text:
Playing the blame game poorly
In the wake of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in December, President Obama decided to ignore the political risks and long odds of legislative success, and dove into the debate to reduce gun violence. He created a task force, led by Vice President Biden, which helped shape a detailed agenda – ahead of schedule – intended to save lives.
Obama proceeded to invest quite a bit of capital into the fight, including the issue in his inaugural address, hosting several public events, taking his message to the public and the media, and reaching out to lawmakers directly, urging them to do the right thing.
In the end, it wasn't enough. As we discussed yesterday, Republicans opposed gun reforms; Republicans lied about gun reforms; Republicans partnered with extremists against gun reforms; Republicans filibustered gun reforms; and last week, Republicans killed gun reforms.
And now the Beltway crowd is expressing its disappointment … by blaming Obama.
Maureen Dowd offered a high-profile example the over the weekend, but the meme is spreading. The New York Times has an analysis piece today, connecting the defeat of the gun bill with the president's reluctance to "twist arms." John Dickerson has a piece in Slate today on the death of the legislation and Obama's clumsy legislative prowess, though the article neglected to even mention the word "Republican" in passing.
I realize overly simplistic answers to complex questions can be unsatisfying and at times incomplete, but last week's developments were fairly straightforward: Republicans opposed new gun laws, so the legislation died. There wasn't anything the president could do about it.
This wasn't about schmoozing or arm-twisting. It had nothing to do with a movie Maureen Dowd liked or the "tone" of the White House's message. Yes, there were some red-state Democrats who balked, but it wasn't their filibuster, and even if they'd voted with the majority, it wouldn't have been enough to overcome GOP opposition.
There's no denying that the legislative outcome represents a defeat for the president – he fought for a bill that failed – but to blame him is to overlook every relevant detail of what actually happened.
Greg Sargent highlights the exasperating Green Lantern Theory of Presidential Power, that suggests a president can get his or her way simply through effective use of the office's influence.
The simple truth is that the Republican Party – and the 60 vote Senate – are the prime culprits in the killing of Toomey-Manchin. No amount of Green Lantern theorizing can obscure what happened here.
I think some of the misapplied blame is the result of mistaken institutional assumptions. As we talked about last week, many like to think the president – any president, really – is ultimately responsible for all political progress or the lack thereof. Indeed, Americans like to think of their president as the most powerful person on the planet. POTUS is the Leader of the Free World and the Commander in Chief. He's the Top Dog, the Big Cheese, the Head Honcho, the One in Charge, and the one with whom the buck stops.
So when popular legislation the president supports dies, the assumption is that it must be the president's fault – he's the leader, and if the guy in charge isn't getting what he wants, he must bear responsibility.
Except, the American system of government doesn't work this way. The president is powerful, but the office has limits – the White House doesn't give dictation to the legislative branch, and a president is not the head of the opposition party that wants to see him fail.
I'd like the folks holding Obama responsible to consider a look at the recent past. In 2009 and 2010, the White House and Congress successfully approved the Recovery Act, a health care reform law 100 years in the making, Wall Street reform, DADT repeal, student loan reform, New START ratification, credit card reforms, and food-safety reforms. Are those inclined to blame Obama for gun reform's failure prepared to argue that the president simply forgot how to twist arms in 2011? That he knew how to persuade lawmakers before, but the skill suddenly vanished?
Or is it more likely that congressional Republicans changed the game after the 2010 midterms?
I also believe there's an ongoing reluctance among many to appreciate the scope of Republican radicalization. For many, especially in media, there's an assumption that there are two major, mainstream political parties – one center-left, the other center-right – and an effective president can govern through competent bipartisan outreach.
Those assumptions are wrong. As we discussed in January, outreach doesn't work because Republicans have reached an ideological extreme unseen in modern American history. It's a quantifiable observation, not a subjective one. Even if GOP policymakers were inclined to work with Obama, they realize that they'd be punished soon after by a primary challenge – and they know this to be true because it's happened more than a few times in recent years (look up names like Crist, Specter, Bennett, Lugar, etc.).
Let's return to the thesis presented by Tom Mann and Norm Ornstein: "[W]e have no choice but to acknowledge that the core of the problem lies with the Republican Party."
The GOP has become an insurgent outlier in American politics. It is ideologically extreme; scornful of compromise; unmoved by conventional understanding of facts, evidence and science; and dismissive of the legitimacy of its political opposition.
When one party moves this far from the mainstream, it makes it nearly impossible for the political system to deal constructively with the country's challenges.
"Both sides do it" or "There is plenty of blame to go around" are the traditional refuges for an American news media intent on proving its lack of bias, while political scientists prefer generality and neutrality when discussing partisan polarization. Many self-styled bipartisan groups, in their search for common ground, propose solutions that move both sides to the center, a strategy that is simply untenable when one side is so far out of reach.
There may have been a time a president could cajole rivals, but until recent years, presidents didn't have to deal with an entire political party that, statistically speaking, is the most ideologically extreme since the dawn of the modern American party system.
On guns, the president leveraged public opinion, accepted compromises, activated his electoral operation, and remained focused on achievable, popular, mainstream goals. The Republican filibuster prevailed anyway.
The Beltway doesn't have to like this series of events, but it's what happened.


text:
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Happy New Year!
We were in perfect position (thanks to Marty!) for this BEAUTIFUL sunrise. The winter cold had long claimed these plants, but when you frame them inside the sunrise reflection they come back to life!
5 comments:
Beautiful, Robert, and they stir such memories! Plants can be as beautiful in their wanings as in the first flush of bloom.ReplyDelete
And a sunrise walk along a bayou, a marsh, a lake---there's no time like it. I can hear the little creatures waking, and smell the promise of the new day.
Robert, that is GORGEOUS! Your camera is blessed!ReplyDelete
Happy New Year to you in return...
Sheila :-)
Robert, it's so nice to see you posting again. I missed your pictures during the holidays.ReplyDelete
I love all of those, especially the last one. You are very talented, and I look forward to seeing the new year through your camera lens.
Beautiful photos...your eye for photography is wonderful!!!ReplyDelete
I hope that you and your camera are out and about, capturing all these lovely photos we enjoy.
I look forward to seeing your name pop to the top of my index, showing that you've posted another of your beautiful shots of Mississippi.
Be well and warm,

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Explosion at World Cup Viewing Venue in Nigeria, Many Reported Dead
Multiple outlets are reporting an explosion occurred at a World Cup viewing venue in Damaturu, in northeast Nigeria. A source from the General Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital told Reuters that "several pickup trucks" carrying wounded and potential casualties pulled up to the hospital following the explosion. Al Jazeera is reporting that "many" people have been killed.
The northeast region of Nigeria has been plagued by attacks from anti-Western militant group Boko Haram, the same group that abducted more than 200 girls in April. It's unclear whether the group was responsible for this attack.
And although public screenings of soccer are popular in Nigeria, police there have warned against large public gatherings, which have become targets for Islamist militant attacks, including from Boko Haram. From Al Jazeera:
Earlier this month, at least 40 people were killed when a bomb went off after a football match in the town of Mubi in Adamawa. The apparent target was fans trying to leave after the final whistle.
In May, three people were killed in a blast outside a viewing centre showing the European Champions League final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in Jos, the capital of Plateau state.
In April, suspected Boko Haram gunmen stormed a packed venue in Potiskum, in northeast Yobe state, shooting dead two people as they watched Champions League quarter-final matches.
Update: The Associated Press is reporting that the explosion was caused by a suicide bomber who drove a tricycle taxi filled with explosives into the viewing venue.
[Image via AP]


text:
Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) has named the Qoros 3 Sedan as the best 'Small Family' car of 2013 after awarding it with a maximum five-star rating in September. The Qoros 3 Sedan is the first car developed in China that received five-star ratings from Euro NCAP. The sedan logged high scores in all four areas of the Euro NCAP tests.
Its overall score of 88 percent was also the highest achieved by any vehicle tested in 2013. "The Euro NCAP result demonstrates the high level of design, engineering and production quality that we have achieved with the Qoros 3 Sedan," Volker Steinwascher, Vice Chairman of Qoros, said. He said that reaching world-class standards was their objective since the beginning.
Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, congratulated Qoros for being able to achieve the highest safety record with the Qoros 3 Sedan." The Qoros 3 Sedan scored the best result for Adult Occupant protection at 95 percent in Euro NCAP's 2013 program – thanks to its robust passenger safety cell proven to be effective in minimizing impact to passengers during front-end, side impact and pole impact collisions.
The Qoros 3 Sedan is equipped in the rear with ISOFIX child seat anchorages with top tether hooks, and a front passenger airbag disconnect switch, allowing it to score maximum points for Child Occupant protection at 87 percent in the front and side crash tests. [source: Qoros Auto]


