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Five Favorite Spring Cookbooks
It's the first sunny day in Seattle in a very long time and I'm sitting here at my sewing desk in our walk-in closet on the second story of our house eating a big salad and staring out the window, flirting with the idea of forgetting work altogether and drinking kombucha in the park. But at the same time, I've been getting some emails from you all asking for cookbook recommendations and realizing it's been a long time since I've done a 'Favorites' type post. So, with spring cookbook season in full effect, today is the day! It was tough to choose just five, but ultimately the books that stay right on top of my desk and that I continue to bookmark, read and refer back to are the ones I know will be in heavy rotation. Maybe you'll find something new to inspire your spring cooking?
Eat This Poem by Nicole Gulotta
I met Nicole for the first time a few months ago when I was in Los Angeles, but we've known each other for a few years thanks to this lovely and weird thing we call the internet. Our boys are roughly the same age, and Nicole has a great blog, Eat This Poem, that I immediately connected with as it was more literary than most food blogs, and would always include a poem or one of her great City Guides. So when I heard that Nicole was writing a book by the same name, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Eat This Poem is split into sections that feel reminiscent of seasons in life, with titles like "Growth," "On What Lingers" and "Gathering," each grounded in relevant poems and recipes.
Not only does Nicole reference other writers in the book, she's a beautiful writer herself. You know how most recipes have a few lines introducing the dish and letting you know how it came to be, or noting any special ingredients or techniques? These headnotes are actually really difficult to write because they can become monotonous and there's often so much to relay in a very short amount of time. But in reading Nicole's book, I was struck with how brilliantly and seemingly effortlessly she introduces each recipe. For her Warm Vanilla Pear Crumble, she notes, "I made this crumble for a dinner party one December. It was two weeks before Christmas and our friends announced they were having a second baby. As I whipped the cream, I heard their daughter running after our dog in the living room; Andrew held our newborn son, Henry; and "O Holy Night" played from a speaker. These are the days." Now that is a headnote! I not only want to make this crumble, but I feel a part of this moment. And that's what Nicole is so good at: inviting us into the moments in her life — and even more, inviting us to make our own.
One Part Plant by Jessica Murnane
After being diagnosed with endometriosis, Jessica Murnane decided to try a plant-based diet as a last ditch effort to feel better. Little by little her symptoms disappeared, so she set out on a mission to get people excited about eating just one plant-based meal a day. This cookbook is a killer collection of many of her recipes, and contains a lot of great tips and starter-info on, say, Creating a Plant-Based Pantry and how to fit OPP (One Part Plant) into your week in a realistic way. Sure you're going to find some chia (have we ever talked about my aversion to chia?), but you're also going to see a lot of real, simple food and doable recipes with very manageable ingredient lists. I'm particularly excited about the Chocolate Chunk Cookies everyone's talking about, the Quinoa Taco Salad and the Chilaquiles with Cilantro Cream. And I'd be remiss not to mention that Jessica has one of my favorite podcasts, One Part Podcast, where she interviews super interesting (usually health-minded) guests each week about topics ranging from kundalini yoga and getting more sleep to meditation or asking for what you want. It's a great one if you happen to spend more time in the car than you'd like (hand raised).
Feeding a Family by Sarah Waldman
I eagerly awaited the arrival of this book and it far exceeded my expectations. Before diving in, I think the subtitle is worth mentioning: "A Real-Life Plan for Making Dinner Work." Sarah, girl, my ears are open. Right now, with a toddler in the house, getting a reasonable, homemade dinner on the table that everyone can eat is our biggest challenge and I know it's one many of you share (toddler or not). That dinner game is rough and 6 pm rolls in quick somedays (err, most days). We give Oliver tortellini or turkey hot dogs for more meals than I care to admit because we just don't have our act together many nights to get anything else on the table. It's all too easy to fall into the tortellini rut and, just like adults, kids get tired of the same old / same old, too. So I've really fallen for Sarah's forgiving approach to encouraging families to tackle some meals in advance, breaking out the slow cooker, and extending ingredients for the next night's dinner.
In this really beautiful book, there are 40 seasonal meals and 100 recipes and a lot of tips and tricks that have worked for Sarah's family. But I suppose there are many family cookbooks out there with lots of tips and tricks, so what makes Feeding a Family stand out? First, it's beautifully photographed and doesn't feel overly-casseroled or dumbed down, which I often find is the case in many cookbooks written for families. There aren't as many truly beautiful and inspiring family cookbooks that get you excited to try new recipes for yourselves and your kids — food that everyone just may want to eat. And for a family like ours that really likes good food and the act of cooking, this feels huge. I can tell this is a book we're going to use often, so it was tough to pull out a few recipes, but so far I've bookmarked the Slow Cooker Indian Butter Chicken, Skillet Spinach Pie and Rhubarb Sundaes, and am hoping to make at least one this weekend.
Dishing up the Dirt by Andrea Bemis
While I know many of you may have known of Andrea's blog for some time, I learned of her book (and her gorgeous Instagram account) first, and had the chance to go see her in person in Seattle this past week. Andrea and her husband run a farm in Parkdale, Oregon where they grow and sell vegetables to restaurants, farmers markets and their CSA customers. While I know that farming and homesteading are reeeally trendy right now, Andrea and Tyler are the real deal: they're really doing it all. And not only are they doing the farming, but Andrea writes and photographs recipes for their CSA members to educate and inspire them in how to use their weekly produce box. Not sure what to do with your turnips? They've got your back. As for the book, Andrea's laidback cooking style is immediately evident: she encourages "detours," and her recipes have a very gentle approach of making you feel like you're in good hands but also that this isn't brain surgery: a dash of lemon juice or olive oil is just fine. The first thing I noticed in the book is the Sauce chapter, which I think is so smart in a veggie-forward cookbook because if you've got a few sauces in the refrigerator, meals can come together quite easily. There's a Miso Harissa and a Garlic Cashew Herb Sauce I can't wait to try. Beyond sauces, the book is organized seasonally, which makes a lot of sense. I had such a hard time deciding where to begin, I told myself to just open to page 1 of Spring and get going. So there you'll find Honey-Roasted Strawberry Muffins: I made them yesterday morning and we all had one as a late morning snack, and later in the evening after Oliver was in bed I had another with a big spoonful of leftover whipped cream. I'll share them here very soon.
Green Kitchen at Home by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl
You may know Luise and David from their popular vegetarian blog, Green Kitchen Stories, and while they have other cookbooks, this one is heavily bookmarked because of its focus on actual weeknight (or weekday) cooking: simple(r) recipes that can be tackled reasonably on an average Wednesday (with a little planning ahead). There's very little fuss, and I love the focus on shortcuts (canned beans are ok, people) and batch recipes that can double as building block for more meals throughout the week. In the introduction, David notes,"This book is filled with the recipes that we actually make most often in our own kitchen. Our true favorites," and I think that comes across throughout the pages. These feel like real life, weekly recipes I'm excited to try. The Fridge Favorites chapter is a great Basics section, with recipes including tomato sauce, flatbreads, lentils, and quinoa in case you need a good primer. And further into the book I fell for the Buckwheat, Banana and Chocolate Bread; Middle Eastern Sweet Potato Wraps; and those really pretty and intriguing Rainbow Flatbreads.
For those of you who live in the Seattle area, I'll be chatting with Nicole Gulotta about her book, Eat This Poem, next Friday May 12 at Booklarder from 6:30-8pm. The event is free (although Booklarder requests that you RSVP), and I'd so love to see you all there!
Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, Megan!
This one was for you, Meghan! Have a great weekend!
I can't tell you how thrilled I was when I saw this post! Thank you! Hope you had a great weekend!
Maureen Simons
Any plans to be in the Bay Area with Nicole Gulotta for Eat This Poem? Thanks!
Hi, Maureen! Not that I know of (not me, anyhow). I'll check in with Nicole and see if she's headed that way. Thanks for the note!
Lori Narlock
Hi Megan!
Even with a 12-year-old there are still nights he gets something different from us for dinner because he's hungry and I don't have everything ready. I've decided it's better to get these boys fed when they are hungry than worry about everyone sitting down together every night. Good luck as you navigate all these new decisions.
I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of Eat This Poem. Nicole is amazing.
Aww, thank you for the perspective, Lori. That's really great to hear. I agree: there's just no way to work and come home and have dinner all ready for everyone at 5:30! I don't know how people do it! Hope you're having a good spring (and yes, the book is great!).
Feeding a Family sounds great. Are there a lot of vegetarian recipes in there? thanks!
There are definitely some vegetarian recipes. I'd say it's not something that struck me right away - there is a lot of chicken, but definitely some veg recipes I bookmarked, too. There's a great looking Spinach Skillet Pie, a bunch of great salads, simple desserts. Maybe peruse at the library before committing?
Just started listening to the One Part Podcast upon your recommendation. I listened to Episode 74 on my walk today with Ruby Warrington. Soul quenching! So many good things to ponder and meditate on!
Yay, yay, yay! So glad you're liking that podcast. I've started to go deep back into the archives ... good stuff. Talk to you soon!
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Fall Baking
Dark and Spicy Pumpkin Loaf
It turns out that returning from a sunny honeymoon to a rather rainy, dark stretch of Seattle fall hasn't been the easiest transition. Sam and I have been struggling a little to find our groove with work projects and even simple routines like cooking meals for one another and getting out of the easy daily ruts that can happen to us all. When we were traveling, we made some new vows to each other -- ways we can keep the fall and winter from feeling a bit gloomy, as tends to happen at a certain point living in the Pacific Northwest (for me, at least): from weekly wine tastings at our neighborhood wine shop to going on more lake walks. And I suppose that's one of the most energizing and invigorating parts about travel, isn't it? The opposite of the daily rut: the constant newness and discovery around every corner. One of my favorite small moments in Italy took place at a cafe in Naples when I accidentally ordered the wrong pastry and, instead, was brought this funny looking cousin of a croissant. We had a wonderfully sunny little table with strong cappuccino, and, disappointed by my lack of ordering prowess, I tried the ugly pastry only to discover my new favorite treat of all time (and the only one I can't pronounce): the sfogliatelle. I couldn't stop talking about this pastry, its thick flaky layers wrapped around a light, citrus-flecked sweet ricotta filling. It was like nothing I'd ever tried -- the perfect marriage of interesting textures and flavors. I became a woman obsessed. I began to see them displayed on every street corner; I researched their origin back at the hotel room, and started to look up recipes for how to recreate them at home. And the reason for the fascination was obviously that they were delicious. But even more: I'm so immersed in the food writing world that I rarely get a chance to discover a dish or a restaurant on my own without hearing tell of it first. And while a long way away from that Italian cafe, I had a similar feeling this week as I scanned the pages of Alice Medrich's new book, Flavor Flours, and baked up a loaf of her beautiful fall pumpkin loaf: Discovery, newness, delight!
Brown Butter Sweet Potato Pie with Kamut Crust
I always force myself to wait until after Halloween to start thinking much about holiday pies or, really, future holidays in general. But this year I cheated a bit, tempted heavily by the lure of a warmly-spiced sweet potato pie that I used to make back when I baked pies for a living in the Bay Area (way back when). We seem to always have sweet potatoes around as they're one of Oliver's favorite foods, and when I roast them for his lunch I've been wishing I could turn them into a silky pie instead. So the other day I reserved part of the sweet potatoes for me. For a pie that I've made hundreds of times in the past, this time reimagined with fragrant brown butter, sweetened solely with maple syrup, and baked into a flaky kamut crust. We haven't started talking about the Thanksgiving menu yet this year, but I know one thing for sure: this sweet potato pie will make an appearance.
For Three Days, A Student Again
This time last week I was up in the Skagit River Valley sitting in the early fall sun eating wood-fired bagels and chatting with farmers, millers and bakers at the Kneading Conference West. I made homemade soba noodles, learned the ins and outs of sourdough starters, and sat in on a session where we tasted crackers baked with single varietal wheats. It was like wine tasting, but with wheat and the whole time I kept pinching myself, thinking: THESE ARE MY PEOPLE! I don't get the opportunity to be a student much these days -- usually on the other side of things teaching cooking classes or educating people at the farmers markets about whole grains and natural sugars. So to just sit and listen with a fresh (red!) notebook and a new pen was surprisingly refreshing. I miss it already. Thankfully, this cookie recipe has come back as a memorable souvenir, and one that is sure to be in high rotation in our house in the coming months.
Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies (Plus a Treat for You)
Strolling New York City streets during the height of fall when all the leaves are changing and golden light glints off the brownstone windows. This is what I envisioned when I bought tickets to attend my cousin's September wedding earlier this month: Sam and I would extend the trip for a good day or two so we could experience a little bit of fall in the city. We'd finally eat at Prune and have scones and coffee at Buvette, as we always do. Sam wanted to take me to Russ and Daughters, and we'd try to sneak in a new bakery or ice cream shop for good measure. Well, as some of you likely know, my thinking on the weather was premature. New York City fall had yet to descend and, instead, we ambled around the city in a mix of humidity and rain. When we returned home I found myself excited about the crisp evening air, and the fact that the tree across the street had turned a rusty shade of amber. It was time to do a little baking.
Honeyed Spelt Cornbread with Fresh Cranberries
I am writing this on Saturday afternoon on a day when we had big plans to conquer pre-baby chore lists, but Sam's not feeling great and my energy's a little low so it hasn't been quite what we'd envisioned. My goals for the morning were to repot a house plant and make some soup and I've done neither. I will say that the sweet potato and fennel are still sitting on the counter eagerly awaiting their Big Moment -- it just hasn't come about quite yet. Sam and I were both going to attempt to install the carseat, but it started to look really daunting so we abandoned ship; it's now sitting proudly in the basement, also eagerly awaiting its Big Moment. So it's been one of those weekends -- the kind you look back on and wonder what it is you actually accomplished. At the very least, I get the chance to tell you about this hearty cranberry cornbread. I know maybe it feels premature in the season for cranberry recipes, but hang with me here: slathered with a little soft butter and runny honey, there's nothing I'd rather eat right now on the cool, crisp Seattle mornings we've been having lately.


