Nearly 675,000 people celebrated the best of California during the annual California State Fair, the largest single event in Northern California. The California Exposition and State Fair has a positive $300 million economic impact on the Sacramento region annually, and receives no funding from the government.
As a premiere State-wide event, the State Fair looks at a number of statistics in evaluating its success. For example, competitive entries increased this year by 21 percent to 21,441 entries compared to 17,753 in 2015. Representing the work of talented Californians, the new photography competition generated 2,256 entries. As the number of Craft Beer breweries continue to increase in California, the State Fair competition saw an 11 percent increase in Craft Beers vying for the coveted Blue Ribbon, with 1,204 entries. Sponsored by the Tractor Supply Company, the Junior Livestock Sale of Champions experienced a 20 percent increase in funds raised by youth selling the top 56 award winning animals. The $236,400 raised for youth this year was the second highest amount in the past 10 years.
The 2016 California State Fair was packed full of more than 3,000 exhibits and events that featured technology and agriculture and celebrated the best of the Golden State. Advance admission sales were up by 7.2 percent. The Best of California Brewfest drew 2,015 guests, up 31 percent from the previous year’s 1,535 guests.
“For more than 160 years the California State Fair has remained the one constant setting for showcasing the best of California. From award winning wines, craft beers, fine arts, photography, horse racing, livestock, concerts and entertainment, to technology, science, farming and food, the 2016 State Fair was a huge success,” said Rick Pickering, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. Pickering added, “in the face of a heat wave and tragic events around the nation, hundreds of thousands of guests came out to celebrate the sense of community, good will and unity that the State Fair provides.”
Paid Attendance decreased by 11 percent to 511,224 from a record year of 577,646 in 2015. Total Attendance decreased by 14 percent to 673,237 from a record year of 787,833 total visitors in 2015. Yet through a period of national tragedy and a local heatwave, business and community pride at the State Fair remained strong during the 17-day run. According to exit survey data, 92 percent of visitors were satisfied with their State Fair experience, and more than 95 percent felt their State Fair was a good value, up from 74 percent in 2015.
Thousands of voters in the June 7th California Primary election showed up at the polls across the state to discover their political party registrations had been changed.
Hundreds of “dead voters” were recently uncovered in Southern California, the majority of them in Los Angeles County. Some of these deceased voters have even been voting for years, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Fraudulent dead voters are concerning, but voter fraud is an even bigger problem in close races where election outcomes are decided by only a handful of votes, says Linda Paine, founder of the Election Integrity Project.
But after the June 7th primary, dead voters may be just the tip of the iceberg.
Thousands of Republican and Democratic voters reported to the Election Integrity Project that they arrived at their designated polling stations on June 7th to find that their party affiliation was changed. Most reported being re-registered “No Party Preference,” California’s version of “Decline to State.” Others said their registrations were dropped, or they received the wrong ballot, which in many cases prevented them from voting for President in the primary.
The Election Integrity Project’s Linda Paine said they noticed a pattern in several Southern California counties during Election Day. However, as the polls closed, Paine said they were contacted by large numbers of voters throughout the state upset that their party affiliation was changed, and had to vote using a provisional ballot. What Election Integrity Project wants to know is how many other voters this happened to.
I See Dead People
In 2014, California State Senator Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles, was elected Secretary of State. But his race caught the attention of the Election Integrity Project when not one of the 4,681 Los Angeles County polling stations had the vote-by-mail indicators on the check-in rosters on Election Day. Linda Paine said volunteers described chaos at the polls as Inspectors and Coordinators realized there was no way to crosscheck who had already voted.
Election inspectors reported they received a list of 700 names of vote-by-mail voters they were to manually enter onto the check-in roster on Election Day morning. “It is difficult to understand just how this could have happened,” Paine said. “All responsible businesses have procedures in place to ensure quality control so that materials printed on behalf of their company or organization are accurate.” But this did not happen in LA County.
Election Integrity Project volunteers reported that some Inspectors gave up the effort to determine who voted by mail before Election Day and simply gave every voter a regular ballot. Reports also indicated that without time for the Inspectors to ensure the vote-by-mail indicator was in fact placed next to the correct voter, mistakes were made and voters who were regular voters were forced to vote provisionally.
“Provisional ballots are simply regular ballots that are placed in a special Provisional envelope that must be processed after Election Day,” Paine explained. “The processing of Provisional ballots often takes up to 30 days after Election Day. Voters who want their vote to count on Election Day will be disappointed if they vote provisionally. All Vote-by-Mail and Regular ballots are counted before their ballots are counted.”
Los Angeles County Anomalies
Paine said Alex Padilla’s challenger, Pete Peterson, a Republican, lost by about 400,000 votes, of which approximately 350,000 came just from Los Angeles County.
The Election Integrity Project had documented more than 60,000 anomalies and irregularities on the voter rolls in Los Angeles County in 2013. Because the county did not respond to the report, it can be assumed that nothing was done about it, Paine said.
By 2014 the Election Integrity Project provided additional reports to the LA County Registrar. Countless citizens and citizen groups also contacted their representatives on the Board of Supervisors about voting irregularities. The Board authorized an internal audit, prior to the November 2014 election. The audit was ironically underway during the November election when the vote-by-mail data failed to make it to the polling locations.
Linda Paine was contacted by a whistle blower who told her someone in authority must have discovered that the vote-by-mail indicators were missing, but did nothing about it. There are too many checks and balances in place for it to be missed.
Following the 2014 election, armed with five years of data of voting irregularities and anomalies (2011 – 2015), the California Committee for the US Civil Rights Commission reviewed the Election Integrity Project’s research and determined that a public hearing was warranted. On August 28, 2015 California citizens from across the state testified of their eyewitness accounts of “how chaos and corruption was destroying the integrity of California’s election process,” Paine said.
What Happened On California Primary Day?
When Mary (not her real name), a Republican Pacific Pallisades Southern California resident, checked in at her polling location Tuesday June 7th, she was told she was registered “No Party Preference.”
“I’m not a non-partisan voter,” she said. In fact, Mary said many voters at her polling location – Republicans and Democrats – were told they were registered NPP.
Mary challenged the poll workers, and even showed them her Republican Party registration card and Republican Voter Pamphlet she had recently received by mail. “They said ‘Listen lady, you can’t vote. You’re not a Republican,’” Mary said.
Mary said she demanded their names and a signed document saying she couldn’t vote. She demanded the poll workers’ superiors’ name. And then she said it got weird. Mary said the three female poll workers told her they weren’t even from California; they said they had been flown in from Rhode Island to work the California Primary.
Several other voters who also asked for anonymity each said they witnessed poll workers opening the privacy sleeve of voters’ ballots to read the ballot. Instead of putting the ballot through the reader, the poll worker placed the ballots in a box marked “ballots” under the table. Linda Paine said she received many reports of this happening at polling stations throughout the state.
My calls to the Secretary of State’s office were not returned.
Los Angeles County Test Ground
Paine said this pattern was documented in 2012 in Los Angeles County, but not on the large scale as the California Primary Election June 7.
In the 2014 Primary, approximately 1,200 poll workers in Los Angeles “changed their mind about working at the polls,” all at the same time, resulting in a poll worker crisis. Linda Paine said she happened to be at the Los Angeles County Registrar’s office for a meeting, when she overheard two citizens being told they had to speak Spanish if they wanted to be poll workers. She inquired and was told it must have been because all the poll worker positions were filled and they were just looking for interpreters. At the time Linda Paine was told this, robo-calls and emails were being sent to people all over the county looking for poll workers. Something did not add up for Paine.
The Election Integrity Project members called out their volunteer force and asked them to report when they got the emails and calls in order to determine what areas were impacted so that they could provide volunteers in those areas to help. But despite the calls for help in finding poll workers, Paine’s volunteers were turned away and told the positions had already been filled.
Paine said the Election Integrity Project members documented June 7 Primary Election Day anomalies, and found disturbing, consistent patterns. “We believe the problem is the Secretary of State’s with Vote Cal system,” she said. “It’s the same problems all over the state.”
The Election Integrity Project is going to compare polling data in the counties with the statewide data, but they are required to purchase this data from every California County, as well as the data from the Secretary of State.
California’s Election Issues
Following the hanging chads incident in Florida in the 2000 presidential election, Congress passed the Help America Vote Act in 2002, which mandated sweeping reforms, including a statewide voter registration system that would eliminate ineligible voters.
But California failed to comply, and for 12 years was the only state that was still not compliant with the act. In 2014, newly elected Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced upon being elected that he planned to have California compliant within the year.
“In California, the attendants relied upon to watch the election system are failing its citizens,” the Election Integrity Project said in a 2014 report. Election watchers are now volunteers, trained by the Election Integrity Project to carefully monitor California’s elections to ensure that each vote is lawfully cast and accurately counted.
The 2014 report by Election Integrity Project found California’s election system had serious vulnerabilities, no centralized computerized system, no statewide voter registration list, poor National Voter Registration Act list maintenance, non-compliance with statutes protecting lawful voters, and suspected voting fraud.
The report also found key election officials were roadblocks to election integrity. “Whether this stems from negligence or design, or a misguided central focus on ‘voter experience,’ the result is the same: Corruption. The injury to lawful voters is patent.”
Katy Grimes is a regular contributor to FlashReport. Read more at http://www.flashreport.org/blog.
Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7) announced last week a major grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for upgrades to Mather Airport’s runways. The grant of $788,500 will be used to rehabilitate and upgrade the taxiway to FAA standards and to install runway lights along the taxiway. Congressman Bera was joined by Airport Director John Wheat and Airport Chief Administrative Officer for Planning and Development TJ Chen, and will discussed other ongoing projects to improve the safety and efficiency of the airport.
“This investment in Sacramento Mather Airport is great news for our community,” said Congressman Bera. “Improving the conditions of the runway and safety with lights is critical to attracting, maintaining, and expanding private investment and economic development in the area. Making our airport more convenient and efficient to passengers and businesses has a positive impact on our community and our economy.”
“Sacramento County is grateful of the efforts made by the Congressman to secure Federal funding from the FAA to improve the airfield at Mather Airport, which is a vital component of the aviation and cargo infrastructure for the Sacramento region,” said Airport Director John Wheat.
This grant will fund the rehabilitation of approximately 670 feet of the existing connector Taxiway B-North that is needed to maintain structural integrity of the pavement. It will also fund the installation of a new Taxiway B-North edge lighting system to enhance safe airfield operations during low visibility conditions.
A bill sponsored by the Board of Equalization (BOE) to streamline and simplify refunds on tax liabilities is now signed by the governor and will become law January 1, 2017. AB 1856, authored by Assemblyman Matt Dababneh helps taxpayers making installment payments by only requiring they file one claim for refund, rather than one for each installment payment they have made on a single liability.
“Running a business is challenging enough without having to keep track of multiple layers of paperwork,” said BOE and Legislative Committee Chairwoman Fiona Ma. “It is my goal and that of all our members to simplify and streamline our taxpayers’ dealings with government agencies so they can spend more time on achieving success in their business ventures.”
In several cases, BOE taxpayers have been barred by the statute of limitations from recovering all of the installment payments they made to the BOE, even though their tax debt was cancelled or reduced to an amount less than the total payments received—because they made payments after the original claim had been filed, but did not file additional claims to cover the later payments. The new law will allow taxpayers making installment payments to file a single claim for refund before the entire liability is paid in full.
For specific help, please contact the BOE at 1-800-400-7115.
In October of 2015, Metro Fire received a grant for $467,116 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to hire three new Fire Inspectors to inspect over 800 residential care facilities in its jurisdiction. Under this grant, inspectors could also provide training to care facility staff in the proper use of fire extinguishers. Recognizing the value of this training, Metro Fire requested an amendment to the grant, which would allow our staff to offer this program to all our community members. FEMA recently approved the request, and Metro Fire is excited to announce that fire extinguisher training is now available, free of charge, to all the communities we serve.
“The questions we all need to ask ourselves: Do I know how to effectively use a fire extinguisher on a small fire? Will I recognize a situation where the priority needs to be exiting the house, instead of trying to put out a fire?” Metro Fire Marshal, Assistant Chief Greg Casentini states, “Most people have seen a fire extinguisher and have basic knowledge on its use, but there’s more to it than that. Knowing how to safely, quickly, and effectively use one, as well as when to evacuate immediately, are skills that may save your life, and they are key components in our community fire extinguisher training.”
Join Metro Fire at one of the training sessions listed below, and in just a few minutes, you will be better prepared to protect your family and your home.
Times and Locations for Community Fire Extinguisher Training:
Metro Fire Station 50
8880 Gerber Road, Sacramento 95828
July 30 from 10 am – 2 pm
Metro Fire Station 106
2200 Park Towne Circle, Sacramento 95825
July 30 from 10 am – noon
Annual bills for Sacramento County unsecured property taxes for fiscal year 2016-2017 will be mailed on July 22, 2016 and are payable without delinquent penalties through August, 31, 2016.
Unsecured property tax bills are mailed to all owners of unsecured property in July of each year. If you owned unsecured property in Sacramento County, such as a boat or aircraft, or if you leased or owned fixtures and equipment related to a business on January 1, 2016, and do not receive a tax bill by August 15, 2016, please contact the Sacramento County Tax Collector’s Unsecured Property Tax Unit at (916) 874-7833, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding holidays.
NONRECEIPT OF A TAX BILL DOES NOT EXCUSE DELINQUENCY OR ALLOW THE TAX COLLECTOR TO CANCEL PENALTIES OR COLLECTION COSTS.
Tax bills become delinquent if not paid in the Tax Collector’s Office by 5:00 p.m. on August 31, 2016, or received by mail bearing a postmark of August 31, 2016.
If the tax bill is not paid by the delinquency date, a 10% penalty and collection cost will be added. DMV registration may be withheld on boats if unsecured property taxes are reported delinquent. If a tax bill remains unpaid after October 31, 2016, additional collection costs and monthly penalties at the rate of 1.5% will be added to the base tax.
Payments may be made by mail or in person at the County Tax Collector’s Office located at 700 “H” Street, Room 1710, Sacramento, CA 95814, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excluded.
Contact Info: Unsecured Tax Unit: 916-874-7833
The State Water Resources Control Board began public hearings on the Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) request to add three new points of diversion for California WaterFix. The opening three days of the hearings began with policy statements from the Natural Resources Agency and U.S. Department of the Interior followed by public comment.
The questions before the Board, defined by the members themselves for Part I of the hearings, are narrow: Does the new point of diversion alter water flows or affect water quality such that there would be injury to any legal user of the water, and does the project in effect initiate a new water right? Part II of the hearing, expected to begin in early 2017, will address fish and wildlife, recreation, and other public trust issues.
DWR has presented evidence showing that the proposed change will neither initiate a new water right nor injure any other legal user of water. DWR’s testimony regarding its petition for change to its water right permit and the petition for the new points of diversion include these key points
WaterFix would create more flexibility to better balance water quality and water supply (and fish protection which will be discussed in Part II).
DWR and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation do not seek a new or expanded water right or any modifications to the water quality standards upstream or downstream of the proposed diversion points.
DWR has a proven track record of meeting the Water Board’s Delta water quality standards and WaterFix would operate within the standards established by the Water Board. Meeting existing or future water quality standards would be easier with the flexibility provided by California WaterFix.
WaterFix will be operated in real-time. While modeling can perform an assessment of potential water operation effects, water project operators handle complex situations on a daily basis to stay in compliance with water quality standards.
Part I of the hearings is expected to take several months. For regular updates on the hearings, follow the new California WaterFix blog.
California has been dealing with the effects of drought for five years. To learn about all the actions the State has taken to manage our water system and cope with the impacts of the drought, visit Drought.CA.Gov. Every Californian should take steps to conserve water. Find out how at www.SaveOurWater.com.
Since launching in 2012, Rancho Cordova craft brewery American River Brewing Company (ARBC) has won numerous awards for its beers, but none more so than its flagship brew, Coloma Brown American Ale.
For the second year in a row, Coloma Brown won first place in the Commercial Craft Brewing competition for the American Ale category at the California State Fair. Hosted by the Northern California Brewer’s Guild, the competition annually draws in excess of one thousand entries from more than three hundred craft breweries across the state.
The win for Coloma Brown comes on the heels of the California Small Business of the Year award for ARBC this past May.
California is a hotbed of the craft brewing industry. Since 2010 the number of craft breweries in the state has more than doubled to nearly 700. With such an immense amount of competition, ARBC founder David Mathis is justifiably pleased with the back-to-back win.
“With so many worthy competitors also brewing at such a high level, this win really validates all the hard work we’ve put into making truly great beer,” Mathis stated. “Plus, since this is our flagship beer, it means even more.”
ARBC partner and Head Brewer, Andy Armstrong, agrees that the effort was worth the result. “We spent a great deal of time perfecting the recipe for Coloma Brown,” he said, “and that was no easy process. Getting recognition like this from a panel of expert judges two years running demonstrates that we’ve gotten it as close to perfection as it can be.”
Following a recent trend among craft breweries, ARBC has begun canning some of its brews and Coloma Brown may be added to the canning lineup. “So far we have our Lawn Jockey Session IPA, Fire Break Red Ale and Capitol Copper Amber Ale ready to begin canning,” Mathis noted, “It would be fantastic if we were to include Coloma Brown as well.”
American River Brewing Company is located at 11151 Trade Center Drive in Rancho Cordova. For more information and a complete list of awards, please visit their website at www.americanriverbrewco.com.
Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) is asking its customers to keep up the great work this summer and voluntarily reduce their water use by 10 percent and to follow District’s recommended watering day schedule.
“Our customers did a fantastic job conserving water during the drought emergency, and reduced water use by nearly 30 percent from June 2015 to February 2016,”” said Greg Bundesen, SSWD Water Conservation Supervisor. “We’re now asking them to continue their outstanding efforts by limiting landscape watering during the summer when water use is at its highest.”
The District is asking customers who have addresses that end in an even number (0,2,4,6,8) to water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and those with addresses that end in an odd number (1,3,5,7,9) to run their sprinklers on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Watering is only allowed before noon or after 8 p.m. through the end of September.
SSWD also has many rebates available for its customers to make conserving water even easier. Rebates are available for water-efficient sprinkler heads, drip irrigation systems, pool covers and WaterSense-labeled weather-based irrigation controllers. Weather-based irrigation controllers act like a thermostat for a sprinkler system, and use local weather and landscape conditions to run the sprinklers instead of running according to a preprogrammed schedule.
Customers who install drip irrigation systems and register their WaterSense-labeled weather-based irrigation controllers with SSWD will not be subject to future watering restrictions. Complete details and rebate applications are available on www.sswd.org.
Raley’s Family of Fine Stores has announced its decision to eliminate certain Raley’s private label brand soda to advance their vision of health and wellness. This includes all flavors containing high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors, including diet soda varieties.
“This is a bold first step towards improving our private label options for our customers,” said Kevin Curry, Raley’s Senior Vice President, Merchandising & Supply Chain. “Where we have control over our product lines, we want to offer products that reflect our ongoing vision to infuse life with health and happiness. Essentially, we want to make it easier for our customers to make healthier choices.”
A number of studies conducted over the past few decades suggest that consumption of high-fructose corn syrup is connected with health concerns, including a significant risk of weight gain and obesity, an increased risk of developing Type-2 Diabetes, hypertension and elevated “bad” cholesterol levels and liver damage. Raley’s vision is to infuse life with health and wellness. The company strives to educate customers and provide wholesome Raley’s brand options.
Raley’s has discontinued production of private label soda with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors and will phase-out remaining inventory over the next two-weeks. All Raley’s private label soda with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors will be out of stock by August 1st.
In another first step in providing healthier options to customers, Raley’s eliminated tobacco in 2015. For more information, visit www.raleys.com.