text:
Click HERE to read the Script, look at the Score and listen to the Songs
Rock Bottom
by Craig Hawes
Pricing & Order Info.
Share this product with friends or colleagues...
Why choose this Musical?
Editable Word Doc Script available
41 speaking roles
Easily reduced to 25 speaking roles
Any number of chorus parts
CDs of Backing Tracks plus essential sound effects available
No pianist required! These 2 CDs include ALL the Backing Tracks, Incidental Music and Special Effects (105 tracks on 2 CDs) in the order you need them enabling production and direction to take place without specialist musical expertise.
CDs of Vocal Tracks available for learning the songs
NEW for 2019 Sing It! Mk. 4 version, now with...
- "Volume Control" feature
- "Minimise Window" feature
- "Lyrics Off" feature
- "Vocals Off" feature
- "Line by Line" practising feature
- "Phrase by Phrase" practising feature
A BRAND NEW product; a CD-ROM or download of all the songs called "Sing it!" is available. This CD-ROM or download can teach the songs to the children without any teacher input. Children can use it at school or at home - think of the time it will save you! Most schools use it in class on an interactive white board or in the school hall on the overhead projector to allow full cast practice. Children LOVE learning this way and the product is foolproof.
Read the "Sing it!" reviews 'The "Sing it!" products were fantastic.' The Downs School, Bristol. 'Absolutely amazing material.' Mary O'Neill-Delano, Canada. ' "Sing it!" is fantastic for us less musically inclined teachers.' The Coppice Primary, Worcestershire. 'I really appreciate the "Sing it!" component as we often use this in rehearsals.' Newborough East Primary, Victoria, Australia. 'Can I also say that your "Sing it!" CD was brilliant.' Key Stage 2 teacher, Singapore.
Dance it! Available
Another BRAND NEW product is the "Dance it!" Choreography DVD. Watch each song performed by a group of age-appropriate children in two different versions - a full speed 'Performance' version and a slowed down 'Step By Step' version with helpful narration to guide you through the dance. Introduced by Craig Hawes, the DVD is also packed with lots of handy hints for teaching dances. Absolutely no previous experience or expertise is needed.
Read the latest "Dance it!" reviews
'The "Dance it!" DVD was great.' St Hugh's Catholic Primary, Lincolnshire.
'For the first time we used the "Dance it!" DVD and found it wonderful.' Rising Starz Performing Arts, New Zealand.
'"Dance it!" videos were very useful.' Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, Hertfordshire.
'Loved having the Choreography (Dance it!) video this year. That really helped our choreographer get the kids started and when she was sick, we could still rehearse their dance moves.' The American School, Marrakesh.
'Loved the "Dance it!" that came with "Porridge" and would love similar for other productions. Makes my life so much easier.' Aria School, New Zealand.
Full Performance Piano Score available
Grade 6/7 standard, see "Script & Songs" below.
"Easy Play Songs Only" Rehearsal Piano Score available
Grade 4/5 Standard, see "Script & Songs" below.
Full Production Notes
Check out the "Production Notes" in the "Script & Songs" tab below.
No problem props
See "FREE Resources" below to download "Props" ideas; for full list of "Props" see Script sample.
Very easy to costume
Click "FREE Resources" below then scroll down to "Gallery of Costume Ideas".
Simple staging
Click "Script & Songs" below then click "Production Notes".
Age range: Key Stage 2 Production (7-11 years)
Duration: 80 minutes
NEW! Instant Scenery with our digital backdrops
A different backdrop for EVERY scene change
Supplied in both a PowerPoint presentation and as individual JPG files.
No more Scenery Painting!
Rock Bottom
" Fast paced, catchy songs and some hilarious characters ; it was destined to be a rousing success. It did not disappoint and audience members rated it 'the best show so far' after producing 20 years of large school shows. With 350+ students to cast in various choruses this musical lent itself brilliantly to our needs. The support materials were beyond our dreams and helped to make a quality show with very little extra work required by our teachers when it came to chorus choreography and song rehearsal. Searching the site for another one for our next show. Thanks, Musicline!"Jane Lacey, Overport PS, Frankston Sth, Victoria, Australia
Rock Bottom
"Hilarious fun. Adults and kids alike enjoyed the puns. Play had a cast of 160 kids with speaking and non-speaking roles. The Director added some unique South African fun to the play which resonated well with the audience. The play was a blast from beginning to end. Looking forward to the next production. "Al Reddy, Hillcrest Prmary, Hillcrest, Durban
Rock Bottom
"This is the fourth Craig Hawes we've done and we weren't disappointed. Had 62 Y5/6 pupils and the show was amazing. Songs were brilliant, the Dance-It really helped and the audience said it was the best yet. Such fun to put on. Make sure you get three really funny children as the three amigos - they'll need to perfect their rubbish Mexican accents but it's better if they're not good! Best line... 'Yabba, dabba'..."Don't" Amigo's hold the whole thing together and are fab parts. We had a boy play the baddie Lady - this was a great decision but make sure they're happy to fulfil the role to its fullest! Thank you Craig - what would Christmas be without your shows? Love them!"Paula Ketcher-Murrell, Newton Primary School, Swansea
Rock Bottom
"Great fun for us (audience members, uncle and aunt of cast members)! Lots of jokes to make grown-ups guffaw as well as the kids, some neatly written songs, and a fast pace to make sure even tired adults don't fall asleep. Lovely to see all the kids, whatever their background and personality, able to participate and have fun and enjoy being part of a big team effort. Well done everyone! :)"Rob Ainsley, Audience member, Harrogate
Rock Bottom
"Another brilliant show from Craig Hawes! Our Year 5 and 6 had a blast putting this together and we even managed to extend the script to nearly 65 speaking parts by having 2 sets of Eggheads and 9 Time keepers! I think the songs are some of the best yet being both catchy and clever! As usual the script is fast moving and jam- packed with truly terrible puns! Thank you ."Hannah Mann, Whiteley Primary School, Fareham, Hampshire
Rock Bottom
"You'd be mad not to buy this - yet another hilarious hit from Craig Hawes. It's a laugh-a-minute show, with jokes for all ages strewn in cleverly along the way. The songs are catchy and easy to pick up; you'll be singing them for weeks afterwards! Our Year 3 & 4 children had a fantastic time rehearsing and performing this super show and they (and their audiences) will remember it for years to come. Fred Flinstone eat your heart out!"Laura Mitchell, Oak Farm Junior School, Hillingdon
Rock Bottom
"We absolutely loved this show. The most fun we've ever had rehearsing. Went down a storm with children and parents and the songs are so catchy that the whole school are singing them! Well done Craig Hawes another smash hit. Thank you!!"Miss E Holloway, Margaret Roper RC Primary School, Purley, Surrey
Rock Bottom
"We performed this hilarious production with all our KS2 children and it was a huge success! We split the show into two halves with an interval, which worked perfectly. Children and adults loved the humour and the Stone Age theme, and the songs are just superb! Rock Bottom really rocks!"Pete Delafield, St. Luke's Primary, Shireoaks
Rock Bottom
"Our Year 5s had a blast with this show. Such a clever, funny, fast-moving script, brilliantly catchy songs and so easy to costume! Great fun from beginning to end - I think this is my new favourite Craig Hawes show!"Jessica Chambers, Sparken Hill Academy, Worksop


text:
Hollywood A-lister Mark Wahlberg is seeking a pardon from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for crimes he committed in 1988 as a minor.
The star of the upcoming film The Gambler, filed an application regarding several incidents in his youth.
In his application to the Board of Pardons, Wahlberg describes what he calls "the essential facts" of his conviction.
"Rather than ignore or deny my troubled past, I have used the public spotlight to speak openly about the mistakes I made as a teenager so that others do not make those mistakes," he wrote.
At 16 years-old, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Wahlberg attempted to steal two cases of alcohol from a Vietnamese man outside of a Boston-area convenience store.
A Suffolk Superior Court sentencing memorandum states that Wahlberg shouted racial slurs at the man, and another man he encountered during the incident.
He reportedly hit both men in the head with a wooden stick during his escape, reports Boston.com.
Wahlberg was eventually arrested with a small amount of marijuana in his pocket, convicted, and spent 45 days in jail.
He acknowledged the facts of the case in his application and stated, "the trial judge found me guilty of these two criminal contempt counts."
He continued:
The charges were based on the fact that I violated a civil injunction that I agreed to have entered against me when I was 15 years old.
I have not engaged in philanthropic efforts in order to make people forget about my past
To the contrary, I want people to remember my past so that I can serve as an example of how lives can be turned around and how people can be redeemed.
In order for Wahlberg to receive a pardon, the Massachusetts Parole Board will have to review his case.
The board will make a recommendation to the governor, who will determine the outcome of the application.


