" from Robert Zemeckis, the Academy Award winning director of Forrest Gump and Cast Away. Airline pilot Whip Whitaker (Washington) miraculously lands his plane after a mid-air catastrophe. But even as he's being hailed for his heroic efforts, questions arise as to who or what was really at fault. Action-packed, engrossing and powerful, Washington's performance is being hailed as "a triumph" and one that "will be talked about for years."


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Debates of April 26th, 2007
House of Commons Hansard #141 of the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was troops.
- Question Period
- National Day of Mourning
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Privilege
- Business of Supply
- Agriculture
- Justice
- Joséphine Domenica Sciascia-Sorgente
- National Day of Mourning
- Kids with Cancer
- Passport Canada
- Arts and Culture
- 42nd Quebec Games
- Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry
- Children's Mental Health Week
- Defence Science
- RCMP Pension Fund
- Bill C-278
- Intellectual Property
- Canada Foundation for Innovation
- The Environment
- Afghanistan
- Member for Okanagan--Coquihalla
- Canadian Heritage
- Afghanistan
- The Budget
- Government Appointments
- Canadian Heritage
- Employment Insurance
- Health
- Business of the House
- Points of Order
- Business of Supply
- Criminal Code
National Day of Mourning
Statements By Members
2 p.m.
The Acting Speaker Andrew Scheer
The hon. member for Edmonton Centre.
Kids with Cancer
Statements By Members
2 p.m.
Laurie Hawn Edmonton Centre, AB
Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, five young heroes battling cancer lived their dreams and became pilots and chefs for a day.
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Kids with Cancer event allowed these brave youngsters to soar above Edmonton with instructors from the NAIT aviation school and the Edmonton Flying Club and also take a spatula spin with some of Edmonton's new culinary masters at NAIT's chef program.
Putting on my old flight suit and flying helmet for these brave kids was an honour and a privilege. I had the thrill of strapping on a Cessna 172 with a new 17 year old flying buddy named Eduardo Rodrigues. Eduardo was a natural and I felt safe throughout the flight.
Despite our medical advances, cancer still destroys lives and affects millions of others. Every day, brave kids, like Eduardo Rodrigues, Teran Gollan-Boyko, Juan Duque, Nevada Green, Matthew Bryan and their families, climb above their problems and fight to live and live well.
Their battle inspires me and every Canadian who has been affected by cancer. I salute these young heroes who slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings, even if just for an hour. I salute them and all Canadians battling cancer.
Passport Canada
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Raymond Chan Richmond, BC
Mr. Speaker, almost a year ago I called upon the government to address the imminent passport problems. The Minister of Foreign Affairs assured us that steps were being taken and that the level of service would be maintained.
It is now painfully obvious that the Conservatives' steps failed miserably. Day long queues now stretch around passport offices and it takes over three months to process an application. Even Passport Canada's help line is overburdened with 124,000 additional calls per week.
Canadians are frustrated and so am I. I receive countless calls for help from constituents forced to cancel business trips, family vacations and pay thousands of dollars in re-booking penalties because of the Conservatives' incompetence.
The minister says that we should be patient. I say that he has mismanaged this file, failed Canadians and he should resign.
Arts and Culture
Statements By Members
April 26th, 2007 / 2:05 p.m.
Fabian Manning Avalon, NL
Mr. Speaker, last night, the professional theatre company, Rising Tide Theatre, from Newfoundland and Labrador, presented its play No Man's Land at the Canadian War Museum.
Written by well-known author, Kevin Major, and directed by Donna Butt, artistic director of Rising Tide Theatre, No Man's Land demonstrates Newfoundland and Labrador's remembrance of July 1, 1916, the day the best and the brightest of a generation were virtually wiped out on the battlefields of France during the Battle of the Somme in World War I.
With three more performances to take place over the next few days here in Ottawa, I encourage everyone, young and old alike, to take the opportunity to go see this highly successful and critically acclaimed play.
I want to pass on my congratulations to Rising Tide Theatre. No Man's Land is not only an amazing, touching, enlightening and heartfelt production, but its existence will ensure the immeasurable loss of that day will never be forgotten.
42nd Quebec Games
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Raymond Gravel Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, March 10 marked the closing of the 42nd Quebec Games in my riding.
Today, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who helped make this event such a great success.
The legendary hospitality and cooperation of the people in the regional county municipality of L'Assomption showed the thousands of athletes, coaches and chaperones that we know how to host an event.
Dany Bergeron, who headed the organizing committee, made the games memorable for the participants from all over Quebec.
I want to thank the municipal authorities from Charlemagne, L'Assomption, Repentigny, Saint-Sulpice and the town and parish of L'Épiphanie for their support. I also want to express my appreciation to the many partners and sponsors.
The various agencies involved, the sponsors and the organizing committee can congratulate themselves on a job well done. They showed the participants from all over Quebec a fantastic time at these unforgettable games.
Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Guy Lauzon Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry, ON
Mr. Speaker, last year, the residents in my riding of Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry displayed 15,095 Canadian flags at their residences on July 1, Canada's 139th birthday. They did this to indicate to the rest of Canada and to the whole world that our riding was the most patriotic riding in all of Canada.
I was very proud to stand in my place last September and officially declare the riding of Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry the most patriotic riding from sea to sea to sea.
I am proud to rise again today to declare to this House that we in the riding of Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry plan to again claim the title of the most patriotic riding in Canada on Canada's 140th birthday. I hereby challenge each and every member of this House and their constituents to compete with us for this most prestigious title.
Children's Mental Health Week
Statements By Members
2:05 p.m.
Alan Tonks York South—Weston, ON
Mr. Speaker, May 7 to May 13 is designated as Children's Mental Health Week in Canada. In my home province of Ontario, one in five children is believed to struggle with some form of common mental illness, such as depression, anxiety disorder or bullying.
The chair of the Senate committee on social affairs, Michael Kirby, has described children's mental health services as the "most neglected piece" of the Canadian health care system.
The average cost of treating children's mental health problems in community based agencies is less than $2,500 per child.
When children with mental health disorders are not effectively treated, they become more vulnerable and less resilient as they approach adulthood, which may result in adult mental disorders, involvement with the law and homelessness.
I raise this important issue today so that we may do our share in combating the stigma associated with mental illness and all work toward a national strategy to address the needs of our most susceptible youth.
Defence Science
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Russ Hiebert South Surrey—White Rock—Cloverdale, BC
Mr. Speaker, today I stand to recognize the 60th anniversary of defence science in Canada.
In April 1947, the Defence Research Board was established as a single civilian research body within National Defence. The Defence Research Board evolved to become Defence R&D Canada, the research and development agency of the Department of National Defence.
After 60 years, the work of Defence R&D Canada continues to ensure the safety of our soldiers and the security of our nation.
Canadians directly benefit from the defence science and technology.
Our defence scientists created the "Bombsniffer", used to chemically sniff out hidden explosives. They invented the "Franks Flying Suit", the world's first anti-gravity suit to prevent pilot blackouts. In 1985, Canadian defence scientists were at the forefront of an incredible technology when they were the first to open an Internet gateway in Canada.
Today I am proud to pay tribute to the 60th anniversary of defence science in Canada.
RCMP Pension Fund
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
David Christopherson Hamilton Centre, ON
Mr. Speaker, recent testimony in the RCMP pension scandal has included contradictory allegations of theft and harassment, whistleblowers being reassigned, and cover-ups on top of cover-ups. The whistleblowers range from staff sergeants to a chief superintendent, all veteran police officers.
A full inquiry would have the power to subpoena witnesses and evidence; this investigator will not. If someone does not want to testify, they do not have to and, if they do appear, they will not be testifying under oath. Witnesses will not even be protected from being sued for slander or charged under the Privacy Act. How can whistleblowers come forward if they are not protected?
In fact, the public accounts committee formally rejected the government's ad hoc investigation. Even the Conservative members on the committee chose to abstain rather than support their minister's plan.
I would say to the Minister of Public Safety today that he should not take this shortcut to failure. He should call for a full inquiry and he should stand up for the RCMP, stand up for due process and stand up for getting to the truth.
Bill C-278
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Rodger Cuzner Cape Breton—Canso, NS
Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize and offer congratulations to a friend and colleague, the hon. member for Sydney—Victoria. Through his private member's bill, Bill C-278, an act to amend employment insurance sick benefits, he was able to bring attention to an issue that impacts on a significant number of Canadians.
All members of this House have heard the stories of Canadians living normal lives, raising families and contributing to their communities until their world is forever changed by cancer, a heart attack or a stroke.
As these brave individuals summon up the courage and energy to fight for what might be their life, they should not be burdened by the additional stress of not being able to provide for their families. Personal financial devastation should not be a side effect of cancer.
This bill was inspired by my colleague's staff, two of whom have waged their own personal battles with a serious illness, and was supported by all opposition members.
I congratulate my colleague from Sydney--Victoria and I call upon the government to find the heart to allow this bill to go forward.
Intellectual Property
Statements By Members
2:10 p.m.
Robert Vincent Shefford, QC
Mr. Speaker, according to manufacturers and exporters, copyright infringement costs between $20 billion and $30 billion annually in losses. In my riding, Polyform Foam Plastics Inc. holds a patent for an insulating foam, and its innovation has been copied by another company. Obtaining a patent is expensive, but defending it in court costs even more.
Today, in the context of World Intellectual Property Day, I once again call on the Minister of Industry to implement the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology. The recommendation aims to eliminate this scourge by amending Canada's Copyright Act. I also call on the minister to put in place the necessary measures to eliminate the proliferation of copyright infringement and pirating.
This government's failure to act is distressing. It is about time the government acted on this, instead of attacking the Bloc Québécois' work.
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Statements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Anthony Rota Nipissing—Timiskaming, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the 10th anniversary of the Canada Foundation for Innovation. In fact, it was on yesterday's date, in 1997, that Parliament passed legislation to create this independent public agency responsible for providing money for research infrastructure, free from all partisan or political interference.
Since that day, the CFI has transformed the research landscape in Canada by investing some $3.65 billion in more than 5,000 projects led in 129 institutions across the country. These investments create jobs and draw researchers from around the globe.
In one decade, the achievements of the CFI have aroused unprecedented enthusiasm and optimism in the Canadian research community. On the international stage, Canada is increasingly admired and recognized as a prominent player in the field of sciences.
The Environment
Statements By Members
2:15 p.m.
Daniel Petit Charlesbourg—Haute-Saint-Charles, QC
Mr. Speaker, the leader of the Bloc Québécois no longer knows what to say to justify the presence of the Bloc in Ottawa. Recently he incorrectly stated that the Conservative members from Quebec were not defending their province's environmental interests. The criticism from the leader of the Bloc is even more surprising and contradictory given that in just 14 months, the Conservative government has given $349.9 million to Quebec to help it meet the goals of its 2006-12 climate change plan.
With this $349.9 million, provided as part of the Canada ecotrust program, Quebec will now be able to meet its Kyoto objectives, which was recently confirmed by Quebec's new environment minister. This is $22 million more than the Bloc was asking for, and $350 million more than what the Bloc could ever get for Quebec.
We, the 10 Conservatives from Quebec, say what we do and do what we say.
Oral Questions
2:15 p.m.
Stéphane Dion Leader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, yesterday, in a parliamentary committee, less than one hour after question period, the Minister of National Defence proclaimed that he had made an agreement giving our military access to Afghan detainees.
Later, he was a little more forthcoming in an elevator, and even later still in a press release.
Was the Prime Minister aware of this agreement before his Minister of National Defence announced it in such an impromptu and confused manner, and is this a verbal or written agreement?
Oral Questions
2:15 p.m.
Calgary Southwest
Stephen Harper Prime Minister
Mr. Speaker, I have said several times this week that the Leader of the Opposition should get his facts straight before speaking.
Canadian government officials consulted their counterparts in the Afghan government. The latter did not block access to prisons, as claimed by the Leader of the Opposition. That is a false and irresponsible allegation. He should apologize to the Canadian military.