UNION COUNTY — Two teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with a structure fire in Monarch earlier this month.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Union County Sheriff David Taylor announced the arrest of the juveniles. Taylor said the arrests were the result of an investigation that began April 2 when deputies were dispatched to 113 Munro Street at the request of the Monarch Fire Department. He said that Arson Investigator Scott Coffer responded at the request of Deputy Jamison Taylor due to the suspicious nature of the fire and the location of the fire on the property.
Taylor said that the victim told deputies that there was power to the shop area of the building but not to the apartment area and it was believed that the fire started in the area without power. He said that damage to the property was estimated at $15,000.
Taylor said a witness told deputies that two juveniles had been seen leaving the incident location. He said that SLED Arson was called to the scene on Sunday morning and a search warrant was obtained for the property. The scene was processed and SLED K-9 alerted on a possible accelerant.
Taylor said that after the identity of the two juveniles was determined, they were interviewed and admitted to setting the fire. He said the juveniles, both 14, were taken into custody Tuesday and transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia where they will remain until a Family Court hearing is held. One is a student at Sims Middle School and the other a student at Union County High School.
Taylor said this is the second arson case solved in Union County this month by Sheriff’s Office investigators and the SLED Arson Team. He commended Monarch Fireman Donald Larry Robinson, III for making the quick decision to photograph the scene of the fire upon his arrival on scene. With Robinson’s photos as evidence, Taylor said investigators were able to make this case against the juveniles.
Taylor also said that Union County should be proud of the dedicated men and women who serve as volunteer firemen in this county and he is proud of the working relationship between them and his deputies.
Charles Warner can be reached at 864-762-4090 or firstname.lastname@example.org.


