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30 July 2013

The time of famine is nearly over, August starts on Thursday and while it might not kick off straight away the anticipation is mounting. Even Jono has been tempted out, and of course he scored almost immediately with the first Common Sandpiper on Alex this year, shortly afterwards flushed by a doggie. It's a start.

With school over Dan has been on the flats early doors; his reward a Tawny Owl calling a couple of times, but he's off to Shetland and Fair Isle for a few weeks so he'll, hopefully, be knee deep in the good stuff before long.

For my part, I had a fresh looking Reed Warbler in the Old Sewage Works by the Roding, doing a bit of sub-song and taking a keen interest in what I was doing.  So while things are few and far between at the moment the moment is just about now.

Here's the itinerary for the next few weeks:

Snipe: on the 1st in 2011
Spotted Flycatcher: last year 2nd (9th in 2011)
Crossbill: last year on the 2nd (already noted)
Wheatear: first on the 5th (2011) and last year on the 7th
Common Redstart: a female in the Alex scrub last year on the 11th, 19th the year before
Yellow Wagtail: 12th August 2011, 18th 2012
Green Sandpiper: 12th August 2012
Tree Pipit: 13th August 2012, and 24th the year before
Whinchat: 15th August 2011, and a day later last year on the 16th
Yellow-legged Gull: 17th August in 2012, 23rd August in 2011
Pied Flycatcher: 18th August last year, and 21st in 2011
Sedge Warbler: 23rd August in 2011 (last year the 30th of July)
Wryneck: 25th August last year (and September two year's before)
Marsh Harrier: 26th August last year
Grasshopper Warbler: 28th August in 2011
Arctic Tern: 28th in 2011

and in 1980 the last record of Ruff on the patch

Add to all that increasing numbers of Chiffchaff, returning Willow and Garden Warbler and the promise of an Autumn invasion of Two-bar Crossbill (Lee Evans has spoken), and who knows what flying over, popping up, showing well, and briefly before being flushed... to come. June and July can be expunged.

23 July 2013

A purple patch

Monday and I stood and melted a little while I watched a few rather smart Purple Hairstreak, a butterfly easily overlooked as they tend to stay high in the canopy of the oaks. While not quite in the same league as a Purple Emperor, a smart animal none the less.

And continuing the purple theme: Small Copper on a purple flower....

 ... and the SSSI looking resplendant in purple.

20 July 2013

Like buses...

... you wait half a year for one, and then three turn up all together.  We are talking Common Sandpiper here, not buses, but then a fourth one appeared, just after Bob had left and after giving me the title for this blog. Then a fifth which is where the analogy completely comes off the rails as it were.

Five sandpipers, more, I think, than I've ever had in view at the same time (barring Curlew Sand and Wood Sand), and probably a record mused Mr Lethbridge.  Probably a record until I met up with the daddy of all things ecological in Wanstead, Mr Paul Ferris, who said he had more many years ago but couldn't remember the exact figure. Five will do for me and it did well also for Dan who trollied up to have a gander.

They weren't up for doing much and what they were up for doing was keeping at a healthy distance. So I joined Mr Ferris and Kathy Hartnett for a ramble (they had been counting butterfly, and other insect life all morning). We had a quick cuppa at the Little Tea Shop of Happiness to see us on our way, and no sooner had we left we got some raptor action in the form of the resident Hobby having a go at Peregrine that had strayed a bit too close to their airspace.

Now Mr Ferris knows a thing or two, and Kathy too knows her beans, which left me as a happy passenger providing bird ID when required, which was not too often.

For example: Did you know that some types of Lime tree give off a pheromone that is toxic to bees.  I did not and now I do, and if proof were needed we found a few corpses under one variety of non-native Lime the Corporation had though fit to plant down the side of the grove.  Way to go City of London. Better not inform the government about it else they'll be planting that particular tree in arable areas to save money on carbofuran.

I  learnt that we are one of the only sites in Essex to have Yellow LooseLongstrife, a rather pretty flower growing up from the margins of our ponds. I was also introduced to its more common, but equally attractive purple version namesake (though a willowherb rather than a primrose family member). We ended up looking up at the oaks at the bottom of Perch trying to spot Purple Hairstreak.  The only British butterfly to commit its whole life cycle to the oak.  It feeds on the sugary secretions of aphids!

We had a look at the Horse Chestnuts, already showing die back from their infestation of a tiny little moth, of which there were millions fluttering about the dieing leaves.  Not much hope for a quick cure there then!

We parted company at the Perch Pond and I wandered round the Old Sewage Works till it got late.  Walking back past Heronry, the five sandpiper were still there still resolutely doing nothing.  Things are definitely on the turn.

You can catch up with Mr Ferris through the link down the side of the page. Well worth a look sometime. http://www.wansteadwildlife.org.uk/index.php/component/content/?view=featured

18 July 2013

Green Woodpecker are not easy to photograph.  They are usually two steps ahead of you and away, laughing at your clumsy attempts at stalking.  There seem to be a lot about this year, you can hear them calling everywhere or flying up from the grass, usually with a youngster in tow. Down by the Dell I came across this clumsy youngster, momentarily on it's own (hopefully) and not quite sure where to put it's big feet or what to do.

16 July 2013

Death in the sun

My flat is currently hotter than Death Valley at midday, at midnight.  Not conducive for sleep, not for conducive for getting up early to trudge around the flats before it gets too soporific to continue.

Don't mind the heat so much it's the increasing number of twats it brings out into the open, and god are we all getting fatter.  Seeing someone within their recommended size to weight ratio is as unlikely as a Bridled Tern on the Angel pond.  Now I am overweight, but at least I can still see my feet and my gravitational effect on the surroundings is less than that of Pluto, some of these people are distorting light their masses are so large, though that could be heat haze I suppose.

Monday morning always bring deep joy regarding my fellow inhabitants of this planet.  The heaps of rubbish they leave, just to show what an enjoyable weekend was had larding it up on the flats, and now sadly the old sewage works.  Thanks Redbridge for ruining a place of solitude.

Just when you think things might be on the turn for the better it gets worse.  July sucks! High pressure sucks, bring on some un-settled weather.

Oh my god! A slim person, I am off to check the Angel for tern!

12 July 2013

The turning of the tide

Things are changing, slowly, on the patch.  In just a few weeks the Swifts will be gone and already some of our wintering birds are returning.

First up an eclipse male Gadwall tested out the waters of the Alex and the Heronry looking for his kind, and this morning Dan H reports 2 Teal on the Alex. Black-headed Gull numbers are on the rise; 30 + on the flats with a splinter group mugging bread from the ducks and geese on Heronry.  The first Common Gull, quickly followed by a second earlier this week, is now to be seen loafing around with the BHGs on the playing fields by the Alex. It's getting towards that time the larger gulls that are to be found early doors on the footy pitches could be joined by something a tad more interesting: Yellow-legged Gull or perhaps a Mediterranean Gull, both would be acceptable.

We may have to wait until the ground work is finished on the Jub before anything waderish pops in (still waiting for a Common Sandpiper, or any Sandpiper, for the year), but we have had movement of Lapwings, another good sign.

Heart racing stuff. It does mean the seasons are shifting once more and the exciting stuff is getting closer.

Then it will be just manic!

4 July 2013

June roundup

Yup, June.

The weather was dull with a few brightspots, and the birding was dull with a few brightspots, but on the bright side- its a month closer to something exciting happening so if I can avoid self harming myself too much through the tedium of July...

  • Cuckoo reported singing down by the stables
  • Turtle Dove flyover of the Shoulder of Mutton on the 13th
  • Garden Warbler: where last spring we had none, this year four singing birds and two that were holding territory.  That they've both stopped singing doesn't mean they have moved on...
  • Reed Warbler: singing males on Alex, Bush Wood, the Shoulder of Mutton, the Old Sewage Works (3 singing at one point), and mate-less and moved on
  • 5 more Shelduck making it the best year yet (11th and 21st)
  • Clouded Yellow briefly on the 19th by the Shoulder of Mutton (a London year first, I believe) and not a bird
  • Painted Lady on the 20th near the Esso copse, and also not a bird

Half way through the year and it looks to be a good one for Chaffinch  Usually around now they are hard to find, but this year they are calling everywhere.  A good year for Greenfinch too with small family groups in the SSSI, Long Wood, the Alex scrub, and various locations in the park.  Bullfinches are now being seen and heard again in the OSW, but only in ones or twos.

It should be a good year for thrushes; Song Thrushes are still singing, Blackbird young can be heard chacking in the undergrowth, but Mistle Thrushes curiously scarce.  I did see a large party flying from the False Acacia behind my flat (off patch) numbering over 10, but no large family groups on the flats as yet.

The movement of Swallow finally halted towards the end of the month, and our resident House Martin this year number just four, though I haven't checked the nesting site to see if any more are at home. The Sand Martin mystery might have been cleared up after a chance meeting I had by the Perch pond, with a birder who had been watching a nest site at Barking, which may account for the regular sightings over the Alex. Counts for Swifts have ranged from 20 to over to well over a hundred on both flats and park and it's hard to imagine that these birds are in decline, but we do rather well for them here.

Faring less well are birds like the Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher, both river side nesters and probably suffering from the fluctuations of the Roding in the early spring. I've subsequently seen the Kingfisher carrying food along the Roding, so maybe they've tried again, whereas the sight of a pair of Grey Wags around Heronry means they haven't.

Failure too for the Great-crested Grebe, in all probability to Mink predation. The male suddenly disappeared and the female abandoned the nest.  She did try shacking up with the bachelor on the Perch, but I don't think he was up for it and it looks like she's now moved on. No sign as yet of any Little Grebe chicks, or Tufted Duck, and our hoped for Pochards never materialised.

Our resident warblers are doing well, and Lesser Whitethroat territories could be at a high.  The Willow Warbler now only occasionally sings from his Birch wood home, but he has become harder to pin down.  A second bird was singing on the south edge of Bush Wood for most of the early part of the month, it's gone quiet there too.

Collectively we found five Great Spotted Woodpecker nests, seen a few juvenile Greens, but no more signs of any Lesser spots, while another woodland bird, the Stock Dove, appears to be coping well with the invasion of Ring-necked Parakeet who could be a competitor for suitable nest sites.

