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See you for CE: Expanded availability, new courses at Optometry's Meeting®
Grab an extra helping of continuing education (CE) at this year's Optometry's Meeting® with an additional afternoon of fresh coursework open to all facets of the optometric profession.
"We're offering top-notch education for any type of interest an OD might have."
The 117th Annual AOA Congress & 44th Annual AOSA Conference: Optometry's Meeting starts a day earlier on Wednesday, June 25, allowing attendees the opportunity to fill their plates from a CE buffet with more than 220 hours of educational selections across the four-day conference.
Future optometrists and paraoptometrics can enjoy the CE menu, as well, with all courses open to students and staff for no additional cost. Take a look at the CE schedules and specialty focused education tracks to customize your educational experience.
Get your hands on new CE
Optometry's Meeting offers a variety of CE programs that develop, maintain and improve the skillset of optometric practices through innovative coursework that will have attendees both engaged and educated.
New this year, a multidisciplinary team of sports medicine practitioners from the Philadelphia medical community will lead a panel discussion on sports-related concussions with particular attention paid to the visual sequelae of concussion and the role of visual therapy in rehabilitation. The session will discuss concussive ramifications to not only the collegiate and professional athletes many of these physicians treat, but also how it can apply to the athletes in your community, says Ben Gaddie, O.D., AOA Continuing Education Committee chair.
Also, in a first for Optometry's Meeting, CE attendees can participate in a scleral contact lens-fitting workshop that puts participants in a hands-on setting for using and assessing scleral lenses.
Popular CE programs return, such as the Pardon the Objection series—a rapid-fire debate among expert panelists as they discuss current optometric issues against a running 10-minute clock. Participants also will find discussions from leading experts in glaucoma, billing and coding, and more.
"We've really tried to address all the different specialty areas within optometry with this selection of CE programs," Dr. Gaddie says. "We're offering top-notch education for any type of interest an OD might have."
Register now for Optometry's Meeting
Back by popular demand, all-inclusive registration means attendees do not have to select CE courses ahead of time, allowing greater flexibility in selecting courses.
Online registration is preferred by visiting www.optometrysmeeting.org/registration; however, you may complete and fax/mail a registration form found on the website.


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Events for June 5, 2018
Events Search and Views Navigation
Summer Camp Information
SUMMER DAY CAMP 2018 Registration begins May 21. Forms are available online and at the Town Hall at 7408 Constitution Avenue upon the registration date. Registration Form Camp will be run on the Town Grounds at 7408 Constitution Avenue as well as the Cedar Lake Clubhouse at 9800 W. 129th Avenue. Program runs June 11 […]Find out more »

subset: commoncrawl


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Ryanpdonnelly necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 31 diseños de 8 diseñadores freelance.
The Donnelly Group LTD, A Ferrucci Partnership
We are a 'to-be launched' boutique luxury real estate firm working in the suburbs of New York City. There will be 25 young agents who wear suits to work daily, present themselves in a professional manner and are all very Manhattan-centric (urban chic).
The community we are launching in is very old-world, wealthy and upper class. We will be the 'new kids on the block' and are trying to merge old-world sophistication with a youthful, cutting edge mindset. The main thesis for company branding is 'old world meets new world.'
The motto for the new venture is 'Real Estate. Redefined.'
Through new age advertising and web marketing we hope to achieve a young, agressive presence in our market. The logo to be designed is blending the old with the new. A classic Irish Family Crest with a modern font and layout would be ideal!
Our main target market is for younger 28-52 year olds in the New York City/outer burrough areas looking to settle down in the suburbs. They are in the mid-upper income brackets, mainly husband and wife probably with children.
Both husband and wife work full time, have live-in nannies or help for children and enjoy living a higher end lifestyle. They are mainly in the financial, legal or medical fields and have multiple degress in higher education.
They are very sophisticated and expect to find a house with someone on their level. Our goal is to convey a level of sophistication no other brand can in our market. There is lots of 'old-world' competition but nothing with a youthful, playful edge.
The average prospective buyer makes over $100,000 a year, drives a luxury car and enjoys living a chic Manhattan lifetsyle. Our logo should convey a similar luxury-centric world with a modern twist.
it is very simple, we need the irish family crest (coat of arms) which is attached redone with a more sopisticated approach. we need that BY ITSELFand then with the following verbeage:
The Donnelly Group
A Ferrucci Partnership
the main logo should be laid out as follows:
The Donnelly Group
(irish family coat of arms/crest in middle)
A Ferrucci Partnership
the colors of the company are dark green and silver (again old world and new world). the family crest can have multiple colors as it already looks in the attachments.
the attachments for the coat of arms have the iron head and design outside of the coat of arms, we prefer that this not be in the logo unless it is done very well. if not we just need the crest with the 2 lions over the fish.
we are more concerned with the coat of arms as the logo, the wording of the donnelly group, etc we already have good mock-ups for font and layout
thanks very much!
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Gift of Wings proudly announces the 'Great American Aircraft/Great American Spacecraft' print collect. These 20" by 16" exceptional-quality prints, suitable for framing, chronicle American flight from take-off at Kitty Hawk to touchdown with Discovery. They also make wonderful, elegant gift for any aviation enthusiast.
© 2005 Gift of Wings.com Veterans
Park, Milwaukee, WI. 414/273-5483
9955 W. St. Martins Road, Franklin, WI 53132 414.425.8002
Site design by MSE
Banner photos Courtesy of Ian Pritchard,


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Tag Archives: FTC
FTC and DOJ, Your Least Favorite Marriage Counselors
You and another company fall in love and now you want to make it official by merging. It's like a big corporate romantic comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and…well…you. But before the big climactic kiss, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and … Continue reading
Posted in Federal Law & Regulation Tagged department of justice, DOJ, federal trade commission, FTC, Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, HSR Act, HSR Form Comments Off on FTC and DOJ, Your Least Favorite Marriage Counselors


