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Summary. The 2022‑23 Governor’s Budget includes $29.8 million General Fund at the Employment Development Department (EDD) for six third‑party contracts to prevent future fraud in the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. (These contracts are in addition to 13 other third‑party contracts found in the department’s “vendor services” budget change proposal.) With the six fraud contracts, the administration proposes to layer additional anti‑fraud requirements and processes on top of the major fraud improvements EDD took during the pandemic. In this brief, we outline the challenges EDD faced paying legitimate UI claims and preventing fraud during the pandemic, review steps EDD has taken to improve since then, and assess whether additional anti‑fraud efforts are warranted at this time.
Pandemic Led to Sudden Spike in UI Claims... The pandemic pushed unemployment in California to record highs. Under normal conditions, about 40,000 California workers file for UI each week. During the first two months of the pandemic, an average of 500,000 workers were filing each week. This amount was five times greater than the peak seen during the Great Recession and 15 to 25 times greater than typical workload at EDD. Figure 1 shows a timeline of this and other key events related to UI during the pandemic.
…At the Same Time That New Federal Benefits Were Launched. In response to the pandemic, the federal government expanded the UI program to include self‑employed workers—under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program—and provided an additional $600 per week on top of all UI payments. Under the PUA program, self‑employed workers could receive payments retroactively—so‑called “backdating”—to the beginning of the pandemic, even if they applied for PUA benefits later. Although these temporary programs were 100 percent federally funded, the state was responsible for their implementation. These efforts added to the already high workload at EDD.
Under Longstanding EDD Practices, Workers Must Pass Multiple Identity Tests. When an unemployed worker submits a claim for UI payments, EDD confirms the worker’s identifying information with the federal Social Security Administration and the state Department of Motor Vehicles. EDD also crossmatches the amount the worker reports in prior wages against employer‑provided salary data. EDD is able to quickly process many claims using these automated steps. In many cases, however, a worker’s identity cannot be confirmed to EDD’s standards, often due to incomplete information or minor discrepancies. These cases require workers and/or employers to provide EDD with additional information. Collecting this information involves extensive EDD staff time. As a result, these “manual claims” take much longer to process than automated claims.
Time‑Consuming Staff Process to Confirm Identity Led to Backlog During Pandemic. According to the administration, EDD redirects about 40 percent of all UI applications to manual staff processing. At the outset of the pandemic, EDD could manually process about 2,000 claims per day. In May, June, and July 2020, EDD redirected an average of 24,000 claims to manual processing each day. This dramatic increase in manual processing led to a backlog of claims waiting to be reviewed before UI payments could be made. Backlogged claims were delayed at least three weeks and in many cases several months. At its peak in September 2020, the backlog reached 1.7 million claims.
At the Same Time, New Federally Funded UI Benefit Hit by Fraud. At the same time that the backlog of delayed UI claims was increasing, fraudulent activity in the new federal benefit program for self‑employed workers spiked. Figure 2 shows the sudden and unexpected increase in claims for the PUA program during the early summer of 2020. (The figure also shows claims for regular state UI benefits, which did not show this same spike.) This fraudulent activity affected UI systems throughout the country. In fact, many states were hit harder than California. For instance, in Arizona, Georgia, Hawaii, Nevada, and Rhode Island, more claims for UI were submitted in 2020 than there were workers in those states. The new program was the target of fraud for several reasons. First, the federal program presented a larger financial incentive to commit fraud. Specifically, federal law allowed self‑employed workers to backdate new PUA claims to when they lost work, meaning a first fraudulent check could total several thousand dollars. Second, whereas EDD typically verifies claims against employer payroll records, it could not do so for self‑employed workers. Third, former employers typically provide a check on the validity of workers’ claims, but this extra level of review did not apply to self‑employed workers.
EDD Took Early Step to Proactively Limit Fraud in Federal Programs. After investigating the spike in claims shown in Figure 2, EDD stopped automatically backdating PUA claims. This step closed off the opportunity for fraudulent actors to receive a large initial payment. EDD notified the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) of their intent to stop backdating PUA claims to eliminate this financial incentive. Shortly thereafter, USDOL advised all states to take a similar precautionary step. Following this action, fraudulent PUA claims fell dramatically.
Governor’s Strike Team Investigates Backlog and Issues Recommendations. In July 2020, the Governor announced the formation of a “strike team” to immediately investigate the claims backlog and to make improvements at EDD. The strike team was overseen by the state’s Government Operations Agency. In September, the strike team published an exhaustive, critical assessment of delays and fraud at EDD and issued key recommendations to address these elements.
According to Strike Team, Focus on Fraud Provided Little Benefit and Led to Backlog. The state’s longstanding institutional focus on fraud led staff to manually scrutinize roughly 40 percent of all UI applicants’ identity information. In the words of the strike team report: “In interviews and observations, stories and anecdotes about fraud and/or suspected fraud were often used to explain why EDD could not act quickly to avoid the growth of the backlog. […] There has developed at EDD a culture of allowing fear of fraud to trump all other considerations…” The department’s longstanding institutional design and anti‑fraud emphasis prevented the department from adequately adjusting its procedures to manage its surge in workload during the pandemic. In addition, according to the strike team, the state’s manual review process failed to meaningfully capture fraudulent claims—for each 500 claims EDD staff flagged for more thorough review, one fraudulent claim was uncovered.
Strike Team Recommends New, Rational Approach to Managing Fraud. Given these findings, the strike team recommended that EDD reassess its approach to preventing fraud. Specifically, the strike team recommended that “[…] fraud prevention and detection practices must be supported by data and evidence and that justifications for new and existing anti‑fraud practices include an analysis not only of their effectiveness, but also tradeoffs and unintended consequences of these practices, including adverse impact on the experience of all claimants.”
EDD Responded to Strike Team by Setting up Automated Identity Verification Tool... In response to the administration’s strike team assessment, EDD improved its identity verification process by instituting a third‑party software—ID.me. The ID.me service verifies that workers are who they say they are by asking them to take a photo or video of themselves that is then digitally compared to the documents in their application. The continued decline in new PUA claims after the state instituted ID.me—as shown in Figure 2 above—suggests that ID.me may have further reduced the viability of fraudulent claims.
…But Took Other Actions Inconsistent With Strike Team Call to Reassess Stance on Fraud. While ID.me seemed to move EDD in the right direction, the department continued to take actions inconsistent with the strike team’s recommendation to assess the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of anti‑fraud steps. In December 2020, EDD hired Pondera, an investigation consulting firm owned by the Thompson Reuters news service, to review nearly 10 million claims issued during the pandemic, but before ID.me came online, for potentially fraudulent characteristics. EDD and the contractor identified 1.1 million claims as potentially fraudulent. EDD stopped payments for these claims. Workers were not notified ahead of time. To reopen their accounts, workers had to verify their identity using ID.me or their accounts would be closed permanently. Ultimately, more than half of the claims (600,000) flagged as fraudulent were confirmed as legitimate.
The 2022‑23 Governor’s Budget includes $29.8 million General Fund at EDD for six third‑party contracts to prevent future fraud within the state’s UI program. (These contracts are in addition to 13 other third‑party contracts found in the department’s “vendor services” budget change proposal.) The six fraud‑related contracts are:
Striking a Balance Between Fraud Prevention and Program Access. State employment insurance programs must balance the need to prevent fraud with the priority to delivery payments in a timely and straightforward manner. State agencies also have a responsibility to protect the privacy of the constituents they serve. Eliminating all fraud is infeasible. Moreover, attempting to eliminate all fraud necessitates onerous eligibility standards and a lengthy, time‑consuming application process. On the other hand, although a program without fraud controls would be quick and simple, such a system would expose the state and employers to substantial financial risk. Given the importance of UI payments to workers, the economy, and the state during economic downturns, EDD’s policies and practices should be regularly reviewed by the Legislature and administration to be sure the state is striking a workable balance that manages fraud while providing prompt and straightforward payments to eligible workers.
State Already Set up ID.me, Providing Substantial Protection Against Fraud… EDD’s implementation of ID.me during the pandemic has had two major benefits: (1) with ID.me in place, the department now can automate more claims so fewer are redirected to the time‑consuming manual review process; and (2) fraudulent actors using stolen identity information are no longer able to successfully claim benefits. With ID.me now in place, EDD has taken steps to substantially limit opportunities for fraud while also addressing the manual review bottleneck that caused the backlog during pandemic.
…But ID.me Has Come Under Scrutiny in Recent Days. The state hired ID.me to confirm workers’ identities using so‑called “one‑to‑one” face matching; that is, when a computer algorithm matches the photo or video submitted by the worker to the worker’s identification card. Earlier this month, the company CEO admitted to misleading ID.me clients: although ID.me uses one‑to‑one matching to confirm identity, the company also made so‑called “one‑to‑many” matches without their client’s knowledge. One‑to‑many matches scan one person’s face against large databases and therefore could help identify fraudulent actors who claim multiple benefits. However, privacy experts warn that these matching systems are prone to error, suffer from systematic racial bias, and have the potential to be misused. In light of this scrutiny, the Internal Revenue Service recently called off its planned adoption of ID.me for tax filing.
New Anti‑Fraud Proposals No Longer Needed and Run Counter to Strike Team Recommendations. Moving forward at this time with additional layers of fraud protection is not necessary because (1) recent fraud was concentrated in temporary federal benefit programs that have now ended, (2) recent fraud in the state’s regular UI program appears to have been minimal, and (3) adopting additional fraud protection now runs counter to the strike team recommendations.
Approve Contract to Prevent Website Disruptions. We suggest the Legislature approve the administration’s contract with Akamai to prevent coordinated bot attacks that could disrupt or shut down EDD’s website at critical times.
Withhold Action on ID.me… Setting up automated identity verification substantially sped up EDD processes so benefits could be paid promptly during the pandemic. The software likely also reduced fraud in the temporary federal programs. In hindsight, the strike team’s recommendation to set up ID.me was warranted during the pandemic, when the magnitude of the claims backlog called for prompt and decisive action. Now that this critical period has passed, we recommend the Legislature pause and carefully consider the implications of requiring third‑party biometric scanning—in this case, facial recognition performed by artificial intelligence.
…And Direct Administration to Gather More Information, Assess Alternatives. As the Legislature considers the ongoing use of facial recognition software for the state’s UI system, we recommend that it direct the administration to follow through on the strike team recommendation to assess the trade‑offs and potential unintended consequences of anti‑fraud measures, in this case for ID.me. The Legislature also may wish to task the administration with presenting alternatives to biometric scanning that achieve the same (or similar) level of automated security but that pose fewer potential privacy risks and equity concerns.
Reject Proposals to Make Pandemic Era Anti‑Fraud Tools Permanent. We recommend the Legislature reject the pandemic era anti‑fraud contracts with Thompson Reuters for automated batch review and identity risk analytics because the state’s use of these programs adversely impacted the experience of several hundred thousand unemployed workers with legitimate claims and are not likely to be useful now that automated identity verification is in place. The Legislature may wish to ask the administration whether these software tools could be useful in more targeted, special circumstances.
Reject Anti‑Fraud Consulting Contracts, Require EDD to Outline Benefits and Consider Trade‑Offs First. We also recommend that the Legislature reject the Business Intelligence Competency Center Consulting and Fraud Services contracts until the administration reports on the “the effectiveness, but also the trade‑offs and unintended consequences of these practices” as recommended by the strike team.


