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ScreenFonts: The White Ribbon, Daybreakers, Wonderful World, The Book Of Eli, Creation, Legion
I have the impression I am slowly catching up with the ScreenFonts series, crawling my way back to the first week of the month. So let's get on with it. When I was reviewing the January 2010 movie posters I tweeted that "[t]he next episode of ScreenFonts on The FontFeed will be rubbish, unfortunately. Barely anything interesting." This prompted a reply from Afrojet who "bet [I] could fill an entire post on the "Bitch Slap" poster alone." Well, I couldn't, but let's say I managed to still get a decent post out of this month's crop.
Oh, and to all my new Twitter followers – thanks to my inclusion in Smashing Magazine's #followfriday two weeks ago – be warned I am not very good at this (nor at Facebook for that matter). But thanks anyway, I really appreciate your interest. By the way, now that FontFont branded me "Belgian type guru" in a tweet I expect you all to respectfully address me as "Oh Enlightened One". Just so we're clear, for future reference. ; )
One of the best aspects of this job is that I learn so much, almost every single day. Although I started out as the resident "type expert" (what's in a name?) at FontShop BeNeLux in the early nineties I am mostly self-taught, and barely have any academic background in typography. Writing about type, typography, and related topics gives me the opportunity to interview people, and research and investigate specific subjects. This makes it such an enriching experience.
What does that have to do with Das weiße Band (The White Ribbon)? At first sight you'd say not much, because the international poster simply uses Times for the movie title – and for all the other type on the poster as well for that matter. Normally I would rail against yet another example of one of the default fonts and suggest some of the many alternatives. Much to my own surprise I found myself quite liking how it is used in this poster. One could argue about some minor kerning issues, but the restrained, self-effacing appearance of this workhorse face perfectly suits the emotionally detached image. I guess only overused and thus overly familiar typefaces can become inconspicuous to such a degree. The poster design itself is very effective. By showing the characters quite small, shot from from the back, in a gateway surrounded by a leaden amount of black, the poster suggests the dark theme of the movie in a bizarrely uninvolved way. Wonderfully weird.
The original German poster translates the story – abused and suppressed children in a small village in the north of Germany during the years just before World War I – in a more in-your-face manner. Whereas the international version is simply brooding, this one wears raw, almost tangible emotion on its sleeve. These tears look real, they feel real, and there's an unsettling sense of suppressed anger and anguish emanating from the poster. Choosing for plain and unassuming designs, also in the international version, has made the message so much more powerful. In both cases the typography is nicely integrated. The centred type reinforces the design of the former; the asymmetrical type in the latter makes good use of the light and dark areas in the image.
But let's go back to the aspect of learning while doing this job – I noticed something intriguing in the German poster. Right beneath the movie title a tagline is written in a script that looks absolutely alien to me, and impossible to read. The only connection I could make were a number of shapes that looked remotely related to Viktor Solt-Bittner's delightful antique-looking Voluta Script. I decided to do a little crowd-sourcing and posted the sample to the Typophile Type Identification Board. And sure enough, within half an hour the answers started pouring in from various sources.
Kurrentschrift or Deutsche Schreibschrift is an old form of German handwriting based on late medieval cursive writing. In English it has also been called German Blackletter Script. Although many people use the name Sütterlin as well, strictly speaking Sütterlin is but one variant of this type of script, basically a much simpler and less-elegant, monoline upright version that was used in schoolbooks.
This specific digitisation was identified by Jan Erdman as DS-Kurrent from Delbanco (see "Deutsche Schreibschrift"). The tagline was deciphered by Rainer Zerenko: "Eine deutsche Kindergeschichte" (A German children's story). Florian Hardwig pointed out that "[i]t is a clean rendition, yet the imperfect connection from t to (long) s in 'deutsche' gives away the fact that it is a font." Elsner+Flake also offers a Sütterlin script as digital font. Et voilà, another mystery (for me anyway) solved. Should this little digression have piqued your curiosity for this kind of
archaic scripts, several links to samples and resources can be found in the Typophile thread.
For the movie poster of The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond Indika Entertainment Advertising resolutely went for a retro look. The portrait of Bryce Dallas Howard and the shady figure of Chris Evans were painted in a convincing 40s–50s style reminiscent of classic Tennessee Williams film posters. The wood type-like skyline sans is H&FJ Knockout, not a vintage design but an excellent modern interpretation of the American gothic. The combination of the warm dark red background and flesh tones with the greyish blue movie title, black hair, and the "overpainted" crisp white area creates some beautiful contrasts. A nice mix of vintage and contemporary.
As far as depicting a dystopian future goes the movie poster for Daybreakers does a pretty good job. I am glossing over the other versions which have some cast members walking up to the camera menacingly (yawn), but this image is neat. It is something of a cross between the human energy sources in The Matrix, and industrial agricultural confinement systems like battery cages. Adding to the creepiness is the eerie blue glow and the impression of utter helplessness of the trapped people while their blood is being harvested. The centred position of the movie title and other text matter enhances the symmetrical perspective. The wide grotesque used for said movie title is Akzidenz-Grotesk Extended.
The teaser poster is quite beautiful; a twisted version of fashion shoots in high end glossies, with their nigh-unwearable extravagant clothes and alien-looking, androgynous models. As an aside, don't get me started on the disastrous effects fashion and beauty magazines have on the self-image of (young) girls. And not because the world of modelling would be dominated by a handful of hysterical ponces drawing women as boys – contrary to what Anita Witzier, Dutch television hostess, claims in the book Stout (Naughty). Many female designers as well depict them as prepubescent girls, with tiny bums and virtually no hips. This has led to the surreal situation that size four models are deemed "too fat" to run the catwalk because size zero (!) is the industry standard, and normal built women are categorised as "plus-sized" in the modelling world. After all the big talk and empty promises this exposes yet again the sickening hypocrisy of the fashion world.
As vampires are all the rage these days – Twilight anyone? – many collateral materials are starting to draw from the same well. For instance the teaser poster above apparently combines elements from a teaser poster and a series of mock advertisements for the HBO television series. I may be reading too much into it, but even the choice of typography seems to reference vampire fangs – the triangular incisions in Delta Jaeger for the teaser poster, and the tiny sharp serifs on ITC Elan for the mock adverts. As for the design of the Daybreakers teaser poster, I wouldn't know if this is a case of conscious plagiarism, or nothing more than subconscious influence.
However that teaser poster for True Blood is way too close for comfort to the Jennifer's Body movie poster. Both were released around the same time, so who can tell which one came first?
There is something quite wrong with this other teaser poster for Daybreakers too. It is almost identical to the teaser posters for 30 Days Of Night, a vampire movie based on Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith's comic book series. As they both were designed by the same company – Ignition Print – this is to be categorised as merely laziness, not actual plagiarism.
The movie poster for Wonderful World suffers from a similar ailment – it looks like a mash-up of Lonesome Jim and The Visitor. By the way, what's with the use of Arial here? I know Helvetica is the official go-to typeface for movies that aspire to win awards at indie festivals, but using the poor man's version is definitely not going to have you score any brownie points.
As if all these weren't enough, we continue with one more (involuntary?) copy. The similarities between the first poster for The Spy Next Door and Spy Kids are manifold – from the dark red background with golden rays of light emanating from behind the actors, to their black battle dress and martial pose, with a line of text above their heads and the movie title at their feet. Even the roof Jackie Chan and the kids are standing on mirrors the triangular shadow cast by the Spy Kids. By the way, that triangular roof section is a staple on comic book covers, and had already been referenced in the Daredevil movie posters. Because the themes of both movies are so much alike the almost identical posters are a bit disconcerting. The Spy Next Door movie title is set in the action movie stalwart Serpentine, a stressed sans with tiny triangular serifs that is also available in a Sans variant.
The second movie poster features the characters on a white background with – surprise, surprise! – big red text. For a comedy? How quaint. The three-dimensional effect on Impact and the shadows are particularly daring. Very original. <sigh>
I hope the droves of comedy fans will be able to deal with this dramatic departure from the norm, because the movie poster for The Tooth Fairy uses <gasp> big blue text (here it's Compacta)! This propels this revolutionary design into uncharted territory, boldly going where no comedy poster has gone before. I haven't decided yet which pun I like best – "You can't handle the tooth" pictured above, or "The tooth hurts". Comedy gold! <groan>
Excessive photo retouching is one of the scourges of modern day movie posters (and advertising and many other instances where photography is omnipresent – just check Photoshop Disasters). If I were a movie studio promoting a romantic comedy, I certainly wouldn't want the stars in it look like fish-eyed wax models, just like in this poster for Leap Year. There is barely any emotion to be found in their bland facial expression. And using the ubiquitous and fairly neutral H&FJ Gotham – nothing against the face itself, mind you – really doesn't help. The only redeeming factor in this poster is Amy Adams' wonderful red hair and fair complexion against that green backdrop and dress. But a movie poster should be more than just a pretty colour scheme.