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Events Listings
Tours And Activities-East Bay Through January 31
ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM ongoing. Ardenwood farm is a working farm that dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with regular admission.
"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.
"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.
"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs, check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.
"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson House.
$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663, www.ebparks.org.<
BAY AREA RAIL TRAILS ongoing. A network of trails converted from unused railway corridors and developed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy.
BLACK DIAMOND MINES REGIONAL PRESERVE RAILROAD BED TRAIL -- ongoing. This easy one mile long rail trail on Mount Diablo leads to many historic sites within the preserve. Suitable for walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Accessible year round but may be muddy during the rainy season. Enter from the Park Entrance Station parking lot on the East side of Somersville Road, Antioch.
IRON HORSE REGIONAL TRAIL -- ongoing. The paved trail has grown into a 23 mile path between Concord and San Ramon with a link into Dublin. The trail runs from the north end of Monument Boulevard at Mohr Lane, east to Interstate 680, in Concord through Walnut Creek to just south of Village Green Park in San Ramon. It will eventually extend from Suisun Bay to Pleasanton and has been nominated as a Community Millennium Trail under the U.S. Millennium Trails program. A smooth shaded trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, skaters and strollers. It is also wheelchair accessible. Difficulty: easy to moderate in small chunks; hard if taken as a whole.
LAFAYETTE/MORAGA REGIONAL TRAIL -- ongoing. A 7.65 mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail line. This 20-year old trail goes along Las Trampas Creek and parallels St. Mary's Road. Suitable for walkers, equestrians, and cyclists. Runs from Olympic Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette to Moraga. The trail can be used year round.
OHLONE GREENWAY -- ongoing. A 3.75-mile paved trail converted from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railway. Suitable for walkers, strollers and skaters. It is also wheelchair accessible. The trail runs under elevated BART tracks from Conlon and Key Streets in El Cerrito to Virginia and Acton Streets in Berkeley.
SHEPHERD CANYON TRAIL -- ongoing. An easy 3-mile paved trail converted from the Sacramento Northern Rail Line. The tree-lined trail is gently sloping and generally follows Shepherd Canyon Road. Suitable for walkers and cyclists. It is also wheelchair accessible. Begins in Montclair Village behind McCaulou's Department Store on Medau Place and ends at Paso Robles Drive, Oakland. Useable year round.
Free. (415) 397-2220, www.traillink.com.<
BAY AREA RIDGE TRAIL ongoing. The Bay Area Ridge Trail, when completed, will be a 400-mile regional trail system that will form a loop around the entire San Francisco Bay region, linking 75 public parks and open spaces to thousands of people and hundreds of communities. Hikes on portions of the trail are available through the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council. Call for meeting sites. ALAMEDA COUNTY -- "Lake Chabot Bike Rides." These rides are for strong beginners and intermediates to build skill, strength and endurance at a non hammerhead pace. No one will be dropped. Reservations required. Distance: 14 miles. Elevation gain: 1,000 feet. Difficulty: beginner to intermediate. Pace: moderate. Meeting place: Lake Chabot Road at the main entrance to the park. Thursday, 6:15 a.m. (510) 468-3582.
ALAMEDA-CONTRA COSTA COUNTY -- "Tilden and Wildcat Bike Rides." A vigorous ride through Tilden and Wildcat Canyon regional parks. Reservations required. Distance: 15 miles. Elevation gain: 2,000 feet. Difficulty: intermediate. Pace: fast. Meeting place: in front of the North Berkeley BART Station. Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. (510) 849-9650.
Free. (415) 561-2595, www.ridgetrail.org.<
BERKELEY CITY CLUB TOURS Guided tours through Berkeley's City Club, a landmark building designed by architect Julia Morgan, designer of Hearst Castle."Becoming Julia Morgan," through Jan. 11, 8p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; 5p.m. Sun. Bay Area premiere of the award winning play by Belinda Taylor, directed by Barbara Oliver with Janis Stevens in the title role. $24-30.
Free. The last Sunday of the month on the hour between 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. (510) 848-7800, www.berkeleycityclub.com.<
BLACK PANTHER LEGACY TOUR ongoing. A bus tour of 18 sites significant in the history of the Black Panther Party, conducted by the Huey P. Newton Foundation. By reservation only.
$25. West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline St., Oakland. (510) 884-4860, www.blackpanthertours.com.<
BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP ongoing. An interactive place where children, and adults, can learn how a stuffed animal is made, then choose an animal pattern from the offering of bears, elephants, dogs and rabbits; stuff the chosen animal; dress it; and create a birth certificate. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
$10-$25; clothing and accessories extra. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Broadway Plaza, 1248 Broadway, Walnut Creek. (925) 946-4697, www.buildabear.com.<
HISTORY WALKABOUTS -- ongoing. A series of walking tours that explore the history, lore and architecture of California with veteran tour guide Gary Holloway. Walks are given on specific weekends. There is a different meeting place for each weekend and walks take place rain or shine so dress for the weather. Reservations and prepayment required. Meeting place will be given with confirmation of tour reservation. Call for details.
678 Mission St., San Francisco. (415) 357-1848, www.californiahistoricalsociety.org.<
CAMRON-STANFORD HOUSE ongoing. The Camron-Stanford House, an 1876 Italianate-style home that was at one time the Oakland Public Museum, has been restored and furnished with appropriate period furnishings by the Camron-Stanford House Preservation Association. It is the last Victorian house on Lake Merritt's shore. Call ahead to confirm tours and hours.
$3-$5; free children ages 11 and under when accompanied by a paying adult; free the first Sunday of the month. Third Wednesday of the month, 1-5 p.m. 1418 Lakeside Drive at 14th Street, Oakland. (510) 444-1876, www.cshouse.org.<
CASA PERALTA ongoing. Once the home of descendants of the 19th-century Spanish soldier and Alameda County landowner Don Luis Maria Peralta, the 1821 adobe was remodeled in 1926 as a grand Spanish villa, using some of the original bricks. The casa features a beautiful Moorish exterior design and hand painted tiles imported from Spain, some of which tell the story of Don Quixote. The interior is furnished in 1920s decor. The house will be decorated for the holidays during the month of December. Call ahead to confirm hours.
Free but donations accepted. Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 384 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. (510) 577-3474, (510) 577-3491, www.ci.sanleandro. ca.us/sllibrarycasaperalta.html.<
CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films.
ASK JEEVES PLANETARIUM -- ongoing. The planetarium features one of the most advanced star projectors in the world. A daily planetarium show is included with general admission. Call for current show schedule.
"Space NOW!", ongoing. Each week, this real-time ride through constellations, stars, and planets will reflect current happenings in our sky. Space NOW! will also tie in activities going on throughout the center. This is Chabot's first daytime guided tour of the universe.
"Tales Of The Maya Skies," ongoing. "Tales of the Maya Skies'' is a new full-dome planetarium show that explores the cosmology of the ancient Maya, along with their culture and their contributions to astronomy. Starts November 21.
"Astronaut," ongoing. What does it take to be part of the exploration of space? Experience a rocket launch from inside the body of an astronaut. Explore the amazing worlds of inner and outer space, from floating around the International Space Station to maneuvering through microscopic regions of the human body. Narrated by Ewan McGregor. 25 min.
"Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity," ongoing. Take a ride to the inside of a massive black hole and learn about the latest scientific evidence, which suggests that black holes are real. Narrated by Liam Neeson. Suitable for age 12 and older. Free with General Admission ticket.
"Immersive Space: Fly Through the Cosmos," ongoing. Fridays, 8 p.m. Experience the "digital universe'' in a new full-dome system. Travel to the nearest star and beyond in seconds.
"Sunshine," ongoing. A 15-minute planetarium show for children ages 5 and under. In the show, Sunshine, a lovable animated cartoon of the Sun, urges children to sing and play along with his tricks. In the process, he introduces the colors of the day sky and the other suns of the night sky. Free with regular general admission.
"Secret of the Cardboard Rocket," ongoing. Take a journey through the solar system with two young adventurers who turn an old cardboard box into a rocket. Recommended for ages 5-10.
"The Search for Life: Are We Alone?" ongoing. A voyage from the ocean deep to the outer reaches of the cosmos in search of life, narrated by Harrison Ford.
"The Sky Tonight," ongoing. Saturdays, 8 p.m. Take a live tour of the starry sky overhead on the night of your visit. The show includes a look at constellations, planets and special celestial objects.
"Sonic Vision," ongoing. Friday-Saturday, 9:15 p.m. This show uses the latest digital technology to illuminate the planetarium with colorful computer-generated imagery set to today's popular music, including Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Moby and more.
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER -- ongoing. "Escape from the Red Planet,'' a cooperative venture for families and groups of up to 14 people, age 8 and up. The scenario on this one hour mission: You are the crew of a shuttle to Mars that has been severely damaged in a crash landing. Your replacement crew is gone, the worst dust storm ever recorded on Mars approaches, and air, food, and water are extremely low. The mission: get the shuttle working again and into orbit before the dust storm hits. Reservations required. Children age 8-12 must be accompanied by an adult; not appropriate for children under age 8. $12-$15; Does not include general admission to the Center. Reservations: (510) 336-7421."Dinner, Movie and the Universe," ongoing. Every Friday and Saturday evening. Enjoy a bistro-style dinner, then cozy up for a film in the 70-foot MegaDome theater and end the evening with a telescope viewing. Call to purchase general admission tickets and to make dinner reservations. (510) 336-7373.
"Chabot Observatories: A View to the Stars," ongoing. This new permanent exhibit honors the 123-year history of Chabot and its telescopes. The observatory is one of the oldest public observatories in the United States. The exhibit covers the three different sites of the observatory over its history as well as how its historic telescopes continue to be operated today. Included are informative graphic panels, multimedia kiosks, interactive computer programs, hands-on stations, and historic artifacts.
Telescope Visions Class, ongoing. 7 p.m. This course introduces participants to the astronomer's main tool: the telescope. Classes are held in the Galileo Room twice monthly. $85-$95; reservations required. (510) 336-7373.
TIEN MEGADOME SCIENCE THEATER -- ongoing. A 70-foot dome-screen auditorium. Show times subject to change. Call for current show schedule. Price with paid general admission is $6-$7. Theater only: $7-$8. (510) 336-7373, www.ticketweb.com.
"The Living Sea," ongoing. The film celebrates the beauty, power and importance of the ocean. Produced in association with The National Maritime Center, the Ocean Film Network and Dr. Robert Ballard.
"Dinosaurs Alive," ongoing. A global adventure of science and discovery, featuring the earliest dinosaurs of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous, "reincarnated" life-sized for the giant screen. Audiences will journey with some of the world's preeminent paleontologists as they uncover evidence that the descendents of dinosaurs still walk (or fly) among us. From the exotic, trackless expanses and sand dunes of Mongolia's Gobi Desert to the dramatic sandstone buttes of New Mexico, the film will follow American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) paleontologists as they explore some of the greatest dinosaur finds in history.
"Cosmic Voyage," ongoing. A breathtaking journey through time and space. Zoom from the surface of the Earth to the largest observable structures of the Universe and back down to the sub-nuclear realm, a guided tour across some 42 orders of magnitude. Explore some of the greatest scientific theories, many of which have never before been visualized on film.
"Forces of Nature," ongoing. This film showcases the awesome spectacle of earthquakes, volcanoes, and severe storms as scientists continue their quests to understand how these natural disasters are triggered.
"The Human Body," ongoing. This show explores the daily biological processes that go on in the human body without our control and often without our notice. This amazing story is revealed in detail on the giant screen.
Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. Telescope viewing only: free. Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.<
CHOUINARD VINEYARDS AND WINERY The winery features an exhibit of stone craft and baskets honoring the rich culture of the Ohlone Indians. Palomares Canyon was a summer home to the Ohlone Indians. The exhibit also includes historical photos and artifacts that document more recent colorful inhabitants to the canyon."Music at Chouinard," ongoing. 4:30-8:30 p.m. on select Sundays June-August. The rest of the year features live music in the tasting room on the second Sunday of each month. Enjoy the best of Bay Area artists at Chouinard. Bring your own gourmet picnic (no outside alcoholic beverages). Wines are available for tasting and sales. $40 per car.
Free. Tasting Room: Saturdays-Sundays, noon-5 p.m. 33853 Palomares Road, Castro Valley. (510) 582-9900, www.chouinard.com.<
CLOSE TO HOME: EXPLORING NATURE'S TREASURES IN THE EAST BAY -- A yearlong program of monthly talks and Saturday outings about the natural history of the East Bay. In this hands-on program learn about the plants, wildlife and watershed of the East Bay's incredibly rich and dynamic bioregion. The 11 Saturday outings will take place in either Alameda or Contra Costa counties. The 10 talks at the Montclair Presbyterian Church will be on the Monday prior to the Saturday outing. A notebook of relevant readings and resources for each outing is available to all participants for an additional $30 per person. The program is co-sponsored by the Oakland Museum of California, BayNature Magazine and Earthlight Magazine. Fee for the year covers all outings, talks, site fees, orientation and a party."Grand Loop Tour," Jan. 15. Seth Adams, director of land programs for Save Mount Diablo, leads a 5-mile loop hike below the summit.
$375 per person for yearlong participation; $30 additional for binder with written materials. Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5701 Thornhill Drive, Oakland. (510) 655-6658, (510) 601-5715, www.close-to-home.org.<
DEAN LESHER REGIONAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS TOUR ongoing. A behind-the-scenes tour of this multi-million dollar arts facility. Tours last for one hour and include walks on both the Hofmann and Lesher stages, a look at the Hofmann fly-loft, the dressing rooms, the Green Room and an amble down the Center's opulent spiral staircase. Reservations required. Call for tour dates and times.
$5 per person. 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 295-1400, www.dlrca.org.<
DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE ongoing. Nestled in the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the 37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped gardens surround the mansion.
ESTATE GROUNDS -- ongoing. Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.
GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free.
Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland. (510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.<
HAYWARD CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy local organic produce and baked goods.
Hayward: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. At Main and B streets.
Hayward Kaiser: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Hesperian Boulevard and W. Tenneyson Road. Main and B Streets, Hayward. (800) 897-FARM.
BERKELEY CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy local organic produce, baked goods and flowers. The three markets operate rain or shine.
Tuesday Market: April-October: Tuesdays, 2-7 p.m.; November-March: Tuesdays, 2-6 p.m. At Derby Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
Thursday Organic Market: Thursdays, 3-7 p.m. At Shattuck Avenue and Cedar Street.
Saturday Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. At Center Street at Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Shattuck Avenue & Rose Street, Berkeley. (510) 548-3333.
PLEASANTON SATURDAY CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (800) 949-FARM. West Angela and Main Streets, Pleasanton.
"Oakland Claremont Ave Sunday CFM," ongoing. Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 5300 Claremont Ave. (DMV parking lot), Oakland. (510) 745-7100.
ALAMEDA CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET -- ongoing. A chance to buy local organic produce, baked goods and flowers. Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Taylor Avenue and Webster Street, Alameda. (800) 949-FARM.
FREMONT CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy local organic produce, baked goods and flowers.
Irvington Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. At Bay Street and Fremont Boulevard.
Kaiser Market: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At 39400 Paseo Padre Parkway.
Nummi Market: May-November: Fridays, 2-6 p.m. At Grimmer and Fremont boulevards. (510) 796-0102. Fremont Boulevard and Bay Street, Fremont. (800) 897-FARM.
Fremont Centerville Certified Farmers Market, ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bonde Way and Fremont Boulevard, Fremont. (510) 796-0102.
UNION CITY CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more.
Kaiser Market: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At 3553 Whipple Road. (800) 949-FARM.
Old Alvarado Market: May-November: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. At Ceasar Chavez Park, Watkins and Smith streets. (800) 949-FARM. Union City.
OAKLAND CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy local organic produce and baked goods.
East Oakland Market: May-November: Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard. (510) 638-1742.
East Oakland Senior Center Market: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. At 9255 Edes Avenue. (510) 562-8989.
Sunday Fruitvale Market: Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. At 34th Avenue and 12th Street. (510) 535-6929.
Thursday Fruitvale Market: June-November: Thursday, 2-7 p.m. At 34th Avenue and 12th Street. (510) 535-6929.
Grand Lake Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. At Splash Pad Park, Grand Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. (800) 897-FARM.
Jack London Square Market: May-October: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Broadway and Embarcadero. (800) 949-FARM or www.jacklondonsquare.com.
Kaiser Market: Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Howe Street between MacArthur Boulevard and 40th Street. (800) 949-FARM.
Mandela Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At Fifth Street and Mandela Parkway. (510) 776-4178.
Millsmont Market: May-October: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At MacArthur Boulevard at Seminary Avenue. (510) 238-9306.
Montclair Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. At La Salle and Moraga avenues. (510) 745-7100.
Old Oakland Market: Fridays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. At Ninth Street and Broadway. (510) 745-7100.
Temescal Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. At DMV Parking Lot, 5300 Claremont Ave. (510) 745-7100. Oakland.
SAN LEANDRO BAYFAIR MALL CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET, ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more. Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Bayfair Mall, Fairmont Drive and 14th Street, San Leandro. (800) 806-FARM.
MARTINEZ CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more.
Thursday Market: May-November. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Court and Main Streets. (800) 949-FARM.
Sunday Market: May-September. Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At Main and Castro Streets. (925) 431-8361.
Kaiser Market: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. At 200 Muir Road. (800) 949-FARM. Martinez.
EL CERRITO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET -- ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more.
Tuesday Market: Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday Market: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. El Cerrito Plaza, San Pablo and Fairmont Avenues., El Cerrito. (925) 279-1760.
WALNUT CREEK CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more.
Sunday Market: Sundays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. At North Broadway and Lincoln Avenue. 925-431-8351.
Rossmoor Market: May-October: Fridays, 9 a.m.-noon. At Golden Rain Valley Road and Tice Valley Boulevard. 800-806-FARM. Broadway and Lincoln Avenue, Walnut Creek.
CONCORD TUESDAY AND THURSDAY FARMERS MARKETS -- ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more.
Tuesday Market: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Thursday Market: May-October. Thursdays, 4-8 p.m. Todo Santos Park, Willow Pass Road at Grant Street, Concord. (800) 949-FARM.
RICHMOND CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET -- ongoing. A chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, cut flowers, baked goods and more. Fridays, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Civic Center Plaza Drive and McDonald Avenue, Richmond. (510) 758-2336.