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Abe Atiyeh accuses Easton of making billboard deal
Developer threatens to sue if city approves competiitor's plan
EASTON, Pa. - Controversial developer Abraham Atiyeh opposes a competitor's plan to erect a digital billboard in an Easton park, calling it a bad deal that was made behind the scenes.
He is threatening to sue Easton if the billboard is approved.
Atiyeh told 69 News the proposed location is inappropriate because billboards are not permitted in an area of the city zoned for parks.
Atiyeh also claimed the city will be receiving 25 percent of gross sales from advertising on the billboard, as part of an agreement with Adams Outdoor Advertising.
Atiyeh said Adams was awarded the billboard without a bid. He suspects the city awarded the billboard to Adams because Adams had sued Easton for not allowing a previously requested billboard in another location.
The billboard already has been approved by the planning commission in Hackett Park, which is just north of Route 22 in the city.
There actually will be two billboards, erected back-to-back in the park to face both directions of Route 22 traffic.
Easton Mayor Sal Panto said the city was not required to seek bids for billboards in that location. The mayor explained another company simply was more aggressive than Atiyeh in getting the contract.
Panto said Adams filed a lawsuit against the city several years ago, because Easton had no approved zoning allowing billboards.
The mayor said Adams initially wanted to put a billboard on top of Frank & Dots Beer Depot at 102 Bushkill St., and promised to drop the lawsuit if it could do that.
The city responded by creating two zoning areas where billboards could go, but the location on top of Frank & Dots was not one of them.
The mayor said Adams also was interested in Hackett Park, and told the city it would not want to use the Frank & Dots if it got that approval for the park location.
Panto said Atiyeh also applied for permission to put a billboard on top of Frank & Dots and also was turned down.
Adams' Hackett Park billboard proposal went to the zoning hearing board. Panto said Atiyeh and his lawyers showed up at lat week's zoning board meeting, which went late into the night. The zoners decided to continue the issue until their Nov. 7 meeting.
Panto said Atiyeh "is not stopped from putting a billboard up in an approved zone."
Atiyeh has purchased a townhouse only 100 feet from the proposed digital signs. He says that purchase was made by his company, and is "not relative" to his fight against the billboard.
DISCLAIMER FOR COMMENTS: The views expressed by public comments are not those of this company or its affiliated companies. Please note by clicking on "Post" you acknowledge that you have read the TERMS OF USE and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Your comments may be used on air. Be polite. Inappropriate posts or posts containing offsite links may be removed by the moderator.
Allentown, PA 18102
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This Week's Circulars
Latest from the newsroom
- Berks Tim Lind / 69 News