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text:
Rick Remender (Writer) Carlos Pacheco, Klaus Janson (Artists), Dean White (Colorist)
The Story: Returning to present-day America, both Steve and Jet needs to adjust themselves a bit after all these crazy sci-fi adventures.
The Review: ”Bold new direction” are words that many readers are used to hear in the past few years. Whenever a new creative team, or at least a new writer comes in for the ride, those words, or at least synonyms, are pronounced, but aren’t always exactly respected in ways that actually live up to the ”bold” part of the statement.
Rick Remender, however, really went there as he picked up the title from Ed Brubaker, moving away from the espionage corner to something more akin to Jack Kirby: crazy sci-fi. The adventure of Steve Rogers in Dimension Z were a far cry to the political and world-war II inspired stories that preceded them, which did cement the fact that this was an actual new take on the character. However, now that the first mega-arc has concluded, where will Remender go with the character?
This issue do try to answer that question, giving a slower pace with more character moments in order to counteract the high-octane action and ideas that permeated the previous chapter. Remender takes a lot more time with Steve and Rogers, showing how they react to both old and new encounters with Steve being healed by Bruce Banner and Hank Pym, while Jet Black gets interrogated by Marcus Johnson. The weariness of Steve and the impetuous attitude of Jet comes off as natural to their characters, considering what they went through.
Their interactions are also very good, as it all shows the evolution of these characters and the dichotomy of point-of-views they have, yet also the respect they have for each other. There is a particularly strong moment where Steve tries to teach Jet about the problems with living in the past, which resolves itself in a superb scene that seems to show a willingness to propel the character forward instead of always dwelling in what happened before in his life. This issue, it seems, manage to mix both this new era and the Brubaker one in term of tones, which is apt considering the roots of the character itself.
There is also a sequence in this book that manage to blend in some other era from both real life and earlier in comics history, as Remender provides a new foil with Nuke, who gets a short and rather violent scene that showcase the character perfectly. Showing a particularly backward analysis on the whole cold war and America’s dominance, the character still manage to make his presence known as this promise something rather exciting in prospects for this arc.
If there’s something a bit amiss in this issue, it would be the fact that the pacing might be a bit too slow in contrast to the previous arc, as some of these scenes do tend to drag on a bit. It is supposed to be Steve being rather introspective and unwilling to actually acknowledge and take the time to process his pain, sure, but beside dealing with that and setting Steve and Jet in a normal and more contemporary world, it doesn’t do much beside that. For those who were looking for a breather, it does the job admirably, yet those who wanted a bit more action or sci-fi goodness will be disappointed a bit.
Disappointed or not, readers would be hard-pressed to say that this pacing and this kind of character interaction is befitting of Carlos Pacheco, who can draw some terrific body poses, letting the body language propel the motion and the emotions very nicely on the pages. His backgrounds are also quite properly detailed*, with just enough to set the mood without overflowing the pages and panels. Where he fails a little bit, though, would be the faces, as some of the expressions are either too minimal, too subtle or almost-non-existent, which both serve and hinder the issue in several key areas. Nevertheless, his style fits the mood of the comic perfectly, which is a huge bonus for an issue like this one.
Another great bonus is Dean White, a colorist that always manage to give some potent degradations, enhancing the feeling conveyed by the issue. The moody moments have a very low amount of brightness, covered in a large amount of somber tones that accentuate the emotion behind the scene. He is also able to bring to focus a multitude of elements thanks to a good use of warm colors, like Nuke or what Steve Rogers is doing in the finals pages, making these moments even more striking.
The Conclusion: A slow issue that really take its time to show the evolution and the many interactions between some of the key characters. There may not be as much action as the previous issues, yet the introspective look combined with the detailed and evocative art by Pacheco, Janson and White makes for a good reading experience anyway.
Hugo Robberts Larivière
*Speaking of details, I was both amused and a bit depressed with the easter egg of Rex Tyler and Jay Garrick names on the tombstone in one of the scene. Considering there aren’t many chances of seeing those characters again in their previous glory, the visual is actually quite on point.