"Walnut Creek Kaiser CFM," ongoing. Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
1425 S. Main St., Walnut Creek.
"Kensington CFM," ongoing. Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. (510) 525-6155.
Free. www.cafarmersmarkets.com.<
EUGENE O'NEILL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE ongoing. Closed on New Year's Day. Visit Eugene O'Neill's famous Tao House and its tranquil grounds. Phone reservations required for a ranger-led, twoand-a-half-hour tour. Tours are given Wednesday through Sunday at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Please note: The National Park Service provides a free shuttle van for transportation to Tao House. Access via private vehicle is not available.
Free but reservations required. Wednesday-Sunday. 1000 Kuss Road, Danville. (925) 838-0249, www.nps.gov/euon.<
FENTONS CREAMERY Fenton's Creamery, founded in 1894, offers "backstage" tours that show how ice cream is made, how flavors are created, and all that goes into their famous sundaes. The history of Fenton's is also covered. Tours last 20-30 minutes (including samples). Children must be 6 years and accompanied by an adult.
"Arctic Tour," ongoing. 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. daily, except Sundays. This backstage 20-30 minute tour shows how Fenton's handmade ice cream is made and flavored. As well, the tour will give some history about this venerable ice cream parlor, a 100-year-old staple for families with a desire for ice cream sundaes and sodas. Tour participants can taste ice cream at its various stages, step into the minus 25 degree blast freezers, and receive a soda jerk's hat. Minimum of eight people for a tour, maximum of 12-- larger groups are welcome, but will be split into multiple tours. No children under age 5. Reservations required.
For those who wish to have ice cream after the tour, the following prices apply:
Arctic tour plus kid's dish of ice cream, $6.95 plus tax and tip.
Arctic tour plus kid's sundae, $7.50 plus tax and tip.
Arctic tour plus kid's lunch and kid's sundae, $11.95 plus tax and tip.
Arctic tour plus kid's lunch and sundae bar, $15.95 plus tax and tip. $3.95. (510) 658-8500.
4226 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. (510) 658-7000, www.fentonscreamery.com.<
FIFTY-PLUS ADVENTURE WALKS AND RUNS ongoing. The walks and runs are 3-mile round-trips, lasting about one hour on the trail. All levels of ability are welcome. The walks are brisk, however, and may include some uphill terrain. Events are held rain or shine and on all holidays except Christmas and the Fifty-Plus Annual Fitness Weekend. Call for dates, times and details.
Free. (650) 323-6160, www.50plus.org.<
FOREST HOME FARMS ongoing. The 16-acre former farm of the Boone family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and automobiles; and a walnut processing plant.
Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281, www.ci.sanramon. ca.us/parks/boone.htm.<
GOLDEN GATE LIVE STEAMERS ongoing. Small locomotives, meticulously scaled to size, run along a half mile of track in Tilden Regional Park. The small trains are owned and maintained by a non-profit group of railroad buffs that offer rides. Come out for the monthly family run and barbeque at the track, offered on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Free. Trains run Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Rides: Sunday, noon-3 p.m., weather permitting. Grizzly Peak Boulevard and Lomas Cantadas Drive at the south end of Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley. (510) 486-0623, www.ggls.org.<
GOLDEN STATE MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM -- ongoing. The museum, which is handicapped accessible, features extensive displays of operating model railroads constructed and operated by the East Bay Model Engineers Society. Covering some 10,000 square feet, steam and modern diesel-powered freight and passenger trains operate in O, HO and N scales on separate layouts as well as narrow gauge and trolley lines. Of special interest is the Tehachapi Pass and Loop on the N-scale layout showing how the multiple engine trains traverse the gorges and tunnels, passing over themselves to gain altitude to cross Tehachapi Summit just east of Bakersfield. The layouts include such famous railroad landmarks as Niles Canyon, Donner Pass and the Oakland Mole where transcontinental passengers were ferried across San Francisco Bay from their arriving trains. VIEW THE LAYOUTS ONLY ON WEDNESDAYS AND SATURDAYS; WATCH TRAINS RUN ON THE LAYOUTS ON SUNDAYS.
$2-$4 Sunday, $9 family ticket; free on Wednesday and Saturday. April-November: Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. December: layouts are operational on weekends. Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline, 900-A Dornan Dr., Point Richmond. (510) 234-4884, www.gsmrm.org.<
GONDOLA SERVIZIO ongoing. "Gondola Servizio.'' Weather permitting. Take a ride around Lake Merritt in a real Venetian gondola rowed by a Venetian-style gondolier. The boats of Gondola Servizio were built by hand in Venice. Each gondola seats up to six people and reservations are required.
Marco Polo: Bring a picnic lunch and/or a beverage to enjoy on this 30 minute private gondola tour. $40 per couple, $10 for each additional person.
Casanova: A 50-minute private gondola tour,$65 per couple, $10 for each additional person.
Promessi Sposi: For photo or film shoots. Perfect for engagement photos, family portraits, or any other occasion. $225 per hour for the first couple; $10 per additional person.
Group Tours: $150 per hour for groups of 13 people or more. Multiple mini tours are given within the hour to accommodate a group of any size. Call for more details.
September-May: Wednesday-Sunday, 5 p.m.-midnight; June-August: Daily, by appointment. Lake Merritt Sailboat House, 568 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. (866) 737-8494, (866) 737-8494, www.gondolaservizio.com.<
GREENBELT ALLIANCE OUTINGS A series of hikes, bike rides and events sponsored by Greenbelt Alliance, the Bay Area's non-profit land conservation and urban planning organization. Call for meeting places. Reservations required for all trips.
"Self-Guided Urban Outing: Berkeley," ongoing. This interactive smart growth walking tour of central Berkeley examines some of the exciting projects that help alleviate the housing shortage in the city as well as amenities important to making a livable community. The walk, which includes the GAIA Cultural Center, Allston Oak Court, The Berkeley Bike Station, University Terrace and Strawberry Creek Park, takes between an hour-and-ahalf to two hours at a leisurely pace. Download the itinerary which gives specific directions by entering www.greeenbelt.org and clicking on "get involved'' and then "urban outings.'' Drop down and click on Berkeley. Free.
Free unless otherwise noted. (415) 255-3233, www.greenbelt.org.<
JOHN MUIR NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE The site preserves the 1882 Muir House, a 17-room Victorian mansion where naturalist John Muir lived from 1890 to his death in 1914. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United States. The house is situated on a hill overlooking the City of Martinez and surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. Take a self-guided tour of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home. Also part of the site is the historic Martinez Adobe and Mount Wanda. Public Tours of the John Muir House, ongoing. Begin with an eight-minute park film and then take the tour. The film runs every 15 minutes throughout the day. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
MOUNT WANDA -- The mountain consists of 325 acres of grass and oak woodland historically owned by the Muir family. It offers a nature trail and several fire trails for hiking. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
JOHN MUIR HOUSE, ongoing. Tours of this well-known Scottish naturalist's home are available. The house, built in 1882, is a 14-room Victorian home situated on a hill overlooking the city of Martinez and surrounded by nine acres of vineyards and orchards. It was here that Muir wrote about preserving America's wilderness and helped create the national parks idea for the United States. The park also includes the historic Vicente Martinez Adobe, built in 1849. An eight-minute film about Muir and the site is shown every 15 minutes throughout the day at the Visitor Center. Self guided tours of the Muir home, the surrounding orchards, and the Martinez Adobe: Wednesday-Sunday, 1 a.m.-5 p.m. Public tours or the first floor of the Muir home: Wednesday-Friday, 2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations not required except for large groups.
$3 general; free children ages 16 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez. (925) 228-8860, www.nps.gov/jomu.<
LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY ongoing. Scientists and engineers guide visitors through the research areas of the laboratory, demonstrating emerging technology and discussing the research's current and potential applications. A Berkeley lab tour usually lasts two and a half hours and includes visits to several research areas. Popular tour sites include the Advanced Light Source, The National Center for Electron Microscopy, the 88-Inch Cyclotron, The Advanced Lighting Laboratory and The Human Genome Laboratory. Reservations required at least two weeks in advance of tour. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Photography is permitted. Due to heightened security after Sept. 11, 2001, tour participants will be asked for photo identification and citizenship information. Tours are periodically available by special request. For reservations call (925) 424-4175, or register online.
Free. 10 a.m. University of California, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley. (925) 424-4175, www.lbl.gov.<
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY ongoing. The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory offer two different tours of its facilities.
Livermore Main Site Tours are scheduled on most Tuesdays, 8:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Highlights of the three hour tour are visits to the National Ignition Facility, National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center, and Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry. All tours begin at the Lab's Discovery Center, located at the intersection of Greeneville Road and Eastgate Drive in Livermore. Visitors must be U.S. citizens and 18 years or older. Twoweek advance reservations required. Tours are available for non-U.S. citizens with 60 to 90 days advance reservation.
Site 300 is the Laboratory's 7,000 acre non-nuclear explosive test facility in the Altamont Hills southwest of Tracy. Tours may include Western vantage points for observation of the site, an external view of the Contained Firing Facility, and environmental remediation facilities and wetlands. Tours are conducted on an as-requested basis. Visitors must be U.S. citizens and 18 years or older. Two-week advance reservations required. Tours are available for non-U.S. citizens with 60 to 90 days advance reservation.
NATIONAL LABORATORY DISCOVERY CENTER -- ongoing. 1-4 p.m. Tues. - Fri.; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays. The Center is a window into the Laboratory where visitors can experience a broad-based display of the scientific technology developed at the Laboratory as well as highlights of the Lab's research and history in such areas as defense, homeland security, the environment, cancer and new energy sources.
There is no citizenship limitation or age limit for visiting the Discovery Center. Call ahead to confirm the Center is open. Located off Greenville Road on Eastgate Drive, just outside the Laboratory's East Gate. Free. (925) 423-3272.
Free. 7000 East Ave., Livermore. (925) 424-4175, www.llnl.gov.<
LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.
WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there are no public viewing areas in the hospital.$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.<
MOUNT DIABLO SUMMIT MUSEUM ongoing. The museum is located in a historic stone building atop Mt. Diablo's highest peak and features ongoing exhibits that chronicle the history of the mountain. An instructional video examines the geological forces that created the mountain and panel displays describe the Native American history of the region. A diorama provides an overview of the mountain's ecosystems. Telescopes are mounted on the Observation Deck so visitors can enjoy one of the finest views in the world.
Museum: free; Park entrance fee: $5-$6 per vehicle. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Park hours: daily, 8 a.m.-sunset. Oak Grove Road or North Gate Road, Walnut Creek. (925) 837-6119, (925) 837-6119, www.mdia.org/museum.htm.<
NILES DEPOT MUSEUM ongoing. The Niles Depot, built in 1904 to replace a depot that had occupied the site since 1869, served as a passenger station until the 1950s and as a freight station until the 1960s. It was moved to its current location in 1982 and houses a small railroad library plus railroad artifacts. The Tri-City Society of Model Engineers operates HO and N scale model railroad layouts at the depot. The model trains run when the museum is open.
Free but donations requested. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sundays 36997 Mission Blvd., Fremont. (510) 797-4449, www.nilesdepot.org.<
NIMITZ WALK ongoing. A level, paved walk originally constructed when the army was considering putting a missile site in the hills above Berkeley. Near Inspiration Point; from San Pablo Dam Road turn west onto Wildcat Canyon Road in Orinda. The entrance to the walk, and a parking lot, is at the top of the ridge. This is an easy hike for people of all ages and especially ideal for the very old, the very young, and the disabled. Bicycles and roller blades are allowed.
Free. Daily, sunrise-sunset. Tilden Park, near Inspiration Point, Berkeley Hills. (510) 525-2233, www.ebparks.org.<
OAKLAND ARTISAN MARKETPLACE ongoing. www.oaklandartisanmarketplace.org/. A weekly market featuring the fine arts and crafts created by local artists. Included will be handmade jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, paintings and drawings, photography, dolls, floral arrangements, clothing, soaps, and greeting cards. The three weekly markets are at different sites in Oakland.
Free. (510) 238-4948.<
OAKLAND CASTING CLUB MEETINGS ongoing. The Oakland Casting Club and Department of Parks and Recreation present free fly-casting clinics in this monthly meeting. Experts of the club will be on hand to offer tips and training techniques for youths and adults. Everything from basic casting to advanced techniques will be taught. Beginners or experienced anglers welcome. No registration or appointment necessary, but please e-mail ahead (and include relative skill level) to give notice of your participation, if possible.
Meetings are held at McCrea Park, located at Carson Street and Aliso Avenue (just off Hwy. 13), Oakland.
Third Saturday of the month March-July. Oakland. www.oaklandcastingclub.org.<
OLD MISSION SAN JOSE ongoing. Take a self-guided tour of the Mission, a replica of the original mission church that was one of a chain of California missions begun by Father Junipero Serra in 1769. Mission San Jose was founded in 1797. The mission chain stretches from San Diego to San Rafael. The tour includes the church, grounds, an adobe building and historic memorabilia.
$2-$3. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. 43300 Mission Blvd., Fremont. (510) 657-1797, www.missionsanjose.org.<
PARAMOUNT THEATRE TOUR ongoing. The historic Paramount Theatre is a restored art deco masterpiece from the movie palace era. The two-hour tour covers areas not usually accessible to the public. Cameras are allowed. Children must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by adult chaperones.
$5. First and third Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. Meet at the 21st Street Box Office Entrance, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 465-6400, (510) 893-2300, www.paramounttheatre.com.<
PARDEE HOME MUSEUM ongoing. The historic Pardee Mansion, a three-story Italianate villa built in 1868, was home to three generations of the Pardee family who were instrumental in the civic and cultural development of California and Oakland. The home includes the house, grounds, water tower and barn. Reservations recommended. Group tours may be arranged between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tues.-Sun.
Private Tours and Teas: Take a private tour followed by tea in the Pardee family dining room (available for 4-12 persons).
Tour with light tea: $12 per person
Tour with high tea: $25 per person.
High tea without tour: $20 per person.
$5-$25; free children ages 12 and under. House Tours: 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday and second Saturday of each month; 2 p.m. the second Sunday or each month. 672 11th St., Oakland. (510) 444-2187, www.pardeehome.org.<
PIXIELAND AMUSEMENT PARK ongoing. This amusement park for children features pixie-sized rides such as a dragon roller coaster, swirling tea cups, a carousel, red baron airplanes, an antique car ride and a miniature train among other attractions sure to please the little ones. Classic carnival-style food and souvenirs round out the experience. Admission to the park is free; ride tickets are $1.25 each or 10 tickets for $10; Day wrist band for unlimited rides, $25. Specials and season passes are also available.
Dec. 1-12 2010: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Dec. 13-Jan. 8. 2740 E. Olivera Road, Concord. (925) 689-8841, www.pixieland.com.<
PREWETT FAMILY WATERPARK ongoing. There are pools and water slides for all ages, from the Tad Pool for toddlers to Boulder cove for older swimmers. In addition to fun pools and slides there are fitness pools for lessons and exercise, lawns for relaxing, locker rooms, community room and kitchen. Lap lanes are open year round. Food and beverages are not permitted in the park. Picnic tables are available outside the park.
$4-$11. Sunday through Friday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Aug.23-27, 30-31. 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. (925) 776-3070, www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CitySvcs/Prewett.<
RUTH BANCROFT GARDEN One of America's finest private gardens, the Ruth Bancroft Garden displays 2,000 specimens from around the world that thrive in an arid climate. Included are African and Mexican succulents, New World cacti, Australian and Chilean trees, and shrubs from California.
DOCENT TOUR SCHEDULE -- ongoing. 10 a.m. Saturdays. Docent-led tours last approximately an hour and a half. Plant sales follow the tour. By reservation only. $7; free children under age 12.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS -- ongoing. 9:30 a.m.-noon Mon. - Thurs.; 9:30 a.m. Fri.; 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sat.; 5 p.m. Sunday. Self-guided tours last two hours. No reservations required for weekday tours; reservations required for Friday and Saturday tours. Plant sales follow the tours. $7; free children under age 12.
Gardens open only for tours and special events listed on the garden's telephone information line. 1500 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. (925) 210-9663, www.ruthbancroftgarden.org.<
SHADELANDS RANCH HISTORICAL MUSEUM ongoing. Built by Walnut Creek pioneer Hiram Penniman, this 1903 redwoodframed house is a showcase for numerous historical artifacts, many of which belonged to the Pennimans. It also houses a rich archive of Contra Costa and Walnut Creek history in its collections of old newspapers, photographs and government records.
$1-$3; free-children under age 6. Wednesday and Sunday, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; Closed in January. 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. (925) 935-7871, www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us.<
SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER A wildlife rehabilitation and education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per week. "Toddler Time," ongoing. Learn about animals by listening to stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per family.
"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," ongoing. Meet an assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks. Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
CHILDREN'S EVENTS -- ongoing.
Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801 D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html.<
USS HORNET MUSEUM ongoing. Come aboard this World War II aircraft carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11 space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today, visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center. "Limited Access Day," ongoing. Due to ship maintenance, tours of the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.
"Flight Deck Fun," ongoing. A former Landing Signal Officer will show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum admission.
"Protestant Divine Services," ongoing. Hornet chaplain John Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge. Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the service. Sundays, 11 a.m.Closed on New Year's Day.
"Family Day," ongoing. Discounted admission for families of four with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family of four; $5 for each additional family member.
"History Mystery After Hours Tour," ongoing. 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Explore the USS Hornet after hours and learn the history of this ship while it is illuminated in red lights used for "night ops." Also, hear stories about the ships' legendary haunts. Reservations required. (510) 521-8448 X282.
"Flashlight Tour," ongoing. 8:30 a.m. Receive a special tour of areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that have limited access during the day. $30-$35 per person.
"Living Ship Day," Jan. 15. Kick off the Celebration of the 100th year of Naval Aviation with guest speakers; special exhibit openings and simulated flight operations. Participate in mission briefings; meet former crew; and sit in the cockpit of a fighter jet!
$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda. (510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.<
WATERWORLD CALIFORNA ongoing. `
$19.95-$31.95 General Admission; Season pass: $39.99-$59.99. Park closes in October and reopens in May. 1950 Waterworld Parkway,, Concord. (925) 609-1364, www.waterworldcalifornia.com.<