text:
Tuesday, 1 July 2014
Uglyworld #2351 - What The Hells Happenereds - (Project On The Go - Image 182-365)
Project "On The Go" - Image 182/365
Oh my gods, what the hells happenereds here?
Baz, comes quick, I thinks the Rilakkumas has escapereds, I just findereds all of their temporaries houses all likes this, honests, nothings to do withs me, at alls!
Todays steps = 11,274
The 2014 grand total = 1,044,167
From the Uglydoll blog at blog.adventuresinuglyworld.com/
And on Twitter at - @uglyadventures
On Google at - plus.google.com/110890957394686361214/posts
Posted by Unknown at 09:54
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
These days, we can generally get a variety of fruits and vegetables year-round due to long distance shipping and air freight. But buying produce out of season never quite tastes as good, and there is growing environmental concern over the energy used to get that food to us in the dead of winter. For all of these reasons, I try to use fruits and vegetables IN SEASON. Canned and frozen fruits can be a good substitute, especially since they are often picked at peak season before they go into a can or a freezer.
Which fruits are good canned or frozen, and which ones should we just wait to have them fresh? Are there special steps to take before baking with frozen or canned fruits that is different from using fresh? Here is a guide to baking with canned or frozen fruits:
Blueberries - Blueberries are available frozen all year round. They are also available canned, but often the canned ones come in a sweetened syrup. For pies, muffins, breads, and pancakes, I recommend using frozen berries. Spread them out on a paper towel and let them thaw, then use in the recipe as if they were fresh. If popping them into breads and muffins, you often don't even have to thaw them - follow your particular recipe. Canned blueberries (if you can find them in just water) should be rinsed and spread on paper towels to dry before using. I do not like how mushy the canned ones are, so I would only recommend them for items where the filling is all going to mush together like a jam anyway (blueberry bars, etc.) I do not use canned berries for any baked item where I want to see the individual berries (i.e. muffins).
Strawberries - Strawberries are available frozen. They get mushy after they've been frozen, so use them in things where they can be made into a syrup or a jam-like layer in bars and coffee cakes. The other great use for strawberries is to cut or mash them, macerate them in sugar, then puree them. Use this puree in strawberry cakes, cupcakes or buttercreams: Strawberry Butter Cake
Raspberries - Raspberries are widely available frozen. Since they tend to be mushy after freezing, you won't be able to use them as a lovely garnish on cakes, but you can still make them into a filling for bars, cakes, pastries, or to be mixed into frostings. For frosting and cake filling, I actually prefer to use a jar of good-quality seedless raspberry JAM instead. Make sure to get SEEDLESS.
Cherries - Sour cherries (the ones that give cherry pie its signature tartness) are rarely available in my area, even during their brief season. And since I have not found sour cherries frozen in my area, I am always forced to use canned. OreGon brand water-packed tart cherries make a good pie, just drain them and then make the filling according to your recipe. Dark Sweet cherries are widely available frozen, and these are great for baking as well. They are sweet, not tart like sour cherries. You don't always have to thaw them before using, but follow the specific instructions according to the recipe. (For example, if you are making a pie, they will thaw during the macerating phase, so you don't need to pre-thaw them.)
Squash/Pumpkin - You can cook your own and freeze it for later use, but to be honest, I love using canned pumpkin and canned squash. (NOT pumpkin pie filling in a can, but just plain cooked pumpkin or squash). Although it is not difficult to cook them yourself (and it does add a layer of flavor, especially if you roast the squash), canned has several benefits: First, you can always have a can on hand, just sitting in your cupboard, ready any time to make breads, cakes, muffins and pies. Second, it cuts down a lot on your prep time. Cooking pumpkin/squash may not be difficult, but it takes time. It usually adds a good hour on to your prep time. I do cook some pumpkin each year when the sugar pumpkins are in season, but on the whole this is one time when the difference in flavor is not dramatic enough for me to feel guilty about using canned most of the time.
Bananas - You may find bananas frozen, or you can freeze ripe ones yourself.I love to keep some frozen bananas on hand because it is hard to get ripe ones at the store. To freeze them, just peel the bananas and wrap in air-tight bags or a double layer of plastic wrap. Bananas do turn brown, but for Banana bread, muffins or cake this is fine. When you are ready to bake, just thaw and mash the bananas and use according to your recipe. Generally, three small bananas is about 1 cup when mashed.
Lemons / Limes - You can generally find lemons and limes year-round in your grocery store. But if not, a good substitute can be a jar of good-quality Lemon Curd (available in the jam aisle) for making tarts or filled pastries. If your recipe just calls for the juice, bottled lemon and key lime juice is available (usually in the juice or drink-mix aisle).
Apple Butter / Apple Jam - I am lucky enough to have a couple of family members who like to make jams and apple butters. This year I made a delicious apple butter cake with a jar of homemade apple butter. Apples are widely available raw year-round, but you may find the quality and selection is not good off-season. So using Apple Butter, Apple Jam, or Homemade Apple Sauce may be a better choice druing the winter, depending on what you are baking.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Banana Muffins
These muffins are based on my mother's old Banana Bread recipe, with a couple of very minor alterations. (I have to say that because my mother will point it out when she reads this).
2 Cups Flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup Butter
3/4 cup Sugar
1/4 cup Sour Milk* or Buttermilk
2 Eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 large or 3 small Bananas, mashed (you want to end up with about 1 Cup mashed banana)
Optional: 1/2 Cup nuts (walnuts work well for this)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line the muffin tins with cupcake papers (or spray with non-stick spray)
Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl. Set aside.
Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until fluffy. Add the eggs and mix in. Add the buttermilk (or sour milk) and vanilla. Add the mashed bananas last (and nuts if using), stirring them in by hand until well-mixed.
Drop into the muffin cups (I use an ice-cream scoop) filling each cup only about halfway.
Bake for 20-24 minutes, until the tops spring back when gently poked with a finger.
*Sour Milk - Sour milk is often found in old recipes and can be used in place of buttermilk. To make sour milk, use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar for each cup of sour milk needed. Just pour the vinegar into a measuring cup, add the milk, then stir and let sit five minutes. It will sour and slightly thicken the milk. For this recipe I used slightly less than 1 teaspoon of vinegar to make the 1/4 cup sour milk required.
Baker's Calendar
I love any excuse to bake, so I have what I fondly call my "Baker's Calendar." This list reminds me of the various holidays, change of seasons, and events coming up. If you're like me, you can use these events as an excuse to try out new recipes and dig up old favorites. Obviously any old weekday can also be a baking day, but these allow you to bake with a THEME in mind! :)
My baking calendar goes like this:
New Year's
Valentine's Day
Mardi Gras
St. Patrick's Day
Maple Tapping Season
Easter/Start of Spring
Cinco de Mayo
Mother's Day
Start of Summer
Father's Day
Fourth of July
Kids' birthdays (mine happen to be summer babies)
End of Summer
Back to School
Autumn / Apple and Pumpkin season
Gingerbread House Season
Christmas / Hanukkah
My baking calendar goes like this:
New Year's
Valentine's Day
Mardi Gras
St. Patrick's Day
Maple Tapping Season
Easter/Start of Spring
Cinco de Mayo
Mother's Day
Start of Summer
Father's Day
Fourth of July
Kids' birthdays (mine happen to be summer babies)
End of Summer
Back to School
Autumn / Apple and Pumpkin season
Gingerbread House Season
Christmas / Hanukkah
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Easy Valentine's Day Treats
If you are looking for sweets for your sweetie, but you don't want to get into complicated decorating, here are some treats that look lovely and are pretty easy to make (links or instructions are below each picture):
Nutella Hearts: This one is so simple it doesn't need its own recipe.
Take your favorite sugar cookie dough, roll it out and cut into hearts.
Bake as directed and spread Nutella over one heart, then top with another heart.
Take your favorite sugar cookie dough, roll it out and cut into hearts.
Bake as directed and spread Nutella over one heart, then top with another heart.
Jam Hearts: Same as above, just use good quality seedless jam instead of Nutella.
I like to cut a little "Window" out of half of the hearts (the ones that will go on top)
so the jam shows through like a Linzer cookie. Then dust with powdered sugar.
I like to cut a little "Window" out of half of the hearts (the ones that will go on top)
so the jam shows through like a Linzer cookie. Then dust with powdered sugar.
"Pink Lady" Cupcakes: Using the Strawberry Butter Cake recipe,make into cupcakes and frost with Whipped Strawberry Buttercream
Red and White Swirl Cupcakes: Make your favorite cupcake recipe and white frosting (I used Whipped Butter Rum Frosting for this - it is tasty and sophisticated).
Get a pastry bag and paint 3-4 stripes of red food coloring inside the bag (from the tip outward). Then fill the pastry bag with the white frosting and choose any decorator tip you like. Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes and it will come out with both red and white swirls. Top with store-bought heart candies.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Valentine Heart Cookies
There are so many different things you can do with heart cookies for Valentine's day.
Whether you are looking for a very basic cookie or more complex decorations,
here are some ideas for heart cookies:
My favorite thing to do is make some Sarcastic Valentines:
This is actually a Chocolate Rolled Cookie recipe. To do this design, roll out colored fondant and cut it with a heart shaped cookie cutter. Apply it by brushing a thin layer of Karo syrup onto the cookie and gently press the fondant on, then write the words with a food marker or by hand-painting them on with dark pink food gel.
An easy idea is to make these Nutella sandwich hearts. Use your favorite Rolled Sugar Cookie recipe (a good one I like to use is Cake Central's No Fail Sugar Cookies recipe) and cut into hearts. When cooled, spread a small amount of Nutella on one cookie and cover it with another cookie. Done.
These hearts are decorated with Red and White Royal Icing. Royal Icing gives you a lovely smooth finish and dries hard so cookies are stackable. However, you definitely sacrifice some taste for looks here - Royal Icing is not the most tasty icing around.
These jam hearts are delicious and look like a pretty linzer cookie. Just roll out dough and cut it into heart shapes, using a smaller cutter to make "windows" in half of the cookies. When they are cooled, spread a little bit of your favorite jam on a cookie (I like a seedless Raspberry jam for this) and then cover with the top cookie (the one with the window in it). When you have done all the cookies, dust them with powdered sugar.
These hearts are made using the recipe for Chocolate Rolled Cookies
Then they are decorated using a Glace Icing which tastes better than royal icing and dries smooth with a nice sheen to it. The downside is that this icing usually takes a FULL day to dry, so plan ahead if you want to use it.
These chocolate hearts are decorated with fondant. You can buy embossing sheets with various patterns on them at your local cake decorating store or online. After rolling out the fondant, imprint it with the embossing sheet (follow instructions on the package, but with most embossing sheets you dust the sheet with cornstarch and then just press the plastic sheet onto the fondant, pressing it in with your hand or a rolling pin). Then cut out hearts from the patterned fondant with a heart cookie cutter that is slightly smaller than your cookie. Apply by brushing on a thin layer of Karo syrup onto the cookie and then smoothing the fondant piece on. The flowers above are also made from fondant put into a flower mold.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Host a Kid-friendly Mardi Gras Party!
Although I've visited New Orleans a few times, it was never during Mardi Gras. However, I loved the food and the music so much, that I wanted an excuse to enjoy it here in New England, far far away from NOLA. So I thought, why not use this fabulous "holiday" as a great party theme? Since I am a mom, I decided to do a Kid-friendly version of a Mardi Gras Party. Kids have a blast with this theme - they get to try new foods, hear fun new kinds of music, and make masks. Here are some ideas if you'd like to host your own Kiddie Mardi Gras Party:
1) Buy cardboard masks at your local craft store, along with glitter and feathers for the kids to decorate their own masks. This gives them something fun to wear and a cool keepsake to take home.
2) Serve New Orleans foods: Make a pot of Jambalaya ahead of time and then put it in a crock pot to stay warm. Kids may not like Jambalaya, so for them you could serve popcorn chicken bites and call them "Alligator bites." One thing kids will be sure to love is the sweet stuff: King Cake and Pralines can be made the day before, and Beignets can be made during (or right before) the party. For drinks, I serve Cafe au Lait made with Chicory Coffee for the adults and mock Mint Juleps for the kids (made with iced tea and mint). Here are some great recipes to get you started:
Mock Mint Juleps: Make a pitcher of unsweetened iced tea. Then, in another empty pitcher or a large bowl, place 1/3 cup sugar and a handful of mint sprigs. "Muddle" the mint and sugar together to release the mint flavor a bit. Pour the iced tea over the sugar/mint mixture, then stir. Add more sugar if you'd like, then store it in the fridge. The mint flavor will strengthen as it sits. Garnish each glass with a little sprig of mint when you serve it.
Next, it's time for a PARADE:
Choose some great Mardi Gras Music: We put some Zydeco or Preservation Hall Jazz Band on the stereo and have a "parade" through the house. The adults can give out beads or Moon Pies as the kids go by. It's kind of silly, but the kids have so much fun!
Then, dance dance dance!
1) Buy cardboard masks at your local craft store, along with glitter and feathers for the kids to decorate their own masks. This gives them something fun to wear and a cool keepsake to take home.
2) Serve New Orleans foods: Make a pot of Jambalaya ahead of time and then put it in a crock pot to stay warm. Kids may not like Jambalaya, so for them you could serve popcorn chicken bites and call them "Alligator bites." One thing kids will be sure to love is the sweet stuff: King Cake and Pralines can be made the day before, and Beignets can be made during (or right before) the party. For drinks, I serve Cafe au Lait made with Chicory Coffee for the adults and mock Mint Juleps for the kids (made with iced tea and mint). Here are some great recipes to get you started:
I also love Pecan Pralines and they are surprisingly easy to make. Here is a great recipe I use:
Paula Deen's Pecan Pralines
Paula Deen's Pecan Pralines
For Jambalaya and other authentic Deep South recipes, a great source is Deep South Dish
For New Orleans-style Cafe au Lait (Coffee with Chicory) I order from Cafe du Monde. You can also get beignet mix from them if you do not want to make them from scratch. Some specialty stores in your area may actually carry these products so you don't need to order online and pay shipping.
Mock Mint Juleps: Make a pitcher of unsweetened iced tea. Then, in another empty pitcher or a large bowl, place 1/3 cup sugar and a handful of mint sprigs. "Muddle" the mint and sugar together to release the mint flavor a bit. Pour the iced tea over the sugar/mint mixture, then stir. Add more sugar if you'd like, then store it in the fridge. The mint flavor will strengthen as it sits. Garnish each glass with a little sprig of mint when you serve it.
Next, it's time for a PARADE:
Choose some great Mardi Gras Music: We put some Zydeco or Preservation Hall Jazz Band on the stereo and have a "parade" through the house. The adults can give out beads or Moon Pies as the kids go by. It's kind of silly, but the kids have so much fun!
Then, dance dance dance!
How to Make a King Cake
King Cake is actually not a cake at all. The only way to describe it for those who haven't had one is that it is kind of like a giant cinnamon roll shaped in a ring and covered with icing and sugars in the mardi gras colors - purple, green and gold. It is the food most associated with Mardi Gras. There is a wonderful history behind the King Cake, which is summarized nicely by Nola.com here: Brief history of the King Cake
Traditionally there is a little baby hidden within the cake. The person who gets the baby has to buy the next cake or some say, host next year's party. Getting the baby is also supposed to be lucky. If you want to put a baby in your cake, you can buy little plastic or ceramic ones at most party stores or online. (Ceramic can be baked in, plastic ones should be inserted through the bottom of the cake after it is baked).
This King Cake Recipe supposedly comes from the famous Bakery Haydel's in New Orleans, which is known for being one of the top King Cake bakeries. I cannot swear that it is in fact Haydel's recipe, but it is good!
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
½ cup all purpose shortening
4 cups all purpose flour
2 lg. eggs
1 cup milk (room temperature)
2 sm. packs active dry yeast
¼ tsp lemon flavor
¼ tsp orange flavor
¼ tsp vanilla flavor
¼ tsp butter flavor
½ cup canola oil
½ cup cinnamon sugar
In a mixer at first speed combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar, salt, and shortening until well creamed:
Add eggs and continue to cream. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the milk and add the flavors. Once dissolved add to creamed mixture and continue to mix. Switch to your dough hook attachment and add flour and mix until dough tightens:
Remove from mixer and kneed into a ball. Place the ball in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rest in a warm place for 1½ hours.
(While the dough is resting you can mix your colored sugars if you are making them instead of using pre-colored sugars - See below for directions).
When dough has rested roll out into an oblong piece. Brush on canola oil covering the entire piece:
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar liberally over the whole piece.
Once the dough is covered with the cinnamon sugar and oil, fold it in half lengthwise:
Cut into 3 strips and braid the dough.
Gently roll the dough, (kind of smooshing it into itself) by starting at one end and working all the way down to the other end:
This long piece can then be shaped into a ring like this:
Once shaped place on a baking pan covered with piece of parchment.
Place in a warm area covered with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rest again until it doubles in size.
You can sprinkle the sugars directly onto the dough before baking, or you can bake it first and then top with the icing and sugars. Make sure to alternate the three colors.