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In a shocking incident from Kannauj, a 14-year-old girl was stabbed in both her eyes by men who tried to rape her on early Saturday morning.
The assailants then fled the spot leaving the girl battling for her life.
Villagers found the girl in a field and rushed her to a nearby district hospital.
Doctors at the Vinod Dixit hospital said that the girl has lost sight in one eye completely and has suffered nearly 80 per cent damage in the other.
One Constable and a Sub-Inspector have been suspended for failing to register an FIR when the girl was first brought to the police station.
A case of rape and attempt to murder has been registered against the two accused. Both the accused are absconding.
The incident comes as a major blow to the Mayawati government, which is already facing flak for the Lakhimpur rape and murder case.
A 14-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree inside the premises of Nighasan Police Station in Lakhimpur district on June 10.
The victim's mother in her complaint had alleged that the girl was raped and murdered after which 11 policemen were placed under suspension.
While local police ruled out murder citing post mortem report, the state government has ordered a CB-CID probe into the incident.
The second post mortem conducted by a panel of expert from Lucknow confirmed that the girl was strangulated, but ruled out rape.
For more news from India Today, follow us on Twitter @indiatoday and on Facebook at facebook.com/IndiaToday
For news and videos in Hindi, go to AajTak.in. ताज़ातरीन ख़बरों और वीडियो के लिए आजतक.इन पर आएं.

subset: commoncrawl


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Legal Question in Criminal Law in Florida
Say a person id a convicted felon. gets caught carrying a fireaem & pills with out a perscription. how much time is this person looking at?
Asked on 12/10/10, 6:46 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
Craig Epifanio Craig Epifanio, P.A.
You could be charged both under state law and federal law; in fact, both could file charges against you and double jeopardy does NOT apply. Under state law there is a mandatory minimum of 3 years. Under federal law, there is a mandatory minimum of 5 years. Depending on the facts the minimums could rise and the maximum could be life. It goes without saying that you need an attorney immediately.
Answered on 12/15/10, 6:56 am
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In Theaters for April 25, 2014
Opening today
"Brick Mansions"
Duluth 10, Lakes 10, Premiere
"Nymphomaniac Vol. 2"
(Drama, unrated)
The second half of Lars von Trier's five-hour, sexually charged, but almost never erotic, film is less funny, less sexual and more ridiculous than the first. The ending is insanely stupid and one scene ranks among the most distasteful I've ever witnessed in a mainstream film. It's an exhausting exercise in going nowhere slow. (Richard Roeper) 1.5 stars
Zinema 2
"The Other Woman"
(Comedy, PG-13)
This would-be comedy is so tone-deaf, so excruciatingly awful, it's a minor miracle the studio didn't confiscate the original print and lock it up. None of the stars — Cameron Diaz, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau or especially the big and broad Leslie Mann — escapes this mess with a shred of dignity. (Richard Roeper) 1 star
Duluth 10, Lakes 10, Premiere
"The Quiet Ones"
(Horror, PG-13)
Tucked away in an estate outside of London, Professor Coupland and a team of university students conduct an "experiment" on Jane Harper, a young girl who harbors unspeakable secrets. What dark forces they uncover are more terrifying than any of them expected. Summary by Lionsgate
Duluth 10
Special features
This film by Fritz Lang from the 1920s considers deep darks currently en vogue, like the future, dystopia and class wars. It's set in either the 2000s or 3000s, depending on who you ask, and the city is a super-awesome playground for rich folks. Beneath the surface are worker bees who live in poverty. The son of a mogul gets introduced to this machine when he falls for a beautiful woman from the working class.
This oldie gets a new soundtrack by Minneapolis-based band Fugitive.
7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Zinema 2
(Documentary, unrated)
A Montreal-based stencil artist named Roadsworth challenges the idea of urban art.
This screening is part of Zinema 2's collaboration with the Duluth Art Institute.
11 a.m. Saturday
"Cosi Fan Tutte"
Met: Live in HD
Music director James Levine conducts Mozart's comic opera about romantic complications that ensue when friends decide to test a fiancée's fidelity.
11:55 a.m. Saturday
Duluth 10
Also playing
(Documentary, G)
In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature's new true life adventure, "Bears," showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two cubs are taught life's most important lessons. Set against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation to face the bitter cold. Summary by Disney
Duluth 10
"Captain America: The Winter Soldier"
(Superhero action, PG-13)
The more screen time Chris Evans accrues as Captain America, the more engaging the performance. He's terrific in this adventure, more complex and more compelling than in his 2011 debut. Amid well-choreographed action sequences and a couple of nifty twists and turns, we get another rock-solid chapter in the big-screen story of Marvel. Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson and Robert Redford co-star. (Richard Roeper) 3.5 stars
Duluth 10, Lakes 10, Premiere
(Sci-fi, PG-13)
"Divergent" is a thrilling action-adventure film set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions based on human virtues. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet) to destroy all Divergents, Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious Four (Theo James), and together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it's too late. Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica Roth. Summary by Summit
Duluth 10, Lakes 10
"Draft Day"
(Sports drama, PG-13)
The general manager of the hapless Cleveland Browns (Kevin Costner) tries to coax some star power during the NFL draft in this sentimental, predictable and thoroughly entertaining movie. I would have liked to see less soap-opera subplot (a pregnant girlfriend, an egotistical team owner) and more inside football machinations. Jennifer Garner, Denis Leary, Frank Langella and Chadwick Boseman co-star. (Richard Roeper) 3 stars
Lakes 10
"God's Not Dead"
(Drama, PG)
College freshman and devout Christian Josh Wheaton (Shane Harper) finds his faith challenged on his first day of philosophy class by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo). Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a failing grade. Josh offers a nervous refusal, provoking an irate reaction from his smug professor. Radisson assigns him a daunting task: if Josh will not admit that "God Is Dead," he must prove God's existence by presenting well-researched, intellectual arguments and evidence over the course of the semester, and engage Radisson in a head-to-head debate in front of the class. If Josh fails to convince his classmates of God's existence, he will fail the course and hinder his lofty academic goals. Summary from the official website.
Duluth 10
"The Grand Budapest Hotel"
(Comedy/drama, R)
"The Grand Budapest Hotel" recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the backdrop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. Directed by Wes Anderson. Summary by Fox Searchlight
Zinema 2
"A Haunted House 2"
(Comedy, R)
Marlon Wayans is Malcolm, who, after exorcising the demons of his ex, is starting fresh with his new girlfriend and her two children. After moving into their dream home, Malcolm is again plagued by bizarre paranormal events. Summary by Open Road
Duluth 10
"Heaven is for Real"
(Drama, PG)
Based on the No. 1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name, "Heaven is for Real" brings to the screen the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's life-changing experience with the world. The film stars Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo and co-stars Kelly Reilly as Sonja Burpo, the real-life couple whose son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum) claims to have visited heaven during a near-death experience. Colton recounts the details of his amazing journey and speaks matter-of-factly about things that happened before his birth. Todd and his family are then challenged to examine the meaning from this remarkable event. Summary by Sony
Duluth 10, Lakes 10, Premiere
(Biblical epic, PG-13)
One of the most dazzling and unforgettable biblical epics ever put on film. Director Darren Aronofsky has delivered an emotionally involving and sometimes loony interpretation of the tale of a God-loving man (Russell Crowe, ferocious and razor-sharp) and his ark. Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson and Anthony Hopkins round out a stellar cast. (Richard Roeper) 3.5 stars
Lakes 10
(Horror, R)
Here is a horror movie that will reach out and grab that spot on your spine that produces all the chills. Thanks to the wonderfully twisted style of director Mike Flanagan and four terrific young actors playing brother and sister as children and adults, "Oculus" is one of the more elegant scary movies in recent memory. (Richard Roeper) 3.5 stars
"Rio 2"
(Family animation, G)
It's a jungle out there for Blu, Jewel and their three kids in "Rio 2," after they're hurtled from that magical city to the wilds of the Amazon. As Blu tries to fit in, he goes beak-to-beak with the vengeful Nigel, and meets the most fearsome adversary of all — his father-in-law. Summary by Fox
Duluth 10, Lakes 10, Premiere
(Sci-fi thriller, PG-13)
In a bold, beautiful, sometimes confounding flight of futuristic speculation, Johnny Depp plays a scientific visionary whose thoughts and personality are uploaded before he dies. He uses his ever-increasing intelligence to cure the sick and heal the planet, but fears arise that he will accumulate so much power and intelligence he'll become the greatest threat to freedom the world has ever known. What a stunning piece of work. (Richard Roeper) 4 stars
Duluth 10, Lakes 10, Premiere
"Under the Skin"
(Sci-fi/fantasy, R)
An alien on Earth (Scarlett Johannson) cruises Scotland in a van, hitting on young lads, in a stark mood piece that drills into your psyche and will stay there forever. It's weird, polarizing work, but the most memorable movie of the first few months of 2014. (Richard Roeper) 4 stars
Zinema 2
Superior Cinema
"300: Rise of an Empire"
(Action, R)
(Animation, PG)
(Sci-fi, PG-13)
"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug"
(Fantasy action, PG-13)
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire"
(Sci-fi/fantasy, PG-13)
"Mr. Peabody & Sherman"
(Family animation, PG)
"The Nut Job"
(Animation, PG)
(Drama, PG-13)