We're still not sure how the year's going for the larks and pipits on the flats, lots of activity, but nothing tangible to show for it. Seven singing Skylark was the best count, with two Meadow Pipit still parachuting in the brooms.

A quiet month on the raptor front.  Only one Buzzard, but potential signs of nesting behaviour from our Hobby and signs too of Sparrowhawk carrying food for young somewhere.

The Terns have been back on Heronry, with three on one occasion. Where these might be nesting is baffling, I timed the regular bird from when he left the pond carrying fish to when he returned; just over 10 minutes, which implies it's got to be somewhere close.

Too much excitement for you?  Then have the rest of the news.  Be still my beating heart!

1st June

Wanstead Flats: Common Buzzard (Dan Hennessy), Willow Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat (Josh Selfe), 10 Sand Martin, House Martin, 3 Swallow, 100+ Swift (Nick Croft/Tim Harris)

Wanstead Park: Garden Warbler (Josh Selfe), pr Hobby (Nick Croft)

3rd June

Wanstead Park: Reed Warbler (SoM), Common Tern (DH), Willow Warbler (TH), Hobby, Swallow, House Martin, 150+ Swift (Nick Croft). Reed Warbler Bush Wood (Paul Ferris)

4th June

Wanstead Flats: Lesser Whitethroat + yg, 5 Sand Martin, 4 House Martin, Swallow, 50+ Swift, Kestrel (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: 2 singing Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Little Egret, Hobby, Kestrel, the Great Crested Grebe has abandoned the second nest after losing its partner - presumably to a mink, 5 Little Grebe, Swallow, 100+ Swift (Dan Hennessy/Tim Harris/Mike Messenger/Nick Croft)

5th June

Wanstead Flats: Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, 1 Swallow, 4 Sand Martin, 3 House Martin, 100+ Swift, Stock Dove, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Egyptian Goose, pr Kestrel (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: Reed Warbler still Shoulder of Mutton, Willow Warbler Bush Wood, pr Hobby, 2 Swallow north, House Martin, 100+ Swift (Nick Croft)

7th June

Wanstead Flats: 2 Sand Martin, House Martin, 50+ Swift, Kestrel (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: pr Reed Warbler (Shoulder of Mutton), Garden Warbler still OSW, 2 Little Egret, Kingfisher, Sparrowhawk, House Martin, 60+ Swift; locals report singing Cuckoo from the stables area yesterday (Nick Croft)

8th June

Wanstead Flats: singing Willow Warbler, 4 Lesser Whitethroat, Swallow, 4+ House Martin, 50+ Swift, Kestrel, 7 Skylark (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: Turtle Dove SE over Shoulder of Mutton pond (first for 2-3 years), 10+ Stock Dove, Reed Warbler, Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler, yg Lesser Whitethroat, Kingfisher, 3-4 Little Egret, lone Great Crested Grebe has paired up again, Bullfinch, 2 Black-headed Gull N up Roding (Nick Croft/Josh Selfe)

11th June

Wanstead Flats: 2 Lapwing W, Linnet, Pochard E, 3 Sand Martin, 4 House Martin, Swallow, 50+ Swift, 4 Little Grebe (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: 3 Shelduck N over Heronry (1 S later), 2 singing Reed Warbler (SoM), 2 singing Garden Warbler, Common Tern, Little Egret, Sparrowhawk, 50+ Swift, 4 House Martin (Nick Croft/Mike Messenger)

12th June

Wanstead Flats: Hobby, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Reed Warbler singing Alex, Lesser Whitethroat, singing Willow Warbler, 100+ Swift, Swallow N, 4 House Martin, 5 Stock Dove (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: Reed Warbler still Shoulder of Mutton, Little Egret, 50+ Swift, 4 House Martin, Sparrowhawk (Nick Croft)

14th June

Wanstead Flats: 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat, family of fledged Common Whitethroat, 5 Sand Martin, House Martin, 100+ Swift, Kestrel (Nick Croft/Tim Harris)

Wanstead Park: Garden Warbler still OSW, Reed Warbler, Little Egret, Common Tern, Sparrowhawk, 100+ Swift (Nick Croft)

16th June

Wanstead Flats: 3 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Egyptian Goose, House Martin (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: singing Reed Warbler still, 2 Grey Wagtail, 5 House Martin (Nick Croft)

17th June

Wanstead Park: 2 Common Tern on heronry (Dan Hennessy)

18th June

Wanstead Flats: 2 Great Crested Grebe Alex, Lesser Whitethroat, Meadow Pipit with food, House Martin, 30+ Swift, appears to be a good year for Chaffinch (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: 3-4 Reed Warbler (SoM), 2-3 singing Willow Warbler (Bush Wood), 3 Common Tern, 2 Grey Wagtail, Bullfinch, 2 Little Egret, Hobby, Kestrel, Sand Martin, House Martin, 30-50 Swift, 20+ Jackdaw hawking for flying ants (Nick Croft/Tim Harris/Bob Vaughan/Dan Hennessy)

19th June

Wanstead Flats: 4 Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler singing in SSSI, Swallow N, House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, 30 + Swift, Kestrel, Egyptian Goose (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: 1-2 Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler still OSW, Lesser Whitethroat, Kingfisher, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebes back on Perch Pond, 2 Common Tern, Kestrel, Nuthatch; Clouded Yellow briefly in reeds on Shoulder of Mutton then flew N towards golf course (Nick Croft)

20th June

Wanstead Flats: 5 Lesser Whitethroat, Sand Martin, House Martin, 20-30 Swift, Grey Wagtail; Painted Lady (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: Garden Warbler, no sign Reed Warbler, singing and very tatty Goldcrest, 4 House Martin, 30+ Swift, tatty Sparrowhawk, Little Egret (Nick Croft)

21st June

Wanstead Flats: Willow Warbler, Garden Warbler both singing SSSI, 5 Lesser Whitethroat, 2 Shelduck over, Egyptian Goose, 4 House Martin, 30+ Swift, Kestrel (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: 4 Sand Martin, House Martin, 40+ Swift, Little Egret, singing Goldcrest (SoM) (Nick Croft/Dan Hennessy).

24th June

Wanstead Flats: 50+ Swift, 8 House Martin, 3 Sand Martin, singing Garden Warbler, singing Willow Warbler, 2 singing Lesser Whitethroat, Stock Dove, Egyptian Goose, f Sparrowhawk, Kestrel (Nick Croft)

Wanstead Park: Little Egret, family of Chiffchaff, Blackcap gathering nest lining material, 10 Swift, 5 House Martin, Common Tern, Grey Wagtail (Nick Croft)

26th June

Wanstead Flats: Willow Warbler, 2 Lesser Whitethroat SSSI, Stock Dove, 3 House Martin, 4 Sand Martin, 50+ Swift, f Sparrowhawk (Nick Croft).

Wanstead Park: Reed Warbler singing from the long hedge in Old Sewage Works, Grey Wagtail, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern, House Martin, 50+ Swift (Nick Croft/Josh Selfe).

27th June

Wanstead Flats: Sand Martin, 4 House Martin, 50+ Swift, 2 Lesser Whitethroat, family of Chiffchaff east end Long Wood, Kestrel, 4 Stock Dove, Grey Wagtail (Nick Croft).

Wanstead Park: Little Egret, singing Coal Tit, Grey Wagtail, House Martin, 50+ Swift; Mink with 3 kits (Nick Croft).

29th June

Wanstead Flats: 50+ Swift, 3 House Martin, Lesser Whitethroat, 3 singing Skylark, 2 singing Meadow Pipit, juv Green Woodpecker (Nick Croft/Stuart Fisher)

Wanstead Park: Hobby, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, 2 Little Egret, 2 Grey Wagtail, Common Tern, 3 Black-headed Gull, 4 House Martin, 60+ Swift, Bullfinch, 2 Kingfisher, 10+ Stock Dove, 10+ juv Chiffchaff in Old Sewage Works; Grass Snake in the Roding, Hornet and the 4 Mink are still on the loose (Nick Croft/Stuart Fisher)


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Victoria "Vickie" (Finley) Wetmore

Victoria “Vickie” (Finley)

Age 73, of South Fayette Twp., on December 3, 2016. Loving daughter of the late Robert and Helen (Roman) Finley and beloved cousin to Larry and Kathy Carilli. A retired employee of Consolidated Natural Gas Company and a member of The Anglican Parish of Christ the Redeemer, Canonsburg. Friends received Tuesday, 4-8 PM, in the Warchol Funeral Home, Inc., 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville (412-221-3333), where a service will be held Wednesday, 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Angelican Parish of Christ the Redeemer, 120 East College St., Canonsburg, PA 15317.

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Return to the Vindicaar | Patch 7.3

High Exarch Turalyon: That pit lord won’t trouble our new allies any longer.

(Turalyon’s brow furrows.)

Until another takes its place, at least. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in our endless war against the Legion, it’s to savor victories as you find them.

Come, let us take a moment to regroup back at your vessel. Alleria and I have been waiting a long time for a reunion with our son.

Return to the Vindicaar.

Return to the Vindicaar

A Strike at the Heart | Patch 7.3

High Exarch Turalyon: These pits have long been a blight upon the lives of our new allies. The demons hunt them down and torture the poor souls for sport.

(Turalyon shakes his head with disgust, fixing his gaze upon the beast before him.)

It is time to make them pay for their cruelty and restore hope to this Light-forsaken place.

We strike on your mark, (name).

Slay Aggonar.

A Strike at the Heart

Prisoners No More | Patch 7.3

High Exarch Turalyon: Hatuun’s people have endured arduous times. Their numbers dwindle as those ripped from beyond the walls of their sanctuary become servants to the annihilan lords in the pits just beyond, sentenced to a life of labor, torture and ultimately, death.

Seek out these captives, release them from their bonds, and show our allies we stand as one against the Burning Legion.

Rescue 10 Darkfallen Slaves from the Annihilan Pits.

Prisoners No More

Threat Reduction | Patch 7.3

High Exarch Turalyon: In time, Hatuun and his people will set aside their bitterness and become valuable allies. But their trust must be earned.