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RantinAn wrote:isnt that behaviour illegial in tasmania Irish?
cjburgandy wrote:woohoo! all night gaming party at Misca's house.
the nice thing is that everyone is a winner.....
It's a new craze among the lez
best thing since the vibe pez
place it on your crotch
let it buzz your notch
3 cheers for the new game "Rez"
cow_2001 wrote:HeadlessCow wrote:Asimov wrote such things?!
In the name of the mutant robot! I would have never suspect..
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Moderator: Tournament Directors
natty_dread wrote:Do ponies have sex?
(proud member of the Occasionally Wrongly Banned)Army of GOD wrote:the term heterosexual is offensive. I prefer to be called "normal"
PJDH wrote:That is the way remember every turf you saw, and after that just guess!!
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This Tombstone Tuesday post is for that of the graves of my partner Paul's mother Nora and his grandparents Johnson and Sophia. Johnson and Sophia are already mentioned under my Ancestor Anniversaries theme for their Wedding Anniversary.
Paul's mother died in March 1957 and within just a few months of losing her, his grandparents also died, Sophia first and then Johnson. They are buried together in two graves at St. Peter's, Mithian, Cornwall. This is one of the churchyards that I am the Graveyard Rabbit for and please visit my Ancestors at Rest blog (link in the sidebar to the right), to see the blog I posted there today about the sad, neglected churchyard and closed church, which will help explain why the photographs I show here make the graves look very unkempt!!
These are the inscriptions for each grave:
Nora Moyle
Johnson and Sophia Moyle
And this is how Paul's mother and grandparents' graves look from the main path!!
If the flowers weren't there, you wouldn't know that Paul's mother and grandparents are lying at rest as it would be impossible to see the gravestones in all that overgrowth!!