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January 19, 2010
January 15, 2010
January 12, 2010
January 12, 2010
I grew up in west Los Angeles in the 1970's and 1980's. The 70's were a true golden age of Major League Baseball and in College Football, especially at Southern Cal. The 80's belonged to the NBA, to Magic and Larry, the Lakers and Celtics. Both decades sculpted my ideals of sport, of what makes a great team, a great coach a great player. That said, I am not a sports fan who harkens back to the good old days. I am intrigued by this transitional age we seem to be withnessing in sports today.


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Tax bill could squeeze oil, gas companiesNov. 18, 2005
by MARY DALRYMPLE, The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans fought Democratic attempts Thursday to use a $60 billion tax bill to pinch oil and energy companies that have been reporting record profits while consumers pay high gasoline prices.
The bill, which prevents a number of individual and business tax breaks from expiring, already levies about $5 billion in taxes on major oil companies.
The energy amendments faced opposition from the Republican majority in the Senate and stood little chance of success, but they reflected attentiveness on Capitol Hill to high gasoline prices and fears of skyrocketing home heating costs this winter.
Some GOP senators were already unhappy with tax writers because the bill included a change in accounting methods that would hit large integrated oil companies with $4.9 billion in taxes.
Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, said he would vote against the bill if the tax increase remained intact.
"Is it a windfall tax by another name?" Craig said.
Lawmakers were alarmed this fall when profit reports showed five major companies and their global parent corporations earned more than $32.8 billion in the July-to-September quarter.
Consumers saw gasoline prices soar beyond $3 a gallon in the aftermath of supply disruptions caused by hurricanes, and the politicians called oil executives to Capitol Hill to explain their huge profits.
Democratic Sens. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Chris Dodd of Connecticut lost a bid to impose a temporary windfall profits tax of 50 percent on the sale of oil over $40 a barrel, applied to profits not reinvested in increasing domestic oil and gas supplies. They would have returned the money to energy consumers through an income tax rebate. A 35-64 procedural vote defeated their effort.
"The major integrated oil companies have all of the gain. Who has all the pain?" Dorgan asked before answering his own question: "All the American people who are trying to pay for the price of a tankful of gas or trying to figure out how they are going to heat their home in the winter."
Opponents said oil companies shouldn't be punished when lawmakers are urging them to invest in energy production. They're being made political targets, even though they aren't reporting profits as high as other industries, said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Charles Grassley, R-Iowa.
"If you have excess profits tax on Big Oil, do you soon have one on Big Microsoft?" Grassley said.
A similar amendment sought to impose a temporary windfall profits tax on oil companies and use the money to fund a low-income heating assistance program. Other proposed alterations would eliminate a tax incentive for major oil and gas companies that allows them a credit for exploration and development cost, and deny a foreign tax credit for royalties oil companies pay to foreign countries.
Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., proposed a ban on price gouging during national energy emergencies declared by the president.
The overall bill would cut taxes $60 billion over five years, preserving many tax breaks scheduled to expire unless lawmakers keep them intact. Unlike a version passed by a House committee, the bill would not extend reduced tax rates for capital gains and dividends. Senate GOP leaders vowed to make sure the 15 percent tax rate for investment income will be in the final version of the bill.
The bill holds back the alternative minimum tax, which will reach into the pockets of millions more taxpayers next year unless Congress prevents inflation from pushing the tax into the middle class. Lawmakers instituted the tax to prevent the wealthy from avoiding all taxation.
The bill also offers $7 billion in assistance to businesses and individuals hit by Hurricane Katrina and other storms, filling in details of President Bush's proposed Gulf Opportunity Zone.
Other provisions would extend a deduction for state and local sales taxes, investment incentives for small businesses, a business research and development credit and a tuition deduction. Taxpayers would get new incentives to make charitable contributions, at the same time as taxwriters put new curbs on breaks for charity that they've deemed abusive.
More News ...