Just like "erasing" any emotion from the actors' faces, the stripping of heads is an equally cringe-inducing habit in the production of movie posters. A convincing example of how wrong it can go is the movie poster for Crazy on the Outside. I mean, just look at the mess behind that door/window. I don't think I really need to add anything, do I? And what a weird and unnatural head Tim Allen has (I'm not even convinced that's his actual body). The distressed serif face with chunky serifs is Cheltenham. I think this is the ballsy original, not the sanitised ITC version.
I am a bit torn about Bitch Slap. You may have gathered from my reviews of movie posters like the sultry Black Snake Moan, the back-to-back grindhouse features Planet Terror and Deathproof, the blaxploitation movie Black Dynamite, and so on that I really like pulp and camp when it's done well. No matter if it's a faithful reproduction or a modern interpretation, to make it work all the details must click.
There is something off in this movie poster, and I can't put my finger on it. The basic premise looks fine though. Three sassy, heavily armed ladies project the correct blend of danger and sexiness; the left and middle one in improbably glamorous outfits that contradict the post-apocalyptic environment. The double-entendre in the tagline is a perfect fit for the image, and the comic book-like rough brush caps match the visual style and pulp references. See also my review of Transylmania in last month's episode for more options in this style. I think it may be the clumsy ageing effect on the edges of the poster that puts me off. It's not subtle enough and looks very "digital", as opposed to the lovely detailed and convincing folds and creases I have seen in other examples. What a pity.
Another post-apocalyptic image, but one that tackles the subject seriously, is the movie poster for The Book of Eli. A contemplative Denzel Washington takes up half the poster, with a city in ruins in the background. It's not exactly revolutionary, but it works well. Denzel's pose, in profile and on one knee against the cloudy sky, gives him a messianic appearance. The rather unnatural lighting actually reinforces this suggestion.
Denzel Washington's silhouette provides a useful dark area to accommodate all the text matter. The treatment of the movie title set in Helvetica Inserat (I think) is somewhere between distressed and painted in white, making it look almost luminescent.
Although the main posters are nothing special, Fish Tank has a very clever alternate poster. Katie Jarvis is shot through the window of her apartment, with all the type floating in a virtual plane parallel to its outer wall. This creates the illusion that we are looking in through a glass pane, as if the scene was situated in – indeed – a fish tank. The drop shadows created by the type on the wall and window are very convincing, and turn this into a surreal yet believable image.
Another very clever design is this movie poster for Creation. The image beautifully encapsulates the astute tagline "Faith evolves". No, Darwin touching the outstretched finger of the orang utan is not a re-enactment of the classic "E.T." scene, ya silly bastichs; this of course refers to Michelangelo's even more classic "Creation of Adam" in his painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Presenting the composition on a virginal white background strips away any visual interference and confronts the viewer with the pure, undiluted concept. This is a great idea, well executed. Yeah, I know the type is set in the perennial Trajan, but what gives.
I don't quite understand the alternate poster. I get that the movie also deals with Darwin's inner conflict when his theories go diametrically against his wife's religious beliefs, so the family aspect does play a role. Yet the reason for this saccharine family scene is beyond me. The typeface used for the movie title has me intrigued. It is a pleasant alternative for Friz Quadrata, with a touch of Brothers and a smidgen of Jim Parkinson taking it into antique wood type or sing painting territory. Alas the identification request I posted on the Type ID Board last week has yielded no result so far, so its identity remains a mystery (unless it is a custom designed movie logo).
I have received news from Demi Hopkins, Creative Director at Carnival Studio who are responsible for this poster design:
Hi Yves,
Its nice to hear my Creation poster has been noticed out there. I put considerable effort into the typography on this one and used OTF features where possible to create something a little unique.
The main typeface used (title treatment, surnames, director credit) was Grant Avenue and the secondary typeface was Hoefler Text with its beautiful swash italics.
The movie poster for Legion is one of those designs where I wish they had gone all the way, preferably in a more illustrative style. The premise of the movie is pure comic book fare – at an out-of-the-way diner an all out war between angels and some lone humans decides about the survival of the human race. I was expecting more warped Christian symbolism, more ornamentation, more Gustav Klimt. My gut feeling is that, had they given the exact same base elements to an artist like Bill Sienkiewicz, Dave McKean, Ashley Wood, or the aforementioned Ben Templesmith, this would have looked epic, savage, and ultimately awe-inspiring. Instead, we have a halfhearted upwards gaze, a hesitant sketch of a tattoo, a tame pair of wings; and those weapons… don't tell me he's supposed to be holding that gun in his hand. This was clearly added afterwards, and anatomically speaking very unnatural.
The typography is also lukewarm. Mason (the original Serif cut) is a sound choice as it carries all the right Christian connotations. However the designers chickened out and dared not use either of the original π-shaped "N" characters. Instead they customised a glyph to obtain a more conventional shape, but in doing so they got the structure all wrong: the outer upright strokes need to be the thinner parts, and the diagonal the thickest. The resulting shape looks quite amateurish and detracts from the rest of the poster.
Weirdly enough, the movie poster for To Save a Life immediately made me think of an actual comic book series, also about a fallen angel – the cult classic Hellshock by Jae Lee, one of the great unfinished comic book series of the 90s. The red cross painted on the face in the poster is almost identical to the facial painting of the enigmatic stranger that saves a suicidal young woman. Even the themes of both movie and comic book series share many analogies.
As a piece of design the poster holds up very well, with the intense dark red and deep greyish blues nicely offset against the beige and sepia tones of the background and the figures in the lower left corner. Despite the straightforward structure of the design, there is quite a lot happening, both in details and in texture. The type is one of those grunged up freeware fonts based on Alternate Gothic. Compared to the sophisticated image, the identical fragmentation in the repeating characters is a bit of a let-down. For more distressed fonts see the corresponding FontList.
And finally the movie poster for Saint John of Las Vegas has a distinct comic book vibe going on as well, reminiscent of the covers for 100 Bullets, The Losers (soon to be released as a feature film), and other Vertigo series. The energetic collage of posterised images in warm colours creates a dynamic cluster, nicely framed in a border of black brush strokes, paint splatters, and palm tree silhouettes.
Recreating the typography of vintage landmarks is always difficult. Most of the lettering is often either hand painted or composed with now defunct type styles. I must say the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign was recreated fairly accurately for the movie title. Basic Commercial is an acceptable alternative for the neon letters in the circles. It's very hard to see which casual brush script was used for "of", and "Las Vegas" looks like the real deal. Very nice work if you ask me.
17 Comments:
archaic scripts
What do you mean, archaic? I learnt to write Sütterlin at school, in the early fifties. In living memory, at least in mine.
I was very disappointed the moment I first saw the Legion poster. The tones in the the photo, and the image of the winged man are so appealing. The layout is so clean, too! Even the word LEGION is one of those rare words that could be set so beautifully; why was it ruined with that N?!
"To Save a Life" bears some resemblance to the movie poster for "Bringing out the Dead": http://www.impawards.com/1999/bringing_out_the_dead.html.
The Legion angel looks a lot like Pygar.
*Pygar* – classic! :-D
@yves – has Black Monday (from TypeTrust) been added to the Distressed FontList? I think it's a very good take on grunge fonts.
Very nice text, Yves.
However, I'd like to remind you that the repercussions of being called the "Belgian type guru" not necessarily means that we have to address you "Oh enlightened one". We can just as well address you "Ey pancake dude". :)
Well, now you can force them to make a compromise along the lines of "Oh enlightened Belgian waffle". No waffles without mentioning enlightenment, that should be your deal :)
No waffles without mentioning enlightenment, that should be your deal
That should be a rule of life for all of us. Mmmmm… waffles…
I believe the How To Save a Life poster is using Downcome from Eduardo Recife at http://misprintedtype.com/. Still a grunge font but at least a decently designed one.
Good post as always. I will say that the True Blood posters reminded me of an old Howling poster I used to have: http://classic-horror.com/images/howling2poster.jpg
So I was wondering if you could help me out, I'm trying to figure out the font from the end of The Book of Eli, do you recognize it? If you need a picture of them, I could provide it. Thanks!
michael h.:
i believe boe's end titles are in h&fj's historical allsorts fell type small caps, although igino marini's great primer by peter de walpergen comes awfully close [and is free!]. however, historical all sorts comes in small caps and the capital 'A' appears to be thicker.
prologue did the main title, not certain about the end crawl.
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The FontFeed is a daily dispatch of recommended fonts, typography techniques, and inspirational examples of digital type at work in the real world. Eat up.