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True Liberty Project necesitaba un nuevo diseño de camiseta y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 110 diseños de 42 diseñadores freelance.
True Liberty
Launching soon: The True Liberty Project will establish itself as the preeminent online marketplace for the liberty minded. True Liberty is a community driven product line, featuring graphic apparel and accessories, which promotes the case for limited government, free markets, and peace in our time.
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MODEL # CLA8000$259.95 $220.96View model specificationsZoomMono Capacity yd/lb340/20 310/25 230/30Braid Capacity yd/lb465/50 390/65 345/80Bearing Count9Max Drag lb30lb | 13.6kgGear Ratio4.7:1Retrieve Rate40" | 102cmWeight27.20Reel Size8000Reel Handle PositionRight/LeftDrag TypeFront DragDrag MaterialHT-100ColorBlack GoldAnti-Reverse FeatureInstant Anti-Reverse
Product Reviews
PENN Clash I Spinning is rated out of 5 by 106.
Rated 5 out of 5 by Zappfactor6 from Nice, Very Nice!!! I bought the PENN Clash when it first came out. I took this reel to South Padre Island, TX. I found the PENN to be very strong, durable, and reliable. The bail is thick, excellent when you catching large fish like Red Fish, Drums and Amber Jacks. The HT 100 drag I really like. I tell you, just as PENN advocated, this reel is water proof. I got hit with saltwater waves, and when I checked the reel when I got home, the reel was dry inside. This is a very smooth cranking reel. I spooled 65 lb Power Pro Braid on a 12' Medium Heavy Ugly Stick. I am an avid surf fisherman and I really like this reel. A high quality product for the price.
Date published: 2016-06-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by NavG8r from Great Reel I bought this reel to add to my saltwater fishing inventory. Had read up on the features and decided to try it. I had been using a Quantum Cabo (as my main reel) and have used them both recently side-by-side. The Cabo is a great mid-tier reel, no doubt. The Clash offers features that the Cabo doesn't have such as a reverse position. Thus far, the Clash seems to be a better overall reel. The drag is amazing and the gears are steady and smooth. The Penn quality seems to be back with this model, without breaking the bank. I would recommend this to anyone who is expanding their inventory of mid to upper level reels. I have the 4000 and 6000 so far and like them both.
Date published: 2016-02-25
Rated 4 out of 5 by MiAl87 from 2 weeks of constant punishment. So far, so good. Bought this for a 2 week trip to the Gulf (Alabama/Florida panhandle). Used this reel every day and it still feels brand new. Pulled in a few 10-20lb rays that fought like heck and the drag system worked flawlessly. Would give 5 stars but don't feel any piece of salt gear deserves such until it holds up over the long term. No maintenance other than fresh water rinsing after every use. Extremely smooth and light for its class. Have had a torque spinner for a few years and decided to give the clash a try. Glad I did. Would recommend to a friend.
Date published: 2016-04-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by Rainman from Clash! I have had the chance to fish the 3000 size for a couple weeks. This reel is much lighter than my old reel was which makes casting throughout the day no problem when I'm jigging. I didn't notice the new gearing much the first couple of times fishing with it, but now that I'm comfortable with the reel I was able to notice the difference it makes for a great fight with any decent fish and it's really smooth. The classic penn gold and carbon fiber also make the reel one of the sweetest looking reels out there too.
Date published: 2015-11-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by steelhooked from satisfied expectations! I ve enjoyed the conquer series and still own one.i bought a clash 4000 and didn't expect it to be as superior to the conquer in performance as it is.i fish great lake tributaries for salmon and steelhead. First thing I did was put the clash into the freezer,everything was smooth and functions flawlessly .the clash has the power,ruggedness, and finesse for casting that I look for and expect from penn.no complants.i m completely satisfied.worth every penny.
Date published: 2015-10-31
Rated 5 out of 5 by blaytenr from love the light weight and power it has. I own three of these, the 2500, 4000, and 5000. I've used them to catch anything from three pound bull trout to thirty pound lingcod. I spend hours of non stop casting, and these light weight reels don't leave me sore at the end of the day. Can't forget about the powerful drag on such light weight reels, and I only fish with braid. I have not had one wind knot yet. Look forward to getting a few more!
Date published: 2016-02-28
Rated 4 out of 5 by Ray Borbon from Lightweight and durable reel. I took this reel on my only spinning rod to southeast Alaska last August 2016. I was there solo for ten days fishing and camping on Prince of Wales Island and caught many salmon with this reel. This was exposed to heavy salt water usage jigging for bottomfish as well. After some time in the river this fall in November 2016 sometimes the initial drag on the reel is a little sticky. Therefore prior to fishing I tug the line to break it in. Then it performs better. Ultimately this reel is worth the cash.
Date published: 2016-11-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by EC18 from Excellent Surf Casting reel! I purchased a CLA 6000 model and used it on my 10'6 St. Croix Mojo on the Assateague surf.. Being a big fan of my Penn Spinfisher V 5500, the first noticeable difference was the extremely smooth line retrieval and provided good casting distances when throwing 1-3oz metals. Overall it's my favorite Penn reel to date and I look forward to putting it to the test with some larger fish when they migrate through.
Date published: 2015-11-14