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Best of Beach Holidays in Kenya
Day 1:Arrival- Nairobi:
Morning arrival in Nairobi, where our Tour manager will meet and escort you to the historic Norfolk Hotel. A welcome safari briefing by your tour manager at your hotel followed by an afternoon sightseeing tour of Nairobi, including visits to the Karen Blixen Museum and Rothschild Giraffe Centre.
Dinner and overnight stay at Norfolk Hotel.
Day 2:Nairobi- Amboseli:
Early morning transfer to Wilson airport and board your aircraft for the short flight to the Amboseli Game Reserve, with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your vehicle and safari guide will meet you on arrival and take you on your first game viewing drive. Arrive late morning at the Amboseli Serena Lodge. Lunch and another late afternoon game viewing drive following the large herds of elephants.
Dinner and overnight stay at Amboseli lodge/Ol Tukai lodge.
Day 3-4: Amboseli:
A cup of coffee or tea and you are ready to set off on your dawn game viewing drive. Wildlife is most active at this time of the day and you can see Mount Kilimanjaro as your photo background. Return to your safari lodge for a late breakfast, and spend the rest of the morning relaxing by the swimming pool. Another game viewing drive this afternoon. Plant your own acacia tree as part of the Amboseli Reforestation project, and receive a special certificate.
The combination of scenery, people and animals is what makes the Amboseli National Park so fascinating. Beautifully situated at the foot of the towering Kilimanjaro, it the home of the brightly painted Maasai Tribe. Here you can see lions, cheetahs, hyenas as well as Gnus, kaffir buffaloes, Burchellis zebras and herds of elephants. All these animals come to drink at water holes consisting of small lakes or muddy ponds kept filled up by water from the melting snows of Kilimanjaro. The northern Lake Amboseli contains water only after rain
Dinner and overnight stay at Ol Tukai lodge/Amboseli lodge.
Day 5: Amboseli -Samburu:
A morning flight from Amboseli to Samburu, via Nairobi, enjoying views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. Your vehicle and guide is waiting for you in Samburu and will transfer you to Samburu Intrepid Camp, your luxury tented camp situated on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River. Lunch and late afternoon game drive in the Samburu Game Reserve, home to the rare and unusual reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Gravy's zebra and beisa Oryx.
Dinner and overnight stay at Samburu lodge/Samburu intrepid lodge.
Day 5-6: Samburu:
A full day of game viewing in the Samburu Game Reserve. Herds of elephant gather at the river to drink while crocodile bask on nearby sandbanks. You may be lucky to spot the very elusive leopard in a nearby acacia tree. Samburu is also an ornithologists paradise, with numerous species migrating during the northern winter. A visit to the Samburu cultural village can also be arranged.
Samburu-Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve include in their boundaries all the flora and fauna to be found in the north of Kenya. The dry grasslands interspersed with acacias are interrupted from time to time by rich green vegetation, whenever enough water is present, e.g. the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River (with its huge Nile crocodiles) or in marsh regions. This countryside, dotted with volcanic peaks, offers a sanctuary to a wide variety of animals. These are baboon, reticulated giraffes, elephants, waterbucks, gernuks and grevy zebras. Lions and cheetahs are not quite so common, but plenty of leopards can be sighted. there are no longer any rhinos.
Lunch,Dinner and overnight stay at Samburu lodge/Samburu intrepid.
Day 7:Samburu- The Ark:
After breakfast drive south this morning, passing through the town of Isiolo, arriving at the Aberdares Country Club, built on the foothills of the Aberdares mountains. Enjoy a buffet lunch, followed by a special transfer to "The Ark", your luxury lodge built on stilts deep in the heart of the Aberdares forest. The floodlit natural waterhole allows all night game viewing from the comfort of the lodge. There is also an underground "bunker" which brings you eye to eye with wildlife at the waterhole.
Dinner and overnight stay at the ark/ tree tops.
Day 8:The Ark- Mount Kenya -Maasai Mara:
A short drive this morning to the incomparable Mount Kenya Safari Club. The Club is built on the equator facing Mount Kenya surrounded by hundreds of acres of magnificent gardens. There is a wide choice of facilities including heated swimming pool, tennis courts, golf course, horse riding, trout fishing, a fully appointed health and beauty club. Your luxury room even has a fireplace and a log fire will lit while you are at dinner. Spend the afternoon enjoying the many facilities at the Club.
Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at Mt Kenya safari lodge/Mara safari lodge.
Day 9-10: Maasai Mara:
After breakfast ,morning transfer to Nanyuki airport and board your flight over the Great Rift Valley. Your four wheel drive vehicle and safari guide will meet and transfer you to the Mara Safari Club, the most luxurious tented camp in Kenya. Built on an ox bow of the Mara River in the conservation area adjacent to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Every luxury tent faces the Mara River where hippo and crocodile gather, have four poster beds and private bathrooms. Enjoy two full days of game viewing by four wheel drive vehicles escorted by a professional guide.
Masai Mara National Reserve offers an absolutely unique variety of animals. The reason is that this hilly region is both humid and fertile, and is crossed by the rivers Mara and Telek, full of crocodiles and hippos, and which carry water the whole year round. The banks of the rivers are covered in thick forest, which gradually makes way for bush and grassland.The abundance of water and excellent availability of food are the reasons why the Masai Mara, which in fact is a continuance of the Tanzanian Serengeti National Park, has the greatest population of wild animals in the whole of Africa. There is a particularly dramatic spectacle from July to November, the annual migration of huge herds of Gnus and Zebras. Predators such as Hyenas, Jackals, Leopards and Lions of course, closely follow these herds. There is no place where more of these latter may be soon than in Masai Mara. Gigantic herds of over 200 buffaloes can also be observed. Plenty of food is available for elephants, giraffes, and the many species of antelopes and gazelles all of which can be observed in their natural habitat.
Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at Mara safari lodge.
Day 11:Maasai Mara- Nairobi:
A final early morning game drive in the Maasai Mara. Breakfast and return flight to Nairobi.
Dinner and overnight stay at Norfolk Hotel.
Day 12:Nairobi-Mombasa-North coast:
Morning flight to Mombasa. Transfer to Serena Beach Hotel after a tour of the city of Mombasa which includes a visit to Fort Jesus, Mamba Village or Crocodile farm, "Haller's Park" - a masterpiece in environmental conservation - and lunch.
Dinner and overnight stay at Serena Beach Hotel.
Day 13-17:North Coast-Serena Beach:
The days are spent at leisure in this beautiful stretch of white sands less than one hour's drive from the famous port of Mombasa. A lunch cruise on the famous Tamarind Dhow. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at Serena Beach Hotel.
Day 18-22:Serena Beach-Malindi:
A mid morning drive via the Gedi Ruins to Turtle Bay Hotel in Malindi where for the next few days you are at leisure either relaxing by the beach, engaged in water sports or exploring the nearby nature trails and historic ruins. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at a Malindi Hotel.
Day 23-24:Malindi-Lamu Island:
Afternoon flight to Lamu the northernmost island on the Kenyan coastline.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at a Lamu Hotel.
Day 24-29:Lamu:
The next few days are at leisure exploring this romantic and secluded island or just lazing on the beach where the endless white sands give an illusion of being on different plane from the rest of humanity. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and overnight stay at a Lamu Hotel.
Day 30:Lamu-Nairobi-Departure:
Morning flight to Nairobi. Transfer to your hotel.Evening dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant before proceeding to the airport for your flight to your next destination.


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Park Yoochun Reportedly Sets Wedding Date With Fiancée + Agency Responds
On June 13, news outlet Star News reported that JYJs Park Yoochun and his alleged fiancée Hwang Ha Na will be getting married on September 10.
According to the reports, they are currently busily preparing for their wedding that will take place in Seoul.
Soompi.Display.News.English.300×250.BTF Soompi.Mobile.English.300×250.ATF
In response to this news, Park Yoochuns agency C-JeS Entertainment stated, We have not received any information about the date of his wedding.
Meanwhile, Park Yoochun is currently serving in the army as a public service officer and will be discharged this August.


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In the first research of its kind, scans showed that a central portion of the brain which is stimulated in drug or alcohol addicts also âlit upâ when compulsive pornography users watched explicit material. There was no such effect in the brains of people who were not habitual users of porn.
The Cambridge University study will increase pressure for tighter control on porn. Researchers used MRI scans to analyse the brain activity of 19 users of pornography who said they had a problem with their habit. ...
False. Your comment is not logical and only an insane person would not consider themself an addict when they are addicted to something, so it is false to state that you are not an addict when you are an addict. If you are addicted to something, then you are an addict, because if you are addicted to anything, then you are an addict, so to claim that you are not an addict is false and is not logical.
: ) sorry, I couldn't resist.
Mike wrote:If I don't participate in the addictive parts to the internet and dispense with the addictive parts to the internet, then I am not an addict.
Neil wrote:And there's IAD: Internet Addiction Disorder.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Those addicted to porn need realize they can't be like the guy who swept his house and then was open to more evils coming in. It is defenitely a replacement principle of putting on the Lord Jesus Christ as well as making no provision for the flesh. They need with the assistance of the Holy Spirit and Holy Writ to start a new pattern of conformity to the will of God. Much time needs to spent in prayer and meditation to develop a love of and fear of God in their daily lives. I have heard that a long time elder said that it was the third toughest addiction to break below heroine and meth.
We need more brokenness and contrition for our sins against the Divine love that brought our glorious Lord from heavens portals to become sin for us and pay a debt we could not pay.
I bet God was on to something when he said, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8
Matthew 529 "And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.30 "And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.---NASB.
Far better of course that Romish priests make Pilgrimage From Rome to see How to Have Victory Over Sin then to have parts of their brains or other parts of their body removed.


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One person is dead after traveling the wrong way on I-95 in New London early Saturday morning.
According to state police, a Saturn with New York plates, operated by Franciso Lobos, 26, was traveling southbound in a northbound lane of I-95 on the Gold Star Bridge.
The Saturn collided head on with a GMC Sierra. Lobos was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead on the scene.
The operator of the GMC, Derrick Brawn, 24 of Maine, refused medical treatment on the scene. The identity of the deceased person has not been released.
The highway remained closed for hours as police investigated the accident. Anyone with any information is asked to call State Police Troop E at 860-848-6500.
Published at 8:29 AM EDT on Aug 31, 2013 | Updated at 3:34 PM EDT on Sep 1, 2013