domain: literature


text:
Hand & Bath Towel
Vintageby Shelley Ylst Art
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Make your reflection jealous with this artist-designed Bath Towel. The soft polyester-microfiber front and cotton terry back are perfect for, well, drying your front and back. This design is also available as a hand and beach towel. Machine washable.
ABOUT THE ART
A watercolor painting of a vintage house complete with many beautiful architectural touches. Located in the small farming community of Spring City, Utah which was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1852. In 2010, Forbes Magazine identified Spring City as one of the prettiest towns in America.
Capture the unique spirit and charm of your home with a custom watercolor painting! Sizes: 11" x 14" for $350.00 or 8" x 10" for $250.00.
For inquiries, email me at email@example.com
Watercolor, vintage, house, home, architecture, nature, landscape, garden, distant mountains, painting

domain: artistic


text:
We are exposed to numerous sources of radiation just by virtue of living on our little blue planet.
Although I am most often talking about the effects of radiation from wireless technologies such as cell phones and cell towers, add to that exposures from X-rays and other medical scans, radiotherapy, industrial exposures, nuclear power plants, radon gas, and cosmic radiation. Our cosmic radiation exposure increases anytime we fly.
Although I am obviously a fan of shungite, this amazing mineraloid is not the end-all, be-all for radiation exposure – there is in fact no magic cure. We need multiple tools in our tool bags.
First and foremost, the best approach is to reduce your exposure as best you can. Avoid unnecessary medical scans and minimize your exposure to wireless devices. Environmental Health Trust has a nice article outlining how to accomplish this.
Since some level of exposure is unavoidable - and chances are you’re not going to give up your Android or Apple watch any time soon - there are supplements you can take that have been scientifically shown to help protect the body from the toxic effects of radiation.
These apply to all types of radiation – ionizing as well as non-ionizing – so they can support you, whether you're talking about the computer on your lap, airline travel, or chemotherapy treatments.
Many foods and supplements prove beneficial, but there are a few standouts. The four I’d like to share in this post are bee propolis, melatonin, NAC - a precursor to glutathione, and detox baths.
1. Bee Propolis
Ironically, it turns out that bees, one of Earth's most EMF-vulnerable life forms, provide one of the world's most radioprotective agents: propolis.
Bee propolis has hundreds of scientifically documented health benefits, but protection from radiation is a particularly noteworthy one.
A compound in bee propolis called caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is basically the “glue” bees use to maintain the structural integrity of their hives, has been shown to protect the heart, kidneys, and retinas of cell-phone exposed mice.
In one rat study (Koyu et al, 2009), scientists found that bee propolis helped keep the rats’ antioxidant levels strong when they were exposed to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF), similar to your cell phone. Rats not receiving the propolis experienced a decline in antioxidant levels. Researchers concluded that CAPE may prevent EMF-induced oxidative changes by increasing antioxidant activity.
GreenMedInfo has outlined 15 studies showing propolis’ ability to reduce radiation-induced damage, including that from the gamma radiation typically associated with medical procedures.
In one 2016 study (Ebeid et al, 2016), supplementing breast cancer patients with bee propolis during radiotherapy provided them with significant protection against the DNA damage and tissue injury that comes from this type of treatment.
Propolis is easy to source from any reputable supplement site or nutrition store. There are lots of options – extracts, tinctures, capsules, tablets, powders and more. The recommended dose is typically 500 milligrams once or twice daily.
Melatonin is a hormone made by your pineal gland to help regulate your daily sleep-wake cycles. Factors such as your circadian rhythm (internal clock) and the amount of light you’re exposed to each day influence how much melatonin you produce.
However, there is much more to this special hormone!
Melatonin has strong antioxidant properties and can lower oxidative stress and inflammation, and improve your cardiovascular health, as well as reducing your risk for type 2 diabetes. It has also been found to possess anticancer properties. (Breus 2020)
Melatonin’s antioxidant benefits are what give it its ability to help your cells fight the toxic effects of radiation. It makes sense with respect to EMFs when you consider that EMFs have been proven to impair your body’s natural melatonin production – even weak EMFs. (Thomas, The Sleep Academy)
It is no surprise, then, that a common symptom of electrosensitivity is insomnia. EMFs have been shown to mess with both sleep quality and sleep quantity.
Melatonin supplementation can not only improve your sleep quality, it can help protect you from radiation toxicity.
Consider the following three rodent studies:
- An investigation showed how melatonin protected rats' bodies from genetic damage from ionizing radiation – reducing cellular damage by lowering oxidative stress (Haddadi and Shirazi, 2006)
- A 2012 study showed that melatonin reversed the effects of microwave radiation – specifically, weight loss and anxiety (Sokolovic et all, 2012)
- Melatonin exhibited a protective effect on mobile phone-induced renal impairment (Oktem et all, 2005)
3. NAC (N-Acetyl-Cysteine)
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a sulphur-rich compound that is a precursor to glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants produced in your body.
Glutathione supplementation directly is challenging due to absorption and stability issues, but taking NAC is effective in helping the body make more of its own glutathione. Higher levels of glutathione may help reduce the negative impact of radiation exposure.
NAC has been shown to be an effective radioprotective agent by reducing oxidative damage (and DNA damage), and by releasing cytokines known to protect the bone narrow against radiation injury. NAC protects your liver (Ozgur et al, 2010) and bone marrow (Demirel et al, 2009; Selig et al 1993)
In a 2009 mouse study, giving the rodents a mixture of vitamins C, E, and NAC, significantly increased their survival rates when exposed to a potentially lethal dose of X-rays. Interestingly, the benefit was the same whether the supplement was given before or after the exposure (Wambi et al, 2009)
4. Detox Baths
Finally, one other thing you can do to help your body fight the ravages of wireless assault is to take a detox bath. This is also beneficial after air travel, or if you must have an X-ray, CT scan, mammogram or other diagnostic scan that involves radiation.
Did you know that a CT scan exposes you to about 50 to 250 times the radiation of the average chest x-ray? (Harvard Women's Health Watch, 2020) Good to avoid, if possible.
The most tried and true detox bath for radiation detox comes from the legendary health pioneer Dr. Hazel Parcells, as radiation was one of her deepest concerns. She recommended salt and soda baths. Here is her recommended method:
Dissolve one pound of sea salt or rock salt and one pound of baking soda in a tub of hot water – as hot as you can stand. Stay in the bath for 30 to 45 minutes as the water cools. Refrain from showering for at least four hours – or do the bath right before bed and shower the next day.
That’s it! But it IS a lot of salt and soda.
Numerous other variations have come about of late, and this article at Natural Health Remedies lists some of them. My own functional medicine doc recommends a combination of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and magnesium oil. I sometimes use that combo - or I substitute Epsom salt for the magnesium oil, then add a few drops of essential oils to help me relax. Ahhhh....
It's a Wrap!
So that’s it for this one. There are certainly many more radioprotective foods and supplements - too many to cover in one post. Maybe I’ll tackle a few more in the future. In the meantime, keep fighting the good fight!

domain: health


By JOHN DeMERS
Anybody likely to cast cynically commercial aspersions at Disney’s efforts to turn its most profitable films into stage shows – indeed to turn once-tawdry Times Square and most of Broadway into a family-friendly Disney theme park – should hustle over to the Hobby Center and see Beauty and the Beast. That’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, naturally. Onstage, this musical is what happens on those rare occasions that the conglomerate Uncle Walt left behind leads with its heart instead of its cash register.
Don’t get me wrong: there’s still a ton of merchandizing involved, not to mention little girls in the lobby dressed for the evening in “Belle costumes” from Beauty’s straight-to-DVD sequels. I suppose we can’t deny children their own space in their own time, and the delights to be mined therein. But what’s most striking here happens in the theater, not in the lobby, where a typically young touring-company cast actually teaches us something important about the meaning of love.
Like virtually all Disney projects, Beauty and the Beast travels a series of unlikely roads from the original source material. Female empowerment remains a focus-grouped big deal here, as it is for Ariel in The Little Mermaid and even for that swipe from real life who lends her name to Pocahontas. Belle, living her book-crazed “provincial life” in rural France, longs for so much more than she has any right to expect – and of course, through smarts and pluck and undying optimism that’s far more American than French, she’s gonna have it all. Still, what’s most touching about Disney’s spin on the ancient legend of “Belle et Bete” is what is tells us about the transformative power of love, not to mention the power of that love to see the beauty we all carry within. In this, the animated film and the musical both get it right.
Now, I’ve heard that some people complain about the “sexual politics” of Beauty and the Beast, that somehow this updated storyline encourages women to stay with their abusive spouses and boyfriends in the false hope of changing them. There is a name for such people, though, and I believe that name is “idiots.” I mean, have they never been in love? Have they never felt love take hold of their lives, “apprehend” them from their familiar paths (yes, borrowing from St. Paul, writing about a different form of love) and make them into who and what they were meant to be all along? This part is no legend. This part happens all the time. And seldom, in story and particularly in song, is it rendered any better than this Beauty does on the Hobby Center stage.
I’m semi-famous for hating to be “entertained,” preferring to be shocked, shaken, frightened and/or moved to tears. I’m a bit Wagnerian in that sense. So I despise production numbers full of fun, and Beauty and the Beast gives me a fair amount to despise. A host of “fun” songs, from the over-the-top “Be Our Guest” on down, seem to move things along in high spirits for everybody except me, as does the tireless vaudeville-meets-Three-Stooges schtick among the secondary characters. With the high-kicking francophilian makeover everything gets here, this stage Beauty is sometimes reminiscent of another bit of French-accented mindlessness that should be retired yesterday, La Cage aux Folles. It is not a pleasant reminder.
What matters here, though, is the efforts the Disney team goes to locate and live fully within the heart of the story – as opposed to The Lion King, in which the goal must be to lose and abuse the story’s heart. Most Disney movies taken onstage feature a few great songs from the original, padded out with Tin Pan Alley cheap tricks to give the show enough running time to justify the towering ticket price. Though Beauty had several excellent songs already, brilliant composer Alan Mencken was pressed back into service with equally brilliant lyricist Tim Rice, since Mencken’s original writing partner Howard Ashman had passed away. The result both deepens and defines character, from Belle’s lovely refrain called “Home” to the Beast’s heartrending Act I finale “If I Can’t Love Her.”
In an exact flip on the movie “Grease,” if anyone at Disney ever animated Beauty and the Beast again, they’d be suicidal not to incorporate these dazzling new showstoppers. They dazzle not just because they’re damn good songs but because they speak to us from within the story, teach us something we didn’t know. As with the love they reflect and proclaim, in their best moments, they transform us.
Photos by Joan Marcus: (top) Hilary Maiberger and Darick Pead; (bottom) Matt Farcher and cast.