He says their village is beset by a demon called Aggonar and his cruel kin.

We need these fiends out of the way before we can seek out Alleria and the others.

The chieftain lent us his horn. Use it to call down his people’s vengeance upon the demon lieutenants while I carve a path to Aggonar’s lair.

Slay Kar’aaz, Xeth’tal, and magraloth in the Annihilan Pits.

Threat Reduction

Rendezvous | Patch 7.3

High Exarch Turalyon: There is much to be done before this nightmare can end, but we need to regroup before we draw more attention from the Legion.

I managed to retain a signal crystal during the crash used to call transport beacons from the Xenedar.

With luck, we should be able to use it to establish a link between here and your forces as well.

Use the Signal Crystal to call down a Lightforged Beacon from the Vindicaar.

Signs of Resistance | Patch 7.3

Prophet Velen: Our forces sustained heavy losses defending the Xenedar, (name). We require allies.

The Army of the Light was known to take in survivors of the Legion’s crusade to bolster their ranks. We must do the same.

I sense the presence of the Legion slaves you freed nearby. I suspect that they have carved out a resistance against their masters.

I would appreciate your company, (name).

Search for signs of resistance.


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Jump to Navigation

Little Thai Cafe

Visit our Website

(617) 926-3323
51 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472

Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 10 pm

Little Thai Café invites you and your family to come in and relax while we send your taste buds on an exotic vacation! Join us for lunch and dinner inside in our casual atmosphere or enjoy outdoor dining in our embellished patio. Our menu also features many Asian favorites like Crispy Sesame Chicken, Aromatic Crispy Beef and Spicy Chicken with Peanuts. Open 7 days a week.

Main menu 2

Dr. Radut Consulting


text:
From March 1, 2015, this blog will attempt to publish the ongoing posts on the New Developments page at the Water War Crimes web site. We attempted to do that in the past but missed a big chunk of time and hope to be able to keep it regular now that we have some extra time.

The Water War Crimes web site tells the story in great detail and we add updates because the case is unfolding.

The Canadian media will not report the story so we have used the internet to publicize the crimes by the insiders and the corruption in Canada's judicial, legal and political systems.

In the process, we have systematically destroyed many of our enemies but the governments of British Columbia and Canada continue to refuse a fair and equitable settlement and we continue our quest for redress in Canada's crooked court system and so more insiders are compromised and then murdered or mysteriously drop dead.

Twelve crooked judges involved were exposed as crooks and suddenly died. We think some of those judges were murdered. Six Chief Justices who manipulated the system against us were exposed and resigned, one was murdered and the other committed suicide.

Politicians, lawyers and civil servants who abused their positions of power were exposed, resigned or, suddenly, dropped dead. The death toll now stands at over forty and is likely to rise. The list of the sudden deaths linked to the Water War Crimes is published on the web site page entitled the Graveyard of the Guilty.

A remnant of the crooked political, judicial and legal insiders within the Governnments of Canada and British Columbia and some of Canada's most powerful law firms have effectively used their influence to manipulate Canada's judiciary to get the case thrown out without any hearing on its merits.

The insiders are desperate and periodically they lash out at Mr. Carten with illegal jailings, malicious prosecutions and other crooked legal tactics.

In February 2016, the Law Society of British Columbia commenced a vile attempt to destroy Mr. Carten again because he was helping some people who were victims of a criminal lawyer / judge gang operating in the courts.

This is a huge story that has been suppressed and mis-represented by the Canadian media and it continues to influence Canadian politics to this day.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Prime Minister Harper Holds Secret Meetings With New Brunswick Premier David Alward

How Does A Prime Minister Explain the Murder of another Canadian Judge - No.12?

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper (shown above photo on right) paid a "rare" visit to New Brunswick, today, in order to have a "private" meeting with New Brunswick Premier David Alward (shown in above photo on left) only few short weeks after it became plainly evident that a prominent, well loved and respected New Brunswick native, Canadian FDederal Court of Appeal Justice, Carolyn Layden Stevenson, was murdered as a result of her participation in the Water War Crimes lawsuit.

In British Columbia, the Finance Minister, Mr. Kevin Falcon suddenly resigned.

We Are Sorry But We Don't Know Who Did It?

In the Editors opinion, one of the leading suspects in the murder of Justice Carolyn Layden Stevenson (shown in photo on left) is Justice Minister Rob Nicholson (shown in photo on right) and his subordinates at the Canadian Department of Justice.

It is patently obvious that the strategy devised by Department
of Justice
lawyers required the services of a judge who could be relied upon to make the extremely rare order blocking an appeal by requiring the appellants post security for costs in a sum the appellants did not have.

With her links to both the Liberal and Conservative parties of Canada, it is reasonable to conclude that Madam Justice Layden-Stevenson was carefully selected for that task and, then, eliminated so she could not identify those who instructed her.

Like a mechanic delivering a defective vehicle to a driver,  Justice Minister Nicholson and his subordinates delivered a defective legal strategy to Carolyn Layden-Stevenson.

 At law, the mechanic would be guilty of, at least, negligent homicide and, at worst, murder. This argument by analogy directly applies to the professional conduct of Justice Minister Nicholson and his subordinates.

The tragic death of Carolyn Anne is a very heavy price for the Layden-Stevenson family to pay simply because Justice Minister Robert Douglas Nicholson and his subordinates are so incompetent and so corrupt that they resort to devious, underhanded, manipulation of the judiciary in order to cheat litigants from having their legal claim for redress properly considered in a court of law.

Whether Justice Layden-Stevenson was murdered in order to silence her or consumed by her own guilt and shame for having violated her Oath of Office, there is no doubt that the conduct of the Canadian Minister of Justice and his subordinates were contributing factors to her sudden death.

BC Finance Minister Resigns

Kevin Falcon, the present Minister of Finance for British Columbia is a long serving politician in the corrupt regime of the former Premier Mr. Gordon Campbell who is now hiding out if London, England. With Premier Gordon Campbell, Kevin Falcon was responsible for covering up one of the greatest criminal financial conspiracies in Canadian history and by so doing Kevin Falcon set the stage for the murder of Justice Carolyn Layden Stevenson.

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Monday, 21 October 2013

Cheating and Education

The decision by the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) to revoke the grades of the entire sixth form cohort at Jamaica College who sat the 2013 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Physics Examination (CAPE) is both embarrassing and disturbing and might have caused irreparable damage to Jamaica’s education system. This most unfortunate episode speaks to the glaring lapses within the education system and moral crisis we face as a society. As a result there is now an urgent need for quality assurance measures to be instituted across all levels of the education system from the primary to the tertiary level in order to safeguard Jamaica’s reputation regarding educational outcome. At the same time the Caribbean Examination Council’s judgment should be commended and indeed should be viewed as an opportunity for all stakeholders within the education system to develop standards and means to safeguard the integrity of our examination especially as we move forward in an era transparency and accountability. Quality assurance is the systematic review of educational programmes to ensure that acceptable standards of education, scholarship and infrastructure are being maintained. However, a significant part of our problem is the fact that we do not have a sufficient history of quality assurance practices in this country especially as it compares to other societies and cultures. However, all is not lost but we need to address the issue most urgently and work at creating and fostering a culture of quality assurance practices along with educating our students about the perils of plagiarism. With this development our students now have seen firsthand the dangers of cheating. Cheating has a domino effect and this painful lesson is a lesson for all of us in the society. This episode should point out to all stake holders how cheating negatively impacts not only the individual but also an institution and even an entire country.
Jamaica now has the opportunity to put in place measures to ensure we do not have a repeat of this embarrassing situation, however, me must first address the tendency in the society to downplay the importance of intellectual property rights as a serious issue. For some reason we do not valuable creative works, such as, poetry, music and, choreography dance pieces as meaningful and productive work. This adds to the difficulty we now face for us to see plagiarism as a way of cheating. We need to work harder at changing that culture and the change should begin now. Maybe this is an ideal opportunity for the Ministry of Education to incorporate issues of Plagiarism into the Social Studies curriculum for grades 7 to 9 and even to the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) level. We must admit and sadly so that too many individuals of questionable backgrounds are in the teaching profession from the level of principal to the classroom teacher. As a result of this fact we should not be alarmed if more instances of plagiarism as is the case of Jamaica College and other forms of cheating and irregularities are not found throughout our institutions of learning.We should thank the Caribbean Examination Council’s swift and decisive move as it relates to bringing an end this awkward situation which has wider implications than just the school involved but also in terms of how our Caribbean neighbours’ view us especially in a globalized text and the movement of Caribbean nationals especially Jamaicans throughout CARICOM. By virtue of being a principal one automatically assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). To claim lack of knowledge regarding what is happening in one’s school is totally unacceptable of one holding such an office. Additionally this lack of foresight speaks volume to one’s management skills and leadership style as well. We need to ask ourselves a number of questions in light of this revelation.
What if the former Physics teacher at Jamaica College did not tip off the Caribbean Examination Council regarding the issue of plagiarism? Can we be sure this grave and unethical offence was happening for the first time? What is the role of the Ministry of Education regarding issues of quality assurance for our regional and national examinations? What disciplinary measures will be taken against the Physics teacher who is at the centre of the controversy? What about the Head of the Department and Vice Principal in charge of academic affairs.  Were these individuals doing their jobs in terms of monitoring and evaluating the staff and the department in question? What about the sixth formers involved especially those who were in upper sixth form and would have been depending on the Physics grades to enter tertiary level educational institutions? Will be the Caribbean Examination Council be reviewing past examinations in light of this most unfortunate development Should the Ministry of Education now explore the possibilities of storing regional and national examination papers at centralized locations across the country rather than at the respective schools? Surely we must take every step imaginable to safeguard the integrity and quality of our examinations. Let us not fool ourselves when we operate in an unethical manner there are always serious implications for those directly and indirectly impacted by our selfish and self serving actions. This sculled episode should be used as a learning tool and a wake up for all schools to put their house in order and abide by guide lines and rules regarding School Based Assessment (SBA) and the sitting of examinations. I am reminded that a few years ago the Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) went through an embarrassing affair after it was discovered that students at a particular school had seen the examination before the schedule date of the examination.
There is a saying that says, “tek sleep and mark death “It has always been alleged that some teachers are in the habit of doing their students Schools Based Assessment (SBA, S) whether these allegations will ever be proven or not is beside the point. This practice is tantamount to cheating and most unethical. I would humbly suggest even implore that any such teacher caught up in this dilemma they should discontinue this unprofessional practice.  As an educator your job is to guide your students not to find means to facilitate them in cheating. When all the dust is settled no one wants to be known as a cheat. Perception is sometimes more than reality. As a potential learning  experience all the stakeholders involved, the schools, parents, teachers, students, school boards, the Ministry of Education should come together so as to prevent a repeat of this most distressing saga in the annals of Jamaica’s education system.

Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues.


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Friday, January 18, 2008

G'morning from Cambridge (Mass., not U.K.)

As the new guy on the block--er, blog--let me say hello. Recent fiction credits include “Call Him Lucky” in the April 2007 issue of Northwoods Journal, “Big Willa and a Push Toward the Edge” published by Lunch Hours Stories in July 2007, “Not My Wife” in the September ‘07 issue of Mouth Full of Bullets , and "Dreaded Conversation " in the Oct. 15 issue of Every Day Fiction. Upcoming issues of MFOB, EDF, Written Word and Bewildering Stories will also carry my short fiction. I didn't pay attention in history class, so have tried to regain an education by writing for Military History Online, Copperfield Review, Whim’s Place and other print and online venues. My collection of short stories, Cruising the Green of Second Avenue, has just been published in two volumes by Wild Child ( Earlier, I directed corporate communications at Fortune 500 companies in New York for more than 30 years--and therein lay my misspent youth that resulted in the Cruising stories.

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Fast - Cash - Loan

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PODCAST – 2 guys on the (Pac) 12 with David Locke and Ian Furness

Utah Jazz radio voice David Locke talks college football and the Pac-12 with KJR’s Ian Furness. What was week #1 take away, who was the surprise team, what about team of the week. It is all here in 2 guys on the 12


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Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Florence E. Weatherwax additional information

Page 508 #3235 (9375)
Florence E. Weatherwax appears in her marriage record as Florence E. Weatherway. She married John E. Davis on 8 May 1913 in Cuyahoga co. OH. They had two documented children:
1.Pauline F. David b: 1915 in WV
2. Gladys M. Davis b:1921 Akron OH.
Her husband was a policeman for the city of Akron. They appear in USC 1920 and 1930 in Akron,Summit co. OH.
No record of her marriage to Elias Zimmerman has yet been found or information as too his death etc.
The spelling variation of Weatherway is commonly found for Weatherwax etc. It should also be used when searching online for family records.


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Wednesday, 4th July 2007

7 out of 10: Labour Under Labour 1997-2007

7 out of 10: Labour Under Labour 1997-2007
Source: The Work Foundation
From press release:

Most new jobs created between 1997 and 2006 were permanent and full time – contrary to predictions about the rise of temporary, insecure work made in the 1990s.

The Labour government has re-regulated the labour market without any credible evidence of damage to economic performance or organisational effectiveness; unemployment has remained relatively low.

Many worthwhile reforms (from the national minimum wage, to flexible working rights, to information and consultation rights) have offered a means of redress for employees – but enforcement remains an issue.

+ Full Report (PDF; 1 MB)

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Thursday, March 8, 2007

Pain in Milan

Argggghhh, so near, yet so far. Celtic played AC Milan last night and despite our best efforts we lost 1-0, with a goal by Brazilian Kaka (which means sh!t in Spanish - unformtunately he doens't do the name justice as he is a great player). It was a great game by Celtic and we were denied one clear penalty and another that would have been given most of the time.

Milan have some great players and at times we outplayed them - and we have a lot of young players. Great hope for next year, but we have to learn that when we make mistakes in Europe the big teams take advantage of them!

I hope Milan now go on and win the cup.

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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Easy and Innovative Website Designing Using Wordpress

WordPress is one of the best tools to create blogs or business websites. There are many advantages of WordPress that makes it the favorite among many website designers.

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A simple tool

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Website designing needs skills and aesthetics that can match the audience requirements. Although it sounds complicated, WordPress has made it as simple as it can be. It is easy to design and create a website that host a variety of features. This is exactly why there are so many blogs that are coming up that use WordPress and many other business websites that are using WordPress are ruling the online market.

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There are much more functionalities of WordPress that help creative designers to develop an amazing website with innovative designs. The WordPress can also serve as a simple Content Management System (CMS) once the website is developed to update the content by any novice content creators. The plugins help the website administrators to use WordPress as a simple CMS tool.

Michael is a wordPress developer in Calicut at, a professional web design outsourcing company, offers best php web application, mobile and eCommerce development services.

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Emissions gap remains ‘alarmingly high’ says UN

In its annual review, the UN says the gap between carbon cutting plans and the reductions required to keep temperature rises below 2 degrees Celsius is “alarmingly high”.

Pledges made so far cover only one-third of the cuts needed by 2030 to keep below that goal, the review warns.

Even if all the promises are kept, temperatures might still rise by 3 degrees by 2100.

However, cost-effective options are available that can close the gap.

The UN has published an annual analysis of emissions every year since 2010.

This year’s instalment re-iterates the point that current pledges are insufficient to keep within the temperature limits agreed in the Paris climate pact.

Emissions from human activities involving burning fossil fuels have stalled since 2014, caused by a reduction in coal use in China and the US, as well as the rapid rise of renewable energy sources.

  • Record surge in atmospheric CO2 in 2016
  • US and Syria left alone on climate accord
  • Hurricanes: A perfect storm of chance and climate change?

Despite this slowdown, the World Meteorological Organization warned on Mondaythat concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere were at a record high.

The new emissions gap report finds that global greenhouse emissions by 2020 “are likely to be at the high end of the range” consistent with keeping temperature rises below 2 degrees or 1.5C.

Chart showing predicted global emissions and gap between pledges made to reduce emissions and target

By 2030 the UN says that the global scale of emissions needed to keep within the 2-degree path should not exceed 42 gigatonnes of CO2-equivalent. Based on the promises made, this report projects a gap of 11 to 13 gigatonnes, while for the 1.5-degree target, the gap is 16 to 19 gigatonnes.

“The Paris agreement boosted climate action, but momentum is clearly faltering,” said Dr Edgar E Gutiérrez-Espeleta, Costa Rica’s minister for environment and president of the 2017 UN Environment Assembly.

“We face a stark choice: up our ambition, or suffer the consequences.”

Ominously, the report warns that if the emissions gap is not closed by 2030 then “it is extremely unlikely that the goal of holding global warming to well below 2 degrees C can still be reached”.

The report suggests that signatories of the Paris accord must significantly increase their ambitions in the new and updated national plans that will have to be submitted by 2020.

The authors also say that the private sector and cities are not doing enough. The report points out that the world’s 100 largest emitting, publicly traded companies account for a quarter of global greenhouse emissions.

However, the UN says there are some relatively cheap options that can be taken up that have the potential to radically change the picture.

coalImage copyrightGETTY IMAGES
Image captionGlobal coal reserves will have to stay in the ground to meet global temperature targets

They say that solar, wind, efficient appliances, efficient passenger cars, planting more trees and preventing deforestation would more than cover the emissions gap.

The recommended actions in these areas would have a modest or net-negative cost says the report and could shave 22 gigtonnes of carbon equivalent by 2030.

“One year after the Paris agreement entered into force, we still find ourselves in a situation where we are not doing nearly enough to save hundreds of millions of people from a miserable future,” said Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment.

“This is unacceptable. If we invest in the right technologies, ensuring that the private sector is involved, we can still meet the promise we made to our children to protect their future. But we have to get on the case now.”

If the Paris targets are to be reached then coal use for energy must stop the report warns. Some 80-90% of reserves must remain in the ground. This compares to around 35% for oil and 50% for gas reserves.

In terms of which countries as doing their fair share, the UN report says China, the EU, India and Japan are on track to meet their 2020 pledges.

Should the US follow through on its promise to leave the Paris pact, the report states that the picture will become bleaker.

Post Author: James Bark

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

Loads of Love

DSCF3165 DSCF3170

I made a very quick card this morning for my dad; I have been making Valentines for weeks, but they are all sparkly and frilly---not good for a dad!  So I pulled out my sadly-neglected Loads of Love set and made a fast card:

I wanted to put everything up a little higher, or add some ribbon to offset that empty space, but being the bad daughter that I am, it needed to go in the mail TODAY, so no time to rip and reposition.....because you KNOW what would happen if I tried to take that panel off...been there, done that!  So here it is, in all its bottom-heavy glory!  He'll like it, I know!  The image was colored in pastels; the heart embellishment is from PaperTrey's Love Songs, mounted on some nesties.

I also have been getting Loads of Love in my mailbox:  lots of wonderful cards, and some AWESOME blog candy, which I hope to show you later, as well as a sweet award!  Not enough time in the day!  But here are some of the nice cards:

DSCF3150 from Maryanne

from Robyn

from Pam

from Beth

DSCF3171 and from Darlene!

Like Pam says, I am sending YOU a great big hug, too!  Thanks, ladies!

  • Stamps:  Loads of Love & Accessories, Love Songs, PTI
  • Paper:  Ruby Red, RHR Patterns, WW, Basic Black
  • Ink:  Palette Noir, RHR
  • Acc:  Pastels, Blender Pen, Nesties, Dimensionals

  1. These are great, so sweet...
    Thanks for stopping by

  2. I think your dad card is great! Love the pastels!!

  3. Your card for your dad is great!! I've been meaning to get that set for a while now. I wish you'd stop making me want to buy more stamps, LOL!

    All your RAKs are just too sweet!

  4. That is one of my favorite SU stamp sets and your card is adorable! And love all your happy mail-how lucky are you?! Have a great day!

  5. That Loads of Love card is a PERFECT "Dad-Valentine!" And how lucky for you to have so much love in your mailbox! Too bad your friend Tammy isn't as good at sending cards to you as you are at sending cards to her!