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Netanyahu Is Praying That Israelis Won't Say 'Yes We Can'
Perhaps, at this point in his life, Netanyahu has decided that winning a confrontation with Iran isn't everything, it's the only thing.
His heart's not in it anymore.
There are days when you can see it in his eyes. The fire that was there, that fire that put him where he is, is banked. Some Sunday mornings, when Benjamin Netanyahu looks down the cabinet table, there's a weariness to him, a certain distraction.
You may hear it in his voice, too, when he talks about the business of running the country. That sense that he'd rather be somewhere else.
It wasn't supposed to be like this. Not now. The news was not supposed to be about people whose lives have fallen apart, hard-working people who've lost their jobs, their health, and finally their hope, and have opted for suicide. Who by fire and who by water. A new case every single day.
By rights, this should have been the full-bore home stretch of an electoral forgone conclusion. This should have been the height of a campaign in which a literally unrivalled incumbent prime minister steamed to certain victory in an election he himself called for September 4.
Israelis were not supposed to be talking about a flurry of disastrous errors in judgment by their prime minister. Netanyahu's prospective voters were not meant to be speculating on why, in the space of two months, Netanyahu has gone from the invincible King Bibi to a bumbling, comb-over King Lear, his electoral strength in opinion polls down some 20 percent in a matter of days.
You can feel it. He knows something. He knows how he could lose. He knows it because in 1996, he was a young, untried, wholly inexperienced candidate facing an unbeatable incumbent prime minister, Shimon Peres.
There was no way that Netanyahu was going to overcome Peres' 20 percentage point lead held in opinion polls. Unless in the months leading to the election, many Israelis who themselves had expected to vote for Peres, felt their lives and their country moving steadily downhill. Many, many of them, Labor voters to the core, could not bring themselves to cast ballots for the Likud and Netanyahu. So they stayed home. And, by a thin margin, Netanyahu won.
The terms of Netanyahu's first victory are, at this point, Netanyahu's nightmare. His core constituency, Israeli Jews who call the Likud their home with near-religious devotion, would no sooner vote Labor than convert to Islam. But they could stay home. And if they do, in an election that could come in February, Netanyahu could lose.
They could stay home because in 2009, candidate Netanyahu promised working and middle class Israelis, trickle-down prosperity and a 20 percent tax cut in four years. Three and a half years later, that promise was replayed on morning news screens, alongside a flurry of tax hikes that will hit middle and working class Israelis with immediate and stunning force.
Effective Monday, levies that amount to sales taxes on most goods and services will be raised to 17 percent. Taxes on gasoline, which already costs $8 a gallon, will further cut into shrinking incomes. Education, health, and welfare services, already on the verge of collapse in many areas, could take a new hit by announced across-the-board budget cuts.
Netanyahu's core voters could also stay home because the very rich, with whom Netanyahu is closely associated, are all but untouched by the austerity measures. The 1% has become the only class with working social safety nets - in their case, such welfare benefits as forgiven loans and deferred corporate taxes.
They could stay home because of the growing perception that Netanyahu cares more about striking Iran than he does about the dreary demands of running Israel. And the perception, growing in parallel, that fewer and fewer knowledgeable and shrewd senior defense officials share Netanyahu's apparent fixation with pressing such an attack, and/or an offensive over chemical weaponry in Syria.
They could stay home because a Tehran-born former army chief of staff and ex-Likud defense minister, Shaul Mofaz, having left the government, leveled an unprecedented accusation at Netanyahu after the prime minister's backroom offers to get Kadima Mks to defect to the Likud.
In a clear reference to a prospective Netanyahu-ordered attack on Iran, Kadima leader Mofaz told a press conference that, "Kadima will not go on operational adventures that will endanger the future of our daughters and sons."
"We will not be a partner to risking the citizens of the state of Israel."
They may stay home because as Israel faces a budding revolt over his broken promises on equalizing the burdens of military service, Netanyahu's mind is elsewhere. A thousand miles away, on the outskirts of Tehran.
When the considerable smoke of the Kadima debacle cleared, all that Netanyahu seemed to have done was to take on a wartime consigliere, Tzachi Hanegbi.
Perhaps, at this point in his life, Benjamin Netanyahu knows this. Perhaps he needs time to grieve for his father. Perhaps, at this point, given what an Israeli prime minister needs to do, versus what he's still willing to do, he's decided that winning a confrontation with Iran isn't everything, it's the only thing.
What will it take to make the next election a real contest? My wife said it this morning. "Someone has to stand up and say 'Yes We Can.'"
We have grown used to the idea that Netanyahu has no rivals. But even in an Israel that seems unchangeable, politics can turn on a dime. New faces are coming to the fore, new voices like those of Yohanan Plesner and others are cutting through the familiar dull hum.
Success has made Benjamin Netanyahu a prematurely old man. Failure is now making this worse.
He knows that a large portion of the potential voters whom his policies have alienated and broken, can be counted on to say to themselves, no we won't, and will simply stay home.
The last thing he needs now is a sizable group of young people taking the initiative and believing, in whatever terms Israelis will adopt, Yes We Can.
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If you're a fan of independent music, an application is now available for Android devices that you may want to check out. The application is free and is called Earbits. The application allows independent musicians and labels to pay to promote their work to fans using the application.
Earbits started as a web service almost 2 years ago and is just now releasing its Android application. The people behind the service said that they had to get the app just right because it's not your typical launch the app and listen without interacting sort of app. The Android application was developed under a partnership with SproutBox.
SproutBox is company that invests time and support rather than money into start up in exchange for equity in the company. EarBits CEO Joey Florez says that the Android application supports much of the same functionality as the website, but the app does get some cool new features. One of those new features of the app is that it can analyze music party on your phone and recommend channels on Earbits that you might enjoy.
The app also allows the user to mix their own music in with tracks played from its channel. Another function of the app is called the Boom Button allowing users to join the mailing list of the musician or band they discover on the app and recommend the musician to friends via social networks such as Facebook. The EarBits catalog currently has over 100,000 songs from 9300 different artists in 550 record labels.
[via TechCrunch]


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As the search continued Monday for the two men suspected of murdering an off-duty cop, the reward increased to $88,000 while police released the first surveillance video of the last moments of Officer Moses Walker Jr.'s life.
Philadelphia Police held a press conference Monday morning to release the video, which shows Officer Walker, who was not in uniform at the time, walking towards the 2000 block of Cecil B. Moore Avenue while two men follow him on the opposite side of the street.
Police say it's clear from the video that robbery was the motive.
Captain James Clark narrates over the surveillance video and says you can see Officer Walker wearing a backpack. He glances over his shoulder several times and police believe that's when he spotted the suspects behind him. Investigators say they don't think the robbers knew he was a police officer.
"The way the officer was dressed, he was young-looking, he was dressed with a backpack on and shorts. He looked like a young civilian just walking down the street and I believe that's why he was targeted. There's no reason for them to know he was a Philadelphia Police Officer," said Captain Clark.
Investigators believe the two suspects live in the neighborhood. Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey said the reward has been increased to $88,000 for information.
Officer Walker, 40, had just left work and was walking to a bus stop when he was shot three times and killed just before 6 a.m. Saturday at 20th and Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philadelphia.
"He was known as a very gentle individual, very kind, never had a harsh word for anyone. Many of his coworkers, the first thing they said was he wouldn't harm a fly. He was just a guy with one of those mellow personalities-- always smiling, always looking to help people and it's just tragic his life ended this way," said Commissioner Ramsey.
Officials also say Walker was set to retire next year.
"This is just a tragedy and another sad moment for the Philadelphia Police Department," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. "We are asking for the community's help."
Anyone with information is being asked to call the Philadelphia Police Department Homicide Unit
at 215-686-3334 or submit an anonymous tip online or over the phone 215-686-8477.


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Lucky DVD
Starring Michael Emanuel, Piper Cochrane, David Reivers, Jillian Bach, Carrie Barton, Dianne Cohn, Francis Kelly, Maureen Davis, Cheryl Francis Harrington
Directed by Steve Cuden
Off-beat horror, about washed-up, alcoholic cartoonist Millard Mudd (Michael Emanuel) who accidentally hits a dog called Lucky in his car while driving to the off-licence.
After taking care of Lucky until he recovers, Millard is surprised to learn that the dog can talk.
Over time, Lucky teaches Millard how to draw and write again, and Millard's career soon begins to pick up - until Lucky reveals a sinister ability to get inside Millard's head.
Before long, Millard's back garden is full of dead bodies, and Lucky has turned him into a deranged serial killer.
- Format: DVD
- Region: 2
- Certification: (18)
- Catalogue number: FMDV1202
- Studio: Film 2000
- Release date: 18/07/2005
- Genre: Horror/Occult
- Colour: Colour
Free Home Delivery
on all orders
Pick up orders
from local bookshops