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Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor expressed doubts that the nation’s highest court should have ruled on the controversial Bush v. Gore case that decided the outcome of the 2000 presidential election.
“It took the case and decided it at a time when it was still a big election issue,” O’Connor told the Chicago Tribune editorial board on Friday. “Maybe the court should have said, ‘We’re not going to take it, goodbye.'”
The Tribune has more from O’Connor:
The case, she said, “stirred up the public” and “gave the court a less-than-perfect reputation.”
Click here to read more.

domain: news


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Lexi’s Buxton Fringe look at Mrs Oscar Wilde
Writer and performer Lexi Wolfe is to take to Buxton Fringe her one-woman show about the life of Constance Lloyd—Oscar Wilde’s wife.
Mrs Oscar Wilde traces the life of Constance Lloyd from her teenage years to just before her death. The play is a “moving, sometimes funny” depiction of her life based on her letters to her brother and others. It covers her own literary career, her actions towards women’s rights and the trials and tribulations of her life with Oscar which involved raising their two sons almost single-handedly.
In 2016, Sheffield-born Wolfe received a best female actor nomination at Buxton for Mrs Oscar Wilde. In 2017, it will be performed Underground at the Arts Centre Studio on Thursday 6 July at 8PM, Tuesday 11 July at 4:30PM and Saturday 19 July at 8PM.


I’m a Romanian living in the United States. I’ve been developing software for almost 15 years. Currently, I’m on a break and, while I’m not actively looking for new opportunities, I’m open to reach outs.
In the past, I worked on gaming stuff at Facebook, and at EA on Apex Legends, Battlefield V, FIFA, and a few other titles. I also worked on ASP.NET and Azure Functions at Microsoft.
My areas of expertise are video games, developer tools, and compilers, but I love technology in general.
In my spare time, I play video games and board games. I also do CrossFit, and spend too much time watching random stuff on the Internet.
I’m also on:


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As an experienced real estate investor, you’ve navigated the complicated waters of real estate investing and seen success in your current investments –in short, you’re proud of how far you’ve come (and you should be).
However, if there’s one important lesson you’ve learned it’s this: the entire real estate investing process can be very time-consuming.
With your jam-packed schedule that includes work obligations, family time, and financial responsibilities, you’re ready to explore a different approach to real estate investing – a more passive way to earn the same (or greater) amount of returns. Luckily, we have a plan just for you.
3 Ways to Increase Your Real Estate Investing Returns
We’ve compiled three excellent plans for expanding your existing investing approach. By following these strategies, you can further an already-successful investing career and maximize your returns.
1. Acquire More Properties
Putting together a diverse portfolio is a great way to maximize your returns— a process that’s easily achieved by acquiring new properties.
Think of it this way: As an investor, you don’t want to limit yourself to only purchasing properties in your local area, especially when it’s uncertain if they will continue to stay affordable. Instead, you may need to look elsewhere, in order to get the type of yields you desire.
For instance, if you lived in San Francisco, the median price for a property there is about $1.1M (Zillow). When you compare this to the median home prices in higher-yielding markets ($125K in Columbia, S.C., $61K in Birmingham, AL, and $52K for Cleveland, Ohio, for example) you quickly see that you’re able to buy six or seven remote properties for the same amount of money. As your rentals are located in multiple markets, this strategy also helps mitigate your risk.
When HomeUnion® helps you buy new properties, you achieve diversification passively— which is exactly what Roderick Clemente, a client of ours, was craving. Our effective solution freed him from his “one tiny box” approach to investing.
Clemente originally got into real estate investing by purchasing a rental property in Hoboken, New Jersey, in the early 2000s. Worried about tying up half million into “one tiny box that was dependent on one local economy,” as he put it, he decided to use a 1031 exchange to purchase properties across multiple markets instead.
This process—under the careful guidance of HomeUnion®— enabled Clemente to invest more effectively and gain the type of passive income he was craving. He’s now the proud owner of multiple investment properties across the nation.
2. Trade Your Current Property With a 1031 Exchange
Take a play out of Clemente’s playbook and utilize a 1031 exchange to trade up your current investments. A 1031 exchange serves as an alternative way to purchase an investment property. It allows you to essentially take the equity of one investment property and exchange it for a new property or set of properties.
Trading your current investment property in this manner is an excellent way to mitigate your risk. This strategy also enables you to defer taxes and potentially earn higher returns, while achieving faster growth.
Pros and Cons of Performing a 1031 Exchange
|Defers taxes on the sale of your existing properties||Strict timeframe (45 days to identify a property, 180 days to close)|
|Potentially produces more income||Additional steps to complete|
|Diversifies your portfolio|
HomeUnion® eliminates the cons of a 1031 exchange by working quickly and efficiently with our partners to help you set-up a 1031 exchange and find properties within a short timeframe. We also take care of acquiring the properties on your behalf… so you don’t have to sweat about missing the deadlines!
3. Sell Your Current Property
We know for some investors this may seem like a drastic option— but maybe your current property simply isn’t netting you the types of returns you desire and/or you’re ready to dispose of it. By selling, you’re able to liquidize the home’s value, while also freeing up capital.
HomeUnion® can help you dispose of any unwanted assets (assuming they are in one of our markets), by connecting you with reliable buyers; our platform brings them right to your door. This results in less stress and overall work for you.
When your property is then sold, you can re-invest your capital with HomeUnion®. By purchasing properties through our services, we’ll help you build a diversified portfolio, acquire properties on your behalf, and manage those properties, so you never have to answer an emergency call from your tenants ever again. You can truly be an investor, not a landlord.
Advance Your Real Estate Investing Career Now
Learn how HomeUnion® enables greater returns and hands-free investing by calling 888-276-0232 today or schedule a consultation. We clear the best path for you to continue your investing success.

domain: finance


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“I have a ten year old toy poodle with an autoimmune disorder. I had been feeding him Nature's Recipe for several years. My vet advised not to feed grain free foods. Freshpet is one of the few that have a variety of (…)”
“My dog Lola loves your product. Every morning and evening when it's meal time and I take the tube out of the fridge and she literally jumps for joy. Her reaction is drastically different when I pour a bowl of (…)”
“My five year old, a 150 pound Rottweiler, has seizures. With his medication, he needs low salt food because the salt breaks down the meds and they don't work. I was so happy your food has the lowest sodium on the (…)”
We have a yellow lab, Murph, who will soon be 16 years old. I discovered Freshpet through my friend Mary Ann and her pup Rudy a couple of years ago.
Murph had lost interest in his dry dog food and his health (…)”

domain: food


The 2015 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a passenger airbag. This airbag is designed to protect the passengers in the event of a collision. The airbag is located in the center of the vehicle, behind the steering wheel.
The inflation process is triggered by a sensing device that detects a rapid deceleration. Once deployed, the airbag will deflate slowly to allow the occupants to exit the vehicle safely.
The 2015 Jeep Wrangler comes standard with a passenger airbag. This is a great safety feature that can help protect you and your passengers in the event of an accident. The airbag deploys from the dashboard and helps to cushion the impact of a collision.
It is important to note that the airbag will only deploy if the seat belt is fastened. If you are not wearing a seatbelt, the airbag will not provide any protection.
2015 Jeep Wrangler Passenger Airbag Recall
On June 16, 2015, Chrysler issued a recall for the passenger airbag in the 2015 Jeep Wrangler. The recall affects vehicles equipped with a fold-down windshield and includes approximately 18,700 vehicles. The recall is due to a manufacturing error that could result in the passenger airbag not deploying properly in the event of a crash.
This could increase the risk of injury to occupants. Chrysler will notify affected owners and dealers will replace the passenger airbag free of charge. Owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about this recall.
Do Jeep Wranglers Have Passenger Airbags?
Yes, Jeep Wranglers do have passenger airbags. They are located in the center console and are designed to deploy in the event of a collision.
How Do You Turn the Airbag off in a 2015 Jeep Wrangler?
In order to turn the airbag off in a 2015 Jeep Wrangler, you will need to disconnect the battery. Once the battery is disconnected, you will need to remove the negative cable from the battery. After the negative cable is removed, you can then proceed to remove the positive cable.
Finally, locate and remove the fuse for the airbag system.
Does the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Have Airbags?
Yes, the 2015 Jeep Wrangler does have airbags. There are two in the front, and they are designed to deploy in a crash. The driver’s airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel, and the passenger’s airbag is located in the dashboard on the passenger side.
There is also an airbag on each side of the front seat, which protects the occupants in a side impact collision.
Is There a Recall on Jeep Wrangler Airbags?
As of October 2019, there is not a recall on Jeep Wrangler airbags. However, there have been recalls in the past for other models of Jeep vehicles. In 2015, there was a recall for certain Jeep Grand Cherokees and Libertys due to an issue with the airbag inflators.
In 2013, there was also a recall for certain Jeep Wranglers because of issues with the front passenger airbag.
JK Passenger Airbag Recall Prep – Removing JK Passenger Air Bag
The 2015 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a passenger airbag. This feature is designed to protect passengers in the event of a collision. The airbag is located in the center of the dash and is triggered by a sensor that detects when the vehicle comes to a stop.
When the airbag is deployed, it inflates and cushions the impact of the passenger’s head on the dashboard.