  6. Great RAKs! I love that truck! I have it on my list, but other sets keep getting ahead of it! I have to put it on top again! Nice card!

  7. great card!! I must get busy and make my hubby his valentine card tonight!!! I'm so bad a keeping up!

  8. Your Valentines for your dad is wonderful! And you have received some beautiful and darling RAKS.

  9. WHEW! I like that "thank you" card!

  10. What fun hearts! I love every one of these card :-)
    P.S. Happy Valentine's Day!!!

  11. Great masculine themed V'day card! I love all the other RAK's you received.

Thanks so much for your comments! I love hearing from you! If you have a question, please be sure to include an email address so I can respond to you quickly!


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Friday, December 18, 2009

I Hate Stickles!!!....

I love glitter, hate stickles.  Does anyone have the same problem with them?  They look great when applied, and dry dull, dull, dull.  Anyway, I was playing around with my Cool Yule set from MFT, and I had a leftover image on my desk, so I decided to play around a little!  After watercoloring him in, I added stickles to his body and scarf......

From this angle, he looks pretty cute, but IRL.....that scarf looks pretty awful.  If anyone has any hints as to how to apply these so they maintain their sparkliness, give me a shout.   Anyway, this will be a gift card holder for some cold, hard CASH---given with warm wishes!  My niece will love it, I am sure!  And here's a little peek at a recycled bag that I filled with cookies for my favorite man in brown:

My sweet friend Harriet gave me some of these wonderful reindeer images, so I have been putting them to good use:

No stickles here!  Although the bag may look black, it was a beautiful deep green....very pretty!!  I am sure he was more interested in what was inside, however!  Thanks, Harriet!
If you have any questions about any of the images or supplies I've used, give me a shout!  Gotta run---a busy day and SNOW IS COMING!  WOOHOO!  I am so excited!  I am hoping it will be a white Christmas!  Blessings to you all!

  1. Oye....I saw that more snow is coming. Well, it'll make for a beautiful Christmas if it sticks around, huh?

    I love that sweet bear and the pink/dark blue combo! Pretty!

  2. I think the bear is adorable and perfectly sparkly! LOVE the reindeer stuff, too! (And I'm sure Mr. Brown loved his cookies!)

  3. Try adding clear glitter over the Stickles while it's wet. The glitter should stick once it's dry. I agree that it isn't nearly as nice dry as it is wet.

  4. I also hate how loooonnnnng they take to dry! There's gotta be a better choice out there. Love the bear though - I think he's perfectly sparkly! Have fun with the snow - keep it out there too - I still have plenty on the ground here! ~chris

  5. I'm not that thrilled with Stickles either after they dry - or I should say - when they FINALLY dry! I love how you used the stamp off! Sorry it took me forever to get them to you!
    Hope you enjoy the snow and it stays for your holidays! Hugs, Harriet

  6. Stickles is definitely not the way to go for large areas--2-way glue pen and glitter are much better. However, I do love Stickles when I want to place a small dot somewhere, like in the center of a small flower. I find that in large areas, even when I apply it thick, it seems to thin out when it dries--plus it takes forever to dry. Hope your MIB enjoys his cookies, too!

  7. I love that little guy.....yes snow is coming......:( Not my favorite considering my back is just about ready to spasm on me and I'll have at least a foot to shovel. Did I ever tell you I hate winter..okay one day on Christmas is okay but then I am done with it!!! Oh I wish we were not having would be great if someone would shovel for me then it would be fun and I could enjoy it. LOL!!

  8. I'd have to agree with Doris's comment about Stickles. They flatten out and look pretty shabby if you cover them in a wide area, but for a subtle sparkle here and there, I love adding just a touch of them! Whatever you used, the bear is adorable in his sparkly scarf! I love it! And I'm sure Mr Brown loved his treats too! A few years ago I gave Mr Brown a bag of cookies, and the following night he delivered another package and told my husband how much he enjoyed the cookies! Those guys in brown trucks are so awesome!!

  9. Your card is great!! From here the stickles look great! Are you putting them on thick enough? I put mine on pretty thick and let it dry overnight (since I craft at night)! Never looks dull!!

  10. I agree! I just don't get Stickles. I know someone who has every color. I am going to have to ask him how to use them. I end up with a blob (do you know that movie The Blob was filmed in Downingtown?)
    I still think your card is adorable and the one you sent me is so sweet. I hope to get one out to you today.

  11. Love your recycled gift bag. and the cash holder is pretty sweet too.
    Thanks for sharing with us.

  12. Oh, I love Stickles! I can't believe how many people don't...I never really thought they looked flat. I always like them better when they dry too, lol! You could try using Crystal Effects, or a Quickie Glue Pen and then adding fine glitter. This way what you see is what you get. It won't flatten out like the Stickles does when it dries.

  13. Oh, LeAnne, I LOVE stickles! I use them almost exclusively! I use Star Dust stickles...that one is my favorite! Almost all my cards have this on them, and they sparkle so nicely! Don't give up on them yet! LOL!!

Thanks so much for your comments! I love hearing from you! If you have a question, please be sure to include an email address so I can respond to you quickly!


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Sunday, December 28, 2008

'Marley & Me' laps up jam-packed Christmas weekend with $51.7m opening, Dec. 26-28, 2008

Proving that movies really just might be recession proof, four of five major new releases debuted with more than $30 million from the Thursday-Sunday holiday frame, while overall the box office posted its second biggest weekend of 2008 led by a phenomenal opening from Fox's dramedy Marley & Me. Adam Sandler's Bedtime Stories and Brad Pitt's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button battled it out for second place, while Tom Cruise's WWII drama Valkyrie opened better than expected in fourth.

With Christmas falling on a Thursday this year, studios packed in five major new releases to take advantage of the extended holiday weekend. But instead of cannibalizing each other, the marketplace proved to be big enough to accommodate at least four, with the biggest benefactor being the Jennifer Aniston-Owen Wilson starrer Marley & Me, which took in $37 million over the Friday-Sunday period and an incredible $51.7 million over the full four day holiday frame. For Fox Studios, the debut was an incredibly sweet way to end one of their most challenging years in recent memory. Averaging a whopping $10,632 in 3,480 theaters, the film adaptation of John Gorgon's bestselling book posted the second biggest opening of 2008 for Fox, behind only March's Horton Hears a Who with $45 million.

Marketed heavily everywhere as the crowd-pleaser of Christmas weekend, Marley & Me shrugged of mixed reviews to post a record $14.7 million Christmas Day bow, easily beating 2001's Ali with $10.2 million. The film had steady business the entire weekend with daily totals of $14.7m (Thurs.), $14m (Fri.), $12.7m, and $10.2m. With many Americans off of work for the remainder of the year, look for Marley & Me to potentially break $100 million domestic by next weekend.

Disney's adventure pic Bedtime Stories battled it out with The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for the No. 2 spot this weekend, with the Adam Sandler pic edging Brad Pitt over the three-day weekend with $28 million to $27 million, and Button leading the four-day holiday frame with $39 million compared with Bedtime's $38.6 million. Shrugging off very poor reviews from critics, the Adam Sandler starrer averaged a strong $7,625 in 3,681 theaters.

If estimates hold, Brad Pitt's big budget epic The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will finish in third this weekend with $27 million and $39 million over the extended holiday frame. Budgeted at a staggering $150 million, the Paramount release averaged $9,036 in 2,988 theaters. Directed by David Fincher and co-starring Cate Blanchett, the film's totals were hampered a bit by the daunting 2 hour and 47 minute run-time. Nominated for five Golden Globes including Best Dramatic Picture, the film should see strong legs throughout the Awards season. Co-produced by Warner Bros., that studio will release the film on the international market.

Tom Cruise's well-received WWII drama Valkyrie debuted in fourth with $21.5 million over the weekend and $30 million since its Thursday bow, surpassing industry expectations. Despite the busy weekend the $75 million budgeted United Artists pic averaged a healthy $7,942 in 2,711 theaters. The debut was a big improvement from last year's flop Lions for Lambs, which debuted in November with just $6.7 million. It was Cruise's best opening since 2006's Mission: Impossible III debuted with $47.7 million, marking the beginning of the end of the actor's long relationship with Paramount Pictures.

Rounding out the top five was Jim Carrey's comedy Yes Man, which fell just 10% this weekend to $16.5 million. In two weeks the Warner release has grossed $49.6 million, but may have trouble sustaining itself long enough to break $100 million domestic.

The only new release this weekend failing to gain traction was Lionsgate's comic adaptation The Spirit, which debuted with just $6.5 million in 2,509 theaters for a very weak $2,593 average. Directed by famed graphic novelist Frank Miller (300, Sin City), the debut was clearly a major disappointment given the $29.1 million opening his 2005 hit Sin City opened with (Miller co-directed City with Robert Rodriguez).

Out of the top ten for the first time was Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight, which took in $4.5 million over the weekend, pushing the $37 million budgeted pic's total to an amazing $167 million.

Thanks to four massive new Christmas releases, the top ten films grossed an estimated $172.9 million, up 9% from last year's comparable frame when National Treasure: Book of Secrets held on to the top spot with $36.7 million.

The numbers, Dec. 26-28, 2008

 THE TOP TEN Weekend Theaters Avg. Total Gross %+- Wks Distributor
1 Marley & Me $36,357,586 3,480 $10,448 $50,738,566 -- 1 Fox
2 Bedtime Stories $27,450,296 3,681 $7,457 $38,029,113 -- 1 Buena Vista
3 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button $26,853,816 2,988 $8,987 $38,725,647 -- 1 Paramount
4 Valkyrie $21,027,007 2,711 $7,756 $29,520,979 -- 1 MGM
5 Yes Man $16,657,046 3,434 $4,851 $49,798,560 -8.8 2 Warner Bros.
6 Seven Pounds $13,203,236 2,758 $4,787 $38,762,647 -11.1 2 Sony
7 The Tale of Despereaux $8,932,625 3,107 $2,875 $27,448,085 -11.6 2 Universal
8 The Day the Earth Stood Still $7,697,799 2,402 $3,205 $63,480,184 -22.2 3 Fox
9 The Spirit $6,463,278 2,509 $2,576 $10,305,501 -- 1 Lionsgate
10 Doubt $5,339,742 1,267 $4,214 $8,484,863 684.2 3 Miramax

Sunday, December 21, 2008

'Yes Man' tops weekend with $18 mil, Dec. 19-21, 2008

Three newcomers dominated the weekend before Christmas, led by Jim Carrey's latest comedy Yes Man, which took the top spot with $18.2 million. Will Smith's drama Seven Pounds debuted in second with $16 million, while the animated pic The Tale of Despereaux bowed in third with $10 million. Overall, the lack of a big opening from any of the newcomers and debilitating snow storms across the northeast United States led the top ten films to finish a whopping 46% lower than last year's comparable frame, when National Treasure: Book of Secrets debuted with $44.8 million.