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I mentioned a problem earlier with the stab rocker.
It took me a while to work it out but the tapered inner plastic bushes were too big in diameter by 0.2 mm. This was stopping them from touching in the middle and they would have locked solid in the outer aluminium bushes when the hinge bolt was tightened up.
Very fortunately they fitted on a Dremel attachment spindle so I managed to turn them down, lathe style. It's all happy now but I shouldn't have had to do that. The pictures explain it better.
The thread on the dutch forum is started by me to show my 'half build' Graupner Mini Nimbus kit. I bought it from somebody who did not want to finish it anymore. I like this kit so very much! So i am planning to get this bird looking like new again.
The wings in my kit were very badly built. So i decided to build a new pair! Therefore i needed off course the plans. They were in the kit, but in very bad condition. So the discussion went on about were to get the plans copied on new paper. I finally found a company who could do the job. I now have a beautiful copy and a digitized one! So now i have a nice PDF file from the original plans!
A friend of mine made himself a CNC Cutter machine, so i thought maybe i could digitize the wingribs from the PDF file, to let them cut by my friend! So that is what i am busy with right now, get the AutoCAD file right to cut the ribs. (And i am far from an AutoCAD expert..)
I indeed also digitized the original decal sheet, and i will do it with the other big decals to. So the guy over here who needed the decals, sent me a message..
In my thread there is an other guy (RCPaul) who happened to score a fuselage of this kit. He also plans to make some new wings to get his fuselage flying again! We are discussing about how to do things right.
So i hope you will post a lot of pics building up your wings, because we can learn from it :-)
Hope to get these birds flying again!!
Greetings from the Netherlands,
It's been a lovely day weather-wise so I moved out into the garden, much better light.
Dry fitted the fin post and I could see that it needed some adjustment mainly where it clashed with the stab hinge eyelet reinforcement.
I think I will move the fuselage into my jig when the time comes to glue the post and eyelets in, mainly to get the eyelets square to the wing.
Hi Jaap, thanks for telling us what is happening over there. Great stuff.
Your wings did not look too bad from the photos, I can see some filler, might be different close up of course.
I should start building the wings soon, it is going slightly quicker than I thought it would.
Scary full-size Mini Nimbus flying story No.1
I just popped up to the loft to look for my old slides and I tried copying them just by photographing the projected images, seems to have worked!!
Innsbruck 1990 (could have been 1991!):
I launched by winch and a good friend who owned a Ventus bT joined me at the top of the mountain, we flew in loose formation, waving to each other and grinning, then he disappeared.
I maintained a good lookout (as all glider pilots should) and thought that he had decided to go back to the field. I don't know why I didn't use the radio to find out where he was.
Flying straight and level, something made me look up, not 10 feet above my canopy was his retractable undercarriage doors!!! Crikey!! If I had pushed the stick forward to dive away I would have hit his tail with mine (we had parachutes but it would'nt have been pretty). I moved the flaps into a negative (up) position as this made the Mini loose height but in a flatter attitude.
It shook me quite badly how close we had come to colliding, then it got a bit stranger. A voice came on the radio saying it was Innsbruck air traffic and they wanted my passport number, a very unusual request and my mind had gone elsewhere by this time.
I didn't know it but it was the chairman of the Innsbruck gliding club, they were all practical jokers, just came coincidentally at a very bad time.
Over 20 years ago but it's a very vivid memory.
Some piccies.
Hi Gary - whats happening with the build? Any progress to photograph and report on?
Hi Glen, it's not progressed since the last post. I've had a short slope soaring holiday, been busy at work and I'm currently putting 2.4 radio gear in my Chris Foss Centi-Phase as that model is ready to fly otherwise.
Slightly in front of the Mini-Nimbus in the queue is the Veron Vortex, that just needs covering and final assembly.
On top of that I've got a full-size Tiger Moth to finish ready for the summer.
Basically I've got too many fingers in too many pies!!
I will plod along with the Mini-Nimbus throughout this year and will post any progress, now the better weather is here I will be spending more time flying models than building them.
I lied a bit!!
Well, after saying I had done nothing I've just spent half a day in the garden having a first look at building the wings!
The wings could be built at any stage and I've decided to stop work on the fin until I've made some pushrods (the stab bellcrank has to go in before the fin post is fixed).
On to the wings then; I've read the instructions a dozen times but having all the pieces laid out on the plan helps enormously.
First step was to make sure that I had all the ribs, yep, but there were two extra ply root ribs! I think someone made these as they have 'P' and 'S' written on them (port/starboard). A small mystery. Another mystery is that some of the ply root ribs have small doublers around the joiner tube holes, it looks like these have been fitted to correct oversize holes, possibly by Graupner, dunno?!!
The ply ribs needed a small amount of adjustment to open the spar slots and joiner tube holes, the balsa ribs were ok apart from the ones under the spoilers, cut outs not quite deep enough. I find it far easier to adjust the ribs before assembly, I've learnt the hard way about this!!
The ribs will need a passage for servo wires (I won't be using the Bowden cable and single servo idea), there are notches already at the rib noses, just need to enlarge them slightly.
The wing joiner system doesn't look very strong for the span to me but it must work, I'll add some spacers between the main tube and spars when it comes to fitting them.
Sorting through the strip wood was a useful exercise as there is a lot of it. I've taken a lot of photos and added explanations in the captions, mainly for Jaap who is building a new set of wings on the Dutch forum, enjoy!
For some reason the foam wing option looks far more attractive now! I'll just pop down to the shop and get one!
Oh well, in for a penny, in for a pound! I do actually enjoy building built-up glider wings, I think these ones were intended to be built during long, cold German winter evenings though!
I was forced to have a tidy up in the shed to make enough room on the building board then I laid down a copy of the wing plan, the last few inches of the tip is on another part of the plan and has to be 'cut and pasted', no problem.
I'm going to follow the instructions quite closely as I could come 'unstuck' if I don't.
First step is to pin down the trailing edge packing jig, it has to go slightly forward relative to the trailing edge position and a 1.5 mm packer is added at the tip, presumably for washout although it looks like there is some already built in.
Next thing they say to do is splice the trailing edge, I've made the cut but will leave gluing it until I've dry fitted everything. if the sweep forward of the outer t.e. section is slightly wrong then the rib tails won't line up (they don't mention that little 'gotcha'!).
Not sure when I'll get on to it again as I know I'm busy with other stuff next week but I'm looking forward to throwing some glue at it.
I'm enjoying your build Gary. Reminds me of a built-up Graupner kit I made as a teenager. It followed the "why use 4 parts when 76 would do" school of design. Time consuming but dead satisfying. Not sure I'd have the patience now!
It's funny, I think my patience threshold for model building has got better as I have got older (but not for other things like tardy contractors!!).
It's not quite the 'Eifel Tower out of matchsticks' but it's not far off! It's got plenty of spar webs (all the way out to the tips) but no rib capping strips.
I was thinking about the wing joiners last night and how the wings are held together, there are bolts that clamp the rods in the fuselage tubes but I assume the rods must get glued into the wing tubes. There are so many instructions, I think that bit is on the 'RC install' plan. Yep, just found that bit and that's what they say to do.
Not keen on that idea, if they bend I won't be able to straighten them. The Multiplex Uni-Lock system works well on the Hi-Phase but I've only got pairs of the stronger grip ones left (would need a lot of force to release them).
Won't get much done next week as my domestic calendar has just been filled!
Last edited by Gary Binnie; Apr 09, 2011 at 04:40 PM. Reason: Add note
Here is what it will look like when you get done it is not only a great looking but flys good Enjoy
Last edited by Mr. Kite; Apr 16, 2011 at 04:19 PM. Reason: added Photo
Here's mine, finally!
Finally put the finishing touches to my Mini Nimbus over the weekend. Here are a few pictures of her. Now for the maiden....
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How to disable mouse middle-clicking in KDE/X11
Well, I hope someone can help.
I've a USB mouse with a scroll wheel. Unfortunately, the wheel also is the middle button of the mouse, and in X11 / KDE / Gnome a middle click pastes the content of the clipboard. Since the wheel has got dirty, a lot of times I've to apply pressure on it (and it's uncleanable... :( ), and so it happens I unwillingly click the button. Inside a Web browser, it means that I change the page I'm viewing almost everytime I scroll it.
Well, the question is: how can I disable the "middleclick/paste" association? It's going annoying, also because Mozilla uses the middle click to open a new tab.
Thank you a lot for any answer!
"how can I disable the "middleclick/paste" association?"
I am not certain but you might be able to tell X Window that the middle button does not exist. On SuSE I would run sax2 and see if I could configure the mouse as a two button mouse with scroll wheel.
Be prepared. Create a LifeBoat CD.
Steve Stites
I don't know about X but I think for Mozilla, there is something you can do.
in the URL bar. It will give you a whole list of configurations. Scroll down to
I think it's something with loadURL. Just look. There aren't that many entries beginning with middlemouse. Double click on the entry. You'll get a pop up window where you can edit the value. Change it to false (assuming the current value is true). Restart mozilla and see if it worked.
I thought that "middlemouse.paste" to "false" should do the trick, but it doesn't work... any idea? Maybe it's Klipper, the problem? (dunno, just guessing)
wasn't there a middlemouse.loadurl? I'm using firebird now and in firebird, its loadurl.
tried with middlemouse.contentLoadURL, it works on firebird. still watching for some workaround also for konqueror, but it isn't essential...
thank you all !!
Couldn't you just set the mouse to be a "two button" and have "3 button emulation" ....That way you could still have 3 buttons by pressing both down and the middle button shouldn't do much.
will it keep my scroll wheel working? if this is the case, i'll do so.
"will it keep my scroll wheel working?"
I don't know. You are the guinea penguin in this case.
Be prepared. Create a LifeBoat CD.
Steve Stites
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Baby sharks developing in their egg cases stay still in order to avoid to avoid being detected by predators, a new study in PLoS ONE has found.
Since the shark ability is innate and based on electrical field detectors, the discovery could soon lead to improved shark deterrents that keep the toothy creatures away from us without hurting them.
"Despite being confined to a very small space within an egg case where they are vulnerable to predators, embryonic sharks are able to recognize dangerous stimuli and react with an innate avoidance response," Ryan Kempster from the University of Western Australia, was quoted as saying in a press release.
He added, "Knowledge of such behaviors may help us to develop effective shark repellents."
It's been known for some time that adult sharks use highly sensitive receptors to detect electric fields emitted by potential prey. The current study found that embryos of some shark species employ similar means to detect potential predators and escape being eaten.
For example, even within their egg cases, brown-banded bamboo shark embryos can sense electric fields that mimic a predator. They respond by reducing respiratory gill movements to avoid detection. Even at these early stages of development, embryonic sharks can recognize dangers and instinctively try to avoid them.
Humans seem to develop such skills later. As human babies learn to crawl, their brains also lear to detect danger.
(Image: Embryonic bamboo shark in egg case; Credit: Ryan Kempster)