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Just when Gesa thought her pride was complete...
Halstad has vanished in the night, and the mage guild is denying any knowledge of his whereabouts. It would seem the mage doesn't want to be part of the pride...but Gesa's gryphon senses are tingling. Something smells like lies. To top it all off, the guild is refusing to sell mage contracts to anyone near Derek White. Even once Gesa finds her mage, she might not be able to keep him.
Pirates, sirens, and demon besties are the least of Gesa's worries as she sets off to find Halstad. The gryphon hates lies, but this time it's Gesa keeping a secret from her pride. One that will change their lives.
I was tired of reading the same old thing over and over again in reverse harem. Sick of all alpha male and fainting female all the time—and desperate to be able to tell the male characters apart—I tried to infuse some variety into my story. Gesa might not be your cup of tea, and that's okay—she doesn't care. Her lovers are as varied in physicality and personality as they are in supernatural race. And the characters all have their own definition of sexuality. I know reverse harem is all about the fantasy, and my fantasy is a bit outside the norm. You've been warned.
Story length definitions:
Flash fiction: 200-2,000 words
Short story: 1,500-7,500 words
Novelette: 7,500-15,000 words
Novella: 15,000-40,000 words
Novel: 50,000 words and up.
*Gesa's Menagerie books are novellas of between 30,000-40,000 words.
*This is a series. There will be unresolved plot threads at times/ occasional cliff hangers.
*Do NOT read this series if you are easily offended. Contains: mentions of past trauma/rape, adult language (that's cursing kids, lots of it), and sexual content (including male/female, male/male, female/female, male/male/female, female/female/male and any other combination you can think of. Oh, and probably some tentacles and diphallia).


Phat U.K. Battles Fat
|by Faith Schwartz|
I'm not one to pay much attention to the latest "reports" in the food world, but I couldn't help but ponder two unrelated but very similar topics in recent news.
It all began yesterday when I stumbled across the detailed life of Connor McCreaddie, an overweight eight year old in the U.K. Connor currently weighs in at 218 lbs. Yes, 2-1-8. But what sparked my attention most was not the weight, but the mother's response to officials when challenged about her care of her son: "he steals and hides food, frustrating [my] efforts to help him."
Then this story surfaced this morning. Now, most of you know from my previous rantings that I greatly dislike a government that tries to micro-manage citizen's lives. This is no exception. His quote -- "Have you tried getting [McDonalds] banned? That’s the key" -- says it all. No, Prince Charles, that's not the key. Leave it alone.
If McDonald's is still in business, then it is the sole result of a customer base. If people don't care about the food they eat, than that's their problem. Of course, if the root of the issue is that the state ends up forking out the impending medical costs, then I suggest we start finding a solution there.
So after hearing all of this, what do you think?


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RPI grad's Vio Safe Lights pack bacteria-killing punch
January 10, 2018 06:35 PM
We know that bacteria can change to become resistant to antibiotics. Enter special light fixtures that can actually kill bacteria that causes illness.
An RPI grad got interested in this after her grandmother became sick from a bacterial infection she acquired while in the hospital.
We know bacteria live on all the surfaces we come in contact with. The challenge has been reducing that bacterial load. The answer -- flipping on a light switch.
The ordinary light tubes pack a bacteria-killing punch. The LEDs inside emit specific light spectrums that affect a specific molecule in bacteria, mold, yeast and fungi.
"So it hits the bacteria cell and actually causes too much reactive oxygen species within the cell and explodes it from within," explained Colleen Costello, the CEO and Co-founder of Vital Vio.
Because humans don't have those targeted molecules, we're not affected and the light can remain on all-day doing it's job. That's key for settings like hospitals, ambulances, gymnasiums and food prep areas -- even food trucks.
"In an actively used facility, we're not going to be getting to zero. We're not a sterilizer," explained Costello. "What we do is we significantly reduce the amount of bacteria in that environment."
Less bacteria means less risk of getting sick. It also means topical disinfectants can be more effective, because there's less bacteria to kill.
Can the bacteria develop resistance to the light?
"What this lighting does is, it's a broad spectrum that allows to target a very critical molecule in the bacteria. So all testing to date has shown that there hasn't been any resistance to this method," noted Costello.
Samaritan Hospital used Vio Safe Lights in their old emergency department and they say they were very pleased. They have yet to arrange for Vio Safe Lights in their new emergency department.
Light disinfecting technology has been around for years, but using UV light. That can harm humans. It can't be used ongoing. The fact that the Vital Vio-Safe Light can be used around the clock sets it apart.
Vital Vio - vio safe lights
Updated: January 10, 2018 06:35 PM
Created: January 10, 2018 06:31 PM
Copyright 2019 WNYT-TV LLC, a Hubbard Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved

domain: medical


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Not all studies with flashy claims are ready for the spotlight.Tweet
An uncomfortable reality about science
Science is a process of discovery in which results and hypotheses change. Scientists’ understanding of the natural world – their model of the truth – changes along with those things. Despite this, media outlets often write about emerging research studies in terms that lead non-experts to interpret each study that comes out as fact.
It’s not realistic to expect every member of the public to take mainstream science reporting (often also called “pop science”) with a grain of salt. As scientists and science communicators, we can make the interpretation of emerging research findings easier. Stories we share as scientists should be rigorously evaluated before sharing with the public in the media.
The unfortunate catch is that this approach doesn’t sell stories! Keep reading to learn about one instance in which the results of a study were magnified incorrectly by the media, and ways we can improve science reporting as scientists and science communicators.
When science reporting undermines science
When scientists make a discovery, journalists are tasked with communicating it to the general public. In the biomedical research world, messing up the message can spread health misinformation and fake news that can persist for decades.
In the 2010s, people perpetuated the myth that lengthening one’s DNA can improve life expectancy; they built a multi-million dollar industry based on weak data. Even strong evidence to the contrary – that lengthening telomeres can increase cancer risk – failed to fully dismantle it. DNA lengthening products are still sold today.
To guide healthcare and lifestyle, biomedical science must satisfy a sufficient burden of proof. Said another way, hypotheses must be tested and supported by multiple experiments and in different contexts.
We saw science communication break down in the pandemic as breaking news journalists without a science background or even science literacy training had to repeatedly analyze, contextualize, and report emerging science – in the pandemic, the science was often the story.
When journalists report a single experiment as absolute truth, this misleads the public to draw premature conclusions. Sadly, that happens a lot. Next, I discuss one study about coffee with results that were interpreted in a misleading fashion by the media.
The coffee study that gained overblown media attention
In June 2020, scientists at the University of Bath, led by physiology professor James Betts, published a study that warned against drinking coffee before breakfast. They based their conclusions on their preliminary results, which did not reflect real-world conditions. In their research report, the researchers speculated about the health implications of their study, which the media overzealously translated as public health advice.
For this article, I spoke to James Betts and Harry Smith, two of the authors of this paper, via Zoom. Both agreed that the study’s results were blown out of proportion in media coverage.
A preliminary study
Among caffeinated beverages, coffee seems like a good choice. Researchers have linked drinking a cup or two of coffee a day to many health benefits. Betts believes that this correlation is misleading. For one thing, in the United States, coffee drinkers are likely to be more socioeconomically well-off. A Chinese study showed that coffee drinkers tend to lead healthier lifestyles. “People erroneously assume there’s some protective effect of coffee,” Betts told me in a Zoom interview. He was the lead scientist on this project and also co-directs the Centre for Nutrition, Exercise and Metabolism at the University of Bath in England.
Betts decided to investigate the metabolic impact of drinking coffee after waking from a bad night’s sleep. His paper showed that after disrupted sleep, drinking coffee back-to-back with a sugary beverage led to a bigger spike in blood sugar.
What was the actual research study?
Betts designed a study to test the effects of poor sleep on the body’s ability to tolerate sugar. After a night of disrupted sleep, the researchers gave study participants either coffee or hot water, followed by breakfast. They found that the coffee drinkers had higher blood sugar, indicating an affected metabolic response.
High blood sugar after a meal can indicate a problem with carbohydrate tolerance. However, in this experiment, the volunteers consumed neither a normal cup of coffee nor a typical breakfast. The researchers used 300 milligrams of caffeine: the equivalent of five shots of espresso and over double the average daily intake in the United States. “Breakfast” was 65 grams of a sugar substitute, maltodextrin, that makes blood sugar spike higher and faster than normal sugar. In one gulp, the study participants consumed nearly three times the maximum daily amount of sugar recommended by the American Heart Association.
Proof-of-principle studies like these are important as a first pass. To establish real-world conclusions, though, they must be bolstered by further investigation.
After the University of Bath issued a press release about the work, Betts and his co-author, Harry Smith, were met with a media storm. They were flooded with interview requests, and dozens of articles were published either overblowing or completely misstating their findings.
“Drink coffee after breakfast, not before, for better metabolic control,” stated the University of Bath press release.
“A study has found that drinking coffee first thing can have a negative effect on blood sugar control – a risk factor for diabetes and heart disease,” CNN reported.
A headline on SciTechDaily read, “Scientists Find It Is Better to Drink Coffee After Breakfast, Not Before – Here’s Why.” Remember, Betts and his team only tested what happened when coffee was given before breakfast; they never measured the blood sugar of people who drank coffee after.
Betts said that in his experience, accuracy was not the journalists’ priority. He was misquoted in multiple articles and many of the headlines were misleading. “It was a bad experience,” Betts told me. “It was sad that we spent a lot of time and money on learning these things and then it gets completely contorted by the media.”
Smith says the recommendation that people should avoid pre-breakfast coffee was overblown. “That’s not what we said, but it’s unavoidable, really,” Smith said. “It ends up being just [a game of telephone].”
Unless I start swapping my morning oatmeal for Yoo-Hoo, I won’t be skipping coffee. Smith still starts his day with espresso. If someone publishes a follow-up study that tests a normal breakfast with proper experimental controls, I’m sure we’ll both reconsider.
But while Smith and I are trained to interpret raw data, non-experts rely on journalists to explain the science in plain language. When journalists overblow data, they misrepresent preliminary findings as definitive conclusions.
“There is a temptation to think that leaders in science have the answers to everything including health, and I think that makes things confusing,” says Dr. Mary Armanios, Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
In the lab, experiments are frequently artifactual and unintentionally misleading. A scientific paper is like one dot on a graph; you can’t tell if it’s an outlier until more dots fill in to form a pattern. How can the reader distinguish patterns from single dots?
“Everybody should be taught more critical thinking skills in school,” Betts says. “That would be the biggest jump for society, if people could analyze information for themselves.”
It’s unrealistic to expect everyone to interpret data like a biomedical scientist. Scientific papers are notoriously dense with jargon. Even with rigorous training, interpreting data is hard work, though Science has published an explainer on the subject. Further, despite a movement towards open access publishing, much of this literature is still guarded behind paywalls that charge, on average, $32 for a single paper.
Journalists exist to bridge this gap and report scientists’ findings both accurately and in context, which also means being discerning. Not all studies with flashy claims are ready for the spotlight.
Audrey Goldfarb is a biomedical Ph.D. student in the de Lange lab at The Rockefeller University in NYC. As a scientist, she is passionate about effective communication, collectivism, and mentorship. In 2020, she co-founded Rockefeller’s peer advising program to create equitable opportunities for new graduate students. Audrey works to support women in science and mentors undergraduate and high school students. Outside of science, Audrey enjoys writing fiction, biking adventures, playing any and all team sports, and parenting her cat, Edith. Read more of her work on Rockefeller’s outreach blog and newsletter or connect with her on Twitter or LinkedIn.
2 thoughts on “Science Reporting Needs Less Hype, More Analysis”
Liked the blog. So do you think the burden also lies on scientists to ensure their research findings are not exaggerated or misinterpreted? At times, it seems like scientists like being in the limelight and they might also overlook the fact that the true findings are not publicized, rather a minuscule out of context detail is overblown and that is how media sells stories. Just a thought.
Good question! Scientists often want to advance their own takes (as does anyone talking to the media, I guess). Media literacy for scientists helps a lot here and knowing that as scientists, especially without formal comms training, it’s not possible to control the narrative (in reality, the narrative comes from the media itself, which is why stuff like this happens – after all, most journalists do not have a science background). Surely, there are strategies one can use to address this problem, but we don’t learn those as undergrad and grad students in the sciences. And, yeah, there are those professors who just want to get their research out there and get famous, but I feel like even the most fame-seeking professor would realize when their results were being blown out of proportion. Maybe it doesn’t work that way in reality, but that’s my hope.


text: A group of Arbor Trace and Tower Pointe residents enjoyed a lovely lunch cruise on the recently renovated Naples Princess on Friday, October 12th. We took in the beautiful sights of Naples Bay and Port Royal as we made our way to the Gulf of Mexico and back. Many basked in the sun and warmth of a gorgeous October Florida day as we cruised along. Lunch was tasty ans the enjoyment of friends-priceless! -S.S.

domain: geography


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HVAC professionals in the US can receive training through formal training institutions, where most earn associate degrees. Training for HVAC technicians includes classroom lectures and hands-on tasks, and can be followed by an apprenticeship wherein the recent graduate works alongside a professional HVAC technician for a temporary period. HVAC techs who have been trained can also be certified in areas such as air conditioning, heat pumps, gas heating, and commercial refrigeration.
These are the prices for a proper installation from a professional – as a word to the wise, HVAC systems require fine tuning and the custom fabrication of parts during installation to work properly, otherwise they will likely fail prematurely. But there are plenty of people who will do it for cheaper than this, using substandard, used, or stolen equipment (stolen from construction sites and new housing developments). Or, they are using unskilled laborers with no experience, etc. But HVAC is not a “we’ll figure it out trade;” there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. There are just too many predatory companies out there, so be careful. I’d highly recommend not skimping on your HVAC contractor. If you go cheap, you will typically pay more in the long run...and in California, that will be a lot!
Many central air conditioning systems use the furnace blower to distribute cool air through the home. If you do not have a central heating system installed, it is cost-effective to install a heating and air conditioning system at the same time. If you already have central heat, you can use the existing fans and duct system for the central air system.
Indoor Fan Motor -- Indoor fans circulate the air from your house and through the system. Age and dust buildup are the two biggest contributing factors to their failure. When they are starting to fail they will often make noise. Failure of the fan will result in no heating or cooling, and if it is not repaired soon, it can cause other components to fail.
Ventilating or ventilation (the V in HVAC) is the process of exchanging or replacing air in any space to provide high indoor air quality which involves temperature control, oxygen replenishment, and removal of moisture, odors, smoke, heat, dust, airborne bacteria, carbon dioxide, and other gases. Ventilation removes unpleasant smells and excessive moisture, introduces outside air, keeps interior building air circulating, and prevents stagnation of the interior air.
Natural ventilation is a key factor in reducing the spread of airborne illnesses such as tuberculosis, the common cold, influenza and meningitis. Opening doors, windows, and using ceiling fans are all ways to maximize natural ventilation and reduce the risk of airborne contagion. Natural ventilation requires little maintenance and is inexpensive.
The HVAC industry is a worldwide enterprise, with roles including operation and maintenance, system design and construction, equipment manufacturing and sales, and in education and research. The HVAC industry was historically regulated by the manufacturers of HVAC equipment, but regulating and standards organizations such as HARDI, ASHRAE, SMACNA, ACCA, Uniform Mechanical Code, International Mechanical Code, and AMCA have been established to support the industry and encourage high standards and achievement.
Rheem's RRNL features a scroll compressor with fewer moving parts and less noise than traditional reciprocating compressors. A louvered compressor compartment protects the compressor from the elements and from debris that can shorten the life of the compressor. The Classic series continues to be one of their best sellers, with the addition of the Comfort Alert diagnostics module integrated to assist technicians in the event your system needs repair. 2-5 tons, 13 SEER, 80% AFUE.
While a lot of people understand the consequences of AC problems throughout the summer, the summer comes with its own set of unique issues that require a call to the plumber, too. Whether it’s a malfunctioning sprinkler system or a sewer line backup, Service Experts can help. We’ve encountered it all, and you won’t have to worry about any of it with our 24/7/365 Emergency Plumbing Service. When you need a plumber, we are here for you. And, just like all of our other services and products, any plumbing repair or work completed by Service Experts is backed by the same 100% Satisfaction Guarantee*.
Be careful with HVAC change-outs. Change-outs are only about 15-20% of the HVAC installation industry. Decrease HVAC installation cost by investing in new ductwork now if needed. Your ducts wear out too, and make sure that your ducts are in fantastic shape if you do this. Many contractors push this because it’s easy and cheap for them, with good pay-off. Do your research and replace them if you need to in order to avoid doing it later, as well as avoid potential health hazards from using old, broken ductwork.
Reinstall the access panel and disconnect block. Turn on the circuit breaker and furnace switch. Then set the thermostat to a lower temperature and wait for the AC to start (see “Be Patient at Startup,” below). The compressor should run and the condenser fan should spin. If the compressor starts but the fan doesn't, the fan motor is most likely shot. Shut off the power and remove the screws around the condenser cover. Lift the cover and remove the fan blade and motor (Photo 7). Reinstall the blade and secure the cover. Then repower the unit and see if the fan starts. If it doesn't, you've given it your best shot—it's time to call a pro.
An AC contactor is a $25 mechanical relay that uses low-voltage power from the thermostat to switch 220-volt high-amperage current to the compressor and condenser fan. AC contactors can wear out and are at the top of the list of common air conditioning service failures. Even if your AC contactor is working, it pays to replace it every five years or so. Unscrew the old AC contactor before removing the wires. Then move the wires to the new unit (Photo 6).
To qualify for a tax credit from the federal government, you must save the manufacturer's certificate from your system. The IRS won't require the certificate at the time you file your federal tax forms, but they recommend keeping it with your records in case of an audit. It proves that you purchased a qualifying product. The government offers tax credits for:
From Day 1, Alberto walked us through the process, and present us with a variety of options based our budget for the project. His customer service is the best as he did not oversell any services and did not nudge us towards buying a unit that would stretch our budget. On installation day, HVAC Services sent out a crew of 6-7 guys, all of whom were very polite and kept their work areas clean, and installed the whole system the same day.
AC air handler squealing or grinding noises. Though most air handlers have direct-drive motors, some older units may be belt-driven. Squealing sounds from a belt-drive air handler generally occur when the belt that connects the motor to the blower slips. In most cases, the belt is improperly aligned or worn and needs replacement. Follow the instructions above under Air Conditioner Not Blowing Air and refer to your owner’s manual.