Studios are holding off on their truly big guns until Christmas weekend (which starts this year on a Thursday), when five very big films vie for the top honors in a crowded weekend. Bedtime Stories, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Marley & Me, The Spirit, and Tom Cruise's Valkyrie all enter a crowded marketplace on Thursday, trying to make a splash in the final weekend of 2008.

Warner Bros.' Yes Man took the top spot with an $18.2 million debut, lower than industry expectations considering the film's ultrawide 3,434 theater release slate. Averaging a solid if unspectacular $5,288 per theater, the heavily marketed comedy finished better than Carrey's 2005 Christmas release Fun with Dick and Jane, which took in $14.4 million over its first weekend and $21.5 million over the four day Holiday frame. Reviews were mixed to poor, so the film will have to rely on strong and steady word of mouth to carry it through a highly competitive Christmas weekend.

Will Smith's latest drama Seven Pounds opened in second with $16 million, averaging $5,801 in 2,758 theaters. Budgeted at $55 million, the Sony release broke Smith's consecutive streak of eight No. 1 openings. Despite teaming up once again with director Gabriele Muccino, who directed last year's acclaimed The Pursuit of Happyness, Seven Pounds opened over $10 million lower than Happyness's $26.5 million bow. Pounds was hurt by being the worst reviewed of the new films, and will likely struggle breaking even domestic.

Universal's computer-animated family film The Tale of Despereaux debuted in thir with $10.5 million, averaging a poor $3,385 in 3,104 theaters. With its closest competition Bolt now in its fifth week of release, Despereaux should enjoy decent returns over the Holiday frame next week.

Last week's champ The Day the Earth Stood Still fell a whopping 67% in its sophomore frame to $10.2 million, giving the $80m Fox release a ten-day $48.6 million cume. Starring Keanu Reeves, Earth will likely fall short of its budget domestic with roughly $70 million.

Warner's hit comedy Four Christmases fell 41% to $7.8 million, bringing its four week cume to $100.2 million. At its current pace the $80 million budgeted pic should finish with $120 million domestic.

Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight continues to show its appeal beyond its loyal hardcore fan base, falling just 34% to $5.2 million and bringing its five week cume to $158.5 million. Budgeted at $37 million, the Catherine Hardwicke directed pic has now amassed $210 million worldwide.

The numbers, Dec. 19-21, 2008

 THE TOP TEN Weekend Theaters Avg. Total Gross %+- Wks Distributor
1 Yes Man $18,160,000 3,434 $5,288 $18,160,000 -- 1 Warner Bros.
2 Seven Pounds $16,000,000 2,758 $5,801 $16,000,000 -- 1 Sony
3 The Tale of Despereaux $10,507,000 3,104 $3,385 $10,507,000 -- 1 Universal
4 The Day the Earth Stood Still $10,150,000 3,560 $2,851 $48,627,000 -66.7 2 Fox
5 Four Christmases $7,750,000 3,515 $2,205 $100,159,000 -40.7 4 Warner Bros.
6 Twilight $5,228,000 2,991 $1,748 $158,462,000 -34.2 5 Summit
7 Bolt $4,256,000 2,968 $1,434 $95,009,000 -43.0 5 Buena Vista
8 Slumdog Millionaire $3,150,000 589 $5,348 $12,134,000 44.8 6 Fox Searchlight
9 Australia $2,325,000 2,212 $1,051 $41,947,000 -44.2 4 Fox
10 Quantum of Solace $2,150,000 1,874 $1,147 $161,300,000 -42.1 6 Sony

Sunday, December 14, 2008

'The Day the Earth Stood Still' obliterates competition with $31m debut, Dec. 12-14, 2008

Facing an aging lineup of Holiday offerings, most of which have now been out between 3-5 weeks, Fox's big budget sci-fi remake The Day the Earth Stood Still blew away the competition with a strong but not overly impressive $31 million bow, averaging a strong $8,708 in a 3,560 theaters. Reportedly budgeted at $80 million, the remake of the 1951 sci-fi classic finished well below industry expectations given the soft competition and historically lucrative release date (last year's I Am Legend topped with a record $77.2 million), giving Fox a disappointing finish to one of their most challenging years in recent memory.

Starring Keanu Reeves, who landed a career best opening for a film without The Matrix in its title, the poorly-reviewed pic ranks as the second biggest 2008 debut for Fox behind March's Horton Hears a Who with $45 million. Earth edged 2005's Constantine, which netted the star a $29.8 million bow. The debut was well short of another high profile 2008 disaster pic Cloverfield, which debuted in January with $40.1 million. Critics polled by Rottentomatoes.com gave Earth a "rotten" 22% recommendation rating, which may have kept audiences at home this weekend. With audience feedback looking somewhat lukewarm, look for steep drops in the coming weeks.

One of the biggest surprises this Holiday season has been the superb staying power of Warner's Four Christmases, which fell another slight 21% to $13.3 million in second, bringing its three week cume to $$88 million. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, the holiday comedy has shrugged off extremely poor reviews and is on pace to become just the fourth film released in the past two months to break $100 million. Budgeted at $80 million, the film looks on pace to break $135 million domestic.

Summit Entertainment's smash hit Twilight continued is tremendous run at the box office, finishing in third with $8 million, down just 39% from a week ago. The studio quickly tried to put to rest mounting tensions from their dismissal of director Catherine Hardwicke from the studio's planned two sequels, naming Chris Weitz (Golden Compass, About a Boy) as the new helm. In four weeks, the $37 million budgeted blockbuster has amassed $150.1 million, and could reach $175 million by the end of its domestic run.

Disney's decision to tack on a new Cars Toons 3D short from Pixar to the beginning of Bolt proved to be a nice boost to the film's bottom line, as the family comedy fell a slight 23% to $7.5 million in fourth. In four weeks, the computer-animated pic has grossed $88.9 million, and should surpass $100 million before the New Year.

Fox's big-budget bust Australia slipped 39% to $4.3 million, rounding out the top ten. In three weeks, the $130 million budgeted epic has grossed just $37.9 million.

The spy actioner Quantum of Solace fell 44% to an estimated $3.8 million, bringing its domestic cume to $157.7 million. The film now ranks third overall among Bond films, behind only Casino Royale's $167 million and Die Another Day's $160.9 million. Internationally, the $200 million budgeted pic has grossed $357.9 million, bringing its worldwide haul to an impressive $515.5 million.

The only other wide release debut in the top ten this weekend was the family reunion drama Nothing Like the Holidays, which debuted with just $3.5 million in seventh. Released by Overture Pictures, the Spanish language release averaged just $2,095 in 1,671 theaters.

There was another wide release debut of note (barely), finishing in 16th place. Freestyle Pictures's computer-animated Delgo, a film nearly ten years in the making, debuted just $916,000, despite opening in a wide 2,160 theaters. The extremely dated looking and poorly-reviewed pic sputtered with a pathetic $424 per theater this weekend, which meant there was plenty of leg room in theaters for attending audiences.

Oscar hopefuls performed very well this weekend, with Focus Features' Milk seeing a 43% spike (thanks to 229 additional theaters) to $2.6 million, bringing its cume to $7.6 million. Fox Searchlight's Slumdog Millionaire took in $2.2 million, bringing its cume to $8 million.

The numbers, Dec. 12-14, 2008

 THE TOP TEN Weekend Theaters Avg. Total Gross %+- Wks Distributor
1 The Day the Earth Stood Still $31,000,000 3,560 $8,708 $31,000,000 -- 1 Fox
2 Four Christmases $13,270,000 3,540 $3,749 $87,972,000 -20.8 3 Warner Bros.
3 Twilight $8,000,000 3,649 $2,192 $150,095,000 -38.7 4 Summit
4 Bolt $7,506,000 3,133 $2,396 $88,891,000 -23.4 4 Buena Vista
5 Australia $4,285,000 2,703 $1,585 $37,883,000 -39.2 3 Fox
6 Quantum of Solace $3,800,000 2,635 $1,442 $157,668,000 -43.7 5 Sony
7 Nothing Like the Holidays $3,500,000 1,671 $2,095 $3,500,000 -- 1 Overture
8 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa $3,250,000 2,768 $1,174 $170,006,000 -36.0 6 Paramount
9 Milk $2,636,000 328 $8,037 $7,630,000 43.7 3 Focus
10 Transporter 3 $2,249,000 2,541 $885 $29,275,000 -51.8 3 Lionsgate

Sunday, December 7, 2008

'Four Christmases' holds off 'Twilight' for top spot again, Dec. 5-7, 2008

Thanks to a very poor but unsurprising opening from the weekend's only wide release debut Punisher: War Zone, last week's festive champ Four Christmases maintained its hold at the top with $18.1 million. The hit teen vampire romance Twilight clawed its way to second place bringing its total to an incredible $138 million, while Disney's animated Bolt fell steeply in third to $9.7 million. Overall, the box office maintained its lead over last year's comparable frame, with ticket sales up 10% thanks to the strong holdovers.

With Holiday shopping appearing to be the weakest in decades it's all the more impressive that people continue heading to the cineplexes in large numbers. The biggest beneficiary has been Warner's holiday comedy Four Christmases, which topped the box office for the second straight weekend with $18.1 million. In just two weeks the $80 million budgeted Reese Witherspoon starrer has amassed $70.8 million, and appears to be a shoe-in to break $100 million by Christmas weekend.