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Yesterday, Secretary of State John Kerry welcomed nearly a dozen senior figures from United Nations and other international organizations working to address the humanitarian crisis associated with the conflict in Syria. Such an impressive gathering happens rarely, and highlights not just the commitment of the United States to the Syrian people, but also the central role being played by the United Nations and other organizations in responding to the humanitarian needs of people around the world. In the case of Syria, the needs of those affected are daunting: medical care, childhood immunizations, clean water, food, housing, education, and more.
As the Secretary commented prior to the meeting, "I was in the Zaatari camp in Jordan, which is overloaded with people from Syria, just two days ago. They need the help of the world, and it's my privilege to meet today with the people who are providing that help." Complex humanitarian crises such as the situation in and around Syria require not just immediate response, but sustained, collaborative international action.
It is just such circumstances that vividly remind us of the crucial value of the United Nations -- of multilateral means of responding to crises, natural and manmade, and of the vital role the United States plays in propelling and sustaining the global response to humanitarian needs. Unfortunately, we have frequent occasion to see these responses in action. In recent years we have witnessed coordinated international responses to natural disasters in Haiti and Pakistan. We have seen the international community rally quickly to aid the victims of tsunamis and catastrophic flooding. Further from the headlines are the more enduring humanitarian challenges around the world where international organizations, such as the World Food Program and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), work tirelessly to improve the prospects for the most vulnerable populations.
Of course, the United States uses all channels to reach populations in need, including the UN, NGOs, and community-based partners. In Syria, this effort means we are reaching more than 3 million people in need. As yesterday's meeting with the Secretary underscores, that effort can be amplified and maximized by supporting UN and other international organizations on the ground.
Folks say Syria is "complicated" and offer that as what appears to be an excuse for paralysis by the international community lacking the political will to physicly intervene in order to stop Assad's genocide of the Syrian people from continuing.
While it is true that great strides in international crisis management and response have taken place in the last decade; the lack of consistant political leadership and pralysis in the UN sec council "resolving" this matter in Syria has tuned this crisis into a text-book examply of why the international community should just ban dictators altogether and collectively remove them before they have the chance to make war on anyone, or destroy their own nation in the process of retaining power against the will of the people.
While the Syrian military blindly supports and takes part in genocide, the Egyptian military is offering a fair example of of an institution bound to serve and protect the Egyptian people, in making sure the office of the President is not ursurped by those who would not respect the will of the people.
Took only 31 days to gain UN Sec Council approval to prevent Ghaddafi from slaughtering the citizens of Bengazi and enforcing a "no-go zone" for his forces...that is the gestation period of a rabbit.
The gestation period for diplomacy in Syria's case has been longer than that of a blue whale and is looking to give birth to a still-born , dead on arrival conference that folks talk about wishing would happen, but probably lacks for any willingness to on the part of the parties in conflict.
Rather than arm the opposition which is debatably problematic on a number of levels and/or not going to be effective swiftly or even by itself to end hostilities and force Assad's capitulation or help create the peace in the aftermath of his fall from power, one must consider whether more lives would be ultimately saved over the long term knowing the lethality of the regime's intent; to simply tell the opposition to hunker down while the "friends of Syria" take the military steps neccessary to eliminate the Assad regime's capability to make war. Collectively declaring war formally on Assad and his government for committing genocide and becoming an imminent threat to the peace of nations.
Assad is doing as he pleases at this time, and untill there's the political willingness to do what it takes to physicly stop the slaughter, there is and can be no diplomatic solution.
Folks have let this crisis get so far out of hand over the last few years that nothing short of the complete occupation and disarming of Syria , along with a Marshal plan to rebuild a nation that now looks similar to post WW2 Germany in the levels of destruction on population centers, and at least a decade of democratic political therapy can begin to bring Syria out of the dark age of Assad family rule.
There's one more reason to intervene...that left unchecked those state and non-state actors that wish to initiate a full-blown regional Suni/Shiite conflict in the region may actually succeed in doing so, unless non-Muslim nations have something to say about that, and can back their words up with deeds in support of moderate leadership throughout the region, struggling to contain such a conflict that would put their people at risk.
While it is true that we are sic of war after more than a decade on...and it is time for other nations to step up to reality and face the consequences of inaction, unless the US is willing to intervene, no one else will without us.
Except those who are already intervening on the side of Assad, with boots on the ground.
I read through the various "options" the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs offered to Sen. Levin and basicly the only option that will actually simplify the quandry of "what to do about Syria?" that stands a chance of restoring peace is to create the peace from scratch in the middle of conflict by denying the regime safe haven or the legitimacy of negotiation. We don't negotiate with terrorists. Nor should we, as we did not with Hitler, attempt to negotiate with a genocidal dictator after he's been proven to be such.
And know that if folks do not remove Assad's regime, it'll only get a lot worse, so like fighting fire with fire, sometimes it becomes neccessary to declare war in order to end a war sooner, rather than later and save lives by "regime replacement therapy".
That's different from the tired old worn out phrase "regime change" ...besides, one would hope we've become somewhat proficiant at removing tyrants and terrorists from the world stage by now.
"If you want an adequate response, you shouldn't speak the language of sanctions, you should speak the language of respect."- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani
I think this probably justifies a response by the White House, and/or the Sec of State...but if they want a citizen's response to go by, then maybe this'll suffice;
It would be illogical to speak in terms of "mutual respect" when the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been sponsoring chants of "death to America" every Friday at prayers...for the last 33-34 years.
Once the government of Iran declares this to no longer be their official foreign policy goal, and ceases all activity in support of it, including meeting its "obligations" to the international community and abandoning its nuclear weapons program verifiably...then maybe we will have seen a sincere effort to respect the will of the international community and America to give Congress a reason to lift sanctions.
We should be clear about the terms of "respect" from get-go....and that only because America respects the people of Iran has it yet to make war on their government for being hostile and disrespectful to the peace of the American people.
And the newly chosen puppet dancing on the ayatollah's strings wonders why his nation's inflation rate is running @ 40%???
In fact to truly cut through the "false narrative" of victimhood the Irainian "negotiating style" has been played on the P5+1 all these years...what I said above may stand as a pretty fair multi-lateral response to the Iranian government's hypocracy.
The alternative is to send them a very large bill for the offense of seeking our demise as a nation(33 Trillion + compounded daily interest over all those years?), and threaten to come collect, being its better to bankrupt them rather than have to bomb them and remove that government as a threat to anyone, and if it's to be the latter no matter what, the American public's going to want to know how were going to pay for it, so better to send the Iranian government the bill first, suggesting they arrange for perfered payment options.
This way you'all make it abundantly clear what the terms of "mutual respect" are..