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To honor the First Monday of May, Rosalía curated the ultimate Met Gala themed playlist. Originally set to make her debut on the red carpet, Rosalía opted to keep the spirit alive with the mix of essential tunes. Ranging from artists such as Frank Ocean and Kanye West to Aphex Twin and The Beatles, it’s a diverse list that showcases her exquisite taste.
Celebrating the Met Gala from home with the playlist, Rosalía stuck to the theme of this year’s event: “About Time: Fashion and Duration”. Doing so, the mix is based on her favorite songs by her favorite artists. Along with the playlist, the songstress penned a note: "This playlist is a celebratory playlist for the Met, with nods to my all-time favorite songs, sounds, artists, and references. It has not been possible to celebrate the Met as God intended, but we can celebrate it in our own way from home. I have done it by creating this playlist with Japanese, flamenco, baroque, folk, and hip-hop themes...well, everything I like most is in there. Tonight, serve looks to go to the dining room, and while you prepare, you can have a listen to this—kisses”.
Stream the playlist below:

domain: artistic


The Cayman Islands is home to a vibrant kaleidoscope of marine life, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable snorkelling experiences.
At Red Sail Sports, we’re based in Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands.
Our little part of paradise is surrounded by the shimmering Caribbean Sea, coral formations, shipwrecks, geological formations, and much more.
And our boat excursions in Grand Cayman include trips to the best snorkel sites!
If you would like more information about our snorkelling excursions in Grand Cayman, please get in touch.
For now, though, let’s take a look at the best places to snorkel in the Cayman Islands.
Get Up Close and Personal with the Stingrays at Stingray City!
Prepare for an extraordinary encounter at Stingray City, where you’ll meet friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat.
This world-famous snorkelling site is a must-visit for anyone planning a vacation in Grand Cayman.
Wade into the shallow sandbars and watch as the graceful stingrays glide effortlessly around you.
These playful creatures are completely comfortable with human interaction, so they will swim up to say hello!
You can even touch and hold them. And if you’re feeling brave, you can kiss one for seven years of good luck!
Stingray City is an interactive snorkelling experience like no other.
Discover even more about this unique snorkel site by reading our Visitor’s Guide to Grand Cayman’s Stingray City.
A Seaside Oasis of Starry Delights at Starfish Point
Located on the north side of Grand Cayman, near Rum Point and Kaibo, Starfish Point offers a rare opportunity to see some of the ocean’s most famous creatures in the wild.
The shallow, turquoise waters here are home to a resident starfish population in vibrant shades of red and orange.
While it’s possible to see starfish in the shallow water without snorkelling, most of the starfish live on seagrass in the deeper drop-off beyond the beach.
Snorkelling out a little further, then, allows you to see many more of these incredible creatures!
You can enjoy the Starfish Point experience — along with a visit to Stingray City and snorkelling at a coral reef — on our North Sound Eco-Safari.
Peer Down at the Eerie Sight of the USS Kittiwake
Calling all adventure seekers and history buffs! Prepare for an unforgettable journey as you snorkel over the USS Kittiwake, a sunken naval vessel that is now a vibrant artificial reef.
Sitting on the ocean bed around a half mile off Seven Mile Beach, this wreck is now home to an impressive range of marine life.
Float on the surface looking down into the water and marvel at the breathtaking sight of the USS Kittiwake below.
It’s important to note that, due to the distance from the shore and the busy boat traffic in the area, it’s not possible to swim to this snorkel site.
For the full shipwreck experience, however, you need to dive. Check out our Guide to Shipwreck Dives in the Cayman Islands to learn more.
A Vibrant Symphony of Colors Awaits in the Coral Gardens and the Barrier Reef
Get ready to be dazzled by nature’s vibrant palette at Coral Gardens in Grand Cayman’s North Sound.
Immerse yourself in a rainbow of coral formations, teeming with an array of tropical fish and mesmerizing sea creatures.
Swim alongside schools of vibrant parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish as they dart through the coral maze.
With stunning snorkelling experiences like this, it’s easy to see why the Cayman Islands is so special.
Eden Rock is a Hidden Gem for Snorkeling Enthusiasts!
Escape to a snorkeler’s paradise at Eden Rock, where underwater wonders await you.
Dive into the crystal-clear waters and you’ll find yourself surrounded by colourful corals, intricate rock formations, and an abundance of marine life.
Large numbers of shining silver tarpon populate this area.
It’s like stepping into a tropical aquarium; the sheer beauty will take your breath away.
And best of all, you can easily access Eden Rock from the shore. Located on the George Town waterfront, you can enter and exit the water using the ladder provided.
Find Serenity and Splendor at Cemetery Beach
For those seeking a quieter snorkelling experience, head to the serene shores of Cemetery Beach.
Nestled away from the crowds, this hidden gem offers calm waters and a vibrant underwater ecosystem.
And for clarity, Cemetery Beach is part of Seven Mile Beach — there just happens to be an old cemetery behind the beach in this area.
There is a reef around 60 yards from the shore, so we recommend this for people with previous snorkelling experience.
Of course, with coral comes a mesmerizing array of sea life, so keep your eyes peeled and see which fish and other animals you can spot!
Keep an Eye Out for Sea Turtles at Spotts Beach
Tucked away on Grand Cayman’s south coast, Spotts Beach is something of a hidden gem.
Some of the more popular beaches along the west coast can become crowded at certain times of day during peak season. But Spotts Beach rarely has this problem.
Home and waterfront condos surround this beach, so it attracts more locals than tourists.
The smaller crowds and lack of water traffic also make this a great snorkelling spot.
And while there’s beautiful coral and vibrant fish to discover at your own pace, sea turtles have become the star of the show here.
You may see them at any time of day, but they’re especially active in the morning and evening.
Spotts Beach also has free parking and picnic tables, so you can take your time in this quiet corner of Grand Cayman.
For more travel inspiration, check out our five tips for having the best Cayman vacation.
Come Snorkeling in Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports!
We hope this introduction to the best places to snorkel in the Cayman Islands has inspired you to visit!
Find out more about snorkelling adventures with us by looking through our boat excursions in Grand Cayman or if you are looking for more action, check out our Waverunner Snorkel Safari activity.
And if you have any questions about anything you see, feel free to contact us.