Summit Entertainment's blockbuster Twilight held impressively in its third week of release, finding fresh legs with a 50% drop to $13.2 million. To date the teen vampire romance has grossed $138.6 million, making the $37 million budgeted pic one of the most profitable of 2008. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen) and starring Kristen Stewart, the book adaptation should finish with roughly $165 million domestic. Overseas, Twilight has pulled in $21.3 million, with openings in the U.K. and other European markets still on the horizon.

After showing a fantastic hold over Thanksgiving weekend, Disney's computer-animated family film Bolt fell a surprisingly heavy 64% to $9.7 million, bringing its three week cume to $79.3 million. Despite strong reviews, the continued strength of Twilight appears to be hurting the toon's long-term prospects. Look for the big budget release to finish with a disappointing $105-115 million.

Fox's 2008 woes finished on a poetically sour note, as their big-budget epic Australia officially earned the title of "major flop." After a hugely disappointing opening weekend, execs pinned their hopes on strong word of mouth to carry the poorly-reviewed Baz Luhrmann pic. After a 53% drop in its sophomore frame to $7 million, it's clear the $130 million budgeted Hugh Jackman-Nicole Kidman starrer will fall well short of its monstrous budget in North America. In twelve days, the pic has grossed just $30.9 million, and the film will have trouble breaking $50 million domestic.

Sony's Quantum of Solace fell a steep 65% to round out the top five with $7 million this weekend. Despite opening bigger than any Bond film in history, the $200 million budgeted spy-actioner has not exhibited strong legs at the domestic box office, and may fall short of the $167 million total of 2006's Casino Royale, despite debuting nearly $27 million higher. The story is the same internationally, where the film has amassed a very impressive $340.6 million, but still off the pace of Royale's $426 million and $594 million global. Worldwide sales for Solace currently stand at $492 million.

Lionsgate's $35 million budgeted Punisher: War Zone debuted poorly in eighth place with $4 million, averaging just $1,595 in 2,508 theaters. The poorly reviewed actioner should see a quick exit out of the top ten.

The numbers, Dec. 5-7, 2008

 THE TOP TEN Weekend Theaters Avg. Total Gross %+- Wks Distributor
1 Four Christmases $18,180,000 3,335 $5,451 $70,843,000 -41.5 2 Warner Bros.
2 Twilight $13,200,000 3,620 $3,646 $138,555,000 -49.9 3 Summit
3 Bolt $9,696,000 3,516 $2,758 $79,281,000 -63.5 3 Buena Vista
4 Australia $7,000,000 2,721 $2,573 $30,869,000 -52.7 2 Fox
5 Quantum of Solace $6,600,000 3,423 $1,928 $151,468,000 -65.0 4 Sony
6 Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa $5,100,000 3,317 $1,538 $165,675,000 -64.1 5 Paramount
7 Transporter 3 $4,500,000 2,626 $1,714 $25,381,000 -62.7 2 Lionsgate
8 Punisher: War Zone $4,005,000 2,508 $1,597 $4,005,000 -- 1 Lionsgate
9 Cadillac Records $3,500,000 686 $5,102 $3,500,000 -- 1 Sony
10 Role Models $2,622,000 1,907 $1,375 $61,665,000 -49.5 5 Universal


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Tel Aviv’s Design Revolution

High-concept industrial shops, single-artist showrooms, and expertly curated furniture boutiques are popping up across the city. At Israeli artist Ayala Serfaty’s just-opened Aqua Creations Showroom, you’ll find a selection of […]

Tel Aviv Modern

An influx of wealth, progressive culture, and world-class cuisine is reshaping this resilient Mediterranean metropolis. Michael Z. Wise reports. On the afternoon I arrive in Tel Aviv, Palestinian militants step […]


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Friday, July 31, 2015

we gotta get out of this place

if it's the last thing we ever do.

we gotta get out of this place.

girl, there's a better life for me and you.

This song has been swirling in my head for years. Each time someone cuts in front of me on the street rudely. Each time I read a new story about heat-wave induced killings in American inner-cities. Whenever I encounter another machine sending me in circles on the other end of a corporate help line. When I get bills for things that are free in most other countries.

We've been planning this escape for years. We found a place, near Nueva Helvecia, Uruguay, and we are moving in the Fall of 2017. This is the chronicle of how we got to this point, why we're going where we are, and what's it is like to go.

Let's begin.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2012

It hasn't been proven that housework can kill you, but why risk it? Rest in Peace Phyllis Diller.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

"I LIKE PIGS.  Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us like equals." Winston Churchill. Think about it.

Friday, August 10, 2012

"Sex is one of nine reasons for reincarnation, the other eight are unimportant" Larry Niven. Just a thought to ponder.Today is such a great rainy day. A good day to stay inside and read a book. OR go for a walk and come in for hot chocolate. It really is nice that at times we don't melt . Physically that is, not to mention mentally.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

" A British survey says that 9 out of ten people love chocolate. The other one lies"
"If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted, musicians denoted?" George Carlin. I really miss hearing his take on things. As controversial as he was , he was always timely, cleverly so. He never became  "old". As I get older I find that I say things that are not always politically correct. And I am usually not sorry.I read about another case of flesh eating disease who lost her hands and leg. It really makes me even more thankful that I survived. One in four don't.I will have my new leg next week. I am really excited. Maybe I'll get a tattoo.


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Tuesday, 12 February 2013

A little quilting therapy.

Well here I am - thanks for all your well wishes -I am so very behind on emails and comments - don't think I'll ever catch up so may not even try.  Life is settling down a little now and although normal is a long way off we are slowly getting there.  My lovely sister - aged 50 - had a massive stroke the week before Christmas - completely out of the blue.  She is still in hospital nearly 8 weeks later and is facing a long recovery. She is making progress and is gradually starting to walk etc although as yet has no movement at all in her left hand or arm.  We have spent a lot of time at the hospital. As you can imagine it has been awful although there is light at the end of the tunnel. She was not quite lucid for a few weeks but that has thankfully settled down and she is doing great. She is surprisingly cheerful and is showing sheer determination to recover as well as she can. She is awaiting a wheelchair and is having lots of intensive physio. We are taking a day at a time. Anyway as she is such a kind person she has decided she wants to give a small gift to one of the nurses who is pregnant. She asked if I had anything suitable and it just so happens I had an I-Spy baby quilt on standby. I will take this in tomorrow for her to give to the nurse.

I am also trying to catch up with some UFO's.  So far I have resisted starting anything new.  Not sure how long I can hold out though.... My Easy Street is coming along - will hopefully have pictures to show of that soon. But here are a couple of small quilts that I've been working on.

This has been hanging around for a good couple of years. It is a schnibbles pattern called X-Rated.

It was made from a charm pack I received in a swap several years ago. The sender was a lovely woman called Marlene who has sadly since passed away.  I wanted to make borders on this but had no charms left and nothing seemed to match. Anyway last week an idea popped into my head and here we are.

Close-up of spotty fabrics.

Would like to hand quilt this but will have to wait it's turn as I have another small quilt in progress. Which is this.

This is a bit of a washed out picture - the colours are much richer. This was going to be a big quilt but appliquing four blocks was enough - tried the back basting method and it worked great but just didn't want to do any more. A few hundred( or so it seemed ) paper pieced flying geese and this little quilt was born. Like I say I am hand quilting it and am pleased with how it's looking.

I have a ton of other stuff to show and will do my best to get round to it - time is against me at the moment though - need a few more hours in the day - lol.

Hope to be back sooner rather than later xx

Gail said...

Glad to hear that things are looking up! The baby quilt is so cute and will surely be cherished. I really like the X-rated quilt, it will be so nice when finished. I completely understand not wanting to do a lot more blocks, I find I really don't like doing quilts with only one block! Take care of you!

Carolyn said...

Wow, I'll keep your sister in my prayers. Love the baby quilt and the X quilt! I did a similar quilt as your reel quilt, only using one color for each applique. I did 9 blocks and called it finished. It's in line waiting to be quilted, can't decide if I should do it by hand or machine. I'm glad you're finding time to sew, it does help relieve stress!

Deb A said...

Such a cute I spy quilt. Great borders on your x quilt - just perfect. Such a cute little applique quilt and your hand quilting is amazing as always. So glad your sister is doing a bit better. Hugs to you both.
My Easy street is just sitting....... eventually it will get put together! Fixed one boo boo. One more to find and fix.

Sew Create It - Jane said...

My thoughts are with you and your sister...what an ordeal for your family. I hope that her recovery continues and that she can be back home soon.

Just love all the quilting you shared...that last quilt is lovely!!

jovaliquilts said...

So sorry about your sister. I hope her recovery is as quick as possible given the circumstances.
Love the quilts -- especially that x-rated one. The dotty fabrics are great!

sewkalico said...

Always lovely to see you blog (when you can of course!)
Much love xka

Elaine Humphreys said...

Missed you last week and I didn't make it last night as I was late from work. The applique quilt is looking great! Dougal is snoring in the corner of my work room and the boss phoned to say not to try to get to work, so I am finally going to make up the bag for my beginners. Sewing keeps you sane! E x

Archie the wonder dog said...

I love your dotty X quilt! I'm glad your sister is improving, long may it continue!

O'Quilts said...

Very glad to see you back. Fifty is a bit young for a stroke...Sending hugs to you. Quilting is always the answer!!

stash busting nurse said...

I am so sorry your sister had a stroke. Glad to hear she is improving though. x

A Time for Stitching said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. 50 is still young so I'm sure she'll have the strength to make a very good recovery. I'm 50 myself in a few weeks so this certainly made me think!
Teresa x

Guðrún Á. Rögnvaldsdóttir said...

I am glad that your sister is on the mend. I love the little quilt you are handquilting, so well done, all the points so precise.


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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Photos of our 5th Annual Poinsettia Premiere

WOW. What a day. We were so pleased to have over 1000 visitors come through our doors on Wednesday. Everyone was so excited and really feeling the Christmas spirit! We had customers dancing in the aisles and the cookie/cider table was an enormous hit. The door prices as usual were coveted and there was a lot of celebration any time someone won :) We had a great time and now we would like to share some photos with you! Thank You so much for coming. Our staff have worked very hard preparing over the last month, and it was a great pleasure to see everyone enjoying their time here, admiring the Christmas displays. Now to plan for next year!!! ;)

We had people arriving half an hour before the store opened, very exciting!