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Speed the delivery of J2EE applications with an affordable and reliable server
Key Features
Discover how Adobe JRun 4 empowers you to speed up the development and deployment of your next-generation Internet applications by exploring this comprehensive feature tour. Experience the exciting technological advancements found in JRun 4 by reviewing the Top 10 New Features.
For an in-depth look at JRun 4, use the feature list below. By organizing the version 4 features into categories that reflect critical issues for Java developers??J2EE compatibility, productivity, performance, and administration??you'll find out how JRun 4 will enable you to increase productivity, improve reliability, and simplify server administration.
You can either walk through the features page by page or jump to any of the features listed below. Start ???
J2EE 1.3 Compatibility
Developer Productivity
- Hot Deployment
- Hot Modification
- EJB Development and Deployment
- Open Tools Strategy
- Macromedia Flash Remoting
- XDoclet Integration
- JRun Server Tags Technology


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Model Segments
Type/Undecided Segments
Update Segments
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Edmunds Community Manager Click on my screen name to send a personal message. Need help navigating? Check out Getting Started in Edmunds Forums.
'13 Jaguar XF, '11 BMW 535xi, '02 Lexus RX300


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It's no longer us against 'Nature.' It's we who decide what nature is what it will be.million inhabitants, as landscapes characterized by heavy human use — degraded agricultural lands, industrial wastelands, and recreational landscapes — become characteristic of Earth's terrestrial surface. We infuse huge quantities of synthetic chemicals and persistent waste into Earth's metabolism. Where wilderness remains, it's often only because exploitation is still unprofitable. Conservation management turns wild animals into a new form of pets.
To accommodate the Western lifestyle for 9 billion people, we'd need several more planets."the Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed." To accommodate the current Western lifestyle for 9 billion people, we'd need several more planets. With countries worldwide striving to attain the "American Way of Life," citizens of the West should redefine it — and pioneer a modest, renewable, mindful, and less material lifestyle. That includes, first and foremost, cutting the consumption of industrially produced meat and changing from private vehicles to public transport.
We must build a culture that grows with Earth's biological wealth instead of depleting it.CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere to safe levels, we need to move towards "negative emissions," e.g. by using plant residues in power plants with carbon capture and storage technology. We also need to develop geoengineering capabilities in order to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. In addition to cutting industrial CO2 emissions and protecting forests, large investments will be needed to maintain the huge carbon stocks in fertile soils, currently depleted by exploitative agricultural practices. For biodiversity, green remnants in a sea of destruction will not be enough — we need to build a "green infrastructure," where organisms and genes can flow freely over vast areas and maintain biological functions.
MORE FROM YALE e360
The Anthropocene Debate:
Marking Humanity's Impact


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Topic: How to model Persons and their Organisations?
I am currently building a Rails app where a User can have many Persons which in turn can have many Projects.
This works very well.
Now my problem is that some persons may belong to the same organisation while other persons may not belong to any organisation at all.
From what I've learnt so far, it would be good to move all the information pertaining the organisation into a separate table / model. (Please correct me, if I am wrong.) But what will happen then if a person does not belong to any organisation, i.e. is a private person?
How can all this be modelled in Rails?
Thanks for any help.


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You know that Macklemore song in which he sings about a broken keyboard? Well, not to sound like a total groupie or anything but yeah, I bought a broken keyboard. For $7.99 at the Ballard location of Goodwill Seattle. I don't mind if you're slightly oh-so jealous.
I am not a tech savvy person, by any stretch of the imagination. My fiancé, on the other hand, is in the software industry and does stuff like write code/invent new software patents. He is like the left brain to my right one. Together, we form a somewhat complete brain, but missing many many (several) key elements. He is a good man for putting up with all of my technical ineptitudes throughout the years. Here are some prime examples:
- I broke my laptop. He asked me what I was looking for in a new one e.g. storage space, battery life, image quality. I told him I wanted something with a big flat surface on top, so that I can close it up and use it as a lunch tray when noon rolls around.
- I once came up with an idea for an invention. I called it The Lunch Tray Laptop 2.1 EXL with dual cup holder attachments and silverware portals. This idea did not make it much further than my brain. The right one.
- I used a Nokia flip phone for many years, until my sister told me it was embarrassing to see me navigate a phone with a missing #9 button. I told her I was keeping my vintage phone for as long as it worked. She bought me a Nexus. It then sat in its box for a month until my vintage phone with the "perfectly aged peeling paint" crapped out.
- I rarely watch T.V. For the occasional dose of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, I call up my fiancé to turn it on. My favorite T.V. show is the one in which I stare at my reflection off of a blank television set, for thirty minute increments at a time. No reruns.
So what does a technically handicapped person do with a broken keyboard? Valentine's Day gift for my computer lover. My plan was to make a picture frame composed of keyboard letters/numbers. Here is what I rounded up: alcohol, broken keyboard, E-6000 glue and a flat faced picture frame. I bought this frame at an Austin Goodwill for $2.99. It was made by someone named "Newton". Let's just assume his first name is "Isaac", shall we? The alcohol is optional. It makes for some interesting glueing techniques, so keep it handy.
Step 1: Pour yourself a drink. Or two. You may need a nap if you go beyond three.
Step 2: Pop out the letters of the keyboard and arrange them on the picture frame. There will be some spacing in between some of the letters, so use this to your advantage. Arrange the spaces artistically. Then take the E-6000 glue you've been sniffing, and glue everything into place.
Step 3: I left the frame to dry a bit and figured I should come up with some backing to the frame, if I intend to use it to hold pictures. Keeping in line with the computer theme, I decided to use the cardboard box that my laptop came in. I just cut it down to the measurement of the frame.
Since I'm usually behind the camera, we don't have many family portraits. Or at least cute ones. By "family", I mean my fiancé, the dog and myself. So I drew one. On lined paper, since I kind of like the lines.
Here we are. The drawing's scale is pretty accurate.
I actually snuck in some words and phrases while I was arranging the letters. This one reads, "I am John" as you can very well read for yourself.
And then the bottom goes, "Software Guy". This one requires a few extra IQ points.
And here is the romantic keyboard picture frame for my Valentine. I plan to present it to him while whispering sweet Java script in his ear. Maybe some C++ action. I don't know. We'll see what we have time for after I give him his card made out of beans.