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MYTH 1 - Immigration - Restricting Migrants from the EU will lead to better prospects for UK workers.
Although there are manifold socio-political contentions,it is difficult to conclude that the UK economy has not benefited from the increase in immigrant labour from Europe (immigration from outside the EU is another matter). Most immigrants are working age and relatively well-educated, offsetting the negative effects of the country’s own ageing population. However, public services may come under pressure if migrant workers stop returning to their native countries upon retirement.
We have all read in the press recently about the demise of BHS, but the most worrying part of the story is how this will impact UK taxpayers and BHS pensions.
UK taxpayers will have to cover the statutory redundancy pay of the company’s 11,000 staff. Based on previous failures, such as Comet, City experts believe the bill will top £40million.
At the same time, every worker in the UK who is a member of a company pension scheme will have to help fill a black hole estimated at £571million in the BHS pension scheme. This is because the Pension Protection Fund, which steps in when businesses collapse, gets its money through a levy imposed on all company schemes.
The Euro has given up some of its recent gains against both the pound and the US dollar over the course of the week. Both currency pairs have seen very little volatility with the price ranges contained within one and a half cents.
The week started off reasonably positive for the Eurozone with Germany’s manufacturers reporting uplift in new order activity, up 1.9% in March from the month before.
400 years of Shakespeare and we are still pondering over the question!
I recently returned from London, more specifically the City of London, and was rather perplexed to find out that the financial sages were still in a state of flux, arguing over the theoretical economical fall out, on the day after of the fast approaching “In or Out” referendum.
Every year, thousands of Britons buy or sell properties overseas. Whether it’s the realisation of a long-held dream to own a place in the sun, or selling up abroad to move back to the United Kingdom, you will need to move large sums of money between different countries and currencies.
But while you might bag a bargain property or use your best negotiating skills to get a good sale price, you may not give much thought to what kind of deal you’ll get when you actually transfer money to pay for the property.
On Thursday 23rd June, there will be a referendum on whether the UK should remain in the European Union (EU). A referendum within two years was promised by David Cameron in the Conservative Party's manifesto for last year's general election.
The single currency started the week on a firm footing as the markets digested the changing fortunes of the European Union vs that of the UK and the USA. Now that Europe’s economy has overtaken the growth rate of the UK and the USA, the Euro has certainly found some short-term favour.
Remember the old adage, ‘don’t put all your eggs in one basket’? Many investors have been guilty of casting their nets too close to home when it comes to getting a good return on their investments.
Despite the low-growth world, many companies are still able to offer their shareholders positive ‘guidance’ on future earnings – via dividends. So it has become very popular to invest a large proportion or all of your money in UK and large multinational companies that are offering good dividends, but sometimes you can get your figures burnt.

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We are pleased to offer all refugees on a first come, first served basis 250 free tickets for the equestrian spectacular “Cavalia”
Date Wednesday, 15 April 2015
Location Central Harbourfront Event Space
Big white circus tent at Central Star Ferry
Next to the Hong Kong Observation Wheel at IFC
Registration Call Vanessa to register at 54282427
Duration 2 hour show with a 30 minute interval
Age Children are welcome if they are old enough to sit twice for one hour
Parents should decide if their young children will enjoy the show
Conceived by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of famed Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia is a fresh mix of equestrian and performing arts, multimedia and special effects, innovatively integrating acrobatics, dance, aerial stunts and live music.
The show – often labelled as an equestrian ballet – combines advanced technology and the fundamental relationship that humans have developed with horses throughout time; enabling us to build bridges between cultures, to expand civilization and now to produce the purest form of art, one created through kindness, patience, and love.
A show unlike any other, Cavalia celebrates the relationship between humans and horses, virtually reinventing the equestrian arts.

domain: entertainment


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Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument has recently been recognized by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA) as the Parashant International Night Sky Province-Window to the Cosmos. The million-plus acre Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument located in northwestern Arizona remains one of the most remote areas in the contiguous United States and earned the International Dark Sky Park Gold-tier status, the highest level of award representing the darkest skies.
The Monument and surrounding geographic region are recognized for remarkable combinations of high elevation plateaus, excellent air quality, sparse population and prevalent cloud-free weather which produce some of the best opportunities to visually observe and enjoy dark night skies. Starry night skies and natural darkness are important resources and recognized monument objects of Parashant.
Parashant National Monument is a Service First organization jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and National Park Service (NPS). The IDA Dark Sky designation is a first for a BLM area and the fifth NPS site to be designated, joining Natural Bridges National Monument, Big Bend National Park, Death Valley National Park and Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
The designation provides local communities with an increased economic opportunity for attracting more eco-tourists, researchers, and the scientific community who seek to study astronomy under the Monument’s pristine dark sky conditions. It also will lead to more educational programs for local youth like the “Go Wild for Astronomy!” festival.
Activities at the “Go Wild for Astronomy!” festival 9:00AM to 1:00 PM
See the Sun - Participants will have the opportunity to view the sun safely through a solar telescope and learn about prominences, sunspots and different types of light.
Don’t Light Up the Night Sky - Night sky friendly lighting displays show practical cost efficient ways each of us can take to save energy and make a dramatic difference in the darkness of our night sky.
Moon Dance - Learn about the changing phases of the moon and how to predict the number of days until the next full or new moon.
Planisphere Predictions - Make a planisphere (star wheel) and learn how to predict where and when your favorite constellation can be discovered in the sky.
Nocturnal Creatures - Learn why dark night sky is so important for certain animals to survive.
Planet Mnemonic - Learn a fun way for remembering the order of the planets in our solar system.
Step Into the Solar System - Take a planet walk and learn about the planets in our solar system and their distance from the sun.
Meteor Mania - Touch a meteorite and learn about how they are made and reach the earth’s surface.
A Star is Born - Just like plants and animals, stars have life cycles. Come find out the life cycle of a star including protostars, nebulas, blackholes and supernovae.
Starry Starry Night - Bryce Canyon National Park Rangers will set up a mobile star lab that will allow viewing of planets and constellations under a domed tent.
How Light Affects the Night - International Dark Sky Association night sky education exhibit focuses on the myths of nighttime lighting, security and safety, and the effects light pollution has on the environment.
10:00 Presentation of Parashant International Night Sky Province Designation
Welcome, opening remarks, awards, poster unveiling
11:00 A Southern Paiute Sky Story - Why the Moon Paints Her Face Black
Book reading and signing by Eleanor Tom and Chloe Valentine Brent (books and posters available for sale at Dixie Arizona Strip Interpretive Association table)
12:00 Junior Astronomer Pledge Ceremony and Presentation of Badges
Participate in astronomy activities to get pledged in and earn a badge
Directions to Dixie State University President’s Grove: From I-15 St. George Blvd exit head west to 700 East. Turn South on 700 East and follow to 100 South turning left. Park in the North parking lot and walk South between the science buildings to Presidents Grove.