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Indian Lodge Loop Trail is a 1.3 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Fort Davis, Texas that offers the chance to see wildlife. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, trail running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
kid friendly
nature trips
trail running
This trail is found behind the Indian Lodge in Davis Mountains State Park. It is rocky and begins a little steep but soon offers beautiful views of the park.
Very beautiful trail. It was fairly steep but so worth it when you got to the top.
Lots of uphill and very rocky. Views were great!
sunrise hike a must, watch out for javelinas.
enjoyed it. the sights are great!
The main route listed here for the trail is incorrect. Pay attention to trail markers made by visitors (stacked rocks blocking trail). The route shown here is either an old trail not used for a long time or a record of someone taking a game trail. Do not use this for navigation. Get an updated trail map from the park office before setting out.
Beautiful views!
Great trail! Lots of loose rocks on the trail. Great view at the top.
This is a beautiful trail and a nice way to get a taste of the Davis Mountians area a couple hours. If you take it slow, take lots of pictures, and enjoy the scenery this is an easy hike. We started on the campsite side and ended at the Indian Lodge. It's then another mile or less to the campsite. There are other trails to explore around there as well and makes for a nice way to fill a weekend of camping or even if you are just passing through.

subset: commoncrawl


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Washington, D.C., a city where you can read the original Constitution on your way to visit the Supreme Court, is the place to see the intersection of the past and present of the United States. The city hosts its 15 million annual visitors with magnanimity, offering a nearly endless supply of affordable things to do. By some counts, there are at least a hundred free or almost free activities, including admission to the Smithsonian (the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History, among others) and nightly performances at the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage. Day and night, Washington, D.C. inspires with celebrated sights such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Evenings can be as activity-packed as days, with a vibrant restaurant scene and dozens of performing arts venues around the city. From the National Cherry Blossom Festival held every spring to the spirited festivities surrounding the Fourth of July, Washington, D.C., knows how to celebrate. With three metro area airports—Reagan National (DCA), Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)—serving more than 100 U.S. destinations, finding airfare to Washington, D.C. is a cinch. Now, if only narrowing down a list of things to do in Washington, D.C., were as easy.
When To Go
Deciding when to visit Washington, D.C. can make all the difference in how much you spend. When planning your trip, be sure to factor in weather and seasonality, peak tourism times, and special events such as the Presidential Inauguration and May graduations. As a general rule, plan to spend more on visits during the business week, as well as on weekends in spring and fall when the weather is nicest. There are ways to save, however, regardless of when you go. Here are some insider tips to help you put together a cost-effective trip. D.C. is a popular place to visit from mid-March through mid-June, and again from mid-September through early November. Visitors will find the highest hotel occupancy rates during these months, as well as during the business week (Mondays through Thursdays). The hot, humid days of July and August and seasonably cold January are D.C.'s low seasons.
high season: March to mid--June, mid-September to early-November
high season: March to mid--June, mid-September to early-November
low season: July to mid--September, January to February
shoulder season: lateJune, November to December
Weather InformationSpring and fall are very pleasant, with low humidity, comfortable temperatures, and plenty of sunshine. Summer months are hot, humid, and sticky. While winters are generally mild, plan accordingly, as the city often gets several snowstorms each year.
Crowd InformationTourism surges in late March and early April, when the city's famous cherry blossoms bloom around the Tidal Basin. Graduations in May also bring crowds to the city, as does the Presidential Inauguration ceremony, held every four years in January. The Fourth of July holiday brings throngs of visitors to the National Mall for the city's annual fireworks display. Other events to watch out for include the Capital Pride Festival, rallies and other events on the Mall, the Marine Corps Marathon, and conventions. You can see a calendar of upcoming conventions on the DC Convention Center website.
Closure InformationMany attractions, such as the Smithsonian museums, are closed on Christmas Day. Some museums and galleries may also close for inclement weather such as a snowstorm. If the federal government offices close for bad weather, many area attractions follow suit.
When to SaveMany great lodging deals can be found for visits during the off-season months of January, July, and August, including value-added packages with perks such as dining discounts and spa extras. Restaurant prices, as well as admission-fee attractions, are not subject to seasonality or tourist demand. You can save, however, on top-ranked restaurants by visiting during D.C. Restaurant Week, when participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at discounted rates. Just be sure to make reservations early, as this event is popular among both visitors and locals.
When to BookThe Washington D.C. Convention & Tourism Corporation recommends booking four to eight weeks before arriving. Also, last-minute rates can provide good savings, should you decide to take a trip on short notice. Plan to spend more during peak spring and fall travel months, particularly during cherry blossom season and graduations. Special events such as the Inauguration will also drive up airfare prices. Either advance planning (one to two months ahead) or last-minute sales will provide the best hotel rates. The CVB website often lists available specials, and you should also check hotel company websites to see if online-only prices or sales are being offered at participating D.C. properties. If you're planning on visiting during a major convention, try to book even earlier to make sure you get a decent rate (as well as a room).
Information provided by the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation


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My Nonprofit Reviews
Review for Golden Gate Basset Rescue Inc, Petaluma, CA, USA
I became involved in Golden Gate Basset Rescue (GGBR) in May 2012 when I adopted a young male basset hound named Percy from GGBR. GGBR did a thorough home check of my home before allowing me to adopt because even though I had owned beagles my entire life, this was my first basset and they wanted to make sure my home was basset-friendly (fully fenced back yard, room to wander, etc) and that I understood the breed.
Tragically, Percy died suddenly of bloat less than 2 months later. He was an astounding hound; but even more astounding was GGBR's response to first, Percy missing (he was under one of my out buildings), and then to his death. GGBR volunteers immediately called to see if they could help with a house to house canvas (when we thought he was lost). When I found him dead, I received calls and emails and enormous support from everyone in the organization. I immediately started fostering hounds, and Percy's replacement--Adm. Jed "Snatch" Basset--took charge August 18 of 2012.
Because of GGBR's response and their willingness to let me foster, I became immediately involved in the GGBR community. I liked the fact that GGBR doesn't have "brick and mortar" facilities to support. Everything is done by volunteers, and all fostering is in-home. We have the marvelous capability to take in abandoned hounds and let them settle in as long as they need in the foster home, watch them, learn their temperment and personality, and then match them to their perfect forever home. We have very few "boomerang" bassets (adoption failures) because of our system. We do have "foster failures,' i.e. dogs that are placed in foster homes and who become so beloved by the foster family that they end up adopting. This, in fact, is something the Board will recommend to some families--that they start out by fostering. It's a good way to get acquainted with the breed without making a lifetime commitment.
GGBR also earns my respect because at least 80% of every dollar raised goes directly to the care of the hounds. Our mission, in short, is "Rescue-Restore-Rehome". We spend an average of $600 - $700 per dog to make sure all medical issues are taken care of before they are adopted. Some of our hounds have medical conditions that make them 'forever fosters," which means they spend the rest of their lives in foster homes and GGBR takes care of the medical bills. We only have 2-3 at any given time as the Board is careful not to spend too much on one hound at the expense of all of the other hounds.
Which brings me to my greatest admiration of GGBR: the way the Board functions. Under the leadership of Gloria Tannehill-Carlson, the Board makes very wise decisions about how to spend the money we raise. We are able to take care of over 100 hounds a year because of their careful stewardship. There is no staff, no fixed overhead, very little money is spent on fundraising (and we raise 100% of our budget every year as GGBR is not yet endowed), and everyone goes the extra mile for the hounds--willingly, because we are all in this together, for the benefit of these magnificent, loving dogs.
GGBR also gives adopters and any basset lover a great social network. There are multiple events throughout the year when we get together with our hounds, and one fall fundraiser called Howl at the Moon and Whine which is a combination silent auction/spaghetti dinner that raises a good chunk of our yearly budget. It's all great fun, and the people active in GGBR cover the entire economic and professional spectrum. Our hounds bring together a colorful slice of Americans.
GGBR has given my life meaning at a time when I really needed something (and someone--Percy and JED) to love. It is a splendid organization and if anyone wants to support it with their hard-earned dollars, you can be sure that your money will be well spent and that your support will save a hound who otherwise would die from neglect or abandonment.
More Feedback
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I believe GGBR is at the stage of organizational growth where it needs to look at a 3, 5 and 10 year plan and answer the question "where do we want to be in X years?" GGBR also needs to start putting together a continuity of leadership plan for the time when key leadership have to move on (for whatever reason). And GGBR is at a point where it needs to start implementing an endowment program. All of these issues have been raised with the board.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
Review for Food For Thought, Forestville, CA, USA
Food for Thought is the only local charity I support because they do an outstanding -- Amazing! -- job on very, very little. Their overhead is extremely low relative to the work they are able to accomplish. Food for Thought is Sonoma County's finest not-for-profit. It doesn't get much more basic or important than feeding people.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen people FED by this organization.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give them 100 more volunteers and a warehouse the size of Costco constantly filled with food to give out.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
knowing that every dime contributed is well spent.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Outstanding human beings
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand its mission into other needy populations that need to be fed
Ways to make it better...
I could give more money.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
money, money, money and food contributions
One thing I'd also say is that...
They have the faith of a mustard seed and make an incredible difference with what they have
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?