Bake at 370 degrees F for 12-15 minutes until dough is golden brown.
Laissez les bon temps rouler!
How to Make your own Colored Sugar:
3 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp purple food color (try 2 drops red to one drop blue and adjust as needed)
1 tsp yellow food color
1 tsp green food color
Note: liquid colors work best for this, not professional paste colors.
Start by taking one cup of sugar and your yellow food coloring.
Mix by hand with a wire wisk in a metal bowl until the sugar turns yellow.
Pour you yellow sugar into a separate bowl and put off to the side.
Repeat this process mixing green then purple. (By doing them in that order you only dirty one mixingbowl)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Moist White Cake
Delicate white cake is one of the most popular cakes, but it can be hard to find a recipe that is both light and moist. Sour cream keeps this white cake moist, while beating the egg whites and then gently folding them into the batter keeps the texture light and delicate. This recipe is so versatile - you can use the standard Vanilla extract, or vary the flavor by using other extracts like Almond or Anise (see notes below). This white cake would work well as the base for a Lady Baltimore Cake.
3 1/2 Cups Sifted Cake Flour
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
2 Cups Sugar
1 Cup Unsalted Butter (at room temperature)
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract*
7 Egg Whites
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two 9" round pans with parchment paper, or use paper cupcake liners to make cupcakes. (This recipe makes 34-36 cupcakes)
Put all dry ingredients (Flour, Baking Powder, Salt and Sugar) together in the bowl of an electric mixer. Turn the mixer on low and mix the dry ingredients until they are well blended (If using a KitchenAid mixer, use the paddle attachment).
Add the butter into the flour mixture in small chunks, along with the milk. (It is very important that your butter is soft at room temperature or it will not get incorporated with the flour properly). Mix on low until moistened and then turn the mixer up to medium. Beat for 60 seconds to aerate.
Add the sour cream and vanilla into the batter, mixing for only about 20 seconds to blend it in.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks (Don't beat them until they are dry, though - you want the egg whites to be thick and stiff but still moist and glossy-looking).
Gently fold the egg whites into the batter, using large slow strokes by hand. You will see streaks of egg white in the batter, that's okay, you don't want to overmix it.
Pour into pans and smooth the batter with the spoon to spread it evenly in the pan. OR if making cupcakes, use a standard ice-cream scoop to measure and dispense the batter into the cups. I find that one level scoop is the right size for a perfect cupcake, each cup no more than half full.
Bake 18-20 minutes for cupcakes
25-30 minutes for three small layers (6" or 8")
30-35 minutes for two medium layers (9" or 10")
40-45 minutes for one large layer (12")
***Bake just until the cakes spring back to the touch or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This cake will not brown a lot, only slightly at the edges. So don't wait for it to brown or it may be overdone.
*If using other flavored extracts, follow this chart:
Almond extract = 1 teaspoon
Anise Extract = 1/2 teaspoon
Rum Extract = 1 teaspoon
Lemon or Orange Extract = 1 teaspoon (also add 1 Tablespoon zest if possible)
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
While Pesach cleaning, I found a whole bunch of questions that were sent in at some point that I somehow haven't gotten to. So I'm going to address them now, in the hopes that doing so will get me out of Pesach cleaning.
Dear Mordechai,
I think my neighbors are beginning to outnumber me. To be honest, I'm afraid they're going to join forces with my enemies and defeat me. I don't even remember how these people got here. Seriously. I don't remember anything. I might be hundreds of years old. What do I do?
Pharaohnoid, Pajamas
Dear Pharaohnoid,
Well, if they do outnumber you, my advice is that you probably shouldn't get on their bad side. Maybe you should ask your advisers what to do, and by "advisers," I mean ones who think for themselves and challenge you and ask questions like, "If you're a god, why do you need advisers?"
Dear Mordechai,
I've been working at a dead-end job for some time now. This organization is ridiculous. They give the women men's work, such as opening containers of cement, and they give the men women's work, such as telling the women where to lug the containers of cement. And it's not just gender flipping. We have big strong jocks designing buildings on quicksand, and weak, nerdy Jewish guys such as myself putting everything up crooked. That said, my fellow slaves and I have a disagreement: Some of us say that we should be lifting with our legs, and others say that, if anything, we should be lifting with our arms. Maybe this work wouldn't be so back-breaking if we had any idea what we were doing.
Swamped, Sand Dunes
Dear Swamped,
I know what you mean about the role-reversal thing. Sometimes my wife and her friends say, "If men would only have babies…"
And they just have one at a time.
Dear Mordechai,
My weirdo astrologers tell me that a redeemer will soon be born who will lead out the slaves. But they don't know if he's going to be Jewish, or Egyptian, or secretly Jewish but raised by Egyptians. Why do I pay these guys?
Skeptical, Rooftop
Dear Skeptical,
I say you ignore them. Think about it: If you kill all the baby boys, then this "redeemer" won't grow up to lead the slaves, and your astronomers won't have seen that he'll lead the slaves, and they won't have told you, and you won't have killed the boys, and he would have grown up to lead the slaves. So your plan is flawed from the get-go. And thinking about this further will only give you a headache.
Also, remember that your entire problem is that the Jews are living among you, and you're afraid they'll join forces with your enemies. Isn't having someone lead them out what you actually want?
Dear Mordechai,
My daughter brought home a baby the other day. She says she found him. Is this something I should be concerned about? Also, one of her arms is suddenly way longer than the other. That can't be good for shidduchim.
Sudden Zaidy, Shock
Dear Sudden,
Not since you've been throwing boys into the river, no. Talk about creating a shidduch crisis.
Dear Mordechai,
My grandson was sitting on my lap, and he pulled off my crown and put it on his head. Should I have him killed, or what?
Balding, Public
Dear Balding,
Here's what you do: First you put two bowls in front of him, and then you get over it! Kids walk around in their parents' hats all the time. I keep a pile of old hats for just that reason. Do you have any old crowns lying around? Like maybe one from your bar mitzvah?
See, this is why no one really wants to come to your birthday parties.
Dear Mordechai,
A burning bush just told me to talk to Pharaoh, but I have a speech impediment, due to an insane incident which boiled down to my grandfather and all of his advisers vs. a two-year-old. I spent seven days trying to dissuade the bush, and, long story short, I'm going. Any advice?
Nervous Speaker, Midian
Dear Nervous,
Well, you can just speak softly and carry a big stick. Do you have any older brothers you can bring along with you?
Alternatively, you can write Pharaoh a stern letter:
"Dear Pharaoh,
Let my people go.
Love, Moshe.
P.S. Please note the enclosed snake. It used to be a stick."
Dear Mordechai,
My slave-driving boss just told us that from now on, we have to make our own cement. My question is this: How on earth do you make cement?
Perplexed, Deep Quicksand
Dear Perplexed,
Beats me. I think you need apples, nuts, and wine.
I always just get a box in the mail.
Dear Mordechai.
As a god, I visit the Nile every morning for reasons that are none of your business, and this morning, while I was, um, conducting business, the entire river turned blood-red. Should I see a doctor?
In Da-Nile
Dear In,
What are you going to tell the doctor? That you're a god with medical issues? That the entire week of all your fellow countrymen scrambling around for something clean to drink is your fault?
This is why it's not healthy to conduct business with the Nile only once a day.
Dear Mordechai,
I feel like I have a frog in my throat. Can you recommend a good way to get rid of it? I tried hot tea with lemon, but that just made the frog angry.
Ribbit, Ribbit
Dear Ribbit,
Well, frogs like eating flies. You can swallow a fly. On the other hand, if you feed the frog, it might decide to stay.
So my advice is that you swallow something that might actually eat a frog. What eats frogs? Maybe a hawk. And then a cat to eat the hawk. And then a dog. And so on.
If that's too hard to swallow, we can try figuring out what else eats frogs. How about a snake?
Dear Mordechai,
Can you recommend a good way to get rid of lice? It's all over the kingdom. I can't believe these magicians can reincarnate dead cats, but they can't conjure up a decent lice shampoo.
Itchy, Everywhere
Dear Itchy,
I actually don't know what to do about lice. We've never had any, baruch Hashem. (I know, I know: "Who's Hashem?")
My kids' yeshiva has nit checks every year, and they charge for it, because making sure the entire student body doesn't contract vermin is somehow a bonus service that doesn't fall under regular tuition. But they do this two days before school starts, so I'm not sure what we're supposed to do if they find lice. Maybe we have two days to find a new school that allows it.
But thanks anyway for sending me this question, in an envelope that I'm afraid to touch.
Dear Mordechai,
I brought my animals into my house for the plague of hail, and, fortunately, none of them died. But they're getting into everything. Why on earth do I have so many animals? Do I need them to plow my field? I have Jews for that.
Squashed, Pigsty
Dear Squashed,
Maybe tie them to your bed. That way, they won't get all over the house, and your only real issue will be falling asleep at night.
Dear Mordechai,
My entire town just got hit by a major blackout. Was it something I did? What should I do? What did our forefathers do before light was invented? Do you know where I can buy yahrtzeit candles? Should I eat everything in the freezer? I did, and now I can't move. Literally. All I can do is stand here and think of questions. What was that noise? I feel like I'm in the dark.
Pondering, Exact Location Unknown
Dear Pondering,
I'd send you some answers, but I don't know how you're planning to read them.
Dear Mordechai,
Our slaves just left. What do we do? We haven't done a thing for ourselves in 210 years.
Starving, Exact Location Unknown
Dear Starving,
Actually, I hear the astrologers might be looking for work.
"Really? You can't predict that if we enslave the Jews, we're going to be hit by ten plagues? Can you predict that I'm going to fire you?"
Maybe you should take out an ad:
"SLAVES WANTED: Powerful nation seeks several "can-do" individuals for intense manual labor, including busy work, heavy-lifting, cleaning, and filing tax returns. Some experience preferred. No salary, so must be able to obtain college credit. Must have own cement.
But I wouldn't suggest running this ad in the Jewish Press.
Got a question for "You're Asking Me?" No? Well, maybe you'll find it while Pesach cleaning.
Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor columnist for Hamodia and is the author of six books, published by Israel Book Shop. He also does freelance writing for hire. You can send any questions, comments, or ideas to firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
Pa Fajana, solid and gregarious, was a kind and jolly person.
Like the evil that men do, the good also live after them. So it is with the elementary school teacher who made the greatest impact on me and whose corporeal bastinado, once inflicted on the soles of my feet, I shall never forget. That story is told anon.
Keen to know him?
Please come with me as I introduce the late Chief Festus Olorunsola Fajana, through the eyes of his erstwhile bosses. Of him, Chief J.B.C Adetola, his Headmaster at St Paul's Anglican School, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, wrote "Festus, a very loving student of mine who became one of my very loving and amiable friends. He was loyal, dedicated, trustworthy and honest; Papa A.A Abiodun, the unforgettable Headmaster of Emmanuel senior primary school, Ado Ekiti , never known to spare the rod wrote: "Festus Fajana until last year December was a pupil of Emmanuel primary school, Ado Ekiti, under me.
He was the school senior prefect a post always entrusted to the most reliable boy…". His Principal, and later, Regional Minister , Chief J.E. Babatola said: "Festus Fajana attended the Ekiti Divisional Training Teacher College Ikere Ekiti, when I was the Principal. He was a stolid character and a kind- hearted man who won the confidence of both staff and students. As a result of his remarkable display of good sense I made him the College Senior Prefect in his final year and he discharged the duties of the office creditably'. That was not all, as Prince Owolabi, my own Headmaster at the United School, Are-Afao, Ekiti, where Pa Fajana taught me, and who would later become the Oluyin of Iyin -Ekiti wrote: "Mr. F.O Fajana had been a teacher, trained and certificated, under me for a period of one year. He is honest and diligent" but the following must be the icing on the cake: J.A Adeokun, his Headmaster at St Louis Anglican School, Ikere-Ekiti, wrote on 22nd November 1961: "He is reputed to combine certain evident qualities like a keen sense of diligence, honesty and tact; he is ambitious and dynamic, a real leader: responsible and cultured; but to be moderate in the issue of this recommendation, one should be constrained to leave the applicant for a further character study to prove the veracity of my honest recommendation."
As to the veracity of his recommendation, Pa Adedokun can rest easy in his grave because nobody who ever knew my teacher would doubt any of his words. Nor was this surprising as he had been brought up in the strict orthodoxy of an Anglican, at the homes of both Chief James Ajibade, the first Baba Egbe of St. Paul's church, Odo Ado, and that of Rev. Obaweya of Igede Ekiti; was baptized on 7th July 1947 by Rev. Canon Adeyinka and confirmed in a Eucharist liturgy celebrated by the Very Revd. S.O Odutola, in 1953.
Besides his Christian upbringing, my teacher born, 14th April 1928 to Pa Ayegbusi Fajana and Madam Abigail Ibidunt Alege was a scion of the redoubtable Aremo Ogunbiyi Agoketorunse whose dynastic origin dated back to the pre- Ewi era and is believed to be the only cabinet chief who does not prostrate before the Ewi. His own father, Ayegbusi Fajana, an intrepid hunter, was reputed to have killed not only warthogs, but also Buffalos and Leopards and had special 'ijala ode' and panegyrics sung for him.
Late Papa Festus Fajana, a professional teacher, capped his professional training with a stint at the University of Lagos where he studied Pre-school and Nursery Education. He once toyed with the idea of joining the Nigerian police but he quickly dropped the idea and stayed put with his first love -teaching -where he touched and molded thousands of lives, amongst them today are professors, medical doctors, accountants, administrators, lawyers etc, as he taught in various towns dating back to the old Western Region.
It was at one of these various towns, Are-Ekiti, my home town, where he arrived in '58 that I was privileged to be one of his favourite pupils. The story can now be told of that totally strange bastinado. Pa Fajana had believed that if none of his final year pupils would head straight to secondary school, Oluwafemi Orebe would. I then took the entrance examination to one secondary school which I passed, but did not attend the interview as it fell on the same date with the entrance examination of another school which I preferred. He did not know this until the interview results were out and I did not go to him to report my 'success'. He was livid, but didn't think twice. He asked late Major Bayo Olorunfemi, a classmate, to fetch him a sturdy cane. At my outstretched hand, he laughed and asked me to raise up my right leg while the same Olorunfemi and another boy held me up, to receive six strokes on the sole of that foot. However, I knew it was out of love, and concern, and so never begrudged my teacher.
Pa Fajana, solid and gregarious, was a kind and jolly person and was very much loved in the twin towns that co-owned our school. He became much more famous when he became the Headmaster on the departure of Papa Owolabi to ascend to the throne of his fathers at Iyin-Ekiti. He was among the most popular teachers of my era as a primary school pupil in my town, in the same league with Headmaster Akeredolu, Aketi's father, who was astonishingly handsome and popular..
On retirement from teaching, Pa Fajana went fully into the service of his community. Among other things he was Proprietor, Ita Eku Community School, Secretary, Ado-Ekiti Anglican Parish, member, governing council, Ado Grammar School, Executive Officer, Board of Pensioners, Ado-Ekiti and Chairman, Ifelere Thrift and Co-operative Society.
He joined the Saints Triumphant on 19th of March 1998, survived by children and grandchildren who can justifiably be proud in the imperishable legacies he left behind.
Adieu, my worthy and unforgettable teacher who, we are comforted, is resting at the feet of his Lord and Master, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
OF POLICE COMMISSIONER YINKA BALOGUN (Rtd)
Police Commissioner Yinka Balogun (rtd), the dashing, one-time nemesis of Nigerian fraudsters, as Head of the SFU division of the Nigeria Police, is a gentleman in, and out of, uniform. Recently retired as the helmsman at the Edo State Police command, we became instant friends as soon as we were introduced to each other by Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State from where Yinka headed to Edo, prior to his glorious retirement from service. As a result of space constraint, not much can be written here of this genial gentleman who was once strongly rumoured to succeed Nuhu Ribadu as Chairman of the anti-graft agency, EFCC. Suffice it then to recall only two of the sterling commendations Nigerians have been heaping on this exemplar of a police officer:
'I believe you must have been watching on the Channels TV, the pictures of the dilapidated structures at the Police College. Ikeja,. May be the other Police Colleges in Nigeria are also in similar parlous state. I will always remember the legacy of excellence you left at all Police formations you headed in Lagos, Abuja, Ekiti and Edo states before your honourale retirement from service. How I wish you had headed one or two Police Colleges in the country. I am sure you would have applied your usual Midas touch to transform them to beautiful places to behold and the policemen who passed through your tutelage/discipline would have profoundly made our nation proud.
Nigeria is the loser that a disciplined, honest, patriotic and highly cerebral officer like you did not become IGP'.
And this one:
"Shame on us! Tears roll down in my heart when I remember all the efforts to put things back on track, especially police, ICPC and EFCC. I am still in shock you did not become the Chair of EFCC or Head of Police Academy. I am honoured to be your friend'.
The trail-blazing Lagos State, if not Nigeria, will need the services of this cerebral -an author – very experienced gentleman, in its totally commendable and continuing efforts at securing the life and property of its citizenry. Over then to the indefatigable 'Class Captain' who I know is reading this. And congratulations on that which President Clinton has perceptively described as 'an ingenious engineering feat' -The Eko Atlantic Project.