domain: hobby


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Little Lake Flowers provide beautiful and thoughtful floral arrangements for funerals and memorials. We do our very utmost to ensure that the flowers that we select for such occasions will be a fitting tribute, working alongside the family or friends to bring a little light into the day. From decorating wicker coffins with flower garlands to making more traditional floral arrangements, we make sure that down to the last detail, everything is taken care of.
Please call Lynfa or Alicia on
0208 819 3124


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Join us over your lunch hour to learn new things to make you a better parent. We'll provide subs from Cousins Subs, chips and water. Learn about free entertaining, educational and age-appropriate apps for children. Doors open at noon. Free lunch available starting at noon. Registration required; call 286-3011. Thank you to Cousins Subs for providing the lunches for our Lunch and Learn series.
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 12:15-12:45 p.m.
Central Library, 814 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Nov. 20: Best Children's and Teen Books of 2013
Dec. 11: Free Online Music and Magazines

domain: library


The Google Pixel Watch appears to have leaked at last. The look of the watch, along with some basic details about the device’s release date and abilities, have appeared in a report today before official launch. The device will likely launch with a circular touchscreen display, several casing options, and a bunch of different watch bands with different colors.
New details about the long-awaited Google Pixel Watch were leaked today by Jon Prosser. In a YouTube video – as shown below – the watch was shown from a variety of angles with a collection of details about its upcoming launch. We’ve been waiting for the reveal and launch of this device for several years.
Imagery of the Pixel Watch was digitally illustrated and rendered by concept artist Ian Zelbo. This creator, also known as @RendersByIan, created the images you see here using details provided by Prosser. These images are not official Google-made creations. They represent the aesthetics of the official hardware which has not yet been leaked or revealed officially by Google.
The Google Pixel Watch will very likely have a release date in October of 2021. If Prosser’s info is accurate and holds true, the Google Pixel Watch will launch at the same time as the Google Pixel 6. Google usually holds a special press event in October to show Google Pixel smartphones, smart home devices, and other odds and ends.
This leak appeared on the same day as rumors that the Google Pixel 5a would not be released in the year 2021. This rumor was relatively quickly quashed by Google, who released a statement saying that the phone was not cancelled… but also… sorta went halfway to the news, saying that the device would launch in the USA and Japan. If it’s ONLY coming to the USA and Japan, that means it wont have nearly as large a launch as previous Pixel phones.


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Superstar media personality and former top model contestant, Tocarra Jones, hit up Bottles and Strikes in New York City recently to celebrate her 30th birthday.
Her birthday was a blast, as celebrities such as Terrence J, P.Diddy, “Love and Hip Hop” cast members (Olivia, Mashonda and Emily), Angela Yee and many more came to the celebration. Fun times!
Tocarra is gearing up to film the second season of Donald Trump’s reality show “The Ultimate Merger” on TV One. She also spent a lot of last year touring as “Lady Hennessy”.


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The funeral saw some of Berla’s colleagues joining her to mourn her dad, The likes of Giovani Caleb, Johnnie Hughes, Cookie Tee, and AJ Sarpong were on hand to support. Berla Mundi has bid farewell to his father Photo source: @giovani.caleb Source: Instagram Giovani shared some photos from the funeral on his Instagram page.
The photos show Giovani and the other colleagues taking Turns to pose for photos with Berla. They later came together to take a group photo. Sharing the photos Giovani noted that he was happy to have been able to bring some smiles to the face of Berla.
Giovani also offered a prayer for Berla Mundi and the enitre bereaved family. “Glad I managed to force a smile out of you my friend. Supporting our sister & colleague @berlamundi as she bids the Dad farewell. Take heart Teshie Beyoncé. Prayers up with you and the #Adaddey family,” he said. It s not known when Berla’s father passed on as the TV personality did not talk about it on social media .
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domain: celebrity


The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied reports about zoning its national chairmanship to the North Central geo political zone.
This was contained in a statement issued by Sen. James Akpanudoedehe, the National Secretary, APC Caretaker, and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) on Monday in Abuja.
Akpanudoedehe issued this statement in response to a media report that the party had zoned the position to the North Central, adding that the issue of zoning was not part of the mandates of the CECPC.
“I have the mandate to report that whatever decision the CECPC takes and to the best of my knowledge the committee has not discussed zoning,’’ he said.
He added that with the party’s national convention slated for February 2022, it was expected that party members would come up with different zoning speculations.
“People are just flying what will favour their interest, all I know is that the caretaker committee has not discussed or reached a zoning decision,’’ he said.
Also Sen. Victor Lar, Media Director, Sen. Ali-Modu Sheriff Campaign Organisation, said that the report was laughable describing it as a figment of the imagination of those who planted it.
Sen. Ali-Modu Sheriff, a two term governor of Borno, was a frontline aspirant for the APC chairmanship.
“We find the purported story as very laughable because the organs of the party that are supposed to communicate that kind of information are not the ones communicating it.
“For that reason, we will take it with a pinch of salt.
“Again, the APC as a party has never adopted zoning, therefore, the story of it zoning the national championship to the North Central can better be described as a figment of the imaginations of those who planted it.
“We find the report as the very poor scheming of people who are scared of contesting the position with Sheriff,’’ Lar said.


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President Trump’s recent effort to protect American industry by imposing prohibitive tariffs on Chinese imports isn’t the first time an American president has attempted to translate economic ideology into public policy. And I hope current efforts don’t turn out as poorly as they did then.
That was during the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, when a neutral US struggled to trade equally with Britain and France, who were locked in seemingly endless war. Neither country took kindly to American efforts to trade with the other and both took strong preventive action: confiscating ships and cargoes and, in Britain’s case, seizing American sailors to serve in the depleted Royal Navy.
Jefferson knew the U.S. shouldn’t get involved in a European war and believed that economic sanctions would persuade Britain and France to leave American commerce alone. In December of 1807, he successfully lobbied Congress to pass an Embargo Act, forbidding the export of American products to any foreign nation.
The words of eminent American historian Gordon Wood deserve quoting in full here: “Perhaps never in history has a trading nation of America’s size engaged in such an act of self-immolation with so little reward.”
Today, it’s difficult to know which to fault more: Jefferson’s complete misunderstanding of America’s economic position in the world or the terms of the embargo itself. The President believed that Britain and France depended on American products and that economic sanctions would force them to cave in to his demands. In fact, both nations could – and did - get along just fine without American goods. Moreover, the law barred exports but left foreign imports largely alone, permitting European nations to continue marketing their products in America. Both philosophy and policy were self-inflicted wounds.
American exports declined almost 80%; New England seaports collapsed; and, led by Vermont, smuggling into Canada reached an all-time high. Although the Embargo was repealed within eighteen months, it did incalculable damage to the American economy, fueled political unrest throughout the nation, and contributed to America’s eventually going to war with Britain in 1812.
Perhaps the best indication of Vermont’s lack of enthusiasm for the whole thing also came in 1812, when the citizens of what was then known as Jefferson County finally chose to rename it Washington.