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Climbing Towards The Top
The Pittsburgh Penguins have climbed toward the top of the Atlantic Division with their outstanding play over the past two months. But if they have any plans of staying there, they'll have to play better against their division rivals.
The Penguins look to earn at least a point for their 10th straight game Monday when they host the slumping New York Rangers.
Oddsmakers from SBG Global have made Pittsburgh -150 money line favorites (NHL Odds) for today's game, the over/under has been set at 5.5 goals (Matchup). Current public betting information shows that 51% of bets for this game have been placed on New York +140 (View NHL Bet Percentages).
Pittsburgh (25-16-3) is 8-0-1 since Dec. 23, and 17-5-1 since Thanksgiving, but the Penguins have struggled all season against their four division rivals. They're 4-10-1 against Atlantic opponents, including 1-2-1 against the Rangers.
Pittsburgh had won eight straight before a 3-2 shootout loss at Atlanta on Saturday night. The Penguins allowed a pair of power-play goals after yielding just one in 22 chances during their winning streak.
"When you finish minus-2 with your special teams, it's tough to win games," coach Michel Therrien said.
The Penguins also failed to score a power-play goal in Atlanta. Despite their outstanding play over the past month, they've converted just 13.3 percent of their chances with the man advantage since Dec. 13.
Though Pittsburgh is the middle of the pack with 123 goals, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin haven't had trouble finding the net.
Crosby leads the NHL with 41 assists and his 20 goals tie him with Malkin for the team lead. Both have been hot of late - Crosby has five goals and 13 assists in his last 11 games, while Malkin has nine goals over that stretch.
Crosby has nine goals and 15 assists in 19 career games against the Rangers, while Malkin has three goals and five assists in 11 games.
But it has been the play of goaltender Ty Conklin that has given Pittsburgh some separation in the tightly packed Eastern Conference.
Conklin has started 10 games since being called up after starter Marc-Andre Fleury went down with a high ankle sprain, and he's 9-0-1 with a 1.56 goals-against average and two shutouts - matching his career total prior to his recall.
The Rangers (21-19-5) were supposed to be one of the league's most-improved teams with the offseason additions of centers Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, but instead, they've been one of the league's bigger disappointments.
Only two teams have scored fewer than New York's 108 goals, and the Rangers are in last place in the Atlantic - but only eight points behind the first-place New Jersey Devils.
Drury, who had 37 goals last season with Buffalo, netted his 12th in the Rangers' 4-1 victory over Montreal on Saturday which snapped a five-game losing streak.
"It felt good to finally get a win and finally get rewarded,'' said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who made 18 saves. "Parts of our game in the losses we had we played really well but then something happens that makes us lose a little focus, maybe a little confidence."
The win was Lundqvist's best performance in nearly a month. He had been 2-5-2 with a 3.81 GAA in his previous nine games after going 16-11-2 with a 1.98 GAA and six shutouts in his first 29.
Lundqvist is 10-4-3 lifetime against Pittsburgh with a 2.08 GAA, and is 3-1-0 this season.
Rangers right wing Jaromir Jagr has five goals and seven assists in his last nine games. He has 15 goals and 16 assists against his former team, though he hasn't scored a goal in his last five against Pittsburgh.
by: Staff Writers - Email Us
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Wide receivers
Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State | 6-1, 207
Not a burner, but a fluid route runner with excellent ball skills. Potential top 5 pick.
Michael Floyd, Notre Dame | 6-2, 220
Physical receiver brings proven production. Immaturity issues in past with multiple alcohol-related run-ins.
Kendall Wright, Baylor | 5-10, 196
Proved slow 40 at combine a fluke with 4.42 at pro day. Plays fast. Exciting option out of slot.
Stephen Hill, Georgia Tech | 6-4, 215
Pairs size with jaw-dropping athleticism. Ran a 4.24 at combine with 39½-inch vertical. Positional skills need refining.
Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina | 6-3, 216
Struggled with weight at times, which raises commitment concerns. Natural red-zone option with good size and catching radius.
Rueben Randle, LSU | 6-3, 210
Good combination of size and speed. May take time to develop after leaving school early.
Sixth in a daily series of stories about the best players at every position leading up to the NFL Draft on April 26-28.
There's a deep pool of wide receivers in this month's NFL Draft.
The Chargers have little need to create a splash.
After losing Vincent Jackson in free agency, the team has already bolstered its corps, signing veterans Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal in March before adding Roscoe Parrish and Micheal Spurlock this month.
They join longtime veteran Malcom Floyd and Vincent Brown, who is entering his second season, and return specialist Richard Goodman.
Quarterback Philip Rivers seemed ready Tuesday to get to work with the pieces in place.
The Bolts begin voluntary offseason workouts on Monday.
"We're certainly going to have new faces, new players," Rivers said. "It goes without saying, but you lost a great player in Vincent Jackson, and I certainly like to think we gained a handful of great players."
Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon may be the first wide receiver off the board. He plays bigger than his 6-foot-1, 207-pound frame, showing a wide catching radius with good body control.
Michael Floyd, of Notre Dame, is a physical receiver who adds another dimension as a strong blocker in the run game. He produced all four years with the Irish and could be taken in the first half of Round 1.
Kendall Wright (Baylor) and Stephen Hill (Georgia Tech) round out the top four.
Wright is an explosive playmaker who, at 5-foot-10 and 196 pounds, could start right away out of the slot for a team with outside pieces in place. Hill is a boom-or-bust prospect who lit up the combine. He may have the most potential of the group.
If Floyd falls to pick 18 or a team is that enamored with Wright or Hill, the Chargers could have bait for a possible trade-down.
Copyright © 2017, The San Diego Union-Tribune