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When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called last October for elections, it was from a position of confidence and strength. He had already served as Premier longer than all his predecessors except Israel's founder, David Ben-Gurion. His approval ratings were solid, and his efforts to draw the world's attention to Iran's nuclear program were wildly successful. Even so, to all but guarantee that he would return as Prime Minister, Netanyahu kicked off the campaign with an audacious bargain, merging his right-wing Likud party on the ballot with Yisrael Beiteinu, an even more right-wing party controlled by the ultra-nationalist Avigdor Lieberman. The move...
Israel's Right Turn
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Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
High-impact series showcases ordinary people in extraordinary situations, with viewers casting votes for the ultimate hero
TNT has given the greenlight to "The Hero" (working title), a new reality-competition series that will set out to find the next great hero. TNT has ordered eight episodes of the series from Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio Electus and its 5x5 Media exclusive producers. "The Hero" will be headlined by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who will executive-produce with his producing partner, Dany Garcia. The series is set to premiere on TNT in summer 2013.
"The Hero" will bring 10 ordinary people together in a house and then assign them various missions that will test their brains, their brawn and even their morality. The show will challenge the competitors to prove they've got what it takes to be heroes, pushing them to the limits to see what they are willing (and able) to overcome, undergo or sacrifice for the sake of their fellow contestants.
Johnson will serve as "The Hero's" mentor and motivator, encouraging the contestants to reach far beyond their personal limits. In the end, one player will rise above the others, overcoming obstacles he/she never thought possible in order to become a true hero.
In a unique twist on the reality-competition format, "The Hero" will incorporate social media into every facet of the show, from pre-production and casting to on-location shooting and live broadcasts. Through the show's interactive digital platform, viewers will be able to vote each week for the contestant they consider to be the most heroic. The series will also leverage the power of Johnson's enormous social-media following, which includes more than 10 million fans through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
"Dany and I couldn't be more excited to enter into our first official foray in TV production," Johnson said. " 'The Hero' speaks to everything I believe in when it comes to challenging ourselves, to becoming better people every day and to making the right choices while growing from the wrong ones. Bridging the digital and physical world on the small screen in a way that's never been done before will enable fans to use social media and on-screen decision making to determine the fate of the show's contestants, and our goal is to make each TV moment impactful and exciting."
" 'The Hero' is a great fit for TNT's drama fans, whether they enjoy stories with a lot of action, suspense and danger, or stories that offer inspiration through the heroic actions of everyday people," said Michael Wright, president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. "We're also very excited about the extensive social media aspect of 'The Hero,' which will engage viewers on an entirely new level and develop a strong emotional investment in the competitors and challenges."
Johnson has become a worldwide entertainment brand with a multi-hyphenate global reach as a successful actor, sports entertainer, social media maven, film and now, television producer. Johnson's upcoming film credits include "G.I. Joe: Retaliation," "Pain & Gain," "Empire State" and "The Fast and The Furious 6." Past credits include "Journey 2: Mysterious Island," "Fast Five," "The Other Guys," "The Game Plan," "Gridiron Gang," "Walking Tall" and "The Rundown." Johnson's television credits include guest appearances on "Family Guy" and "Saturday Night Live," plus regular appearances on WWE "Monday Night Raw." Johnson is represented by WME Entertainment.
As a celebrity influencer, Johnson has established unparalleled social media engagement with more than 10 million fans worldwide to date across the Facebook, Twitter and YouTube platforms. He holds an unprecedented 38 percent re-tweet rate and has a consistently expanding fan base that averages more than 8,000 new followers/fans per day on both Twitter and Facebook. At last year's fifth annual Mashable Awards, Johnson won as a "Must-Follow Actor or Actress on Social Media." Additionally, over the past month alone, Johnson's Facebook posts have received more than a quarter million "likes," reaching upwards of 5 million fans with a single photo and message.