domain: economics


text:
Memorial Day fun turned into a holiday nightmare on Fort Lauderdale Beach when a waterspout turned tornado launched a bounce house into the air.
Several children were injured when the inflatable bounce house they were playing in at 801 Seabreeze Avenue was sent flying across a parking lot and into a roadway, Fort Lauderdale police said.
Shamoya Ferguson was one of three kids inside. She was left with a huge bruise on her forehead that would keep her in the hospital overnight.
"I was in the bounce house and a tornado while I was in the bounce house and I flew up and dropped," the 6-year-old said.
Sunbathers watched as the waterspout came ashore, turned into an EF-0 tornado and sent the bounce house spinning, then lifted it above the palm trees.
"I was thinking I was about to die," said 5-year old Shadaja Bryant, who was left with a broken arm after the violent ride. "I was in the bounce house and then it flew while I was in there, then I fell in the dirt."
Bryant's father Ryan Howard said he felt helpless.
"I was crying all the way there and from the time I saw the bounce house to the hospital I was crying, I was shaken real bad," Howard said. "I thought it was safe."
Witnesses described a frightening scene.
"Everyone was screaming, 'Oh my God, Oh my God.' And then everyone started to run," said Sophia Fuller. "It was coming from in the water and then it was coming to where we were sitting."
Then it made a hard turn and headed for a bounce house. Moments later children started to drop from the sky.
"It was like spinning around, broke the basketball goal, it broke the light poles. It kept spinning and that's when the little girl fell on the concrete," said Jammelia Wray.
A Memorial Day tradition for Sophia Fuller and Jammelia Wray ended with a family gathering at Broward Health Medical Center.
Two family members, 6-year-old Shamoya who goes by Sugar and her 11-year-old step brother AJ were seriously injured when they plummeted from the bounce house from 20 feet in the air.
"They just hit the sand," said Fuller, the children's aunt.
"She was in shock, she couldn't talk. She was just screaming. Her mouth was bloody," added Wray, who is their cousin. "My other little cousin's mouth was bloody. He was just laying there. He was shaking."
"Her neck, they had to put a neck brace on her and my nephew they had to wrap him up in plastic," Fuller said.
Witnesses said police cut through the bounce house when it stopped on the street to make sure no children were still inside.
"These bounce houses are permitted. It's an incident, an act of mother nature that couldn't be prevented," said Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Deanna Greenlaw.
The children were all transported to Broward Health Medical Center.
According to the National Weather Service, the waterspout was classified as an EF-0 tornado, which can have winds between 65 and 85 miles per hour. Waterspouts are called tornadoes when they cross onto land.
Three children were injured in a similar bounce house incident last May in upstate New York. Two boys fell about 20 feet when a strong wind swept their backyard bounce house into the air.
One of the children fell into the street, while a second child fell into an apartment building parking lot.
Experts generally advise against setting up bounce houses up on soft ground, and recommend that the spikes anchoring the bounce house should be made of durable material and be at least nine inches long. Bigger, more durable stakes are available at hardware stores.
Bounce houses can weigh anywhere from 200 to 600 pounds.