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Coptic Cairo tour to The Hanging Church, Abu Serga, Ben Ezra
Photography Tour in Old Cairo famous Mosques, Souqs and Palaces
Photography Tour in Old Cairo famous Mosques, Souqs and Palaces
Discover the ancient winding city streets of Cairo, Egypt, the cradle of civilization. Take a tour of Islamic Cairo with Youregypttours.com visiting historic Fatimid era gateways ...
Starts From $60.00 Per PersonBook this tour
Tour Itinerary:
Discover the ancient winding city streets of Cairo, Egypt, the cradle of civilization.Take a tour of Islamic Cairo with Youregypttours.com visiting historic Fatimid era gateways to the old city as well as mosques,houses and palaces while passing through local markets.A memorable visit will be walking through the famous Souq of Khan al Khalili where vendors sell all kind of wares for your perusal.You will visit Cairo's two enduring ramparts: Bab Al-Nasr (Gate of Victory), Bab Al-Futuh (Gate of Conquests) as well as Al Moez Street which is regarded as an open air Islamic museum.On top of the mosques,you will find a lot of towers with different styles and heights.The wooden lattice windows(arabesque) of the traditional mansions is worth lots of photos.Then,go through Cairo's only remaining medieval covered market.See the Mosque of Al Hakim, on a fascinating walking tour through Islamic Cairo.Your Cairo Photography Walking Tour ends at the famous coffee shop in cairocalled El Fishawy where you can have a local drink and take more photos.At the end,you will be taken back to the hotel.
Schedule Details:
Departs: Daily
Departure Time: 8:00am
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Departure Point: Tour departs from centrally located Cairo and Giza hotels
Return details: Returns to original departure point. Please include your hotel details to arrange pick-up and drop-off services.
Pricing Information:
Prices are listed as a guide only. For an exact price quote contact us.
Child prices are not applicable, adult prices apply to all travelers.
Infants aged 2 years and under are free of charge, provided they do not occupy a seat
Prices are per person.
Our pricing is updated constantly to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.
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Yuval Diskin 311.(Photo by: Sivan Faraj )
Diskin says he has 'no faith' in current leadership
By JPOST.COM STAFF
Former Shin Bet chief says leaders are not fit to lead, adds they are misleading the public about Iran.
Former Shin Bet chief Yuval Diskin sharply criticized Israel's top leadership at the Majdi Forum in Kfar Saba Friday night, saying he has no faith in it and its ability to lead Israel, Army Radio reported.
Referring to the leaders as "our two messiahs," a likely reference to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Diskin said "they are not fit to hold the steering-wheel of power. I have no faith in the current leadership in Israel and its ability to conduct a war."
Regarding their handling of the Iranian nuclear issue, Diskin said the leadership "presents a false view to the public on the Iranian bomb, as though acting against Iran would prevent a nuclear bomb. But attacking Iran will encourage them to develop a bomb all the faster."
On Tuesday,
Netanyahu told CNN
that while sanctions against Iran are visibly impairing its economy, they have not impacted its continuing nuclear activities.
"They're certainly taking a bite out of the Iranian economy, but so far they haven't rolled back the Iranian program or even stopped it by one iota," Netanyahu said. "I hope that changes, but so far, I can tell you the centrifuges are spinning."
"If the sanctions are going to work, they better work soon," he emphasized.
Thursday, Barak cast doubt on the success of upcoming nuclear negotiations between the West and Iran.
Despite the strongest-ever sanctions against the Islamic Republic, Barak said in an Independence Day speech, "the chances that, at this pressure level, Iran will respond to international demands to irreversibly stop its program seem low. I would be happy to be proven wrong."
The United States, France, Germany, Britain, China and Russia (the P5+1) are due to meet Iran for a second round of nuclear negotiations on May 23 in Baghdad.
Diskin also said Friday that political killings like the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin may reappear in Israel. "There are tens of Jewish extremists in the territories and in Israel that are ready to use firearms against Jews," he said.
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How to Make Orange Marmalade
I have always loved orange marmalade, but I have never tried to make it before. It is actually very easy to make. This is the first jam I have made that didn't require adding pectin to it. It turns out that oranges actually contain pectin naturally.
To take advantage of the pectin in oranges, you have to soak them overnight. This jam is made in two steps. The first day you cut up the fruit, and the next day you make the jam. To make homemade orange marmalade you will need:
This recipe will make approximately 3 pints or 6 half-pints of jam.
Cut the oranges and lemons in half and then cut the halves into very thin slices.
Place all the fruit slices into a large non-stick or stainless steel pot. Add the water and bring to a boil.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the sugar, stirring well until the sugar is dissolved.
Place the cover on the pan and let it set on your stove overnight.
The next day, bring the mixture back to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer on low for two hours. Turn up the heat a little and boil gently for 30 minutes. Place a candy thermometer in the mixture and cook until it reaches the jelly stage on your thermometer (220 degrees F). Skim off any foam with a metal spoon.
To test to see if the mixture is done, remove a small spoonful from the pan and place it on a plate in the refrigerator. If after it cools for a minute it is a jelly consistency (not runny or too hard), then it is done. Keep in mind that the jam will completely set after you process it in the jars, just like if you use traditional pectin.
Wash and sterilize your jars, lids, and screw bands. The easiest way to do this is run them through the sanitize cycle in the dishwasher and remove them from the dishwasher to use when they are still hot. Place your boiling water canner on the stove to start heating up while you get the fruit ready for the jars.
Quickly ladle the orange mixture into prepared canning jars, within 1/8 inch from the tops of the jars. Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp cloth. Place canning lids and screw bands on the jars.
Process jars in boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
Remove jars from canner and place upright on a towel on the kitchen counter to cool completely. Do not disturb the jars for at least 12 hours. After jars are cool, check seals by pressing middle of lid with finger. If lid springs back the lid is not sealed. Unsealed jars can be placed in refrigerator to be eaten in the next couple weeks. Sealed jars can be stored for at least 1 year.
When you are choosing oranges and lemons for this recipe, keep in mind that you will be adding the peels of the fruits to the jam. Look for organic fruits when available. If you can't find organic fruit then make sure to wash it well. Here is an easy produce wash you can make yourself.
Some people think orange marmalade can be a little bitter, with the added orange and lemon peels. Personally, I love it. I was actually surprised that my kids like it too.
New to boiling water canning? Check out my step-by-step video based canning courses.
Copyright 2012, Creative Homemaking, LLC. This article may not be reprinted.
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IPERS needs more reform
Iowa has the largest government/private-sector pay gap in the nation. In 2008, state-government workers earned $1.48, on average, for every $1.00 earned by a private-sector worker. "Iowa has held that status not only since 1996, but has held the top spot among states for the largest Pay Gap between government workers and private-sector workers for over two decades," said Amy Frantz, Vice President for Research at Public Interest Institute in March 2011.
An important part of the government employee pay and pay gap discussion is retirement benefits. The impact of legislatively approved retirement benefits on state government budgets, the long-term budget liabilities, and the effect on taxpayers is significant.
The Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) was originally set up in 1953 and is a traditional defined benefit system. The amount an employee receives in retirement is based on "years of service, a multi-year average covered wage, and a multiplier." IPERS covers a wide range of government employees, including those working for public schools, state agencies, counties (99), cities, and townships. The majority (51 percent) are school employees. As of 2010, there were 165,660 active working members and 93,700 retired members.
Though the Legislature made changes to IPERS in 2011, the changes do not take full effect until later this year. Changes include increasing the employment time required for full vesting, a longer period of time for figuring average pay, and higher contribution amounts for both the government and the employee. The changes only apply to new hires, not those currently in the system. They are expected to increase the overall viability of the IPERS system, but problems remain.
It is important to recognize that the contributions to IPERS come from state taxes paid by private-sector workers. In Iowa, government employees make contributions to their own retirement, but the majority of the contributions come directly from the government via the taxpayers.
Currently, the state government contribution amount for most employees is 8.07 percent. The employee contribution is 5.38 percent. The maximum wage covered by IPERS as of 2010 is $245,000. A "Regular" category worker who makes $245,000 or more per year — of which there are many in Iowa's government — would have $13,181 withheld from their paychecks and deposited to IPERS. That individual would have another $19,771 contributed directly by their employer, the government, for a total of almost $33,000 per year.
The most recent report shows current funding for payable benefits at less than 80 percent of the long-term requirements. In 2010, IPERS had almost $21.5 billion in assets. Unfortunately, the liability is greater than the assets. The total unfunded actuarial liabilities (UAL) as of June 30, 2011, were $5.682 billion.
The total actuarial liability is $28.257 billion, with an actuarial value of the assets at $22.575 billion. The "actuarial" figures differ from the "cash value" figures, and are adjusted based on the various factors influencing real pension payments.
The IPERS funding ratio has been on a fairly steep downward trend for the last 10 years. From a high of 97.9 percent funded in 2000, IPERS is at a low of 79.9 percent this year. Defined benefit pension plans operate on the presumption of both additional incoming funds and growth in currently held and invested funds. The effect on the IPERS funding ratio of the 2008 recession and drop in the stock market was significant.
The 10-year average return is now only 3.98 percent, not the estimated, and needed, 7.5 percent. Some experts have recommended using an expected return rate ranging from 5.22 percent, the private-sector standard, to 4.38 percent, the return rate on a 30-year Treasury bond. Using these figures, which may be more realistic going forward, will result in significant increases in the amount of unfunded liabilities — and correspondingly, significant increases in state budgets and state contributions to make up the difference.
If additional reforms are not considered and implemented by the Iowa Legislature, IPERS will remain at significant financial risk of under-funding in the future. The amounts owed to both current and future beneficiaries must be paid by future taxpayers — the younger workers of today. And many of these future taxpayers are already finding their financial future constrained because of a lack of jobs.
As the economy continues in a "jobless" recovery, the pension plans paying out income to retirees — especially to government workers — must have significant reforms, so that the burden on future workers and taxpayers will not be onerous.
Deborah D. Thornton is a research analyst with Public Interest Institute in Mount Pleasant.


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|Home » Articles » Events
Fourth Philippine Geography Olympiad (PGO) of Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (GSUP)
The Competition aims to:
1. promote the discipline of Geography among high school students;
2. introduce Geography as a discipline that deals with the study of the earth as the home, and a possible career path where students are taught skills in analyzing geographic patterns, observed on the earth's surface, as well as understanding human-environment interaction; and
3. provide participants with a venue to share their knowledge and interests in Geography.
This Event is open to all secondary students from both public and private schools nationwide.
Participation of both public and private schools shall be subject to the no-disruption-of-classes policy as stipulated in DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2005 entitled Instituting Measures to Increase Engaged Time-on-Task and Ensuring Compliance Therewith.
The deadline for submission of registration form is on September 27, 2013. More information may be inquired from any of the following:
Ms. Darlene J. Occeña-Gutierrez, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
Telephone No.: (02) 981-8500 local 2222
Mobile Phone No.: 0917-721-7890
Ms. Jahzeel Jett Hibionada
Project Head
Philippine Geography Olympiad (PGO)
Geographic Society of the University of the Philippines (GSUP)
Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy University of the Philippines (UP)
Room 403 Faculty Center, Africa Street
UP Diliman, Quezon City
Telephone No.: (02) 981-8500 local 2222
Mobile Phone No.: 0905-867-7403
Email Address: email@example.com
Website Address: www.geog.upd.edu.ph
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Philippine-Geography-Olympiad/165158976830118
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A two-and-a-half hour long speech last week by the Egyptian President, Mohamed Morsi failed to stop Egyptians from taking to the streets. Egyptian academic Dr Solava Ibrahim, from The University of Manchester, discusses the latest crisis to afflict the country and why calls for a early presidential elections are getting louder. A practising Moslem, she is a lecturer in International development.
A failed regime
"The Mohamed Morsi regime is failing. The three key demands of the 2011 January 'revolution' in Egypt of 'bread, freedom and social justice'- have not come about. In fact, the country has moved further away from achieving these goals.
"The situation is dire: poverty has increased from 21.6% in 2008/9 to 25.2% in 2010/2011, political activists are arbitrarily arrested, and unemployment among 20-24 year-olds has reached a huge 42.7%. Power cuts, queues at petrol stations, shrinking foreign reserves, failed IMF talks, growing mistrust by investors in the Egyptian economy and increased sales tax all illustrate Egypt's deepening economic crisis.
"There is also unprecedented polarisation of Egyptian society: hate speeches by Salafi leaders as well as calls for Jihad in Syria are inciting violence against Copts and Shiites. The result is growing sectarian violence: four Shiite leaders were killed in June 2013 and the Coptic cathedral was attacked in April 2013. Police brutality, the deteriorating security in many cities and escalating violence also show how the new regime is failing to ensure stability.
What revolution?
"But actually, and more fundamentally, Egypt never had a revolution. Yes, Egyptians succeeded in overthrowing the government, but, they did not bring in a new system; instead they continue the old one. It was regime exchange rather than regime change. No profound social, political or economic reforms have been carried out.
"And since the new regime has come to power, state institutions are increasingly being infiltrated by the forces of political Islam, especially Muslim Brotherhood loyalists, regardless of their experience and expertise.
"But Morsi, it seems, can't win. His former supporters, the Islamists and the Revolutionary forces, have openly criticized him for being either too lenient in implementing Islamic law or being too repressive."
These protests are different
"Previously, the police has confronted protestors and acted as a 'guardian' of the regime. But because they sided with Mubarak– and were punished for it - they have declared their neutrality.
"Also importantly, the current regime does not have clear backing from the armed forces: recently the head of the armed forces called for the government and opposition forces to start talks immediately to reach consensus on urgent political reforms.
"Although the current mobilisation is still mainly in the urban centres and among the youth, the rural population as well as older generations - are no longer distant from the rapidly developing Egyptian political scene. Many are participating in the protests.
"The cards seem to be stacking up against Morsi and Egypt is on a knife edge. All Egyptians will wait, with baited breath, to see what happens next and if our country can be brought back from the brink."
Explore further: Egypt eyes Nile deal with Ethiopia