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Photo Gallery
Images from our latest and past events including CRNZ Nationals, Sprint Championships and Blue Lake Regatta... read more
Connect with other like-minded people by using Instagram on your mobile. Use the tag #canoenz and your photo will be added to this page!... read more
Videos from our latest and past events including World Marathon Champs Copenhagen, World Camps K1 and Junior World Champs... read more
1.Commencement: This Regulation was adopted by the Board on TBC in accordance with Rule 23 of the Canoe Racing NZ Constitution. It came into force on TBC and applied until the conclusion of the 2017 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships.
2.Scope: This Regulation sets out the procedure and criteria for selecting a Team to attend the 2017 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships to be held in Pieterartz, South Africa - September 2017. This Regulation applies to all U18 (Juniors, in accordance to ICF rules), U23, Open and Masters Athletes (male and female).
3.Eligibility: To be eligible for selection to the Team, an Athlete must comply with all of the following:
a.An Athlete or crew must compete in the event for which they are wishing to be considered for selection at the 2017 New Zealand National Kayak Marathon Championships to be held in Porirua Harbour, Wellington 8th of April 2017 ( NZ Marathon National Championship).
b. Junior Athletes seeking selection must compete in the U18 classes at the National Kayak Marathon Championship in Porirua Harbour, Wellington.
c. be eligible to represent New Zealand at the 2017 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships (which status is to be determined in accordance with the applicable rules of that event);
d. fully complete and return to Canoe Racing NZ an Athlete Application Form by midnight 5 April 2017
e. fully complete and return to Canoe Racing NZ an Athlete Agreement by the date specified by Canoe Racing NZ, unless otherwise agreed by the Chief Executive;
f. not be in breach of (or under investigation for any breach of) any part of the Sports Anti-Doping Act 2006, the Canoe Racing NZ Anti-Doping Regulation, or the WADA Code; and
g. agree that, if selected, they will pay all costs associated with their attendance at the 2017 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships as determined by Canoe Racing NZ.
4. Process
4.1 Athletes or Crews who finish first or second place in the following classes will be offered the opportunity to attend the World Championships at their own cost:
• Open Men K1 • Open Men K2• Open Women K1 • Open Women K2• U23 Men K1 • U23 Women K1• Junior Men K1• Junior Men k2• Junior Women K1• Junior Women K2
Masters (Men and Women) of each applicable category will carry no maximum numbers, there attendance is open. Master paddlers wishing to travel to Marathon Worlds or any other Pinnacle competition, will have to self-fund their costs. While there is no need to attend the 2017 Nationals, it is highly recommended.
A place in the team will be offered by the Chief Executive and notified via email to successful paddler, their affiliated Club (if available) and the Marathon Advisory Group.
4.2 Where an athlete offered a place in the Single race (K1) declines to accept, a place will be offered to the athlete who finished third in the same Class. No further athlete replacements will be made.
4.3 There are no provisions contained in this regulation for consideration of extenuating circumstances.
5. Consequences of Selection
5.1 Requirements: All Athletes who are selected to the Team must:
a. by the date(s) specified by Canoe Racing NZ, pay Canoe Racing NZ the amount specified by Canoe Racing NZ to cover the expenses of sending the Athlete (which may include a portion of expenses to send a Team Manager and a Coach with the Team) to compete at the 2017 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships;
b. agree to compete in the Event for which they have been selected to the Team on the basis on which they were selected, unless otherwise directed by Canoe Racing NZ. For example, if two Athletes are selected to race as a Crew for an Event, they must compete together unless otherwise directed by Canoe Racing NZ; and
c. train for the Event they have been selected to compete in, in accordance with any competition and training programmes specified by Canoe Racing NZ.
5.2 Suspension/Removal: Any member of the Team who does not continue to adhere to the requirements in clause 5.1 may, in the sole discretion of Canoe Racing NZ, be suspended or removed from the Team at any time. In addition, any Athlete may be suspended or removed from the Team if he or she:
a. breaches or fails to comply with this Regulation or the Athlete Agreement, or appears to have done so;
b. breaches or fails to comply with any of the following, or appears to have done so:
i. The ICF Statutes, ICF Competition Rules, or any other requirements of the ICF; orii. The Sports Anti-Doping Rules or the World Anti-Doping Code; oriii. the Canoe Racing NZ Constitution, Canoe Racing NZ Regulations, or any other reasonable instruction or request of Canoe Racing NZ;
c. brings him/herself, another Athlete, the Team, Canoe Racing NZ, or the sport of Canoe Racing generally into disrepute; or
d. has a significant illness or injury which the Selectors consider prevents the Athlete from remaining in the Team.
5.3 Natural Justice: Canoe Racing NZ will comply with the principles of natural justice in making any decision to suspend or remove an athlete from the Team.
6. Appeals
6.1 Grounds: An Athlete may lodge an appeal against their non-selection ("Appellant") to the Team in accordance with clause 6.2 (Process) of this Regulation on one or more of the following grounds (but no other grounds):
a. this Regulation has not been properly followed and/or implemented;
b. the Appellant was not afforded a reasonable opportunity to satisfy the requirements in this Regulation;
c. the decision not to select the Appellant was affected by actual bias; and/or
d. there was no material on which the selection decision could reasonably be based.
6.2 Process: Any appeal must be made as follows:
a. the Athlete must notify the Chief Executive of their wish to appeal the decision. This notification must be made in writing and received by the Chief Executive within 48 hours from the date the selection or non-selection was notified to the Athlete, or the Team was publicly announced (whichever is the earlier);
b. on receipt of such notice the Chief Executive shall, as soon as practicable, convene a confidential and "without prejudice" meeting between the Chief Executive (or his/her nominee) and the Athlete, and the Athlete's authorised representative (if any). The purpose of this meeting is to explain the selection decision and see whether the matter can be resolved by agreement;
c. if the appeal is unresolved after the process in clause 6.2b is followed, or if a without prejudice meeting cannot be arranged, the Chief Executive will make a recommendation to the Board who will determine the appeal with such procedures as it sees fit but which shall comply with the principles of natural justice; and
d. there is no further right of appeal from any decision of the Board.
The application form and any queries should be directed to CEO Mark Weatherall: firstname.lastname@example.com
Vajda Accelero M
Wednesday, 15 November 2017
Sean McCarthy
Full Details | Contact Seller
Nelo 560
Monday, 6 November 2017
Marty McDowell
Young kayakers race with Olympic stars
Monday, 16 October 2017
Olympic kayaker Aimee Fisher (left) teamed up with Sophie Brooke (Wanganui), Ryan Clough (Waitara) ...
Perfect weekend for South Island Champs
Monday, 2 October 2017
It really was a perfect weekend down in Twizel, surrounded by the alps and without a breath of wind ...
NZ kayakers finish Worlds on a high
Monday, 28 August 2017
The New Zealand kayaking team has celebrated its most successful world championship campaign, ...


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WARNING: The Process of QE-Driven Bubble Bursting Has Began
Global Derivatives Market Has Already Suffered A Staggering $300 Trillion of Losses, Fed Lost $151 Billion in Bond Values, Gold Drops Below $1,200, Smart Money Is Heading For The Exits!!!
Jim Rogers: "This Is Too Insane–And I'm Afraid We're All Going To Suffer For The Rest Of This Decade"
When asked about the explosive riots occurring in Brazil, Jim warned to prepare for much more, in that, "This is the first time in history where you've had all the central banks in the world printing money at the same time. Europe, Japan, America, and the UK, all, are frantically trying to debase their currencies…I'm afraid that in the end, we're all going to suffer perhaps, worse then we ever have, with inflation, currency turmoil, and higher interest rates. As I say, this has never happened before, it's never been a good policy in the long run, so I'm afraid we're all going to suffer for the rest of this decade from this crazy, crazy money printing."
$300 Trillion In Derivatives Losses To Lead Gold's Rebound
Today Egon von Greyerz warned King World News that the global derivatives market has already suffered a staggering $300 trillion of losses. These massive derivatives losses, which are being hidden from the public, will help lead the rebound in gold as it begins the next of its bull market. Below is what Greyerz, who is founder of Matterhorn Asset Management out of Switzerland, had to say in this powerful interview.
Greyerz: "A few years ago when the problems in Greece started, it was found that the Goldman Sachs had helped them to hide the real truth of their economy by a major derivatives positions.
Now we've found out that Italy has done exactly the same thing. They took out derivatives in order to meet euro criteria back in the late 1990s. They had a total of $31 billion of derivatives and now they are finding that at least $8 billion of that is worthless. That's about 30% of the entire position….
Smart Money has been heading for the exits.
Paulson: Why Is the Fed the Only Game in Town?
…The markets have experienced a broad selloff since Fed Chairman Ben Bernanketold Congress last week the central bank could reduce its $85 billion in monthly purchases of Treasurys and agency mortgages this year. But to Paulson, it seems the selloff came as no surprise.
"When you have a big, ugly problem, there's never going to be a neat, elegant solution that is totally painless or without a cost and to me it's just completely unrealistic to assume that those programs could be phased out without some market volatility and some pain," Paulson told CNBC's Maria Bartiromo on "Closing Bell." "Market participants, some of them, are addicted to these abnormally low interest rates."
Gold extends rout, drops below $1,200 an ounce
….And the pressure didn't let up in electronic trade, with the contract dipping as low as $1,196.10 before changing hands in recent action at $1,201.10. Gold hadn't traded below $1,200 an ounce since August 2010, according to FactSet.
Gold might continue to fall as real interest rates — the return on bonds minus inflation — continue to rise.
"Already our measure of global real interest rates…was rising [in] early April, with this having shown a strong negative correlation with gold over the longer term," said Simon Smith, chief economist at FxPro in London.
BofA: 'GOLD BEARS BEWARE'
If you've been betting on gold this year, watching it fall day after day – including a few spectacular crashes, like the one we've seen over the past few trading sessions – has probably not been fun.
As the daily candlestick chart at right shows, the shiny yellow metal hasn't spent many days in the green.
Today, the price of an ounce of gold dropped below $1200 for the first time since August 2010, hitting a low of $1196.10 this afternoon before bouncing back to current levels just above $1200.
BofA Merrill Lynch technical strategist MacNeil Curry argues today in a note to clients that "further gold downside [is] limited."
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/bofa-merrill-lynch-gold-bears-beware-2013-6#ixzz2XVsZKC23
Fed Has Lost $151 Billion in Bond Values
The Federal Reserve has lost at least $151 billion over the last seven weeks due to falling values of its $3.3 trillion bond portfolio, Fortune estimates.
And that could end up costing taxpayers.
Because estimating the value of the Fed's bond portfolio is tricky, its $151 billion figure could be off, Fortune admits.
BOND MARKET LIQUIDATION: Bond Funds Hit With Biggest Outflows Ever This Week
BofAML Global Research, EPFR Global
Apparently this was the week where the rush for the exits in the bond market really hit a crescendo.
In the week ended June 26, investors pulled a record $23.3 billion from bond funds. And it was a record across every type of fund: emerging markets, high yield, investment grade, and mortgage-backed securities funds all saw their largest weekly outflows ever.
Bond funds shrank by 0.9% this week, marking the second-largest weekly loss on record in terms of assets under management.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/weekly-epfr-fund-flows-data-june-26-2013-6#ixzz2XW03Kvph
Deutsche Bank's LaVorgna: Fed May Hike Rates Sooner Than You Expect
The Federal Reserve may hike rates sooner than you think. In fact, Joe LaVorgna, chief U.S. economist at Deutsche Bank, predicts the central bank will start increasing rates as soon as next summer.
Next Major Crash Is Here – Gold Is The Major Indicator – MAJOR PLAYER ABOUT TO FALL – Cities Can't Sell Their Muni Bonds – The World Is Suddenly On Brink of Severe Cash Crunch
Fed's Jeremy Stein Full Speech In Which A "Hypothetical" September Taper Is Announced
Submitted by Tyler Durden on 06/28/2013 – 08:10
The first of three Fed speeches is out, and as expected, it contains nothing new save for the ongoing barage of stock market battering for daring to sell on last week's Bernanke warnings that the Fed's monthly flow is set to begin tapering in September. It continues to be as if the Fed is shocked to learn that nothing else matters in this "economy" and, of course, "market" than what the Fed will do and say.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2013-06-28/feds-jeremy-stein-full-speech12 views


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Eagle chicks on Santa Catalina are getting into shape for summer.
EagleCam: West End on Santa Catalina Island | Popular Webcams
And, by "shape," we mean packing on the pounds. The three bald eagle chicks born in the West End nest are adding about one pound every four to five days, said Mary Osteen, of the Institute for Wildlife Studies.
They also sport a secondary "coat" of down. It's darker grey, so the chicks look much different than when they hatched in early April.
At about 13 weeks from hatch, the bald eagles are expected to take their first flights. Until then, webcam viewers can watch them walk around the nest on their oversized orange feet.
Since 2007, six pairs of bald eagles have produced an average of two hatchlings a year without outside help.
It was only until recently that eggs on the island had to be removed from the mother and artificially incubated. In some cases, foreign eggs from as far as British Columbia were brought to Catalina to help restore the population.
Pesticides, primarily DDT, dumped in the ocean nearby the Channel Islands from the late 1940s until the early 1960s are directly linked to the decline of animals inhabiting the region. DDT entered bald eagles' bloodstream via the fish they consumed, rendering their eggshells too weak to support new life.