domain: news


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History and Its Role in Supreme Court Decision Making on Religion
‘‘No provision of the Constitution is more closely tied to or given content by its generating history than the religious clause of the First Amendment,’’ wrote Justice Wiley Rutledge at the outset of the Supreme Court’s Establishment Clause jurisprudence, Everson v. Board of Education (1947). Since Everson, Supreme Court justices have continued to rely heavily on the history of the early republic to interpret both the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment. Those justices upholding strict separation and those favoring greater Accommodation of Religion have used history in markedly different ways, however. Their opinions in religion cases have thus carried on a sophisticated debate about the proper use of history in constitutional interpretation in general.
The Court has drawn on three main sources of historical documentation in interpreting the Religion Clauses: (1) the personal views of founding era statesmen regarding the relationship between the state and religion, (2) the practices of federal and state governments at the time of ratification of the First Amendment, and (3) the textual development of the clauses as reflected in their legislative histories and the common use of their terms in Colonial Charters and early state constitutions.
Personal Views of Early Statesmen
Following the first free exercise decision, Reynolds v. United States (1879), the Everson Court located the ‘‘generating history’’ of the religion clause in the Virginia Assessment Controversy of 1785–1786. But Everson went further, relying on the ideological expressions of selected statesmen involved to interpret the motivations behind the Religion Clause. Supporters of both strict separation and expansive accommodation have repeatedly returned to this episode, in part because it inspired a monumental treatise on religious freedom by the chief architect of the First Amendment—James Madison’s ‘‘Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments’’—and in part because its temporal proximity to the Constitutional Convention seemed to give it greater relevance to constitutional interpretation. Protesting a bill to tax citizens for the support of a church of their choice or a general fund for clerical education, Madison articulated the sectarian churches’ position and called on the Virginia legislature to abandon all church taxes. The legislature was convinced and adopted a ‘‘Bill for Establishing Religious Freedom,’’ based on an earlier draft by Thomas Jefferson, which soon led to the disestablishment of the state church.
Although the Everson Court ultimately ruled according to a theory of government neutrality toward religious institutions, both the majority and dissent enunciated a rationale for strict separation by expanding on Jefferson’s characterization of the Establishment Clause as a ‘‘wall of separation between church and state.’’ Jefferson had penned these words in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802, but the Court believed the metaphor to be consistent with the result of the Virginia controversy. Noting that Madison and Jefferson ‘‘played such leading roles’’ in the ‘‘drafting and adoption’’ of the First Amendment, the Court offered citations from their writings as evidence for both the historical ‘‘context’’ and modern meaning of the religion clause.
Critics of Everson’s separationist theory, which gained ascendancy over the following generation, objected that historical evidence ought to be more rigorously tied to the ratification of the First Amendment or to the fact patterns of each particular case at hand. They pointed out that Jefferson’s opinions about the meaning of the First Amendment had only a tenuous relationship to constitutional interpretation because Jefferson himself did not take part in the drafting or adoption of the Bill of Rights. To the extent that Jefferson’s opinions were germane, the critics also questioned why his private correspondence should receive greater credence than his public comments or official acts that allowed for practices now banned by the Court’s ‘‘wall of separation.’’ Madison, on the other hand, was a central player in the passage of the First Amendment, but his own proposed wording for the religion clause did not secure Congress’s full approval. It therefore seemed presumptive to ascribe to the First Congress and the states’ ratifying chambers the views Madison had expressed during an earlier controversy in a single state.
Policies of Early Governments
Accomodationists argued that it would be more appropriate to reconstruct the import of the First Amendment by evaluating the official actions of founding leaders while they served in governmental positions. Implicit in this emphasis was a theory that official acts should be given greater interpretative weight because they represent not just the personal conviction of one individual, but the result of the entire government’s democratic deliberation. It also treated early office holders as interpreters of the Constitution, by which their acts, if legally unchallenged, could indicate ‘‘long-standing practice’’ or serve as instructive democratic precedents in the absence of judicial ones.
Justice Stanley Reed presented the first challenge to the separationists’ use of history in his dissent from McCollum v. Board of Education (1948), which barred public schools from offering ‘‘released time’’ for optional religious instruction. While Madison’s ‘‘Remonstrance’’ concerned taxation, a more precise inquiry into public school practices revealed that Jefferson himself had designed a similar program to facilitate student worship when he was rector of the University of Virginia and Madison was a trustee. In the succession of cases banning Bible reading and prayer at public school events, religious symbols on public property, and various forms of aid to religious schools, dissenters quoted many presidents calling the country to prayer in their inaugural ceremonies and Thanksgiving Day proclamations in order to demonstrate the longstanding place of religious commemorations in the civic life of the nation. They also provided evidence that the federal government regularly allocated funds in the nineteenth century to support church schools among the Native Americans.
Faced with these challenges, justices favoring stricter separation reached back further into history, conjuring up the religious strife and persecution of sectarians in Europe that brought many settlers to America’s shores. It was the overarching purpose of the First Amendment to avoid these social evils, they argued, in decisions such as Engle v. Vitale (1962) and Abington v. Schempp (1963). Thus, the religion clause was to be interpreted in light of possible discrimination in contemporary society, not merely in light of the nation’s early political consensus.
Accomodationists, however, insisted that historical anecdotes should only be instructive if they hew closely to the factual patterns under review. When Locke v. Davey (2004) permitted a state to exclude a student of theology from an otherwise unrestricted college scholarship program after citing Virginia’s resolution to the assessment controversy, Justice Scalia contested that the scope of Madison’s argument must be limited to the case that was at hand: Madison convinced the Virginia legislature to abandon a state support program specifically allocated for clerical education, but the Virginians still might have considered it a denial of free exercise to exclude only clergy from generally available state assistance.
Emphasis on governmental policies in the founding era also allowed the Court to take the practices of the states and federal government more systematically into its purview. Walz v. Tax Commission (1970), for example, declined to invalidate tax exemptions for religious groups after acknowledging that most states and the federal government had granted such exemptions as soon as they established tax codes.
Marsh v. Chambers (1983) rested its decision to allow legislative prayer on evidence that the Constitutional Convention and First Congress themselves convened with prayer, a practice emulated by the states. Because the First Congress passed a bill providing for chaplains to open all legislative sessions with prayer just three days before the House resolved the final wording for the First Amendment, the Court reasoned that the authors of the Establishment Clause could not have intended it to ban prayer from government assemblies.
Critics of this approach have claimed that even the First Congress and early presidents should not be trusted to have consistently abided by the constitutional clauses they authored. But for the Marsh majority, the close convergence of relevant legislation with the passage of the First Amendment created a moment when deference to the legislature’s capacity for constitutional interpretation ought to be at its height.
Legislative Histories and Textual Comparisons
More recently, several justices have advocated a thorough revision of the Court’s objective in religion cases after considering the legislative history of the First Amendment and the significance of its terms in other legal documents from the eighteenth century.
Although Madison had been characterized as an absolute separationist since Everson, the House report for the First Congress showed that his proposed language for the religion clause would have prohibited the establishment of only a ‘‘national religion.’’ An early Senate version, meanwhile, barred only the preference of one sect over another. At the state level, Virginia’s conclusions about the proper relation between church and state were not universally accepted. Three New England states maintained established state churches for decades after ratifying the First Amendment. Justice Rehnquist concluded from this evidence that those legislators who ratified the Establishment Clause understood it to bar only the federal government from officially advancing one church over another or from interfering with state church establishments. Insofar as the religion clause had been incorporated by the Fourteenth Amendment, he argued in his Wallace v. Jaffree (1985) dissent, all governments had the responsibility to refrain from advancing one religion over another, but they were not bound to remain neutral between religion and irreligion.
Defenders of the Court’s ‘‘neutrality’’ jurisprudence countered this revisionist history of the Establishment Clause in Lee v. Weisman (1982) by arguing that since Congress did not settle on either Madison’s or the Senate’s version, the First Amendment must have been meant to prohibit governmental advancement of ‘‘religion’’ in general. But since the only documented reasons for rejecting Madison’s language were even stronger reservations about protecting the prerogatives of the states, the Wallace dissenters maintained that Madison’s intention was implicit in the final result.
Like Rehnquist’s ‘‘non-preferentialism,’’ the ‘‘noncoercion’’ standard that Justice Kennedy advanced in County of Allegheny v. ACLU (1989) would have abandoned attempts to divine a line between the secular and religious. Instead, guided by Madison’s interpretation of the religion clause during the House debate, the Court would simply ensure that government not ‘‘compel men to worship God in any manner contrary to their conscience.’’ When Justice Kennedy included peer pressure as a form of coercion to ban prayer at public school events, however, Justices Scalia and Thomas argued that a historically accurate conception of compulsion necessarily included the ‘‘force of law and the threat of penalty.’’
After Employment Division v. Smith (1990) limited the meaning of the free exercise clause to a protection against racial discrimination, proponents of greater accommodation called for reconsideration on the basis of a comparative reading of the First Amendment with ‘‘free exercise’’ clauses in Colonial Charters and state constitutions. Justice O’Connor’s dissent in City of Boerne v. Flores (1997) marshaled the state provisions behind an argument that the state ratifying chambers and congressional representatives would have understood ‘‘free exercise’’ to exempt religiously motivated conduct or scruples from generally applicable laws. Noting that many state constitutions included provisos limiting free exercise when the conduct disturbed the ‘‘public peace or safety,’’ the accommodationists reasoned that these provisos would have been unnecessary unless the concept of ‘‘free exercise’’ already embraced exemptions from generally applicable regulations. But the majority, basing its position on Reynolds, refused to consider that the state provisions could have determined the meaning of the term ‘‘free exercise’’ for the First Amendment. Justice Scalia, the author of Smith, contended that the states’ free exercise clauses proved only that religious exemptions were permissible, not mandated.
Religion cases have inspired Supreme Court justices to apply more and more refined historical analyses to the constitutional questions that they have faced since Reynolds and Everson. It is apparent, however, that those opinions challenging the doctrine of Reynolds and Everson on historical grounds have rarely garnered a majority. Although the Court finds history a ready rhetorical aid for its decisions, history is seldom dispositive. When historical evidence from the Founding Era is in conflict with intervening judicial precedents, a persistent majority in religion cases has shown that the Court prefers to place authority in its own precedents, maintaining its freedom to adapt to contemporary situations.
References and Further Reading
- Hamburger, Philip, A Constitutional Right of Religious Exemption: An Historical Perspective, 60 George Washington Law Review 1992: 915–48.
- ———. Separation of Church and State. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2002.
- Howe, Mark DeWolfe. The Garden and the Wilderness: Religion and Government in American Constitutional History. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1965.
- McConnell, Michael, The Origins and Historical Understanding of Free Exercise of Religion, 103 Harvard Law Review (1990): 1409–517.
- Witte, John, Jr. Religion and the American Constitutional Experiment: Essential Rights and Liberties. 2nd ed. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 2005.
Cases and Statutes Cited
- Abington Township School District v. Schempp, 374 U.S. 203 (1963)
- City of Boerne v. Flores, 521 U.S. 507 (1997)
- County of Allegheny v. A.C.L.U., 492 U.S. 573 (1989)
- Employment Division, Department of Human Resources of Oregon v. Smith, 494 U.S. 872 (1990)
- Engle v. Vitale, 370 U.S. 421 (1962)
- Everson v. Board of Education of the Township of Ewing, 330 U.S. 1 (1947)
- Illinois ex rel. McCollum v. Board of Education, 333 U.S. 203 (1948)
- Lee v. Weisman, 505 U.S. 577 (1992)
- Locke v. Davey, 540 U.S. 712 (2004)
- Marsh v. Chambers, 463 U.S. 783 (1983)
- Reynolds v. United States, 98 U.S. 145 (1879)
- Wallace v. Jaffree, 472 U.S. 38 (1985)
- Walz v. Tax Commission of the City of New York, 397 U.S. 664 (1970)
See also Concept of ‘‘Christian Nation’’ in American Jurisprudence; Establishment Clause (I): History, Background, Framing; Free Exercise Clause (I): History, Background, Framing; Judicial Proceedings and References to the Deity; Religion in ‘‘Public Square’’ Debate; Religious Liberty under Eighteenth-Century State Constitutions