text:
Without travel protection, your dream Maui vacation can be impacted by the unexpected. Protect your investment with Travel Insurance.
Travel Insurance
You've saved. You've planned. You've looked forward to your vacation for months. Did you know that you can insure your other pre-paid non-refundable vacation expenses as well? Solely protecting your reservation does not make sense if you stand to lose so much more.
We strongly recommend you also cover your additional arrangements through CSA Travel Protection, for complete coverage of your entire vacation investment. If you booked additional arrangements such as a flight, rental car, round of golf or show tickets, you can also insure those items through CSA Travel Protection. Visit the CSA Website for The CSA Policy and More Information for details.
Guest Protection Plan Highlights:
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Travel Delay
Baggage and Personal Effects
Baggage Delay
Medical or Dental Expense
Emergency Assistance
Travel Accident
Rental Car Damage
Visit the CSA Website forThe CSA Policy and More Information for details or call 866-999-4018.


text:
- Search for JobsSearch for Jobs
- Browse for JobsBrowse for Jobs
- Create a ResumeCreate a Resume
- Company DirectoryCompany Directory
1 job with job title Client Retention
- Sort:
- Relevance
- Newest
- Featured
- Most Popular
Browse for Client Retention Jobs. Find the job of your dreams on CareerCast IT & Engineering Network today!
Search for Similar Listings
1+ months
Alpharetta, GA US
\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EADP is hiring a Client Retention Executive\u003C/strong\u003E which will leads ADP Comprehensive Services Retention strategy by planning, directing and conducting overall client retention strategies. This position demonstrates awareness and understanding of strategic g...