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Justa friendly PSA for all my fellow PA drivers: be on alert for deer crossing the roads!
I've been on high alert since about two weeks ago when I did an article about this being prime season for hitting deer. Apparently, their mating season is a perfect storm of time for them to be running around and hitting/smashing cars.
This week is the peak of that season.
Friday, on our way back from dinner, my fiance and I actually came upon an entire pack of deer – does and young deer, all crossing the road/eating. They were within like 5 feet of our car.
I was terrified, noting, like the park ranger told me a couple weeks ago, if you see one deer, there could be more.
So I was freaking out, telling Mike to drive away and let them be, but he was excited and was enjoying looking at them.
It was quite an experience.
Then we drove another 20 feet or so and saw another deer in another location. I was so happy to just park the car and not have to worry about it.
So, yes, please be careful out there – it's high time for deer out there!


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When I first read about former Wall Street money manager J.C. Davies' book, I Got the Fever: Love, What's Race Gotta Do With It? on the blog Jezebel, I shrugged her off as clueless. Still, I was curious enough to sign up for her mailing list, and every week or so something offensive and over-the-top (when it comes to interracial dating) would land in my in-box. But it wasn't until I read the post "How Do You Solve a Problem Like White Relatives?" on her blog that I truly started to be ashamed of being white and therefore potentially associated with this corrosive way of thinking.
In that post, Davies, who boasts of her 20 years of experience dating black men, Asian men, Hispanic men and, now, a Jewish man, writes, "I am under attack a lot of the times solely because I am white." She goes on to say that the white people she interviewed for her book said they felt "afraid they might say or do the wrong thing," and concludes, "So I implore you: Don't pick on whitey." I was so incensed by the idea that, somehow, we white folks are under attack that I wanted to see if her book was equally offensive.
I'll break it down for you: It's even more offensive, and I could spend all my allotted space giving you examples, such as when she refers to "Once you go black, you never go back" as an "African-American proverb" or calls black men "the most taboo dating pool."
The very idea that, as white women, we should "broaden our horizons" when it comes to dating assumes that we're only looking for white men to date in the first place. The way Davies positions the groups she profiles, practically pimping them out, suggests that dating outside of our race (or religion) makes us somehow edgy or avant-garde. I'd venture, instead, that if we choose to do so, it makes us human, not in an "I don't see color" kind of way (could there be a more stupid phrase when it comes to race?), but in the sense that we don't limit ourselves to dating one type of person.
Fever reminds me of Andrea Miller's infamous Huffington Post piece, "How to Date an Indian (Advice for the Non-Indian)." Both Miller and Davies are, I believe, well-intentioned, but the problem is that by drawing such large stereotypes, we dehumanize people. When you date someone, you are dating him or her — a real, live person, not his or her race. The person may have some things in common with the majority of people of his or her background — or maybe not. Even if so, nobody deserves to be tokenized.
The answer to dating outside of your race isn't to avoid talking about it or to tiptoe around it. Perhaps that is the only area in which Davies and I agree. I don't believe in using political correctness as a shield. It's natural to have questions about differences, whether they concern race, family, politics or other seemingly "sensitive" subjects.
Last year I was dating a dark-skinned black guy who was going on a trip to Jamaica. "I don't need sunscreen," he told me. But I was worried about his potential sun exposure, and asked one of my best friends, also black, about it. "I feel like an idiot, and very white, but do black people use sunscreen?"
It was a legitimate question, but I didn't ask my boyfriend, because I didn't want to sound as if I thought I knew better than he did. My friend sent me links to the NIH and BBC News and said she, too, believed that everyone should wear sunscreen, no matter their skin color. I didn't want to be right per se, but was glad to know that it wasn't such a crazy query, and her answer made me realize something I should have known all along: Not all black people think alike on this or any topic, and nor should they. On some level, I'd gone to my friend looking for "the black opinion," and realizing there is no such thing was a turning point for me.
Sometimes race is not the issue, or even an issue at all, when it comes to dating. When I was in my early 20s, I dated a black man 18 years my senior. When my family expressed reservations about our relationship, I was sure it was because of his skin color, and got offended on his behalf. Looking back, I can see that they were more concerned about the age difference.
Davies offers up her book as a research tool, complete with movie and book recommendations to familiarize yourself with the culture of the person you're dating, but when you break down the stories of her interviewees, it's clear that you can't learn about a person simply by "reading up" on their "people." You have to get to know that person as an individual. That seems simple and obvious, and yet clearly it's not.
I can't imagine what I'd do if someone came on a date with me, "armed" with having watched Yentl and Schindler's List (both on Davies' list of recommended Jewish-themed movies). As for me, the black guys I've dated are more apt to talk about Tron or The Green Hornet than Mississippi Masala or Jungle Fever.
I'm not trying to claim that I'm the perfect white girl, that I know everything there is to know about dating someone of a different race. But what I do know is that if you approach another person as a fetish object to be discovered, you're doing both yourself and that person a disservice. There is a lot to be said about interracial dating and how it plays out in real people's lives, but I Got the Fever, though purporting to break down stereotypes, only perpetuates them.
Rachel Kramer Bussel is a New York-based author, editor, blogger and event organizer. She writes about sex, dating, pop culture and books for a variety of publications. She is the editor of more than 30 anthologies. Visit her at rachelkramerbussel.com.


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Struggling Seniors Set to Win One, Lose One
WASHINGTON - First the good news: the Obama Administration has indicated through the White House Press Secretary that it will not agree to increase the eligibility age for Medicare as part of the upcoming sequester negotiations.
Why is that good news? Raising the age requirement for Medicare won't save the program much money, but it would cost the rest of us significantly more. Compared to the rest of the Medicare enrollees, those who would no longer qualify, namely seniors from ages 65 to 67, are relatively healthy, and hence cost less per year to cover. However, compared to the non-Medicare population, namely people under age 65, they are relatively infirm, meaning that if they are forced onto the private market, they will end up raising the rates for the rest of us.
Most importantly, for those in the affected bracket who are ill, and hence most need Medicare coverage, their bills are likely to be too expensive for them to handle. Those with low enough incomes would qualify for other assistance under Obamacare, but last year's Supreme Court decision opened the door for state Governors to resist Medicaid expansion. This effectively creates a donut hole through which many of the neediest would likely fall. Allowing any number of the infirmed elderly to have to fend for themselves in their hour of need would be reprehensible.
Avoiding the aforementioned consequences would be commendable. Obama's unwillingness to negotiate the Medicare eligibility is a welcome change, given that it was purportedly on the table as part of the "fiscal cliff" wrangling at the end of last year.
Now the bad news: in the same press conference the White House suggested it was open to reducing benefits for Social Security recipients by changing the way cost of living adjustments are calculated.
Why is that bad news? The same people who have been pushing to end Social Security as we know it through privatization, have also long been jockeying for reducing benefits by cutting the amount of yearly inflation adjustment. What is being sold as a simple accounting change will result in about a percentage point less per year in cost of living increase.
If you think one percent less per year doesn't sound like such a burden, try squeezing that out of the budget of the 9% of seniors on Social Security who already live below the poverty line, or the 5.7% that live at less than 125% of it. Simply stated, these people can't afford to have less buying power each month.
Social Security is currently solvent until 2042, and by simply removing the cap on contributions for those who make over $110,000, it would be in the black until at least 2075. The issue here should be finding a way to means test benefits in order to direct it more to those in need so that no senior citizen has to spend their golden years in poverty. Obama's willingness to give in on Social Security is particularly disheartening, given that the program runs a surplus, and hence does not add a dime to the deficit.


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I found this version of the recipe for the Cream of Almond Soup on-line published by a couple of sources.
I highly recommend this ~ everybody loved it!
The baby greens are a Spring Mix grown by a local Organic farm, they are so tender and delicately flavored and provide a perfect background for anything else you might want to include in your salad.
I had intended to include some local Oregon Dungeness Crab, but there was none in the market, so I bought some Snow Crab legs and claws instead. A sliced avocado, and Grapefruit Supreme (carefully sectioned grapefruit with no membrane) were the other ingredients.
I made a lightly flavored Creamy Lemon dressing to drizzle over, it complements all of the components really well.
I hope you and yours did, too!
Thank you for stopping by today. :)


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Kingstonian assistant coach Mark Hams labelled his side's 1-0 win at Bognor Regis Town on Saturday as their best of the season.
The faded coastal resort of Bognor Regis has seen better days, but Ks fans certainly enjoyed their trip to the seaside, returning from sunny Sussex with a dramatic three points that lifts the club to fourth in the league.
A sizeable travelling contingent had Nyewood Lane's covered stand rocking after Wade Small, a late substitute, finished neatly with just three minutes remaining.
Hams immediately called it one of the wins of the season.
"Let's not make any mistake about it, that is up there with Lowestoft away, Whitehawk away – whatever that proves to be worth - it's a good, good result," he said.
"Bognor are [challenging for the playoffs] for a reason, they're not in a false position, they're a phenomenal footballing side."
It was a positive end to another difficult week after the announcement that the club's oldest supporter, Dorothy Hall, died on Tuesday, aged 92.
The Rocks' talented front four, including former Crystal Palace striker Ashley-Paul Robinson, passed the ball with customary pace and confidence, but this K's team is now made of sterner stuff at the back, Ian Gayle and Tom Bird excelling again on a heavy pitch.
After a fine save from Rob Tolfrey kept the scores level, the away side grew stronger in the second period, with Lewis Taylor an influential presence in midfield and Andre McCollin harrying the Rocks' backline at every opportunity.
With all the excitement over Paul Vines' return to the club, Small has been forced to contemplate a spell on the bench.
His ninth goal of the season may change that.
After being put through by a perfectly angled Taylor pass, Small burst into the area and, with defender and goalkeeper blocking the way, opened up his body to curl the ball into the far corner.
Hams praised McCollin, whose hard running forced the error that led to Taylor's opportunity to pass.
"To do it on a pitch like this, you don't know how hard it is, to try to turn and run in different directions when it's so soft under foot. Andre deserves a lot of credit for that.
"It was like dirty dancing at times, with people grabbing hold of each other and trying to push each other out the way."
It could prove a season-defining moment.
Whitehawk remain 13 points clear but Ks have two games in hand and the FA is expected to rule on Tuesday whether last year's abandoned game at the big-spending league leaders, when the floodlights failed with Ks 2-0 up with only 10 minutes left, has to be replayed.
If Ks are in fact awarded the three points, we're in for a fascinating run-in for what is arguably the best squad at Kingsmeadow for a decade.
Ks travel to Dulwich Hamlet on Tuesday for the much delayed Isthmian League Cup quarter-final before hosting Cray Wanderers on Saturday and in-form Concord Rangers next Monday night.