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Recipe: Quinoa PorridgeWant a tasty, nutritious way to start your day? Try this riff on traditional porridge.
Photo by Matthew Kadey, MS, RD
The ancient South American grain, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah), is enjoying surging popularity after the conquering Spanish left it to wither. Nutty-tasting quinoa offers a smorgasbord of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, which plays a role in bone health and blood-sugar control. Plus, it's considered a "complete" protein source, meaning it serves up all the essential amino acids to repair and build muscle. You can find round quinoa, either beige or red, in health food stores and some larger grocers.
Quinoa Porridge
Makes 4 Servings
1 cup quinoa
1/2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 cup unflavored milk of choice
1 apple, cored and diced
½ cup walnuts
½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
2 Tbsp maple syrup or agave syrup
1 cup blueberries or other berry of choice
• In a medium-sized saucepan, combine quinoa and 2 cups water.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer covered for 12 minutes.
• Pour in milk and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
• Stir in apple, walnuts, raisins and syrup.
• Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
• Serve topped with blueberries.
You can store extras in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick breakfast fix.
Nutrition facts per one-cup serving: 402 calories, 13 g fat (2g saturated), 65 g carbohydrate, 7 g fiber, 11 g protein, 178 mg sodium


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June 30, 2008 WIC Update
SUBJECT 1: Adjunct Eligibility Change- HDFS Screen- Important Announcement
SUBJECT 2: Change in the format of the HWIAC 425-01 Participation Report
SUBJECT 3: Brief Survey on WIC Updates
SUBJECT 4: Nutrition Education Opportunity-Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course
SUBJECT 5: Nutrition Education Opportunity-Breastfeeding Conference
- Adjunct Eligibility Change- HDFS Screen- Important Announcement: A change will be coming soon regarding adjunct eligibility. Previously some children and infants with incomes above 185% of poverty would show on the HDFS, MCII and FAMIS screens as being adjunctly eligible for WIC because they were enrolled in Medicaid/MoHealthNet. Effective July 7, 2008 children and infants will show as being adjuntly eligible for WIC by virtue of being on Medicaid/MoHealthNet only if their incomes are at or below 185% of poverty. Also effective July 7, 2008 use only the HDFS or H201/202/203 screens to determine adjunct eligibility for Medicaid/MoHealthNet. Do not use the MCII or FAMIS screens to check for Medicaid/MoHealthNet enrollment. You may still use the MCII screen for Medicaid/MoHealthNet billing information and you may use FAMIS for determining adjunct eligibility for the participant from being on TANF or food stamps. Some children and infants who were previously adjuntly eligible for Medicaid/MoHealthNet no longer will be adjunctly eligible when they recertify on or after July 7.
The HDFS screen will be modified to show whether or not the participant is on Medicaid/MoHealthNet and is adjuntly eligible for WIC. The revised field will be labeled as "MOHEALTHNET" and the answer will be Yes or No. Yes means the participant is adjunctly eligible for WIC. No means the participant is not adjunctly eligible for WIC.
Example #1: The answer is no. This means the participant is not adjunctly eligible for the WIC program. Either the participant is not on Medicaid/MoHealthNet or the participant is on Medicaid/MoHealthNet but their income is greater than 185% of poverty or the participant has applied for Medicaid/MoHealthNet but their eligibility has not yet been determined.
Example #2: The answer is yes. This means the participant is on Medicaid/MoHealthNet. The income is equal to or less than 185% of poverty and the participant is adjunctly eligible for WIC.
If you have questions, contact Mark Davis at firstname.lastname@example.com or 573-526-5323 or 800-392-8209.
- Change in the format of the HWIAC 425-01 Participation Report: Effective July 3, 2008, the 425 report will be changed to show all agencies and each of its sites with the participation count for each one plus an "umbrella" totals page. All agencies are being changed to this format. In the past, if your agency had a main site and sub-sites, but the count was indicated on the report for only the main site, your report will look different as well.
Example #1: XXX County Health Department has a main site and two sub-sites. The first page of totals for that agency will show the participants served only at the main site. The second page of totals will show the participants served only at the first sub-site. The third page of totals will show the participants served only at the second sub-site. The fourth page of totals will be the "umbrella" page and will show the totals for all sites combined as well as the caseload totals at the bottom of that page.
Example #2: XXX County Health Department has only a main site and no sub-sites. The first page of totals for that agency will show the participants served at the main site. The second page of totals will be the "umbrella" page and will show the totals for the main site as well as the caseload totals at the bottom of that page.
Please review the attached PDF documents for these examples.
If you have questions, contact Melissa Seaver at firstname.lastname@example.com or 573-751-6489 or 800-392-8209.
- Brief Survey on WIC Updates: In the WIC Updates of June 9, 2008 we included an article on a survey to obtain LWP input on the WIC Updates. We have received many surveys already. If you have not yet completed the survey, please do so by July11. The survey is short, only nine questions, and will take only a few minutes to complete.
If you have questions, contact Mark Davis at email@example.com or 573-526-5323 or 800-392-8209.
- Nutrition Education Opportunity-Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course: WIC Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists, Registered Nurses, Certified Nurse Midwives, Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, and other Public Health Professionals who serve preconceptual, pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women will want to take advantage of this two-day National Maternal Nutrition Intensive Course, shown by video stream on September 16-17, 2008 in Jefferson City. This year's continuing education program focuses on the improvement of maternal and infant health through the delivery of risk-appropriate high-quality nutrition services. This training is presented by the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of WIC and Nutrition Services, Nutrition Training Institute. Also, sponsored by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Health and the Human Services and Food and Nutrition Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Please see the attached registration brochure for details or contact Michelle Nienhuis at 573-751-6244 or email@example.com.
- Nutrition Education Opportunity-Breastfeeding Conference: The Breastfeeding Support for Breastfeeding Success Conference is scheduled for September 12, 2008 in Jefferson City. WIC Registered Dietitians, Nutritionists, Nurses, Breastfeeding Coordinators, La Leche League Members, and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) are invited to attend this one day conference. The purpose of the conference is to provide current and consistent information in the area of advanced lactation management so clinicians can provide a higher level of support to their breastfeeding mothers. If you have questions, please contact Shanna Morgan at firstname.lastname@example.com. Please see the attached registration brochure for details and fax or e-mail completed registration form to Michelle Nienhuis at 573-526-1470 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Adjunct Eligibility Example.doc
Breastfeeding Conference Registration Brochure.pdf
National Maternal Intensive Course 2008.pdf
425 No Subsites.pdf
425 with Subsites.pdf