text:
Mount Etna Caves National Park
Mount Etna is the roosting site for more than 80 per cent of Australia's breeding population of little bent-wing bats. Photo: John Augusteyn, Queensland Government
Facilities and activities
The Darumbal Aboriginal people welcome you to their traditional country and ask that you respect and enjoy this special place.
Approximately 25km north of Rockhampton
- Read more about getting there and getting around
- View Google Map
What's special
Limestone outcrops, decorated caves, rare bats and dry rainforest patches are now protected in a national park that once was the site of Australia's longest running conservation battle.


text:
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – With prospects starting to sign national letters of intent, Santa Clara baseball is preparing to welcome a new class to the Mission campus. The Broncos will announce one player a week to highlight the future of Bronco baseball.
Stevie Berman, a local product out of Saratoga, Calif., attended Saratoga High School where he was coached by Adam Varteressian. In his junior year in 2012 his team was a CCS quarterfinalist and Berman was All-CCS Honorable Mention. He was also 2012 All-League First-Team and won the Toughest Out Award. In 2011 he won the Most Valuable Underclassman and was All-League Second-Team.
"I chose Santa Clara for a lot of reasons," said Berman. "First of all, the coaches and players are some of the best around and made me feel part of the baseball family since day one. I love the old school style of play, how hard the team competes and how much fun they have together. From a non-baseball side, Santa Clara is known for developing great students and great human beings. Anywhere you go on campus, there's a real sense of community and family that I can't wait to be a part of."
In addition to playing for his high school team, Berman was a member of Kali Baseball as well as the San Francisco Giants Scout Team. His off the field activities included working at the Saratoga Sub-Acute Hospital, Family Giving Tree, Relay for Life, Operation Comfort and Care, Saratoga Presbyterian Garden and the San Jose Buddhist Temple Obon Festival. He was also a star on his high school's basketball team.
Father Gary played baseball at UCLA and was in the Philadelphia Phillies minor league system for three seasons. His mother Kelly played volleyball at CSU Dominguez Hills. He has one brother, Andy. His interests include music, basketball, video games and hanging out with friends.


text:
It's been an exciting week at Struck Fluent Towers as we're gearing up for the launch of our very first German-speaking playgroup!
Led by fabulous German tutor and German-speaking mum Alice, Kleine Katzen ('Little Cats', in honour of Struck Fluent's roots in Catford, South East London's ) will meet every Wednesday from 22nd March 2017 between 11am and 12.30pm at the Cafe of Good Hope in Ladywell, Lewisham.
It's part of our mission at Struck Fluent to share our love of languages in creative, fun and innovative ways, and Alice will be on-hand to offer friendly laid-back language support if your German feels a bit rusty. So whether you're a native speaker looking to connect with other German speakers in the area, fancy flexing that German A-Level or just want to introduce your little one to another language, you'll find a very warm welcome – and a bottomless supply of coffee – at Kleine Katzen.
From the team at Struck Fluent, playgroup wizards and tutors of Modern Foreign Languages and ESL in London. Need a language tutor? Get in touch here.


text:
January 2013
Bucket Fillers for the week of January 25, 2013Published by julia.murray on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 11:34
Bucket Fillers for the week of January 18, 2013Published by julia.murray on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 11:29
Art City's Fourth-Grade Performed for the School and at University MallPublished by julia.murray on Fri, 01/04/2013 - 11:25
Pictures by ACE Reporters
Art City Elementary Fourth-Grade students had the opportunity to go to the University Mall on December 14th to sing for shoppers and proud parents. The Fourth-grade classes have been singing Christmas songs since September to get ready for their big day at the Mall. A couple of favorites are "Christmas Bills" and "Batteries". They also sang for the school on the 13th of December helping everyone get into the Christmas mood.


text:
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Mama's Pizza
I went here the other night and I'm filing this place in the same place as Fuzzy's. Cheap food and beer. For $8 bucks -ish, you can get an 8" pizza with one topping and a shiner bock....thats draft, Pete. Oh, and the pizza is great. And the beer was so cold, pieces of iced froth formed on the top.
To be honest, when anonymous recommended this place I was a bit suspicious. I mean, pizza...really? I can make a boboli pizza that tastes just fine. It's not even a gourmet pizza place with fancy toppings like Palio's (favorite "gourmet" pizza place - plus its affordable). It's pizza. But this wasn't just pizza. It was your basic style pizza but so much more. I didn't see the option to put poached prussian quail eggs, greek sheep spit or lobster marmalade on the pizza, but I did have the options of pepperoni, green bell peppers, canadian bacon and other things that I don't put on my pizza.
So I ordered one with pepperoni and cheese. That's how I like my pizza at a pizza joint. Plain and simple. If I want all those vegetables I will order a salad. I don't want a salad. I want to die fat and happy, not thin and hungry. If I go to Palio's I dress it up, but we're not talking Palio's here. We're talking Mama's. So back to the subject at hand. Unfortunately I lack the culinary descriptive abilities of Ciao Baby, FW Foodie, Food and Fort Worth, Texas, or even the Startlegram. However, you can trust me when I say this. The pizza is good. Really good. Good enough to make me forget about calling dominos/pizza hut next time I order and go to Mama's.
For those that need it, here's my best shot at a formal foodie review: When the pizza came out the aroma stimulated my noshing desires and jolted me from my gaze upon the brilliantly, yet homely decorative scheme. The pizza was delivered with superb style by a seasoned server who obviously knew her way around a pie. She even went so far as to provide me with freshly poured parmesan powder. At first blush I knew this was more than your chain pizza. The pepperoni was made from old world oni sheep and peppered just enough to tickle my nose with the hint of green peppercorn but not so much as to over power the hint of cashmere. The fresh mozzerella had gently melted on top of the perfectly tangy secret family marinara recipe and it all sat on the most delicately flaky, yet chewily chunky crust. Upon entering my mouth, a celebration began in which my tastebuds each jumped to meet the next bite before the other buds. The pizza melted in my mouth and my molars modestly molested each morsel. After but a fleeting moment in my mouth, I gently opened the orifice in the rear of my mouth and allowed the delectable delicacy to enter my ever developing gut.
That was fun for me. I hope you enjoyed it as well. By the way, the melting I mentioned was actually the melting of the skin on the roof of my mouth. Watch out, its hot.
I promised myself this post would be short so I'll stop with this last note. This really is a great pizza place with that great tasting, original pizza style you had as a kid and we rarely see anymore. There are so few good pizza places that serve a basic pizza that tastes great. Plus, $8 bucks for pizza and beer. Thanks anonymous.
Mama's Pizza is south on Berry, just east of 8th Ave.
7 comments:
- Bernie said...
MMmmmama's! Cold Beer and Good Pizza... and big TVs to watch the game on. It doesn't get much better than that.
My wife likes wine with her pizza, but they don't serve wine, so we bring our own bottle. (Just don't forget to take a corkscrew and a couple of wine glasses).
- December 6, 2007 at 8:39 AM
- FortWorthHoleInTheWall said...
Thanks Bernie, I didn't realize you could take your own wine. This place just became an affordable date place for those fancier nights.
I forgot to mention the huge tv. Definitely an important aspect of this place.
- December 6, 2007 at 9:17 AM
- Steve said...
As an old FW hand, I'll say, OK, newcomers. You were right to go to Mama's. I've been going there since it opened about thirty years ago (the Mama's on Rosedale by TWU was the first but Berry soon followed).
My wife and I will only eat mama's pizze even though it involves a drive. It's by far the best pizza in FW and has been for decades.
Y'all should note that Carshon's Deli is walkin' distance from Mama's. You will not be disappointed (especially if you go on Saturday...chocolate pie day.)
- December 7, 2007 at 11:03 PM
- Anonymous said...
Mama's is my all time favorite and while there is other good pizza places around never really stood up to Mama's....I will say that Mellow Mushroom is a good change of pace and gives Mama's a run for its money. The problem with MM is it's probably twice as high and a pint of beer is 4.50 - 6.00
- December 8, 2007 at 10:41 AM
- Steve-O said...
Isn't the Berry location the place where the TCU football players went to pick up their "paychecks" back in the 1980s?
- December 10, 2007 at 9:47 AM
- Dazy said...
I am not a pizza expert either. I like pizza with chilled beer. Once I tried Gotham pizza with my colleague. I find Romario pizza tastier and soft too.
- April 17, 2009 at 6:16 AM
- FortWorthHoleInTheWall said...
Dazy, I have no idea what your last two sentences mean.
- August 9, 2009 at 10:01 PM


text:
I know, it's not exactly a catchy or cute title for today's post. But hey, it's Halloween so maybe it is mildly appropriate.
I went by another cemetery today. I took my dad a few weeks ago so that we could leave flowers at his parents' and grandparents' (my grandparents' and great grandparents') graves. This is not something that we do often - or really at all. But in my recent return home I have the overwhelming urge to learn about and from my past.
Here's a picture of my great grandparents:
Daisy & Horace
c. 1906
Horace rode across the mountain from Tennessee into North Carolina on a horse for like 20ish miles just to court Daisy. Can you imagine?
And here is their fourth child, my grandmother.
c. 1938
She was 28 in this picture and already had four children of her own. She drove her entire life without ever obtaining a license. At some point in the late 70s or early 80s she was pulled over and cited by a city policeman, but she still did not get her license.
And here is a picture of her parents, Horace and Daisy, in their later years. Many many many exciting, strange, scary, miraculous, sad, joyous, and lovely things happened between that picture from 1906 and this picture in 1965.
Horace & Daisy
c. 1965
I hope I can write about these things some day. Growing up I heard many hilarious stories about these family members. After all, when folks are gone we want to retell the joyous and the funny things right? Nothing wrong with that. There's a host of things about this side of my family that I want to cement into my memory and into the traditions I create with my family.
But there's more to a person's life than the happy. There's the sad. There's the generational behaviors or tendencies (and sometimes sin) that happened too. There's the stuff that if left unmentioned and ignored may be repeated for generations to come. I don't intend to go on some gossip finding mission or anything - not at all. But in listening to stories and events I have started to "hear" things differently and wonder.
And when I look at myself, my family, and my decisions I can't help noticing some striking similarities. Some make me laugh. Others make me cry.
Today when I removed the dead flowers I stared at my maiden name on my grandparents grave. How do I want my family's name to be remembered? What part of "us" do I want to live on and what part of of "us" must die in order that He might live? I guess I can't ask those questions in the plural. I can't decide what other family members will do with our heritage.
But I can make that choice myself. Hmm... wrong again. I'd rather He make those choices, whisper them to my heart, and then I obey.
More to come...