We have bulk greens for those who like to DIY or ready to go decorated wreaths and swags.

Outside we just have one Christmas tree, and it's our tallest ever! About 16 feet.

Inside is where we have our Christmas tree displays. Purple is a popular colour this year.

A unique, upside down silver tree.

Everyone loves all the different owls we have in store.

A Christmas display is not complete without Poinsettias! We grow all of ours on site in our greenhouses and you can pick off the bench they have been on since July, which allows for the best quality.

We have many colour and variety options.

10'' Tri Colour Poinsettias

From 10 to 4pm musicians Roxanna Sabir and Craig McGregor played some upbeat carols with a mixture of their own material. It really completed the festive atmosphere and we had so many compliments about the music from customers. I even saw a few ladies doing a little jig around the garden center!
Looks like there is something in this corner! I love all the small details you discover in the displays.

Like this gorgeous angel!
Usually it gets pretty quiet after 5pm but we had a busy line up right until 7pm which was amazing!

Everything in the store gets a beautiful glow in the evening.

From all our staff, thank you so much for all who bared the crowds and came down to enjoy this event with us. See you next year!


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Qualities to Look For in an IT Provider

Let’s face it—there are hundreds of managed service providers in your area who would love to take you on as a client. From national chains to small family-owned businesses, your business has a lot of options to choose from. This decision can seem daunting and your business shouldn’t be given to the first search result for “IT companies near me.” It is important to meet with a variety of companies in order to find the partner who will most fully protect your business’ assets and increase your team’s efficiency. We recommend using the following factors to influence your decision:

To prepare for these interviews, we recommend that your executive team compiles a list of the goals you have for your new partner as well as for your budget. Your budget goals should remain flexible because providers will have various recommendations and sometimes increasing your budget can bring more benefits to your current systems than you would if you went with the cheaper option. During the initial meeting, providers should be able to assess your current situation and should be able to present which services they recommend and why. They should strive to provide a product that not only protects your current environment, but also makes it more productive.  It is important that they share your vision of success and will provide innovative solutions to reach those goals.

Services Provided

It seems obvious, but you should inquire about which services each company offers. Most companies specialize in one service, so it is important to ensure they can effectively handle your other needs. These services include help desk support, backup and disaster recovery plans, network security, and more.

  • One popular example is finding provider who can manage both IT and VoIP. It is important to know if each company provides additional services, such as VoIP, themselves or relies on a partner. If they do rely on a partner, inquire about whether or not they can diagnose and correct issues and their response time for emergency needs.
  • Another sought-after service is cloud hosting. You should inquire about which methods each company employs to host your important data. Public clouds employ outside companies to provide the management and security of your company’s information. Private clouds are hosted at your provider’s location. That means they are responsible for the protection of and access to your information. Some companies even host from a secure data center, where servers are in secure and temperature-controlled locations.

Depending on the type of business you own, you will require different levels of coverage. If you have employees working overnight, it is imperative for them to receive the same services as your day staff, including help desk support services. If an emergency happens during evening and weekend hours, it is important to know that your IT provider will handle it in a timely manner. To get the most accurate prediction of a response time, inquire about each company’s staff size compared to the number of clients they have. Many providers even offer a guarantee on how fast your issue will be addressed.

Not only should you ask about the number of clients each potential partner has, but you should also find out which types of businesses they work with.  Different industries require different levels of security and technology focuses. For example, a doctor’s office should have a heavy focus on HIPAA compliance while an advertising agency wants efficient employee communication. Although many companies can perform a wide variety of services, it is important to partner with an expert in your industry.

It is apparent that you should inquire about the prices each company will charge you. Some companies offer a one-size-fits-all package that will have a single monthly charge. Other companies charge according to the number of hours worked and then some offer hybrid packages between the two. The services you require will determine the price you will pay, so make sure to analyze each proposal’s long-term costs.

We understand that it is impossible to list every aspect that affects the success of an IT provider. From the sales person’s presentation to the cost of an emergency situation, your business should analyze it all. This list was designed to help you conduct a proper interview with your potential service provider. Of course, we would love to have the chance to earn your business! To find out more about the benefits of working with Westech Solutions, contact us today!


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Click any photo below to view gallery.

West Los Angeles College: Dance Pavilion

CAMPUS BUILDING | West Los Angeles College, 2016 | A component of the physical education department, the 4,400 SF freestanding Dance Pavilion is used primarily for instruction and practice, but on occasion will be used for performance. The building houses the dance studio, along with storage and dressing rooms.

Building elements separated: fabric canopy, roof framing, building structure and w enclosing walls

The design addresses the need for a large, clear-span space within the constraints of a very modest budget. The building design stems from the structural solution. Four steel-tube columns are cantilevered from below grade to support the roof framing. Extending 25 feet below grade and tied together with grade beams below the floor slab, these four columns resist the lateral forces acting on the building and support the light weight framing over which a fabric roof is stretched. The overall lightness of the building is key to the success of the solution.

The walls are a combination of an insulated rain screen system, utilizing resin treated plywood panels on the exterior, and a dual glazed storefront system. Operable window units glazed into the storefront system permit natural ventilation, which would be effective for a significant portion of the year given, the campuses coastal zone location.

The interior faces of the walls are mirrored or are equipped with ballet bars (as required). The dance studio is equipped with a sprung floor. Lighting is supported by the horizontal tie members of the roof structure, as are the fire sprinklers, acoustical panels, and air-conditioning ducts. The air-conditioning equipment is mounted on the ground at one of the narrow ends of the building.

The building is rotated on the site so as to not be parallel to the adjacent building walls or street. This strategy creates more reasonable gathering spaces, animating the activity around the pavilion.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

RIP Shepard Sanders

The Desert Sun
September 29, 2016

Shepard "Shep" Sanders passed away on September 14th, 2016 in Palm Springs, CA at the age of 88. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to parents Edward Seltzer and Rose Seltzer, and had two brothers, Michael and Dan. At the early age of 15, he forged his birth certificate so he could join the Navy during WW2. After the War, he used the money from his G.I. Bill to move to Los Angeles and begin his acting career, but due to the blacklist during the McCarthy Era, he had to change his name from Sherwin Seltzer to Shepard Sanders.

After traveling the world and shooting films, including Kelly's Heroes and The Sand Pebbles, he and his wife Tianne Sanders bought a home in Palm Springs in the early 60's, where they settled down and started a family. In his later years, Shep worked at Michael's House, where he found comfort in healing and helping people up until shortly before his death. Proceeded in death by his daughter Kim Sanders, and grandson Christopher Finkle. He is survived by honorable friends and close family, including his wife Tianne Sanders, daughter Trinza Sanders, son-in-law John Trad, and grandchildren Taylor Ann Trad, Jarrod Michael Trad, and Jonathan Bashar Trad. We will be holding a memorial on Saturday, October 1st from 12:00-2:30PM at Insight Community of the Desert (1111 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262). Anyone is welcome.

SANDERS, Shepard (Sherwin Seltzer)
Born: 1928, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Died:  9/14/2016, Palm Spring, California, U.S.A.

Shepard Sander’s westerns – actor:
U.S. Marshal (TV) – 1960 (Joey Curtis)
Here Come the Brides (TV) – 1970 (Petrus)
Cade’s County (TV) – 1971 (officer)
Bret Maverick (TV) – 1982 (Jackson)

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Of Frizzy Hair and Headbands

I got my hair cut last week. I'm kind of cyclical about my hair - I grow it long, then cut it really short, then grow it out again. I've never been one to keep up a hairstyle for very long. Fortunately, my hair grows fast, so it's kind of fun for me.

Anyway, when I have short hair my thoughts turn to frizz control and headbands. A few things:

1. Turns out bias tape makes really great headbands. I have a bunch of skinny tape I made a few years ago (that I don't really need) and it has a little stretch so it's really perfect for a quick tie on headband. Just cut and tie.

2. I also got this great hair pin from Once Upon a Wire. I forgot I bought it, and then when it came in the mail wrapped so pretty - it was a delight to open. A little gift to me! I love these vintage enamel flowers.

3. I have three new natural frizz control methods that are working great! Well, I started doing all three at the same time, so it's hard to say which ones are making the biggest difference, but here they are: a. I wash with whatever shampoo/baking soda I'm currently using, but I always rinse with a water/apple cider vinegar/lemon juice mix - the vinegar helps rinse the hair clean, and the lemon juice closes the pores (no, that's not right - follicles?). b. I don't even touch the towel to my head. I just squeeze it dry, then blow dry a little, and air dry the rest. c. I blow dry with cool air. I never considered doing this before, but it keeps those follicle things closed.

That's it. No more hair styling tips from me any time soon, I promise.

Cricket said...

Do you have curly hair? I read a great book called "Curly Girl". It recommended not using shampoo at all, or if you need to, just gently rub it at your scalp. Now my husband, who has very curly hair, doesn't use shampoo. My sister. with even curlier hair, doesn't use shampoo, and then she uses conditioner and doesn't rinse it out. And me? I fall in the just-a-little-shampoo-at-the-scalp category. It was a really interesting book, and we all have much less frizz now.

I always enjoy your blog. :)

mtnman said...

I'm curious if you are saving money by not using shampoo. I like the idea of using a more natural cleaner, but shampoo is very inexpensive.


text:
Philadelphia's reputation as a mean town is well-earned.

NBC10 Philadelphia Telemundo reporter Iris Delgado was doing a live report outside of city hall on Thursday when a woman approached her and interrupted her. Delgado does her best to ignore her when the woman, clearly fed up, grabs her hair and smacks her right in the face. We don't see what happens from there, since the shot cuts back to the studio.

It's a brutal hit and you have to wonder what exactly the woman's train of thought was. First of all, the camera was rolling, so everyone could get a good look at her face. Second, doing this right in front of city hall? Really? That's only slightly worse than kidnapping her, driving down to a precinct, calling the whole squad out front and then hitting her.

There's no word on what happened to the suspect.