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Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (70 votes).
In short: Cross Country must have started early this yearIn full: 14 miles of wet and muddy on a multi terrain course, slippery on places but loved every minute of it,marshalls were first class with a great goody bag at the end, hope to be back again, rain or shine.Date of review: August 20, 2006
In short: Very Tough but rewardingIn full: This was my first race of this kind. The weather didn't help it was very muddy and slippery. Run through ford and mud was fun, nearly got stuck. Single file parts slow you down but you need to make your time up when you get the chance on the grass parts. Tough race very challenging but worth while when you reach the finish line and everyone is cheering you on. The atmosphere was amazing, people friendly and the marchalls exellentDate of review: August 20, 2006
In short: nice course and good target.In full: Weather was terrible, course was good not overly hard but with the train to beat I had to work.Beat the train so no need to ever do it again.Date of review: August 19, 2006
In short: Good testing race. Poor organisation.Date of review: August 19, 2006
In short: Fantastic event, but toughDate of review: September 4, 2005
In short: Gets better every year! Fab atmostphere before, during, afterDate of review: August 27, 2005
In short: Unique ! Every serious runner should do this once in their running lifetime.Date of review: August 26, 2005
In short: We just keep returning every year, can't help it - is it this year that we are going to beat that train?! Errr no...oh well, there's always next year...Date of review: August 26, 2005
In short: This is a party weekend with a series of races and fun runs thrown in.In full: Absolutely fandabidozy. It's a pb, because there's only one race that's 14.5 miles X/c against a train. Did you? Didn't you? That's all that matters. The public have heard of the FLM. This is the race that runners talk about. This is run as a charity event, but the pricing is very competitive. You want to spend your money. eg beer £2 a pint. LZS £1 bottle. The countryside is just stunning. One missed footfall and you join it. The route goes virtually alongside the track for most of the country section. The organisers are clever too. The trains are timed so that approximately 10% will beat the train. Will you be one of...............us.This is proper cross country. Nothing invented here. The route is direct, and logical. A bit of mud, a bit of wet, a few climbs, some narrow tracks. A lot of sheep fields. You just know that you NEED to do this race at least once.Date of review: August 26, 2005
In short: Great race, even if it is a tough off-road course. Extremely well organisedIn full: Water stations were spot on even with the warm weather. Great atmosphere. Would have like to see the race results on the web a bit quicker but that'll hopefully be sorted next year with the introduction of timing chips.Date of review: August 25, 2005
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Charles Gonzalez
Are Dems Overreaching On Climate Legislation
Kimberley Strassel has a good article in today's WSJ about what she sees as Democrats overreaching on climate legislation.
For one, they seem to be misreading the public's support for the radical type legislation that Nancy Pelosi and Henry Waxman favor. Since the recession has hit, people are much less concerned about the environmental impact of certain industries and much more concerned about preserving the jobs they provide.
But it is more than that – the Democratic leadership seems to be misreading the political tea-leaves as well:
To listen to Congressman Jim Matheson is something else. During opening statements, the Utah Democrat detailed 14 big problems he had with the bill, and told me later that if he hadn't been limited to five minutes, "I might have had more." Mr. Matheson is one of about 10 moderate committee Democrats who are less than thrilled with the Waxman climate extravaganza, and who may yet stymie one of Barack Obama's signature issues. If so, the president can thank Democratic liberals, who are engaging in one of their first big cases of overreach.
Not that you couldn't see this coming even last year, when Speaker Nancy Pelosi engineered her coup against former Energy chairman John Dingell. House greens had been boiling over the Michigan veteran's cautious approach to climate-legislation. Mr. Dingell's mistake was understanding that when it comes to energy legislation, the divides aren't among parties, but among regions. Design a bill that socks it to all those manufacturing, oil-producing, coal-producing, coal-using states, and say goodbye to the very Democrats necessary to pass that bill.
Of course, that's precisely what the Waxman's of the party intend to do. As Strassel notes, Pelosi engineered the replacement of Dingell with Waxman precisely to push the more radical agenda.
And 2010 looms:
There's Mr. Matheson, chair of the Blue Dog energy task force, who has made a political career championing energy diversity and his state's fossil fuels, and who understands Utah is mostly reliant on coal for its electricity needs. He says he sees several ways this bill could result in a huge "income transfer" from his state to those less fossil-fuel dependent. Indiana Democrat Baron Hill has a similar problem; not only does his district rely on coal, it is home to coal miners. Rick Boucher, who represents the coal-fields of South Virginia, knows the feeling.
Or consider Texas's Gene Green and Charles Gonzalez, or Louisiana's Charlie Melancon, oil-patch Dems all, whose home-district refineries would be taxed from every which way by the bill. Mr. Dingell remains protective of his district's struggling auto workers, which would be further incapacitated by the bill. Pennsylvania's Mike Doyle won't easily throw his home-state steel industry over a cliff.
Add in the fact that a number of these Democrats hail from districts that could just as easily be in Republicans' hands. They aren't eager to explain to their blue-collar constituents the costs of indulging Mrs. Pelosi's San Francisco environmentalists. Remember 1993, when President Bill Clinton proposed an energy tax on BTUs? The House swallowed hard and passed the legislation, only to have Senate Democrats kill it; a year later, Newt Gingrich was in charge. With Senate Democrats already backing away from the Obama cap-and-trade plans, at least a few House Dems are reluctant to walk the plank.
Never mind that passage of this bill would most likely retard economic recovery for the foreseeable future, it might also begin to flip the House politically when its consequences are made clear to the public. Waxman and his allies are attempting to poltically arm-twist and bribe enough Democrats to push this through the House, but it apparently faces tough sledding in the Senate, even with a filibuster-proof majority in the offing.
How this ends up is anyone's guess, but as strange as it sounds, the recession is our best friend in this case. Cap and trade would be disasterous now – not that it wouldn't be even in a strong economy. And there seems to be building support on both sides to stop it. What you have to hope is that somehow it will then be delayed enough that the mix in Congress changes to the point that the Dem's radical environmental policy ends up being DOA.