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By Dan Lips
Last year was the most successful year ever for state school choice initiatives. This year could be even better. Just last week, lawmakers in Georgia and Utah voted for sweeping school choice plans, and New York's new liberal governor made a pitch for private school tuition breaks.
On Wednesday, the Georgia state Senate approved a plan that would offer tuition scholarships to public school students who qualify for special education services. The plan is based on Florida's McKay Scholarship program for students with disabilities, which currently serves 17,000 students. In all, about 186,000 public school students in Georgia would be eligible for scholarships to attend a school of their parents' choice. The legislation will now go to the state's General Assembly.
Wednesday also marked an important political victory for school choice backers in the Empire State. Governor Eliot Spitzer, a Democrat, included a tax break for private schooling in his education budget proposal. Under Spitzer's plan, families whose children attend private school could claim a $1,000 tax deduction per student. The tax deduction could provide as much as $30 million annually in relief from double taxation for families that pay private school tuition and taxes to support public schools. Similar tax breaks for private school families are on the books in Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota.
Governor Spitzer's deduction would be worth, at most, a few hundred dollars per family each year. But it's noteworthy that the proposal is being advanced by a leading Democrat, since it signals philosophical support for parental choice in education.
No surprise, the usual special-interest groups aren't on board. Even though Spitzer's overall education plan calls for $7 billion in new public school spending, public education interest groups have come out in full force against the tuition tax break. David Ernst, a spokesman for the School Boards Association, warned that "It would be the camel's nose under the tent."
The most significant victory for school choice last week came in Utah, where the state House of Representatives narrowly approved a sweeping proposal to offer vouchers to all of the state' s 500,000 public school students. Under the plan, families with children in public school could receive a voucher worth between $500 and $3,000, depending on their income, for private school tuition. Current private school students would be ineligible for vouchers unless they qualify for the federal school lunch program, but all children entering kindergarten would be eligible.
School choice supporters are cautiously optimistic that the legislation will become law. The state Senate has passed similarly broad voucher plans in the past, and Governor Jon Huntsman, a Republican, is an outspoken supporter of school choice. If enacted, this would be the most significant school choice proposal ever implemented in the United States. It puts Utah on the road to true statewide school choice modeled on Nobel laureate Milton Friedman's vision of universal school vouchers.
This voucher plan is school choice opponents' worst nightmare. By 2020, all children in Utah would be eligible for vouchers to attend a public or private school of choice. State Representative Sheryl Allen, a Republican who opposes the plan, put opponents' fear best: "This is not the camel' s nose in the tent; this is the whole camel in the tent." Americans would finally see whether the sky actually falls, as the teachers unions have always claimed, when parents are empowered to choose their children's school.
The school choice initiatives in Georgia, New York, and Utah aren't the only exciting developments. Legislators across the country are looking at school choice plans. In Austin, Texas, thousands of parents rallied in favor of school choice bills being considered at the state capitol. In New Jersey, a bipartisan group of lawmakers continues to push for a school choice plan to help children escape failing inner-city schools. In Maryland, a Democratic legislator is expected to reintroduce an education tax credit bill with strong bipartisan support.
These are only a few examples of school choice efforts across the country. According to the American Legislative Exchange Council, 17 states have already filed school choice legislation this year and many more are expected to follow suit.
If this week is any indication, the year ahead could be a good one for school choice. That's good news for parents everywhere who hope to have the opportunity to send their children to the best school possible.
Dan Lips is an Education Analyst at the Heritage Foundation www.Heritage.org.


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Apple isn't to happy with the current number of songs sold on its Music Store overseas. Steve Jobs is quoted saying "In the UK, the numbers are only about 50,000 songs being sold here a week. We sell 2.5m songs a week in the US." Though with time I'm sure Apple will start seeing better numbers.
I got a brief interview with Apple's chief executive, Steve Jobs, right after Tuesday's launch of iTunes music store in the UK, France and Germany. We didn't get to use much in the final piece so, given the level of interest in the story, I thought I'd post a fuller, edited transcript of our chat here. Students of Jobs interviews - and I know there are some - will note his comments on the iPod's changing role for Apple (it's not seen as a flag-bearer for the whole Mac OS any more) and Jobs' repeated statement of admiration for Sony. Conspiracy theorists, start your engines...
NM: What's the rationale behind the pricing of music on the store?
SJ: "We want to offer a really good product at a really aggressive price. We want to be the price leader. OD2 announced a price of 75p, but it's from 75p. We looked at their store and we could only find very few songs. Most songs were at 99p.
News source: Guardian Unlimited


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Dalian Menew Food Co., Ltd.
Onsite Check
The supplier's company premises has been checked by Alibaba.com staff to ensure onsite operations exist there. A third-party verification company has confirmed the legal status of the supplier.
|Business Type:
|Manufacturer, Trading Company
|Liaoning, China (Mainland)
|Main Products:
|Canned food (mushroom,fruit,vegetable),vegetable) (Oversea sell)
|Total Employees:
|51 - 100 People
|Total Annual Revenue:
|Below US$1 Million
|Year Established:
|Top 3 Markets:
|Eastern Europe 45.00% North America 25.00% Africa 15.00%
|Product Certifications:
Experienced and established since 2006, Dalian Menew Food is a professionnal Chinese Canned Mushroom...
Experienced and established since 2006, Dalian Menew Food is a professionnal Chinese Canned Mushroom, Vegetables and Fruits manufacturer and packer. Under the blue sky and fresh air, along the clear river and beautiful mountains, our factory are born and located in Xiu Yan county, which is the major cultivating base of nameko in China. The apple and sweet corn planting base are also near around.
As a modern company specializing in canned food, we have advanced raw food material processing lines, filling operation lines and package lines. The equipments are new and semi automatic or full automatic to achieve efficient, equality, cleanliness. Also we have temperature control warehouse, loading and unloading facilities, which could ensure the content anti-freezing, the tin rustless, and the carton surface clean.
We could offer almost all kinds of canned mushrooms, both wild and cultivated, including nameko, shiitake, champignons, straw mushrooms, boletus edulis, suillus granulatus, chanterelles, as well as mixed mushroom assortment. Meanwhile our canned sweet corn and canned green peas are both star products in big volumn every year. Besides we offer other canned vegetables and canned fruit such as apple in solid pack, peach halves, snow pear, strawberry, cherry, carrot, kidney beans and so on.
We value every relationship we shared in past years with our friends from more than twenty countries, and we are always interested in finding new partners for cooperation in our business. Let's enjoy the world of canned food!
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|Western Europe
|Mid East
|Export Percentage:
|91% - 100%
|Export Mode:
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|Have Own Export License
|No. of Employees in Trade Department:
|3-5 People
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MIAMI - Child welfare officials have fired an investigator who they said forged documents about substance-abuse treatment for a mother six months before her 11-month old baby died in a sweltering car.
Catalina Bruno is accused of leaving her son Bryan Osceola, along with her purse and a can of beer, in the car outside their Miami home. The boy had a 109-degree temperature when he was found. His mother is now jailed on charges of aggravated manslaughter.
The dogs kept Local 10's Glenna Milberg from Shani Smith's door and her lawyer didn't respond to calls, a day after the Department of Children and Families fired Smith, alleging she lied in reports about the family of Bryan Osceola.
Her case months before the 11-month-old died in his mother's hot car last week.
"We found out none of the providers documented as providing these services," said DCF Secretary David Wilkins.
None of the 428 pages in Smith's DCF personnel file indicate she would lie or fudge facts.
Smith was first assigned to the family last summer, after domestic violence allegations involving Bryan's mother Catalina Bruno.
Because of that history, Smith was reassigned as the Protective Investigator last November, when Bruno was found passed out in her car in gear -- then 5-month old Bryan head down between front seats.
READ: Smith's personnel file |
On that First Investigative Summary, Smith detailed her standard operating procedure, that she, as the "CPI (child protective investigator) has referred for FIS (Family Intervention Specialist) testing and callouts."
She specifically writes, "no recommendations for services," and "FIS was conducted."
That report may never have come under scrutiny, but did last week, when Bruno apparently left her baby to die in the hot car.
"Our computer systems don't show that any of these services were ever ordered electronically or received through the computer system," said Wilkins.
Did Smith lie, asks Local 10's Glenna Milberg? Did she cover-up? And if so, why?
Smith was first hired in April 2001 as a clerk/typist, and was promoted that December as Family Services Counselor.
When DCF privatized case management in 2005, Smith left to work with one of the providers until 2010. Then, DCF rehired her in April 2011 as a Protective Investigator.
All her evaluations are satisfactory or better. In March, a supervisor wrote of her "tremendous growth" and "good leadership skills." Her file ends with Thursday's termination for falsifying records.
"She has performed over 100 investigations over the last year and so we're now going back and relooking at every one of those investigations," said Wilkins.
Copyright 2013 by Local10.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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If there is a poor person among you… you shall open your hand to him… (Devarim 15:7-8)
All Jews are like brothers, as we see from the Rambam in Hilchos Matnas Aniyim (10:2). An outgrowth of mitzvah 22 above is to provide financial assistance to fellow Jews in need. We are urged to be more careful with this mitzvah than with all others.
Giving tzedakah is equal to all other mitzvos. (Bava Basra 9a)
One should give with a smile… and also offer kind words. Persuading others to give as well is an even greater mitzvah (Hilchos Matnas Aniyim 10:13).
We are also taught that redeeming captives is a very great fulfillment of this mitzvah (ibid. 8:10).
We are taught in Mishlei, "Charity saves from death" (Mishlei 10:2). Why is this so?
– Giving tzedakah can save someone else's life. Thus, the reward is life.
– By giving tzedakah, one demonstrates that he understands that the purpose of life is to help others, as it says, "This world is built on kindness: (Tehillim 89:1). Thus, his reward is life (Rav Shimon Shkop, Preface to Shaarei Yosher).
The Gemara teaches a fringe benefit to giving tzedakah: "Give a tenth [of your income to tzedakah] so that you will become wealthy: (Taanis 9a).
Text Copyright © 2007 by Rabbi Moshe Goldberger and Torah.org.