text:
Stillwater's Sawgrass neighborhood features classic traditional homes with french country flair.
Located on 32nd St, between Western Rd and Sangre Rd, your new home will be close to Stillwater Middle School, Sangre Ridge Elementary School, and Meridian Technology Center.
Neighborhood Details
- Pricing: $300,000s to $400,000s
- Square Footage: 2200+ sqft
- Sangre Ridge Elementary


text:
A few weeks ago, I was on a panel with Microsoft Ventures and Providence Fund in Seattle, discussing corporate innovation and the key ingredients that make it successful. There was a lot of talk about process, strategy and financing.
So, when I claimed none of these elements matter if the innovation culture isn't right, the audience was a little taken aback.
As a tech entrepreneur and former startup CEO, I recall being told by a friend and mentor that having the right culture to foster innovation is the only long-term sustainable competitive advantage within your control. To this day, I believe her advice to be true and that without this practice, my business would have never been successful.
We strive to follow this philosophy at Itron Idea Labs, an organization within Itron with a startup edge that focuses on new business opportunities and accelerating innovation. In addition – and arguably more importantly – Roberto Aiello, our leader, not only supports this belief, but promotes it.
When seeking new team members, "culture fit" is key. By culture fit, we don't mean whether or not you'd grab a drink with us after work. When we go into an interview, we're not looking for someone who looks or acts like us. Instead, we're looking for someone who fits our core values. These are some of Itron Idea Labs' common core values for our entrepreneurs:
- Positive – We always see the glass as half full.
- Self-starting – Let's just get started and figure it out as we go.
- Supportive – Team above self. Everyone needs some guidance. Let's figure out how to get them there together.
- Take Risks – If you're not taking chances, you are not trying hard enough.
- Unafraid to Fail – You are not learning if you are not failing. Thomas Edison owned this by denying failure and instead saying he figured out 10,000 ways not build a light bulb.
These values work like our personal Pledge of Allegiance, repeated day-in and day-out, at every single monthly meeting. But this isn't for effect—repetition is the key to instilling important thoughts, missions and values into yourself and your teammates around you in a way that lasts. And when this happens in an unsolicited way—when those core values shine through during selfless, sincere behavior—that is the most encouraging.
Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) are at the core of Itron Idea Labs and they drive the culture in the group. Everyday EIRs support each other through sharing research, finding resources, helping with customer discovery or anything that can help forward the mission of Itron Idea Labs to innovate faster, so Itron can stay ahead and our people can stay excited!
What are your thoughts on culture? Would you like to learn more? Let me know in the comments!


text:
Iraq Troops Pause in Advance on Mosul
BAGHDAD (AP) -- Iraqi troops consolidated gains in their advance on the northern city of Mosul on Thursday, regrouping as they clear neighborhoods and houses once occupied by the Islamic State group.
In Mosul proper, where troops have a foothold in a sliver of territory in the city's east, the special forces control the Zahra neighborhood, once named after former dictator Saddam Hussein, military officials said.
They have taken at least half of the Aden neighborhood and clashes were still ongoing there, while the regular army's ninth division is stationed in east Mosul's Intisar neighborhood, they added, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to brief reporters.
Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led forces operating the key air campaign against IS, said that advancing troops and aircraft have destroyed some 70 tunnels the jihadis had been using to launch surprise attacks from inside densely populated areas.
"They've set up elaborate defenses, and we have to assume they'll do anything among the civilian population because they don't care about anyone," he said, noting that airstrikes had hit hundreds of IS positions in the three-week old Mosul campaign.
Iraqi troops are converging from several fronts on Mosul, the country's second largest city and the last major IS holdout in Iraq. Kurdish peshmerga forces are holding a line outside the city in the north, while Iraqi army and militarized police units approach from the south and government-sanctioned Shiite militias are guarding the western approaches.
The offensive has slowed in recent days as the special forces, the troops who have advanced the farthest, push into more densely populated areas of the city's east, where they cannot rely as much on airstrikes and shelling because of the risk posed to civilians who have been told to stay in their homes.
Brig. Firas Bashar, spokesman for Nineveh operations command, says troops south of Mosul have been stopped at the town of Hamam al-Alil while other forces push forward on the city.
To the northeast, about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city, peshmerga continued to take territory in the town of Bashiqa, believed to be largely deserted except for dozens of IS fighters. They have had the town surrounded for weeks, and have assaulted it with mortar and artillery fire.
At an area church in territory freshly freed from the militants' grip, priests rang bells for the first time in two years as the peshmerga worked to secure the town.
"We are so happy at the liberation," said priest Elkhoury Alfaran Elkhoury at the Mart Shoomy Church in Bahzani, a village near Bashiqa.
"They want to give a message to the world, and that message is damage, their message is destruction, their message is death," he said, highlighting damage to the church made by the jihadis while they occupied the area.
In New York, the U.N. said the progress meant that the days were numbered for the self-styled caliphate declared by IS from Mosul in 2014.
"This liberation operation marks the beginning of the end of the so-called 'Da'esh caliphate' in Iraq," the U.N. envoy for the country told the Security Council on Wednesday, using the group's Arabic acronym.
Jan Kubis said that the U.N.'s humanitarian agencies were preparing to shelter even more of the tens of thousands of displaced people as winter approaches. He also warned that reconciliation and restoration of confidence in the government was necessary if the victories against IS are to be lasting.


text:
Glenn Beck criticized for comparing Norway victims to "Hitler Youth"
The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) criticized conservative talk show host Glenn Beck Tuesday over the former Fox News host's comparison of the victims of Norway's mass shooting to "Hitler Youth."
"Just when we think Glenn Beck can get no more offensive, he ups the ante," said NJDC President David Harris in a Tuesday statement. "It is simply horrendous that Beck would compare the young victims of this tragic crime in Norway to the 'Hitler Youth.' It is repugnant to invoke the Holocaust like this when discussing a Labor Party summer camp for teens -- to say nothing of a camp that was attacked in this calamitous way."
Sixty-eight people, mostly in their teens and 20s, were killed Friday in a shooting spree on Norway's Utoya Island, which was hosting a summer camp connected with the Labor Party's youth wing. Eight people were killed in a connected bomb blast outside the government headquarters in Oslo.
During his show Monday, Beck, called the idea of having a politically-oriented summer camp "disturbing" and likened those attending to members of the Hitler Youth, the Nazi Party's paramilitary arm for children.
"There was a shooting at a political camp, which sounds a little like the Hitler Youth, or whatever," Beck said. "I mean, who does a camp for kids that's all about politics? Disturbing."
In the same show, Beck tied Anders Behring Breivik, the man who confessed to carrying out the two-pronged massacre, to supporters of "big government."
"He is doing the work of a madman. He is doing the work of what all people who want big government always do, and that is commit terrorist acts," Beck said.
Harris called on Beck to "cease and desist" his rhetoric in honor of the victims of Norway as well as the Holocaust.
"After myriad offensive examples of abusive Holocaust rhetoric, the time has finally come for Glenn Beck to cease and desist," he said. "Doing otherwise dilutes the memory of the Holocaust and stains the memory of the victims in Norway as well."
Torbjorn Eriksen, former press secretary to Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, also condemned Beck's remarks as "ignorant, incorrect and extremely hurtful."
"Young political activists have gathered at Utoya for over 60 years to learn about and be part of Democracy, the very opposite of what the Hitler Youth was about," he told the Daily Telegraph. "Glenn Beck's comments are ignorant, incorrect and extremely hurtful."
Breivik pleaded not guilty in an Oslo courtroom on Monday. According to the presiding judge, Breivik explained that he wanted to "save" Europe from the spread of Marxism, multiculturalism and Islamic immigration.


text:
Offer valid from 01/06/2018 to 30/09/2018
Choose your 2018 summer holiday on the Adriatic Sea in Giulianova, Central Italy now. Take advantage of the special "Book Early" offer and get a discount on the total cost of your holiday for the whole family.
Book the days you prefer, from July to September!
Special discounts:
Book online by 31 May -5%
If you Book and Pay the Full Amount at the time of booking * -10%
Minimum stay 7 days / Superior and Bio Comfort Rooms Excluded
Offer valid for all periods
Hurry! And choose the best accommodation at advantageous rates.
* Non-refundable Rate


text:
Your list is empty.
Save musicians, entertainers, speakers, and services, and they'll appear here.
I want to hire Limo Service Companies in Caguas, PR
Tell us more about your event.
Receive FREE no-obligation quotes.
Acevedo Tour & Executive Transportation(0)
Limo Service Company
Cabo Rojo, PR
73 miles from Caguas
We are the best vip service in Puerto Rico.
Classic Limo Bus Inc.(2)
Party Bus / Limo Service Company
Manhattan, NY
Serves Caguas
3 Verified Bookings
A leader in luxury transportation services, Classic Limo Bus INC provides chauffeured limo services, town car…
We didn't find many Limo Service Companies available in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Here are some additional ideas…
Tom Cruise Impersonator(29)
Tom Cruise Impersonator / Chauffeur
Manhattan, NY
Serves Caguas
58 Verified Bookings
Is it that button-down shirt and socks combo in Risky Business? Or is it the romantic sports agent in Jerry…
Nadine Personal Bartender(17)
Bartender / Chauffeur
New York City, NY
Serves Caguas
20 Verified Bookings
My creativity and energy allows me to serve people for over 10 years! I enjoy handcrafting drinks, that is my…
You might also like:
Quick facts
Limo Service Companies in Caguas, PR
199 quotes sent
In the past year, Limo Service Companies have sent 199 quotes to event planners
307th most popular
Limo Service Companies rank #307 in popularity out of 543 categories on GigSalad
4.3 out of 5 stars
52 Limo Service Company reviews on GigSalad with an average rating of 4.3 stars
You are viewing
Limo Service Companies in Caguas, PR
You're dreaming that you're driving down the Vegas strip in the back seat of a limousine with a crew of your best friend with the sunroof open as you stand out of the top...but wait...you're not dreaming! You rented a limousine from GigSalad and now have rockstar status as you cruise down The Strip. The limo company set you up right as well. They provided bottle of champagne for you and your friends and allowed you to provide the music. Now off to a night on the town in your sweet ride! Search for Limo Service Companies in Caguas, Puerto Rico above.
Please note that these Limo Service Companies may also travel to Aguirre, Saint Just, Las Piedras, La Plata, Aibonito, Fort Buchanan, Sabana Seca, Maunabo, Vieques, Punta Santiago, Palmer, and San Antonio.