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California remains the largest state in the union by far, but it’s shrinking. In only the two-year period from 2020 to 2022, the Golden State lost some 510,000 residents. Only New York, the fourth-most populous state, lost more people over that period.
The 2020 U.S. Census recorded just over 39.5 million Californians, but as of 2023, that number has fallen by 1.3% to just over 39 million. Meanwhile, Texas, the second-most populous state, has grown to more than 29 million people, closing the gap with California to below 10 million.
This represents a marked change from California, which essentially experienced nothing but sustained growth for its first 150 years as a state. During the 1980s alone, California expanded by more than 6 million residents—almost 1,700 people, every day, for an entire decade.
In percentage terms, the Bay Area’s population loss during the 2020s has exceeded the state’s, with San Francisco’s 4% drop leading the nine-county region.
High housing costs and the rise of remote work have fueled talk of a “California Exodus,” with residents of states like Utah and Texas actively grumbling about an influx of ex-Californians, but the state is hardly alone in losing population. No fewer than 17 states have seen declines, with nine—led by New York, Illinois and Louisiana—losing a greater percentage of their total population than California has from 2021-22.
The population growth rate of the United States has slowed to a trickle, expanding by fewer than 2 million people from April 2020 to July 2022. As immigration rebounds to pre-pandemic levels, nearly all the nation’s growth owes itself to new arrivals.
Astrid Kane can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org

domain: geography


21.26.020 Permitted uses and structures.
21.26.030 Conditional uses and structures.
21.26.040 Dimensional requirements.
21.26.050 Site and access plan.
21.26.060 Traffic requirements.
21.26.070 Site development requirements.
21.26.080 Nuisance standards.
21.26.090 Lighting standards.
21.26.010 Purpose. The purpose of the General Commercial 2 District is primarily to provide a sound area for heavy commercial and industrial uses within the community designed to permit manufacturing, processing, assembly, packaging, or treatment of products and other uses described in this chapter. Residential uses and certain retail enterprises are purposely limited. (Ord. 08-29, 2008).
21.26.020 Permitted uses and structures. The following uses are permitted outright in the General Commercial 2 District, except when such use requires a conditional use permit by reason of size, traffic volumes, or other reasons set forth in this chapter:
a. Production, processing assembly and packaging of fish, shellfish and seafood products;
b. Construction, assembly and storage of boats and boat equipment;
c. Manufacture and assembly of pottery and ceramics, musical instruments, toys, novelties, small molded products, electronic instruments and equipment and electrical devices;
f. Research and development laboratories;
g. Trade, skills or industrial schools;
h. Publishing, printing and book binding facilities;
i. Auto, trailer, truck, recreational vehicle and heavy equipment sales, rentals, service and repair, excluding storage of vehicles or equipment that are inoperable or in need of repair;
j. Storage and distribution services and facilities, including truck terminals, warehouses and storage buildings and yards, contractors’ establishments, lumberyards and sales, or similar uses;
k. Airports and air charter operations;
m. Underground bulk petroleum storage;
n. Cold storage facilities;
o. Parking lots and parking garages, in accordance with HCC Chapter 7.12;
p. Mobile commercial structures;
q. Accessory uses to the uses permitted in the GC2 district that are clearly subordinate to the main use of the lot or building, such as wharves, docks, restaurant or cafeteria facilities for employees; or caretaker or dormitory residence if situated on a portion of the principal lot: provided that separate permits shall not be issued for the construction of any type of accessory building prior to that of the main building..
r. Taxi operation;
s. Mobile food services;
t. Itinerant merchants, provided all activities shall be limited to uses permitted outright under this zoning district;
u. Recreational vehicle parks, provided they shall conform to the standards in § 21.54.
v. Hotels and motels.
x. As an accessory use, one small wind energy system per lot.(Ord. 09-34(A) §17 (part), 2009; Ord. 08-29, 2008).
21.26.030 Conditional uses and structures. The following uses may be permitted in the General Commercial 2 District when authorized by conditional use permit issued in accordance with HCC Chapter 21.71:
a. Mobile home parks;
b. Construction camps;
c. Extractive enterprises, including the mining, quarrying and crushing of gravel, sand and other earth products and batch plants for asphalt or concrete;
d. Bulk petroleum product storage above ground;
e. Planned unit developments, excluding residential uses;
g. Junk yard;
i. Public utility facilities and structures;
j. Pipelines and railroads;
k. Impound yards;
l. Shelter for the homeless, provided any lot used for such shelter does not abut an urban, rural or office residential zoning district;
m. More than one building containing a permitted principal use on a lot.
n. Day care facilities; provided, however, that outdoor play areas must be fenced.
o. Group care homes and assisted living homes.
p. Other uses approved pursuant to HCC § 21.04.020.
q. Indoor recreational facilities;
r. Outdoor recreational facilities. (Ord. 08-29, 2008).
21.26.040 Dimensional requirements. The following dimensional requirements shall apply to all structures and uses in the General Commercial 2 District:
a. Lot Size. The minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet.
b. Building Setbacks.
1. Buildings shall be set back 20 feet from all dedicated rights-of-way. Alleys are not subject to a 20 foot setback requirement. The setback requirements from any lot line abutting an alley will be determined by the dimensional requirements of subparagraph (2) below.
2. Buildings shall be set back ten feet from all other lot boundary lot lines.
3. Any accessory building shall maintain the same yards and setbacks as the main building.
c. Building Height.
1. The maximum building height is 35 feet, except as provided in subsection (c)(2).
2. If approved by conditional use permit, buildings up to 55 feet in height may be allowed.
d. No lot shall contain more than 8,000 square feet of building area (all buildings combined), nor shall any lot contain building area in excess of 30 percent of the lot area without an approved conditional use permit.
e. Building Area and Dimensions – Retail and Wholesale.
1. The total floor area of retail and wholesale business uses within a single building shall not exceed 75,000 square feet.
2. No conditional use permit, Planned Unit Development or variance may be granted that would allow a building to exceed the limits of subparagraph (e)(1) and no nonconforming use or structure may be expanded in any manner that would increase its nonconformance with the limits of subparagraph (e)(1). (Ord. 08-29, 2008; Ord. 08-30(S)(A) §1, part, 2008; Ord. 08-40 §3 part, 2008).
21.26.050 Site and Access Plan. a. A zoning permit for a building or structure within the General Commercial 2 District shall not be issued by the City without a level two site plan approved under HCC Chapter 21.73.
b. No zoning permit may be granted without a level two right-of-way access plan approved by the City under HCC Chapter 21.73. (Ord. 08-29, 2008).
21.26.060 Traffic Requirements. A conditional use permit is required for every use that it is estimated or expected to exceed the criteria contained in HCC § 21.18.060. (Ord. 08-29, 2008).
21.26.070 Site Development Requirements. All development shall conform to the Site Development Requirements contained in HCC § 21.50.030. (Ord. 08-29, 2008).
21.26.080 Nuisance Standards. The nuisance standards of HCC § 21.59.010 apply to all development, uses, and structures in this zoning district. (Ord. 08-29, 2008).
21.26.090 Lighting Standards. The level one lighting standards of HCC § 21.59.030 apply to all development, uses, and structures in this zoning district. (Ord. 08-29, 2008).


text:
15430 Oriole Ct has a Walk Score of 6 out of 100. This location is a Car-Dependent neighborhood so almost all errands require a car.
This location is in Burnsville. Nearby parks include Cam Ram Park, Northview Park and Murphy-Hanrehan Park.
Nearby schools include Southview Christian School and Orchard Lake Elementary School.
The closest restaurant is McDonalds.
15430 Oriole Ct is near Cam Ram Park, Northview Park and Hollows Park.