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Unique Suite near the Old City
Size33 m²
Floor No.
- Family/child friendly
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Parking available
- Internet/WiFi
- Balcony/terrace
- Towels
Accommodation summary
|Derech Hevron, 93546 Jerusalem, Israel
|Property type
|Property ID
The apartment is very convenient for a couple and can accommodate up to 4 guests. It has small kitchen, WiFi, 2 units of A/C, TV and comfortable dining table.
15 minutes walking to the Old City.
Close and easy public transportation and 1 minutes walking to 24/7 supermarket.
House rulesSmoking is not allowed.
|Price for > 2 guests
|$ 21 US per guest/night extra
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
Wij hebben een prima tijd gehad in Jeruzalem. Het appartement van Ariela bleek lekker schoon bij aankomst, er waren handdoeken, keukenpapier, toiletpapier en meer van die praktische zaken aanwezig.
Het ligt op loopafstand van de oude stad, winkels vlakbij en het leuk opgeknapte oude railwaystation[heel gezellig!].
Kortom, aan te raden, ook al is de weg erg druk en je moet koken in de slaapkamer. Maar er ligt heel vlakbij een park met een prachtig uitzicht over de stad.
Reviews for this host's other properties
Very nice appartment. Small but comfortable. Walking distance from the Old City and the City centre (Ben Yehuda, Jaffa street). Free parking 30 meters from the appartment. Clean with halfway our stay cleaning of the room and new bedlinnen. And new towels. We can recomment it to every one.
We stayed 2 weeks at Ariela's and it was good. When we arrived there was a bottle of wine on the table. Very nice! It was clean and al nesseserry kitchentools were available. Once a week compleet cleaning of the studio incl. bedsheets. Supermarket across the street is very handy.
the only sad thing was the very busy and noisy road outside. the double glassed windows could not help with that problem. We kept the windows shut at night because of this.
Very nice appartment on walking distance of the Old City of Jerusalem. Clean, good beds. Small but complete kitchen. Bathroom is small but very comfortable. We can recommend it.
Ariel is a very helpful person. All explained and demonstrated. The apartment is located in a very good location. The apartment is well equipped and clean. The area is a bigger shop, cafes, bakery. Very highly recommended.
Ariela was a great host. She really got out of her way to accommodate our needs and schedules, and willingly gave us a hand when we needed it. Highly reccommended.
We only had two days in Jerusalem and were very happy with the apartment. The location is really very good, central and quiet. Ariela was very courteous and pleasant and the apartment everything worked (eg the shower, a great hair dryer, washing machine and dryer) outstanding. In recommended by Ariela 'Café de Paris' we ate twice very good. Overall, the apartment is highly recommended, thank you!
Wir hatten nur zwei Tage Zeit in Jerusalem und waren sehr froh über das Apartment. Die Lage ist wirklich sehr gut, zentral und ruhig. Ariela war sehr zuvorkommend und angenehm und im Apartment funktionierte alles (z.B. die Dusche, ein toller Fön, Waschmaschine u. Trockner) hervorragend. Im von Ariela empfohlenen 'Café de Paris' haben wir zweimal sehr gut gegessen. Insgesamt ist die Wohnung unbedingt zu empfehlen, vielen Dank!
The host cancelled the booking, this review is automated.
Very comfortable and clean place, 15 mins. walk from Jaffo Gate of the old town. Also not far from the central bus station. Ariela was helpful host with all information I needed. I would definitely come back.
Stockholm 21/8/2013
Hello Wimdu people!
Here is our review of "excellent location 2BR apartment", Jerusalem,August 2013.
Our stay in Israel was wonderful for the most part thanks to our landlady Ariela Nevo who did her utmost to guide us with her support (taxis,car rental,phone calls etc...) in order to make our stay as comfortable as possible.The location was indeed " excellent",the AC worked perfectly,the cleaning of the apartment and the linnen were something we did not really expect.It was a bonus!!! Ariela is an understanding person,thinking more than usual about other people.
This is a great area where to spend your holiday It is called Thalbiya situated in the middle of the great,holy city of JERUSALEM.We lived there for 2 weeks, in Ariel´s place,a very good apartment run professionaly by a respectable "grande dame".
Our warmest recommendations!
Salomon,Laura and family
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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Welcome to our blog! Sit back, relax & enjoy reading our 'hot off the press' blog posts. We're obsessed with (yup, it's almost a problem :) finding out about the latest trends, cool new places and fun local tips. Whether it's a cute little cafe or a hot new club, you'll read about it here. P.S.: Don't be shy to speak up (this isn't high school!) - we LOVE getting comments.
Thanks a bunch for reading & hope to hear from you!
Useful Czech Phrases
Many travelers who come to Prague buy those "Czech 101" phrasebooks. You know, THOSE. The types of phrasebooks that you open once & laugh that you'll never be able to learn/pronounce any of this & you never open them again. Yup, THOSE.
While we agree that learning a few basic Czech phrases is definitely a good idea (especially since there's still quite a few people in the Czech Republic who don't speak English – this applies mainly to the older generation), we're not fans of the "Czech 101" approach. Instead, we thought we'd share a) some phrases that people ACTUALLY use (none of those "how much does this Chihuahua cost, please?" phrases… none of that!) and b) short explanations indicating WHY/HOW they are used. You can thank us later!
-Ahoj [Ahoy] - Hi (yes, we know… that's how sailors greet each other! And no, we don't get it either)
-Jak se máš? [Yag seh mash] – How are you? (Btw, Czechs will actually let you KNOW how they're doing… so if you'd like to avoid a long 'Not so good man. You see…'-type of answer, better not ask this question).
-Ještě jedno pivo, prosím! [Yesh-tye yed-no peevo proseem]– One more beer, please! (used VERY often in the Czech Republic. However, we should warn you that on many occasions, you won't even get to use this phrase. You'll get a beer whether you like it or not!).
-Ach jo, už zase prší/Ach jo, už je zase horko [Ach yo, ush zah-seh prshee/ush yeh zahseh hor-koh]– Rats, it's raining again/Rats, it's too hot again (thought we'd include this on our list since Czech people love to complain about weather. This will definitely come in handy when you'll be waiting for your tram, i.e. many people love to strike up a conversation at a tram stop).
-Hustý [Hoostee] – "Cool" (This is a very difficult word to translate. It CAN mean cool but it can also be used in a negative way. You can basically use it if you find something amazing/shocking/outrageous… anything which stirs up strong emotions. OH and if you're under 15 years old, you shouldn't use it at all).
-Tři tisíce třista třicet tři stříbrných stříkaček stříkalo přes tři tisíce třista třicet tři stříbrných střech [Basically unpronounceable]-3333 silver fire-engines squirt over 3333 silver roofs (basically a really crazy tongue twister. If you master the pronunciation, we recommend saying it to your foreign friends. Just watch their jaws drop).
-Ukončete prosím výstup a nástup, dveře se zavírají - Stop getting off or getting on, the doors are closing! [Oo-kon-chay-teh proseem nah-stoop ah vees-toop, dveh-rze seh zaveerahyee] - (This is the Prague metro announcement you hear at EVERY SINGLE METRO STOP. We thought we should let you know what the announcer is saying. It is an unusually long announcement, after all).
-Cože? Co? [Tsozheh? Tso?] – What? (Too easy, you say? Nay, my friend. This is what every smartphone-obsessed Czech will say to you when they'll finally hear that you're talking to them. Again, a super popular phrase among the younger generation).
-Tvoje čeština je dobrá [Tvoyeh cheshtinah je dobrah] – Your Czech is good (when a Czech person will say this to you, you will have made it. You'll have arrived. Why are we even putting this on here? When someone says this to you, you'll definitely be able to understand it – AND correct our Czech grammar. Go you!).
-Nejím vepřové [Nay-eem veprzoveh] – I don't eat pork (this seemingly unimportant phrase will instantaneously become super useful once you decide to grab a bite to eat in Prague. Pork is part of virtually all of the typical Czech meals, so if you're a veggie, this might just save you!).
-Kam jede tato tramvaj? [Kahm jeh-deh tah-toh trahm-vay] – Where does this tram go? (You will definitely need to resort to using this phrase at least once during your Prague stay here. In the summertime, trams roll out their summer schedule & pandemonium ensues. OK, we're just joking – the public transport system is actually really good in Prague. Still, this phrase COULD be a lifesaver – trust us!).
-Řeřicha [Rzerzichah] – peppercress. (Why is this on here, you ask? Are Czechs peppercress-crazy? Not really. But this word is pretty fun and could also be used as yet another tongue twister. Just try saying it!).
-Hele! [Heh-leh] – Look! (A popular Czech slang phrase which has been used for decades. It can be used in many different ways – oftentimes it is unknowingly inserted into a sentence when a person has no clue what they'd like to talk about. Like… the word like. Gives a whole new meaning to the word 'filler'!).
-Můžu si půjčit nabíječku? [Moozhooh see pooytchit nah-bee-yechkoo] – Can I borrow your charger? (This one kind of speaks for itself. We live in the 21st century, after all).
-Páni, to je ale krásné kolo! [Pah-nee, toh yeh ah-leh krahs-neh kohloh] – Wow, what a nice bike! (OK, so we really had to put this on here. Hey, you need to know what to say when you see someone on a Gocycle, right? ;).