text:
We are pleased to present below all posts archived in 'February 2018'. If you still can't find what you are looking for, try using the search box.
The electrical outlet is the contact point between your device or appliance and the wiring throughout the home. If the connection is secure, you'll get plenty of electricity to power your equipment. If it's weak, you may suffer from electric shock, an electrical fire, or a power surge. In any case, we need to inspect the outlets in your home every one to two years to make sure they are in condition and working correctly. Upon inspection, we may need to upgrade the receptacles to newer, safer models. Here are three things we assess:
Read the rest of entry »
Are the appliances in your home set up to operate efficiently and safely? One of the ways you can tell is if you trip a breaker when you have too many electronic devices running at the same time. This could be a sign that you need an electrical upgrade to one or more dedicated circuits in your home. Harrison Electric Offers dedicated circuit installation if you need a circuit breaker fixed or replaced. Let's take a closer look at dedicated circuits and how they can benefit your home.
For most parents, childproofing an electrical system includes purchasing a few plastic covers and plugging them into electrical outlets. Some curious children, however, have learned how to break that code and pull the covers off. Thankfully, there are safer options out there. Below, we explore three main types of outlet covers that are available for your home and how we can keep your child safe during their earliest years.
Minnesota 'A' Electrical Contractors License #EA000808


text:
Home » Bridal Dresses » Mori Lee » Main Collection » 8184 Moira Wedding Dress
8184 Moira Wedding Dress
Diamanté Beaded Lace Appliqués Adorn the Sweetheart Bodice of This Beautiful Bridal Ballgown and Delicately Cascade onto the Flounced Tulle Skirt. Removable Beaded Organza Belt Included. Belt Also Sold Separately as Style 11263. Shown with Headpiece Style HP2031 (As Necklace). Available in Three Lengths: 55″, 58″, 61″. Shown in Ivory/Light Gold


text:
Through a 2019 Indiana Arts in the Parks and Historic Sites grant, plein air artist and creative advocate Tamara Brown celebrates the rich landscapes and resources of Indiana's state parks by painting on location at six unique park settings. Her outdoor art demonstrations will encourage visitors to interact with her as she shares information about the plein air painting process, offers a hands-on painting activity for all ages, and draws attention to the special scenery found in the state parks that inspire her artwork.
The Arts in the Parks and Historic Sites program is a partnership between the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This program will enable Indiana citizens to not only enjoy arts activities at Indiana's state parks and historic sites, but also celebrates the Indiana Bicentennial, the Centennial of Indiana State Parks, and the 50th Anniversary of the IAC.


text:
Foundation Stones to Happiness and Success
James Allen
Read by Andrea Fiore
This is one of the last books written by James Allen. Like all his works it is eminently practical. He never wrote theories, or for the sake of writing, or to add another to his many books; but he wrote when he had a message, and it became a message only when he had lived it out in his own life, and knew that it was good. Thus he wrote facts, which he had proven by practice. To live out the teaching of this book faithfully in every detail of life will lead one to more than happiness and success—even to blessedness, satisfaction and peace. - Summary by Lily L. Allen(0 hr 44 min)
|Read by Andrea Fiore
|Right Principles
|Read by Andrea Fiore
|Sound Methods
|Read by Andrea Fiore
|True Actions
|Read by Andrea Fiore
|True Speech
|Read by Andrea Fiore
|Equal Mindedness
|Read by Andrea Fiore
|Good Results
|Read by Andrea Fiore
Foundation stone to happiness and success
The fancy dress
This is the book it brings self aware and should bring about a change within ones life, if they are really looking for happiness and success.
Very good book. Teaches about cause and effect.
exposes the truth of suffering and happiness in a very simplistic, yet sophisticated manner. Recommended for all those who seek Truth and resolve.
Good teachings
At some points slightly difficult to catch the meaning of what she is saying, perhaps due to the wording, but all in all very inspiring.
Very Good
You Can't go wrong with a James Allen book. They always lift you up when your down and send you in the right direction.
life understood better
Wonder Silomba
i like the five principles of one the chapters , this has touched a significant of my life
An excellent book to listen to. Messages are clear and makes one reflect. And reader does a great job!
Awesome... listen over & over
Very short listen. Reader very good diction. Kids to adults. Immortal truths
Foundational indeed.
Digs into some very basic teaching unearthing practical starting places for change.


text:
By Kendall Hatch
A $138 million water infrastructure bill pushed by a pair of MetroWest legislators is awaiting Gov. Deval Patrick's signature after clearing the House and Senate before the end of the formal legislative session last week.
The passage of the bill came as the culmination of a four-year push by state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Acton, and state Rep, Carolyn Dykema, D-Holliston.
The legislation to fund replacement of water and sewer pipes, pumping stations and wastewater treatment systems came after an analysis of needs by the state Water Infrastructure Finance Commission, which released its final report in 2012. Eldridge and Dykema served as co-chairman of the Commission, which was established in 2009.
The bill, Eldridge and Dykema said on Tuesday, is a step toward making sure the state can meet its current and future water infrastructure needs, but a great deal of work remains to be done. Eldridge said the 2012 Commission report estimated that the state faces a $10.2 billion water funding gap over the next 20 years, as well as an $11.2 billion wastewater funding gap over the same period.
A key provision in the legislation will go toward narrowing that gap by boosting how much the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust can spend, from $88 million to $138 million. The Clean Water Trust, formerly called the Water Pollution Abatement Trust, offers financing to municipalities and other entities for water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The legislation also dictates that at least 80 percent of the $138 million in spending capacity should be used each year and creates a sliding scale interest rate that ranges from 0 percent to 2 percent.
"There will be more capacity for projects – more projects will get approved," Eldridge said in a phone interview Tuesday.
The bill also seeks to create incentives for environmentally sound water and sewer projects by creating a definition for "green infrastructure" and setting aside money to identify opportunities for green projects in the state. It would also make green infrastructure projects eligible for certain grants and give them preferential financing through the Clean Water Trust.
Eldridge said an example of green infrastructure could be a decentralized treatment systems that would have a number of small treatment systems for smaller geographic areas instead of pumping water or wastewater long distances to be treated at large central treatment facilities.
Dykema said that she first became interested in water infrastructure on the local level, as Holliston discovered the extent of the repairs needed on its many miles of underground pipe, to the tune of about $1 million per mile.
The legislation, she said, establishes best practices for managing and maintaining water and wastewater systems, so towns and cities won't be left blindsided by problems that could have been identified earlier or prevented through proper maintenance.
Eldridge and Dykema said they are excited about a provision in the bill that provides $1.5 million for a water technology innovation grant program, administered by the state Clean Energy Center, to promote the water technology industry in Massachusetts.
An initiative strongly supported by Patrick, the grant program would seek to establish Massachusetts as a "water innovation cluster," Eldridge said.
"There are a lot of companies out there and environmental groups that are really on the cutting edge," Eldridge said.
The legislation also creates a water infrastructure advisory committee that will report back to the Legislature to ensure the state is on track, Dykema said.
"This issue is not off the radar screen simply because we passed this legislation," she said.


text:
More Flash, Less Cash - Take advantage of our Best Price Pledge* (even on luxey stays)
We keep it easy - No cancellation fees, plus the option to pay now or later
Secret Sneaky Saver deals that'll give you an extra discount on awesome select stays
Per night/room
15 Jan. - 16 Jan.
Per night/room
18 Dec. - 19 Dec.
Per night/room
17 Dec. - 18 Dec.
It's that time of year again. You're ready to bid adieu to your job, coworkers, and friends, and go on holiday. But instead of doing the usual—downing cocktails in a high-rise hotel with a view—gather every member of your family, even the dog, usher them into a moving hotel, and hit the road. Imagine being able to pack and go whenever you please. Sounds pretty good, right? We have the best deals on caravan accommodation in Potts Point, and you'd be nuts not to take advantage of one.
You know what's great about holidaying in a caravan? It's like camping, but without the hassle of pitching a tent or digging a hole for, uh…nevermind. Your giant rolling abode has everything you need: Kitchen, beds, and bathrooms. But don't just cruise around Potts Point looking for a lot to park it after dark. Let us hook you up with budget caravan parks in Potts Point and turn your holiday into an epic adventure you'll remember for the rest of your life. Invite the people on the next lot to the local pub for some drinks, throw some delicious steaks on the barbie and watch the kiddos make some new friends.
What better way to see the sights of Potts Point than from the comfort of your own home on wheels? lastminute.com.au has awesome deals on Potts Point caravan park accommodation. Don't wait anymore—grab the keys and go!
Per night/room
6 Jan. - 7 Jan.
Per night/room
19 Dec. - 20 Dec.
Per night/room
22 Dec. - 23 Dec.
Per night/room
5 Jan. - 6 Jan.


text:
August 1
-Wake yourself up
-Crescent Moon Pendant
-I don't like him that much
-I'm more of a dog person
-Of course I remember
-Isora Amari
August 2
-Talk a little longer with Yua
-Help Isora
August 3
-I'm honestly just on vacation
-Go with Isora
(If you made the correct choices so far, you will get Isora's route next)
August 3
-Look Away
August 4
-I wanted to watch you cook
-Thank Isora
August 5
(no choices)
August 6
-I trust you
August 7
-Go for a ride on a boat
-After Yuki left
(Create a Save File 1 here)
-I'll get them
August ???
(Create a Save File 2 here)
-Blindly trust him
(Create a Save File 3 here)
-Stay in the room
Tragic Love Ending:
Load Save File 2
-Ask him what's going on
-Stay in the room
(Tragic Love Ending)
Load Save File 1
-Let's get them together
-Bad End 1
Load Save File 3
-Leave the room
-Bad End 2
TIP: You can get Isora's last CG by unlocking his Tragic Love Ending. All his bad ends doesn't have any CGs in it.
Hope this helps!