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This year's election did little to change the city's political landscape, but that doesn't mean major changes aren't in store for Ormond Beach.
ORMOND BEACH — This year's election did little to change the city's political landscape, but that doesn't mean major changes aren't in store for Ormond Beach.
"There is an unending list of things that we can do," said Mayor Ed Kelley.
Ormond Beach is one of few cities in Volusia County to have elections in 2012 and return all of its elected officials. Zone 1 Commissioner James Stowers defeated Alan Burton, the city's former leisure services director, by a 9-percentage-point margin, while the mayor and other commissioners were uncontested for their seats.
So while Daytona Beach and Volusia County move forward under new leadership and possibly in new directions, Ormond's five-member commission — comprised of a retired businessman, three attorneys and a teacher — is looking to finish some of the projects it started and begin new ones.
One of the major challenges for the commission will be to determine how to tackle the city's rising pension costs and unfunded pension liabilities totaling $40 million to be paid out for the next 30 years.
"We need serious, concrete pension reform," Troy Kent, a commissioner since 2003, said Tuesday night shortly before he and other commissioners were sworn into office.
Some worry the current pension system could one day overwhelm the city's finances and may look to change or tweak the city's current defined benefit plan, in which retirement funds are guaranteed. This year, the city's contribution to three pension plans accounts for more than half of its property tax revenue.
"There's going to have to be some adjustments," Kelley said. "We can't keep kicking this can down the road."
One of the best ways to pay for those benefits would be to increase revenue, said Commissioner Bill Partington.
Partington, who was reappointed by fellow commissioners Tuesday night as deputy mayor and has served on the commission since 2003, said one of the main focuses will be to continue creating a "good environment for businesses and jobs."
City officials are already working to lure a developer to a 25-acre tract where the old Ormond Memorial Hospital stood before it was razed this summer. A Florida Hospital spokeswoman said negotiations are ongoing with two serious buyers, though a deal does not appear to be imminent.
Momentum also seems to be building toward development at Ormond Crossings, a planned mixed-use development off U.S. 1 that could include a big box retailer, an industrial park and thousands of homes. The development is seen as a way to diversify the city's tax base, 70 percent of which is generated by residential development.
The commission will also have to decide whether to designate a large chunk of the U.S. 1 corridor a Community Redevelopment Area, pending county approval.
Many projects the commission spearheaded during the previous term will also likely be completed in the coming months.
Andy Romano Beachfront Park is expected to be finished in early 2013, and construction on Granada Boulevard is expected to begin by January. The Florida Department of Transportation will be adding medians to the road while the city will put utility lines underground. The project should be complete in six months.
Commissioner Rick Boehm said the city's progress shows the board has Ormond's best interest at heart.
"We don't always agree on everything," but collectively things get done, he said.
The mayor said he believes the board was easily re-elected because of the cohesiveness shown in the last two years. And he doesn't see any letting up.
"I don't think we can miss on this one," he said.
In January, the commission will formally outline its goals for the coming year. Kelley said there should be plenty of the things for the city to work toward.
"I'm excited for the opportunity," Kelley said. "There's much work to be done because this city isn't perfect yet."


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Samuel L. Jackson Shocked by Harrison Ford's Set Accident
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Buena Vista, Disney, Lucasfilm Ltd., Science Fiction, Sequels, Celeb News, Filmmaking, Upcoming Releases,
Samuel L. Jackson was surprised to hear about Harrison Ford's injuries.
The 65-year-old actor was shocked by news that Harrison - who has reprised his role as Hans Solo in the sci-fi franchise - was crushed by a hydraulic door on set of the Star Wars: Episode VII last week, and insists the accident wouldn't have been his fault: "I'm sure it wasn't because he wanted to or it was something he was doing... I'm sure something went terribly awry if that happened because most times insurance companies don't like us doing those things!"
Click to continue reading Samuel L. Jackson Shocked by Harrison Ford's Set Accident
Jake Gyllenhaal Rushed to Hospital from 'Nightcrawler' Set
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Drama, Thrillers, Celeb News, Filmmaking, Upcoming Releases,
Jake Gyllenhaal was rushed to hospital after he injured his hand.
The 32-year-old actor severely cut himself while on the set of his new film Nightcrawler - in which he plays a struggling crime reporter in Los Angeles - on Wednesday and was forced to seek medical assistance.
"Jake was indeed filming Nightcrawler when during the shooting of an intense scene his character purposefully banged his hand into the mirror. Unfortunately the mirror broke and Jake's hand was badly cut up. He got numerous stitches at the ER and was released. He already returned to set for work," Gyllenhaal's rep stated.
Jake has been working hard to perfect his role and previously revealed he lost weight because his character was both "literally and figuratively hungry." He said"It takes place in a land where I think there is a desert in a lot of ways, great opulence, and at the same time, great vastness and emptiness. I knew that [Lou] was literally and figuratively hungry." In order to feel more like the character, the actor aimed to look almost skeletal and got into a "mode where I was always a bit hungry."
Samuel L. Jackson: I Won't Do Anymore Nude Scenes
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Action, Adventure, Celeb News, Filmmaking, Upcoming Releases,
Samuel L. Jackson won't be doing anymore nude scenes.
The Django Unchained star recently injured his shoulder whilst shooting in Germany for his new film Big Game, and he's joked that the injury has ruined his chances of stripping off in any future movies.
"When I landed on my shoulder the ligaments which hold the clavicle down snapped and my clavicle jumped up... So yeah all my topless, naked, nude scenes are done now!" he quipped.
The 64-year-old actor, who has been on a strict vegan diet for the last three months, injured his shoulder after he was thrown out of a helicopter from a staggering height, but he insists he won't let the wound put a stop to his acting career: "I was flipped from a height of about seven feet out of a freezer, which is supposedly a helicopter flying through some woods. They had a camera on one end of the freezer and I was on the other and the stuntman jumped off the freezer, the camera flipped the freezer and I went flying out of it and landed on my shoulder." He added, "I love my job, I'm fortunate enough to be sort of in demand and I get to choose some interesting things to do and hopefully that will continue."
Johnny Depp Nearly "Mangled" by Horse on 'Lone Ranger' Set
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Disney, Action, Adventure, Period, Remakes, Celeb News, Filmmaking, Upcoming Releases,
Johnny Depp was nearly "horrifically mangled" by a horse while filming The Lone Ranger. The 49-year-old heartthrob plays Native American warrior Tonto in the new Disney western and had an "unpleasant" moment when he fell off his steed, causing him to almost be crushed by the "death machine" of an animal.
Speaking on The Late Show With David Letterman, Johnny said:
"There was one moment in particular where it got unpleasant. We'd been running [the horses] all day and they weren't really interested in slowing down, at all. My horse that I was on decided to jump a couple of these little obstacles. The horse was unaware that the saddle I was wearing to sit on top of it was sort of jerry-rigged, kind of faked. When we came down, the saddle slipped and I went to the left and [lost] the reins, somehow I had the wherewithal to grab his mane - all very calm for some reason, I figured fear would kick in, but it didn't. I saw in front of my eyes these very muscular horse legs and the striations of muscles moving, this kind of death machine. One word popped into my head - hooves! You know? Hooves. In any case, mind the hooves."
Click to continue reading Johnny Depp Nearly "Mangled" by Horse on 'Lone Ranger' Set
Tom Cruise Offers Private Jet to Injured Set Worker
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Universal, Action, Adventure, Science Fiction, Celebrity Gossip, Filmmaking, Upcoming Releases,
Tom Cruise offered a private jet to a worker who was injured on the set of his latest film.
The actor was shooting new movie Oblivion last month when British crew worker, known only as David, was crushed by a 700-pound weight. David was left unconscious and initially believed to be paralyzed, so caring Tom alerted his private pilot who primed the star's jet to transport David to a specialist spinal injury clinic.
"Tom stayed cool and swept straight into action. He didn't take a back seat at all and made sure his Gulfstream V jet was ready to go in case it was needed. It was quick thinking. David could have suffered permanent spinal injury, so it might have been vital he was flown to hospital," a source said.
Click to continue reading Tom Cruise Offers Private Jet to Injured Set Worker
Helena Bonham Carter on Leave from Terminator Salvation
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Warner Bros, Action, Science Fiction, Sequels, Celeb News,
A personal tragedy has forced Helena Bonham Carter to temporarily stop work on Terminator Salvation.
The 42-year-old, who had been filming in New Mexico, has reportedly been given indefinite leave after a fatal minibus crash.
The incident, which happened Wednesday in South Africa, killed four of Helena's relatives. The group had been on safari when the tire of their VW van supposedly blew out, causing the vehicle to roll.
Although Fiona Bonham Carter (the actress' cousin) survived the accident, her 14-year-old son, mother, stepfather and sister-in-law were all killed. Fiona's 16-year-old son and brother also survived.
Helena and boyfriend Tim Burton are both said to be traveling to Britain to support the family.
Daily Express
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