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Monday, October 11, 2010
Pink is Everywhere
Elaine called to tell me she has breast cancer. As the conversation went on I was blown away by her positive attitude and the plans she had made. One of them was to start a blog. Here, just a week later she is writing on that blog, A Little Rain: Diary of a Cancer Patient, about joining in a 5K race for survivors.
Elaine told me last week that she has drastically changed her diet and is researching more about how to fight this battle. She is already sharing that information with a tab for diet hints.
I've heard, many times, that a positive attitude is the most important ingredient to recovery. Elaine has plenty of that and I know those who come in contact with her will come away with an added bit of strength.
I send best wishes to Elaine and everyone else who is a patient, a survivor, or knows somebody who is. I hope I can do my small part by spreading the word...
October is Cancer Awareness Month.
6 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's diagnosis, but really glad to hear she's handling it the way she is. I deeply believe that the way we tackle things has a huge impact and it sounds like she's really proactive and upbeat! I'll be checking out her blog here in a bit. ;)ReplyDelete
She has a great attitude--that will go a long way towards helping her to fight this disease!ReplyDelete
My little family and I walked in the Race for the Cure yesterday. It was inspiring to see so many survivors in their bright pink shirts!ReplyDelete
She sounds like a very inspiring lady...I too have a friend with breast cancer and her attitude is amazing....We can all learn from these couragous women.....ReplyDelete
WoW. The strength of the human spirit is amazing. Godspeed to Elaine. Thank you for bringing this important matter front and center. *hugs*ReplyDelete
Rita, I'm really sorry to hear about Elaine's diagnosis. My prayers are with her.ReplyDelete


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Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.
Hyperion offers both CDs, and downloads in a number of formats. The site is also available in several languages.
Please use the dropdown buttons to set your preferred options, or use the checkbox to accept the defaults.
from notes by Stephen Hough © 1998
extrait des notes rédigées par Stephen Hough © 1998
Français: Hypérion
aus dem Begleittext von Stephen Hough © 1998
Deutsch: Anne Steeb/Bernd Müller
|Schubert: Piano Sonatas
'His moving performance of the B flat Sonata, marked throughout by refined, discerning pianism and an uncommonly subtle ear for texture … Hough s ...
'The recording is of exemplary clarity, warmth and truthfulness' (Gramophone)» More
|The Stephen Hough Piano Collection
'In all, a cogent overview of and ideal introduction to Stephen Hough's artistry' (Classics Today (USA)
'As a retrospective of a fine pianist, this bargain issue has many virtues … If you have not already added these Hough performances ...» More


text:
How many of you are still panicking about Christmas presents? I managed to send last of my presents (most of them handmade!) just today and I feel so relieved! I can finally start enjoying this season, maybe even make a gingerbread house! From ready-made dough. I want get to the decorating bit faster ;D
Even if you have only days left, it doesn't mean you can't make anything nice anymore. Just last week I made some Christmas themed shopping bags to sell at a boutique in Helsinki and believe it or not, it took only few hours. With some unprecedented forethought I took pictures of the printing process so I could share it here with you.
Materials needed:
Printing frame
Photoemulsion and flooding scoop (or whatever that thing is called)
Cardboard box + matt black fabric to cover it
Sheet of glass (mine is from an old picture frame)
Strong light source (I use construction light, 400w)
Transparent sheets (mine are by Crafter's Companion)
Printing ink
Stage 1: Getting started! I used my printing frame to test if it is the right size for the bag I wanted to print. I also measured the printable are, which in case was 26,5cm*37cm. It's important that you do this, otherwise you might risk creating an image that you cannot actually print with your screen.
Stage 2: Flooding the frame! I took my frame and photoemulsion to the bathroom. Flooding the frame is easy peasy, tilt your scoop carefully, keep it in a small angle and let the emulsion flow on your screen. Basically what you want to do, since the scoop is usually smaller than your frame, is flood one section, then scrape excess off and then move on to the next section. Your goal is two thin layers of emulsion on each side. After you're done, leave the frame to dry in a dark room. Extra tip: Don't kick your open photoemulsion jar. That stuff can be price-y.
Stage 3: Transparent! Meanwhile your screen is drying, you can go back to your computer and finish off your design. Print your design TWICE on a transparent. You need the image you want to print to be blacker than black. The black will block the light from burning the light sensitive emulsion and that un-burned area is your printing area. Since my image was bigger than A4 I needed to use 4 sheets of transparent.
Stage 5: Burn the screen! Now your screen is dry and you should be ready to burn your it. First you need a matt black platform, which should have about the same surface area as your screen. You can make this, as I did, by covering a cardboard box with jersey. Then the order of items going on top of that is: screen, transparent (flipped over, if you have text it needs to read "wrong" and sheet of glass to weigh them all down. Then with some masterful balancing and aiming, try to have your light as close to 90 degree angle towards the screen. In this case I didn't (usually I do) and it did work fine anyway. Now depending on your light source and how far it is from the screen you need to adjust the developing time. My distance was about 50cm and I left it on for an hour.
Stage 6. Clean the screen! Higher the water pressure, the better. I bought this handy dandy tiny shower head that adds water pressure AND makes the actual water flow sharp and pointy which makes the cleaning easy and quick but you don't need it, regular shower will do. When all the excess emulsion is off your screen, leave it to dry.
Optional Stage 7: Making ink! Since you again have some free time in your hands because the screen is doing its drying thing, you can mix some printing ink. You can buy printing ink ready made too but I have printing emulsion and various pigments so I can mix my own colours. Usually the company who sells pigments also have recipes for different colours on their website to use for reference. For black, Emo-Tuotanto, gave a following recipe: 15 drops of pigment per 100ml of emulsion. I made a double batch. Not that I used all that but printing is easier if you have enough ink to spread on your screen.
Stage 8: Prepping Printing Surface! You have your ink and screen and you need a printing surface! I laid a vintage sheet (folded) on table, taped it on place and then laid a vinyl table-cloth on top of that and taped that in place too. You need something soft yet firm underneath your fabric when printing. At first I had a towel under the towel and as you can see from the test print, it affected the print quality. Lesson learned: the surface must be smooth.
Stage 9. Printing! Now your printing surface should be ok, but do one more test print just to be sure. You can see smudges on the test print here and that's because I laid my screen down when I re-set the printing surface and the ink smeared. That is why you must keep you screen leaning upright between prints if you can't do your printing serially but have to stop to make room for the next printable thing.
When doing the printing you can use your transparent or in this case the original photocopy to guide your screen. Put the copy on the fabric, hold your screen on top of it (matching the image), remove the copy and then lay the screen down. Voila, no guess work! When you're done with printing, store your printing ink in an airtight container for future use. When your prints are dry, use the ink manufacturer's directions on how to set the ink.
Stage 10: Enjoy your handiwork! Nothing more satisfying than seeing your own work finished! I made a small batch to sell at the boutique but if they won't sell, I just give them next year as Christmas gifts 😀 It's a win-win! If you are wondering the bag size, the bags in grocery stores are really that big in Finland ;D
Hope you find this helpful and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. You can use the image above to make some holiday gifts of your own, just click it to make it full size. Both the text and image are copyright free. I used the text from Just Something I Make's Christmas Text Collage and the Santa, I think, is from Graphic's Fairy.
Happy Holidays and Good Night from Thrifty Finn.
Related articles
- screenprinting on fabric made easy (really!) (angrychicken.typepad.com)
- Silk-screened spiderweb scarf (danielasmithfernandez.com)
- Appelle Moi Papa – Live Screenprinting @ Sergeant Paper (Paris) (sixand5.com)
- Printworks (stylebubble.co.uk)