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Deteriorating Situation in Sudan Calls for Immediate AU/UN Intervention
WEDNESDAY April 18, 2012, Nairobi, Kenya/…The International Center for Policy and Conflict (ICPC) is deeply concerned by the tension building up between the Republic of Sudan and the Republic of Southern Sudan. We note that like previous conflicts in the region, the tension is due to territorial disputes over oil-rich fields in the Heglig area, which the SPLA has forcefully occupied. The Sudanese Army regrettably resorted to indiscriminate aerial bombardments which threatens civilian lives whilst inhibiting humanitarian access.
It is now apparent that unless the international community intervenes, then the two neighbours may potentially go full blown war. This is not good for the regions and will roll back to gains made under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The two countries can also ill afford the detrimental effects of another war at a time that the wounds of previous war are yet to heal.
ICPC alarmed that despite existence of all elements of a possible war, the African Union and other regional bodies like Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (iGAD) are yet to take comprehensive steps to intervene and bring the parties back to the negotiating table. The UN Security Council has also unfortunately remained passive over this matter. We urge the AU, UN and IGAD to urgently deploy all possible political measures to bring the two independent countries to their sense.
ICPC takes this earliest opportunity to urge the AU and all concerned regional and international bodies to take a more robust action in restoring peace in the region by sending a properly mandated Force under Chapter VII of the Charter of the UN. A mere peace-keeping mission is inappropriate in the circumstances. There is need for a Force with enforcement mandate to establish a buffer zone Heglig and all disputed areas to protect civilians and all humanitarian operations until a political settlement is reached.
ICPC is of the view that we can hardly afford a withdrawn approach anymore, which insists on political settlement as lives are under threat. The sovereignty of the Sudan and South Sudan comes with concurrent responsibilities to protect lives and guarantee security. It's clear that, in the circumstances, they have failed in these respects and therefore a neutral intervening Force is inevitable. Lest we forget, such withdrawn and reluctant approach has previously led to escalation of conflicts as was the case in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo, and to some extent, Somalia.
We accordingly demand that the AU convenes its Peace and Security Council to immediately attend to the Sudan conflict before escalate to full blown war. Meanwhile, we also call upon the region's leaders to be more proactive and robustly engage the Presidents Kiir and Al-Bashir to find lasting political settlement. As these efforts unfold, restraint by both sides is encouraged.
Signed by
Ndung'u Wainaina
Executive Director


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AMPAC Radio Host: Isa Hodge
(Chief Operation, Million Muslim March on 9/11/13 at Washington DC)
We at AMPAC (American Political Action Committee) are planning a historic event for 9/11/13. One million Muslims will march to Washington D.C. and demand that our civil rights be protected by our government. We are demanding that laws be enacted protecting our 1st Amendment rights.
We are asking President Obama to fulfill his promise from his first campaign for the Presidency of a transparent government. Lastly we are asking for the establishment of a real 9/11 Commission to reveal the truth to the American people. On 9/11/01 our country was forever changed by the horrific events in New York. The entire country was victimized by the acts done on that day. Muslim and non-Muslim alike were traumatized but we as Muslims continue 12 years later to be victimized by being made the villains. To this day every media outlet and anti-Islamic organization has committed slanderous and libelous statements against us as Muslims and our religion of Islam. Yet our government either sits idly by and does nothing to protect our freedoms or it exacerbates the problem with its constant "war on terrorism" in Islamic countries, congressional hearings on Islam in America, and its changes to the NDAA law. These lies told to the American population has made it impossible for us to do true Dawa (Islamic outreach). Why do we have to defend our religion while doing Dawa? Why can't we just share the perfection of the Quran and the beauty of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SWS)? It is time for us as Muslims in America to stop being defensive and start being proactive by using our right to vote and our freedom of assemble and let our voices be heard by our country and the world. Stand with us help us fight the injustices being committed against us. Help us to wake the American citizen up to the truth and together Muslim and non-Muslim.
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Discussion in 'Social Networking Sites' started by maxsolo1212, Jul 25, 2013.
Any one got a soundcloud bot ?
HMU please
Very interested in this as well. If you find anything let me know!
whats HMU? also what are you looking for in a soundcloud bot?
HMU = Hit Me UP
LOL on my post
I'm interested as well, this would be a very great find if someone had it
I can build bots. Let me know what do you want the soundcloud bot to do?
Contact with me for soundcloud bot, skype: likhon143
I have added you on my Skype list. My id is ionutcib
Very interested! Please let me know
Can get a bot together for any one that needs it, PM / add me on Skype to see some of my work / discuss a solution, you can also check out my iTrader for references
Skype: CSharp4.5
Best soundcloud bot money can buy here
Just added reposting.
Am not aware of any feature that is not automated in this bot. If there is, let me know and I will add it.
Separate names with a comma.


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EPA to change diesel tests to thwart VW-like cheatingSeptember 25, 2015 Updated: September 25, 2015 10:18pm
Photo: Tom M. Johnson /New York Times
WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency said Friday it will launch sweeping changes to the way it tests for diesel emissions after getting duped by clandestine software in Volkswagen cars for seven years.
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AP: Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Peggy L. Bell, 55, of Sheridan, WY died Monday, July 19, 2010, in her Sheridan home after a battle with cancer.
Peggy was born August 20, 1954, in Harlem, MT to Warren & Dorothy (Birch) Adams.
She grew up and graduated from high school in Helena, MT. Peggy married Robert Bell on March 16, 1974, in Helena. They moved to Idaho and then in 1980 they came to Sheridan. Peggy worked in the bakery at Albertson's. She was a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. She enjoyed teaching young children at church. Peggy loved spending time with her children and grand children.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents.
Peggy is survived by her husband Robert of Sheridan; sons Steven, Jason and Jared (Kaycee) Bell all of Sheridan; daughter Holly (Jeff) Roush of Sheridan; and nine grandchildren Bailey, Eli, Ian, Noah, Afton, Adrian, Jackson, Autumn and Destiny.
Viewing will begin at 9:00am on Thursday (July 22nd) in the Relief Society Room until the time of the funeral service at 10:00am from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Ward #1, 2051 Colonial Drive, Sheridan, with Bishop Roger Brinkerhoff officiating. Interment will be in Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Memorials may benefit the Kelly Schreibeis Memorial Foundation for Breast Cancer Research, Box 6786, Sheridan, WY 82801.


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Photographer's Note
Another photo from Haiti, taken with my phone.
This one was taken on the way to the airport in Port-au-Prince. I was driving through several of these camps established after the 2010 earthquake. I really doubt that these will be gone in near future. It's still a city in ruins and a city in process of being rebuilt. The city itself is densely populated and quite busy compared to the dominican capital.
The country has almost no paved roads except some streets in the capital and the "highway" to the Dominican Republic. It was a special experience for a young norwegian who had never been outside developed countries.
Critiques | Translate
jhm (167752) 2014-07-02 4:48
Hello Frederik,
One year ago and everything remains a after the earthquake, the people have no money and no material.
Where remain the government with help for these people.
A nice perspective with depth and super wide image.
Excellent composition, lovely presentation.
Very well done, TFS.
Have a nice day,
Hello Frederik - an affecting picture here. The Haitian earthquake was a devastating event, but I don't think it's fully appreciated how devastating it still is, even four years later. Haiti has had a troubled and tragic history, and the earthquake has been just another in a series of man-made and natural disasters that have harmed so many. I have had several Haitian students over the years as Boston has a large Haitian population, and I know many who have lost family and friends in disasters such as this one. Still, what I like about your shot is that it shows despite the devastation, life goes on - you could take the image of this woman walking purposefully with her bags, Photoshop it onto a street in New York, and it would not seem out of place (except for the shoeless part!)
worldcitizen (10182) 2014-07-02 13:12
Hello Fredrik,
This is an excellent daily life shot from Haiti. The women are entering the frame at just the right spot, and we can see life alongside the difficult conditions. Hopefully things will start to move in a more positive direction for the Haitian people in the near future...
Photo Information
- Copyright: Fredrik Henriksen (Bergenphotos) (3046)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2013-11-07
- Categories: Daily Life
- Exposure: f/2.7
- More Photo Info: view
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2014-07-02 4:40