text:
To help you heal quickly and correctly doctors often recommend buying different braces and supports. These can be especially helpful after surgery. Braces and compression stockings are often recommended after surgery to prevent blood clots from developing. Compression stockings are great for preventing blood clots in your legs. Blood clots can develop if you are unable to move around much after surgery, so compression stockings will help you heal and prevent you from needing more medical attention.
Crestwood Pharmacy Ltd. offers many different types of braces and supports for after surgery including:
We are also certified to fit you with these products. Our fitting process will ensure that you’re getting the right sized brace or support which in turn will help you heal quickly and correctly. If your doctor or surgeon has prescribed you to get a back brace or set of compression stockings after a surgical procedure, visit Crestwood Pharmacy Ltd. to get fitted with the right size.

domain: medical


text:
Ravenous Horror - TMG Published
By Ed Bourelle
Mixed media collage and acrylic on mounted canvas.
This piece was published in The Masticator Gate (p.71) and the Endless Demon Deck.
Mörk Borg core rulebook shown for scale. Artwork will be signed by the artist prior to shipping.
Art Sales Final
All Art Sales are Final. Thank you.


text:
"From the streets of England to Hollywood’s red carpets, Luke Pasqualino has captivated hearts with his magnetic on-screen presence and undeniable charm. With his tall and slender frame gracing our screens since a young age, this British heartthrob has become a name synonymous with talent and success in the acting world.
At just 31 years old, Luke Pasqualino has already amassed an impressive repertoire of roles that have solidified him as one of the most promising actors of his generation. From his breakout performance in the hit drama series Skins to starring alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names, Pasqualino’s star continues to rise.
But it’s not just his undeniable talent that makes Luke Pasqualino worth celebrating – it’s also his captivating personal journey. In this exclusive biography, we delve deep into the life and career of this enigmatic actor, tracing his path from humble beginnings to global stardom.
Discover how this dashing Brit transformed from a street-smart youth into a sensation adored by fans worldwide. Prepare to be enchanted by the allure and charisma of Luke Pasqualino – a rising star who shows no signs of slowing down."
Where Is Luke Pasqualino From and Where Was Luke Pasqualino Born
Luke Pasqualino is from Peterborough, England, U.K. He was born on February 19, 1990.
Step into the enchanting world of Luke Pasqualino, a talented actor hailing from the picturesque town of Peterborough in beautiful England. Born on February 19, 1990, this captivating artist has captured hearts and minds with his incredible performances on both stage and screen.
With his chiseled features and undeniable charisma, it's no wonder that Luke has become a recognizable face in the entertainment industry. From his humble beginnings in Peterborough, Luke has blossomed into a true international sensation.
His undeniable talent and dedication have led him to work alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond. As an actor with incredible range and versatility, he effortlessly transitions between roles, bringing each character to life with authenticity and depth.
Luke's magnetic presence extends far beyond the silver screen; he exudes charm and sophistication wherever he goes. Admirers from around the globe are captivated by his effortless style and debonair demeanor.
Whether gracing red carpets or attending exclusive events, Luke always manages to make a lasting impression with his impeccable fashion choices. With each new project he undertakes, Luke continues to solidify his status as one of Britain's most promising talents.
His passion for his craft shines through in every performance - a testament to his unwavering dedication to honing his skills as an actor. As we eagerly await Luke Pasqualino's next captivating role onscreen or off-duty appearance at a glamorous event, there is no denying that this remarkable individual will continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment for years to come.
How Old is Luke Pasqualino? Luke Pasqualino Age and Birthday Info
Luke Pasqualino is currently 33 years old. He was born on February 19, 1990, in Peterborough, England, U.K.
In the glamorous world of Hollywood, age is just a number and Luke Pasqualino continues to captivate audiences with his timeless charm. The dashing actor, known for his roles in hit TV shows such as "Skins" and "The Musketeers," celebrates yet another year of talent and success.
Born on the picturesque date of February 19, 1990, in the quaint town of Peterborough, England, Luke has blossomed into a seasoned performer who effortlessly commands both the small and big screens. As he marks his 33rd birthday today on July 14th, it's clear that age has only enhanced Luke's magnetic appeal.
With his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes that seem to hold a lifetime of stories within them, he exudes an irresistible allure that transcends time. Whether playing enigmatic rebels or dashing heroes fighting for justice with their trusty muskets by their side; there's no denying that this British heartthrob's talent knows no bounds.
As we raise our glasses to toast to another year of Luke Pasqualino's mesmerizing performances and undeniable charisma - here's to many more unforgettable moments from this timeless star. Happy Birthday!
What is Luke Pasqualino’s Zodiac Sign
Luke Pasqualino's Zodiac Sign is Pisces, which means he possesses qualities such as empathy, creativity, and adaptability. As an actor, these traits can greatly benefit his career.
In the realm of astrology and celebrity culture, Luke Pasqualino's star sign of Pisces has captivated many fans and astrologers alike. Born on February 19, 1990, this charismatic actor embodies the true essence of a Pisces with his undeniable talent and elusive charisma.
Pisceans are known for their deep emotional connection to their characters, allowing them to effortlessly embody various personas on screen. Luke's empathetic nature enables him to bring authenticity to each role he takes on.
Moreover, being a creative powerhouse comes naturally to this born artist. His innate ability to dive into the depths of imagination allows him to explore different facets of his craft with ease.
On top of that, Pisceans possess an extraordinary adaptability that plays a significant role in navigating the unpredictable world of acting. This quality ensures that Luke remains versatile and open-minded when faced with new challenges or opportunities in his career.
As we eagerly await Luke Pasqualino's upcoming projects in awe-struck anticipation; one thing is sure - his Piscean energy will continue to shine brightly within the entertainment industry.
How Did Luke Pasqualino Get Famous?
Luke Pasqualino became famous and popular through his successful career as an actor. With his tall and slender frame, Luke has captivated audiences with his remarkable talent and undeniable charm.
In the world of Hollywood, Luke Pasqualino is a rising star whose magnetic presence on screen leaves viewers wanting more. Born in 1990, this 33-year-old British heartthrob has taken the entertainment industry by storm with his extraordinary performances in both film and television.
Luke's journey to stardom began when he made his debut in the hit series "Skins," where he portrayed the enigmatic character Freddie McClair. This breakthrough role showcased Luke's immense acting prowess, captivating audiences worldwide and earning him critical acclaim.
Since then, Luke has graced our screens in various notable projects, seamlessly transitioning from period dramas like "The Musketeers" to intense crime thrillers such as "Snatch." His ability to embody diverse and complex characters is awe-inspiring, leaving spectators mesmerized by each portrayal.
Off-screen, Luke's dating history has also contributed to his popularity. Linked with some of Hollywood's most intriguing personalities, he remains an object of fascination for fans who are constantly enchanted by both his onscreen persona and offscreen charisma.
With every project he undertakes, Luke Pasqualino continues to solidify himself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. As we eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for this talented actor, one thing is certain: Luke's star will only continue to rise higher in the years to come.
Luke Pasqualino Nationality and Ethnicity
Luke Pasqualino is a British actor of Italian descent, with Neapolitan and Sicilian roots. His nationality and ethnicity have played a significant role in shaping his profession, adding depth to his performances and connecting him with diverse audiences worldwide.
Luke's Italian heritage brings an inherent passion, charisma, and expressive nature to his acting style, allowing him to portray characters with authenticity and flair. This unique blend of British charm and Italian allure has made Luke Pasqualino a captivating presence on screen, enchanting viewers with his talent and ethnic background.
Luke Pasqualino Body Measurements
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I hope that Minetta Tavern alerts their guests about the "chef's treat" that is roasted with the chicken. Diners on a gluten-free diet may not be aware of this practice of adding a baguette and will suffer from cross-contamination.
Martha Stewart Member
It's a delicious recipe and faster than other roasted chicken!!

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Dark Heaven Legends Classics: Female Undead
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