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Consumers take out insurance to transfer the risk of something happening to the insurer. For a fee, the insurer then agrees to pay the cost of certain events, giving the consumer peace of mind. Pet insurance, as the name suggests, is simply another form of consumer insurance, which pet owners take out to protect their animals. Learn more about the importance of pet insurance.
The big dilemma. Pet insurance is a relatively simply way to protect your pet's welfare and your wallet. Veterinarian bills can be extremely expensive, and through no fault of your own, you may find yourself unable to pay for the cost of treating your pet. This could leave you in an unthinkable position. Faced with extremely high vet bills, some pet owners are forced to euthanize their pets, because they simply cannot afford the cost. Pet insurance avoids that dilemma.
Popularity. In 2009, fewer than 300,000 of 130 million American pet owners had pet insurance policies, according to CBS News. Compared to other countries, the U.S. is way behind. In Europe, pet insurance is relatively common.
Types of coverage. Like all forms of insurance, different insurers offer different levels of coverage. Some may have policies with annual or incident limits. This means, for example, that you may only be able to claim a certain amount of the cost of treatment. Other policies have a deductible, which mean that you normally pay something toward the cost of treatment. A deductible can keep the cost of the insurance down.
Factors affecting cost. The insurer will always revise the fee according to the nature and size of risk, and pet insurance is no different. A number of things will influence the cost of insurance. The age and breed of the animal will often determine the cost of coverage. You may not be able to get coverage for older animals. Pre-existing conditions may be excluded from coverage. If you have a pedigree breed, then the cost of insurance is also likely to increase.
If you are the sort of pet owner that is prepared to spend a lot of time and money looking after your animals, then pet insurance could save you a lot of money. It could also give you peace of mind and need not cost a fortune.


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Classes are currently being taught online. All physical facilities are closed to the public at this time, and employees are working remotely.Please visit
dcccd.edu/coronavirus for additional information and to
find contact information for various departments.If you need additional assistance, please visit
My Community Services and our
Community Employment Resources.
This article appeared in a May 2016 issue of the student newsletter.
REC members Ermmias Teclemariam ,
Kristen Phan
and Jordan Villegas.
Every other Thursday, students in the Richland College Entrepreneurship Club (REC) gather in room WH-103. Together club members network, learn valuable business skills and discuss how REC can make an impact on their community.
The club isn't just making a local name for itself, however. Last year, REC earned national recognition when club members were asked to compete in the fourth annual Alley Scholars Shark Tank Business Plan Challenge. The team took third place and a prize of $2,000.
This year club members were determined to return.
To choose who exactly would represent the club, as well as Richland College, in this year's Shark Tank competition, REC hosted its first annual "Duck Pond Business Plan Challenge" on Dec. 10, 2015. The event asked students to form teams, build their own business plans and present their ideas to a panel of local business professionals and faculty judges.
One team, Stronix Solutions, had a revolutionary idea. The students wanted to transform industrial electronics.
"In the last 20 years, we have advanced from using flip phones with a simple interface to smartphones where everything is literally at our fingertips," explains Kristen, team member. "But, that trend doesn't apply to industrial equipment. Technicians continue to use the same outdated equipment for years without even questioning why."
Stronix Solutions' idea to revolutionize the way industrial equipment is designed (and utilized) caught the judges' attention. The team's 20-page business plan was comprehensive, and the team had presented a fully functional prototype: a highly capable, user-friendly, smart relay.
"Frame relays are not new," explains Kevin Wortley, faculty advisor of the Richland Entrepreneurship Club. "But what made Stronix Solutions' frame relay so different than other frame relay devices was the fact that it was a touchscreen that could be programmed, or re-programmed, within 30 to 60 seconds."
Kristen Phan (accounting major), Ermmias Teclemariam (engineering major) and Jordan Villegas (chemistry major) beamed with excitement as the Richland Entrepreneurship Club named their team – team Stronix Solutions – the winners of the Duck Pond Business Plan Challenge. Their unique business plan would move forward to the Alley Scholars Shark Tank competition.
Also unique was the group dynamic – three team members who carry four ethnicities and three different majors. Stronix Solutions was of the same mind, however. Team members all wanted to revolutionize industrial electronics.
Richland College, and specifically the Office of Student Life, provided the financial support needed to get the entrepreneurship club to the Shark Tank competition. Once team Stronix Solutions arrived group members were given eight minutes to pitch their business plan to the judges.
"We were in front of an audience of 200-plus, so I was very nervous," explains Jordan, the team's youngest member. "I actually did some deep breathing beforehand."
After the team's presentation, one judge offered Jordan some personal advice, which he says helped the team improve their business concept.
"Initially we were going to design our own line of industrial equipment [smart relays], but after hearing feedback from
Judge Hyder we decided to switch to providing an IT consulting service with focus on user interface," explains Jordan.
In the end, team Stronix Solutions represented Richland College well, taking fourth place and prize of $1,000 at the Alley Scholars Shark Tank competition.
But they didn't stop there.
The team applied and was selected as one of 49 schools nationwide to compete in the Texas Christian University Values and Ventures Business Plan Competition. Richland was the one and only community college team present at the competition.
"At TCU, it was huge," says Jordan, who took advantage of the competition's numerous networking opportunities. "The competition was a lot more fierce. We were going up against these major universities. Many were in their junior/senior year, but we are only sophomores."
World renown competitors at TCU included Harvard University, John Hopkins University, University of Chicago, Georgetown University, Rice University, University of Notre Dame, SMU, University of Strathclyde (Scotland) and University of Brawijaya (Indonesia), to name a few.
Stronix Solutions was given 12 minutes to pitch at the TCU competition. The team ended up finishing their presentation in nine minutes.
"Before the TCU competition we did a lot more market research," explains Ermmias. "We reached out to local engineers to test our hypothesis that industrial equipment needed a better user interface. We wanted to see what could be done better."
To make industrial machines more user friendly, the team decided to provide IT consulting. Their service consists of using eye-tracking technology to collect user experience data.
"After we collect the data, we are able to redesign the user interface to better match where the engineer is naturally looking," says Ermmias. "This reduces training cost as well as mental fatigue for the user."
In the end, team Stronix Solutions did not place at the TCU competition. But the judges had positive feedback.
"The judges liked our idea and said they were thirsty for more," notes Jordan. "We went head-to-head with John Hopkins University and their patent-pending surgery device, so the competition was intense."
The team also received praise from the competition cofounder, Nancy Richards, who really liked team Stronix Solutions' idea and encouraged the team to pursue it.
The team did.
Stronix Solutions later applied to (and presented at) the University of Texas at Dallas Spring Pitch Competition on April 14.
"One of our competitors told me he has been to over 20 competitions," notes Jordan. "He won the UTD competition, but that was his first time placing. Sometimes you have to just keep going."
Team Stronix Solutions plans to do just that. Over the summer the team will be doing additional market research and building a customer database. The team is considering starting an actual business.
"We've put a lot of all-nighters in," recalls Ermmias. "Our goal now is to get the company started, connect with potential investors and see where things go."
Kristen says before anything else, the team is taking time to give thanks.
Kristen would like to thank her Richland professors – Mrs. Bekele, Mrs. Robertson and Mrs. Martin – for inspiring her to pursue accounting.
Jordan would like to thank Kevin Wortley and Shama Hyder for helping pivot the team to where it is now. He would also like to thank his Richland professors for all the fantastic experiences and his father for being his main source of inspiration and work ethics.
"I want to thank Chip Izzard, one of our mentors, and Tim Owens, the fourth honorary member of our team," says Ermmias, after explaining that his main supporter is God. "I am a new Christian, so being able to have a relationship with God has comforted me through this tough process. I know that no matter what happens, it will be OK."
DCCCD students who are interested in joining the Richland Entrepreneurship club should email Kevin Wortley, club advisor, at
"One of the first thing we will do in Fall 2016 is club elections," explains Wortley. "My goal is to carry over a few of our student leaders from the year before so there is some historical and institutional knowledge of what went on the year before. But we definitely would like to have new members get engaged too."
Kristen Phan serves as president of the Richland Entrepreneurship Club and works as an intern for Texas Concierge. She also facilitates financial empowerment workshops at WiNGS, where she empowers clients to become more independent, personally and financially. She graduates from Richland College this month and plans to finish her dual bachelor degrees in accounting and biology. Her dream school is Harvard.
Ermmias Teclemariam works at Medical City Hospital where he is approaching his fourth year of employment. Academically, he plans to transfer to UNT to pursue an electrical engineering degree. His dream is to build an engineering company, with the plans of selling original built products.
Jordan Villegas is a 2015 graduate of Richland Collegiate High School who plans to begin his junior year of college in Fall 2016 as a chemistry major at UTD. He hopes to find a science career within entrepreneurship. If that doesn't work out, his backup plan is to become a corrosion engineer.


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Preheat the oven to 350°. Heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté garlic, onion, carrot and potatoes for 5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and herbs, and sauté 1 minute. Add bay leaf, beans, tomatoes and vegetable broth. Mix and pour into a lightly oiled casserole dish. Bake 30 minutes uncovered.
Place all ingredients for topping in a food processor or blender, and pulse until finely crumbled.
Remove the casserole from the oven and mix in one-half of the bread crumbs. Bake another 20 to 25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Sprinkle the remaining bread crumbs on top of the casserole and bake another 15 minutes until slightly brown. Remove and serve.
Note: the type and amount of herbs may vary in many premixed Herbs de Provence, which will influence the flavor of Cassoulet. Other vegetables can also be added such as parsnips and rutabaga.
Per serving - 263 calories, 9 g fat (29% calories from fat), 10 g protein, 38 g carbohydrate, 8 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 420 mg sodium