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Jennifer Garner has taken on an important cause — protecting her kids from paparazzi, who she thinks constantly harass them. Just the other day the actress and mom-of-three clearly had enough of being hunted down by photographers. Indeed, Garner snapped and confronted one camera-wielding paparazzo.
The New York Daily News has the pictures of Garner getting up close and personal with the paparazzo at a farmer's market in Pacific Palisades, California. Apparently he was shooting video of the star and her three kids, Violet, age 7, Seraphina , age 4, and Samuel, just 17 months when Garner lost it.
She took her own camera and put it in the man's face, attempting to turn the tables on his perceived intrusion. Unfortunately, the paparazzo looked more amused than upset by Garner's actions.
This is not the only incident that has annoyed the high profile actress. In fact, Garner is so put off by paparazzi trailing her tots, she has taken her gripes to the California State Assembly Committee on Public Safety in the hopes of changing laws surrounding photographing and filming children.
"I chose a public life. My three children are private citizens. I love my kids. They're beautiful and sweet and innocent, and I don't want a gang of shouting, arguing, lawbreaking photographers who camp out everywhere we are all day, every day, to continue traumatizing my kids," the concerned star mom testified according to the Daily News.
And as a mom-of-three, I completely understand that Mama Bear instinct. I'd jump in front of a moving car if it meant protecting my daughters, as would any mom I know. I'd also give up anything in my life if it would keep my kiddos safe — my house, my job, every possession I have.
In that spirit, I do have a suggestion for Jennifer Garner and her actor hubby Ben Affleck that will improve their situation: Move to Iowa or somewhere that paparazzi won't trail you relentlessly. You have enough money to fly to and from L.A. for meetings and filming. Problem solved!
What's the bravest thing you've ever done to protect your kids?
Photo credit: PHDLA/Splash News
3 More Things to Read:
Kim Kardashian Blames Paparazzi For Endangering the Life of her Unborn Baby
Halle Berry Wants Laws Protecting Kids From Paparazzi


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QUETTA: Lawyers in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan boycotted courts on Tuesday over the non-recovery of former advocate general Salahuddin Mengal who was abducted in early April from the provincial capital, DawnNews reported.
Lawyers in Quetta, Mastung, Khuzdar, Kalat and others areas of Balochistan observed the call to boycott courts.
Mengal was kidnapped on April 3 by unknown gunmen from Quetta's Sariab Road. He was on his way home from the Balochistan High Court when armed men stopped his vehicle at Sariab Road and kidnapped him.
Lawyers practicing in the province have been protesting against the kidnapping every now and then during the past month and a half.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Bar Association (BBA) announced that lawyers would boycott court proceedings from May 21 to May 24 in the southwestern province to register their protest against Mengal's non-recovery.
BBA's General Secretary Ataullah Lango in a statement said the lawyers' protests would intensify if Mengal was not recovered.
Another lawyers' body threatened the provincial government that if Mengal was not recovered, countrywide protests would be carried out.


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Twins tab seven prospects for Fall League squad
Twins tab seven prospects for Fall League squad
The Twins will send right-handed pitchers Kyle Gibson and Michael Tonkin, as well as left-handers Logan Darnell and Caleb Thielbar to Arizona. They will be joined by catcher Chris Hermann and outfielders Evan Bigley and Nate Roberts.
Gibson -- a first-round pick of the Twins in 2009 -- is currently with Triple-A Rochester and in his first season since coming off Tommy John surgery last November. He lost his only start with the Red Wings, giving up four runs in three innings against Buffalo on Aug. 25. He posted a 2.57 ERA in two rehab starts with Class A Fort Myers earlier this month.
The Javelinas will play their home games at Peoria Sports Complex and will be coached by Dusty Wathan, who currently manages the Reading Phillies, Philadelphia's Double-A affiliate. Prospects from the Mariners, Padres, Phillies, and Reds will join the Twins' seven players with the Javelinas.


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The land beneath the Richmond and Adelaide street off-ramps just west of the Don Valley Parkway is a mess of giant puddles and construction detritus. A pile of plastic sheeting blows past discarded wooden pallets and torrents of spring runoff spill over crumbling curbs.
A steady hum of traffic drifts down from above, while a barricade of metal fencing leans under the weight of billboards painted with a colourful, tree-filled landscape, a literal sign of what's to come.
This, a place that could have been used as a backdrop for the apocalyptic saga The Road, is where the city expects people to hang out.
Next month, construction will begin in this practically invisible pocket of land just north of Eastern Avenue. The plans for Underpass Park, a highly landscaped development directly under a pair of busy roadways, were announced last year to a barrage of hype that was fuelled mostly by disbelief.
"Toronto is so boring, its residents will attend the opening of an underpass," culture writer Rosemary Heather posted on her Twitter feed.
Located smack in the middle of the West Don Lands development, just north of the future site of the Pan Am Games athletes' village, the park will feature moveable coffee kiosks, public basketball courts and an ambitious work of public art hung from the highway itself.
It's a bold re-imagining for a town where underpasses are generally regarded as nothing more than graffiti galleries and pigeon coops. Linger too long under most Toronto roadways and you get the distinct feeling that something disgusting is going to drip onto your head, and it won't be sliding off a piece of art.
But some urban thinkers are beginning to see the spaces as the downtown's untapped natural assets, and say that beautifying them could completely change the way people move around the city.
"Toronto's got all sorts of overpasses and roadways, and I think there are places that could be really interesting if enough imagination was brought to bear," said Greg Smallenberg, the Vancouver-based landscape architect who designed Underpass Park.
In New York City, transit commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan transformed a parking lot beneath the Manhattan Bridge overpass in Brooklyn into a public park simply by painting a white border around it and laying down some grass, completely changing the neighbourhood.
"It was a quick way of showing you can transform a space in a matter of hours instead of a matter of years," she recently told Esquire magazine.
Granville Island in Vancouver is perhaps the most successful underpass development in the country; it's a bustling community, parts of which are carved out beneath the Granville Street Bridge.
Before it was developed into a public market, the False Creek area around the bridge was a polluted industrial wasteland, said Mr. Smallenberg.
"For a year and a half it was a dead zone. Everybody thought it was going to be an absolute white elephant," he said of the area's redevelopment. "Now it's elbow room only to get your fresh fruit and vegetables."
While Underpass Park is intended to be a thoroughfare rather than a destination, making it more palatable to walk from one side of the bridge to the other, it does signal a new way of thinking about the city's unused space.
The new Dufferin Street extension north of Queen Street West has created a brightly lit underpass, which serves as a pristine point of comparison to the dingy, constantly flooded sidewalks running east-west.
But by far the worst underpass is the stretch of space beneath the Gardiner Expressway.
A windy, desolate expanse that cuts the city off from its waterfront, Mr. Smallenberg calls the underpass "one of the most inhospitable pieces of road in Canada."
"I don't see the Gardiner so much as the villain," he said, "I see Lake Shore as the villain."
Waterfront Toronto is currently doing environmental assessments of four tentative plans to deal with the Gardiner, one of which, in the words of chief executive officer John Campbell, involves "tarting up" the space underneath.
But some initial steps have already been taken. This spring, the city is scraping and repainting the minty green beams on the highway's underside, while the concrete support bents have already been pressure-washed into a lighter shade of grey.
Two years ago, the city held a competition to select a piece of public art that would be installed beneath the Gardiner in front of Fort York. The winner, called Watertable, by artists Lisa Steele and Kim Tomczak, illuminates the underside of the highway with waves of light that mark the original shoreline of Lake Ontario.
"It's one of those spaces where people kept asking 'Where is it, where is it?'" said Mr. Tomczak. "Of course, they've been there many times."
Although most people move through the Gardiner underpass as quickly as possible, Ms. Steele points out that the space is becoming more valuable as the area surrounding it develops.
"It will be the front yard of thousands of people," she said. "It will just, de facto, be used."
Through their work on Watertable, the couple said they fell in love with the space, which Ms. Steele describes as dramatic, majestic and even "beautiful."
The pair said it was satisfying to create a work of art in an area that is considered uninhabitable and even dangerous.
"You want to affect some kind of change in your audience and often we don't get to see it, but we could certainly see it this time," said Ms. Steele.
A little farther to the east, near the corner of Lake Shore and Dan Leckie Way, artist Pierre Poussin created Mitosis Courtyard, a permanent piece of public art underneath the Gardiner that was commissioned for the Panorama condominium complex.
"There are a lot of areas of Toronto that are neglected and there so many great opportunities to create unique, dynamic public art work," said Mr. Poussin.
But the spaces also come with inherent challenges. Because the Gardiner underpass has long been a place of refuge for the homeless population, Mr. Poussin was encouraged to incorporate light into his work so that the condo's security guard could easily see who was hanging out there.
And both his work and Watertable were required to be fully removable to ensure that city engineers could have full access for highway maintenance and repairs. Watertable is currently in storage while the underside of the Gardiner is being painted.
But there are also psychological hurdles at play when it comes to enticing people to rethink such unappealing space.
Mr. Smallenberg insists that the air around Underpass Park will be no more polluted than any other Toronto street corner, but said that drastic landscaping and lighting measures will have to be taken before people will accept it as a place to walk at night.
The park is scheduled for completion by this fall, and its designer insists that people will be happily surprised by the result.
"It's a space that does have a lot of promise," said Mr. Smallenberg. "There's a lot of spaces that don't have any promise at all."