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domain: hobby


text:
Citing new information, Kuo, an analyst for Apple, has lowered his estimate of when the company will release a foldable iPhone. As early as 2024 was predicted last year, this analyst now predicts that the product will be available “at the earliest” in 2025.
DSCC Ross Young reported in February that Apple had likely delayed the release of its foldable iPhone until 2025, which Kuo now confirms. Here is what Young had to say at the time:
After consulting with people in the supply chain, we decided to push back Apple’s expected entry into the foldable smartphone market by two years, to 2025. The company appears to be taking its time entering the foldable smartphone market, and it may even take longer.
Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst, has also revised his forecast, as he noted on Twitter:
In my reports last year, I predicted that Apple would release a foldable iPhone in 2024, but now it’s clear that this prediction needs to be revised. At the earliest, I believe Apple will release a foldable iPad or a hybrid of the iPad and the iPhone in 2025.
Even though this iPhone is foldable, it might adopt a strategy more in line with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold than the Galaxy Z Flip. First, there’s the tablet phone, and then there’s the phone that folds like the old cellphones did.
This revised prediction was tweeted by Kuo after news of a foldable MacBook and iPad appeared on the internet again. According to him, Apple’s “foldable product development” is “medium, large, and small” and the company is currently “testing foldable OLEDs about 9 inches.” To him, the test’s purpose is to “verify key technologies and may not be the final product specification.”
It’s not yet clear if Apple plans to enter the foldable display market, but it is possible. However, this won’t happen until at least 2025, according to analysts.


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Law prof's shooting wasn't a burglary gone bad; he was 'intended victim,' police say
Police in Tallahassee, Florida, are countering speculation that the shooting death of Florida State University law professor Dan Markel was attributable to a burglary or robbery.
Police have refused to say how many times Markel was shot on Friday, whether a weapon was found at the home, or whether he appeared to have known his assailant, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. But the police department did release a statement saying Markel, 41, appeared to be the “intended victim,” according to the story.
The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal Law Blog also had reports on the latest police statement. It read: “The initial investigation has provided no indication that this case is connected to a burglary or robbery and investigators are assuring residents there is no evidence this was a random act. Neighborhood residents should continue to be vigilant but it appears at this time that Mr. Markel was the intended victim in this incident.”
Police Chief Michael DeLeo called the death a “murder,” the New York Times says. Earlier, police had announced they were investigating the death as a homicide, the usual practice in deaths without witnesses, according to prior coverage. Police have set up a tip line to gather information.
Markel died at the hospital early Saturday after being shot at his home at about 11 a.m. on Friday. He was a criminal law professor at FSU and founded PrawfsBlawg.
Markel was recently divorced from another FSU law professor, Wendi Adelson, who is director of the school’s Public Interest Law Center. Her lawyer, Jimmy Judkins, told the Tallahassee Democrat that she is cooperating with police and she is “distraught, devastated, scared to death.”


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Doctor insights on:
Molasses And Milk Enema
It's not advisable: Instructions for prepping before a colonoscopy suggest CLEAR liquids, which would exclude any form of milk. The fats in milk, which make it appear creamy, could obscure something along the lining of the bowel if not perfectly prepped. Clear liquids are WATER, fruit juices without pulp (apple, white grape), lemonade, carbonated soda, gelatin, clear broth, tea/coffee without cream. Good luck! ...Read more
Diet for allergic : Consulting a nutritionist should help you choose alternatives. Instead of wheat, you can have rice, oatmeal, barley, corn. Instead of milk, you can have goat's milk, for protein, you can have beans, edamame instead of tree nuts and peanuts. This is just a short list. Good luck. ...Read more
Would a home-made formula of coconut water, soaked chia seeds and almond milk contain enough omega-3 for a 1-month-old baby? Also adding vit and min
Bad idea: The commercial formulas are the product of more than 60 years of lab based research and nothing you can replicate with your well meaning attempts.Each are required to meet the standards of the FDA. Rather than a sign of love and devotion you could create a real dietary imbalance that could injure the child.I have hospitalized kids fed these home brews. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
More palateable: Either formula will work, however, there is an issue with palatability of the infant to tolerate the formula. Thus, its a matter of trying out the formula. Historically the soy based formula is more popular and also less expensive and readily available. Rice formula tends to be sold in certains stores. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
Lactose intolerant: almond or soy milk?Can high sodium in almond make soy better choice?2cup of soy milk a day bad for a male? Soy cause breast growt
Your choice...: I like almond milk. Soy milk causes me and many others to have large amounts of gas. If you don't have this problem, then use the soy as it has more protein. Otherwise, almond milk is a good choice so long as you don't have a nut allergy. Use the unsweetened version of either one... ...Read more
With milk of magnesia, (magnesium hydroxide) water and prune juice, how much are the parts to drink?
MOM: Look People. I am a Psychiatrist and Addiction Medicine guy. why are you asking such embarrassing questions about C or D or Meconium and wanting me to be a NeoNatologist.. I am afraid of them, more so than I am afraid of Babies. With my really big hands and tiny life in one hand, I start having Panic Attacks.. Now I am searching for brown bag and my Ma.... . MOM ...Read more
Can we use milk replacer like almond milk, soye milk instead of anyother milk in the tea or coffee. ?
Absolutely: it's mostly a matter of taste.Get a more detailed answer ›
Infant constipation. We have tried prune juice oatmeal and soy milk and nothing is working. Can we use a stool softener and what foods to avoid.
Natural plugs: Apple sauce, bananas & rice cereal are the main constipators in most infants. Peaches, pears, plums & barley cereal are usually helpful in loosening them.Prune or apple juice(regular adult, not dilute baby) given in amounts of 1-2 ounces 1-2 x/day for a minimum of 3 days will usually loosen a kid.Good luck. ...Read more
The nutrional fiber: Can help. Make sure that you are well hydrated. ...Read more
Constipation: Some foods pull water into the stool (like prunes) and some foods remove water (like cereals and rice). To prevent constipation -- if you are otherwise well -- make sure you are taking in enough fluids and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fluids in foods, tea, coffee, and water all count, but to be healthy, limit your intake of sugary drinks and alcohol. ...Read more
Laxative: Cheap forms of mg like the oxide in milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) are good laxatives. We are all low on mg andleads to all sort of health concerns including hypertension, muscle aches, leg cramps, poor sleep, so i like adding mg glycinate 1 cap 2 x daily to support heaalth - it as a chelated form has less bowel effect and is a better replacement supplement. ...Read more
Can drinking milk and consuming a lot of dairy products plus grains such as wheat and rice worsen gynecomastia?
Possibly but...: Although there may be many “causes” of gynecomastia, most cases are idiopathic (no specific cause). The use of certain medications, drugs, organ dysfunction (kidney or liver), hormonal imbalances etc. May also be causative. An increase in weight may cause the appearance of the breasts to seem larger. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
No: Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) can help with indigestion, however piles - hemorrhoids - are better treated by avoiding constipation, stool softeners, not straining or spending a long time sitting on the toilet & topical preparation like preparation h. Banding or surgical removal are options if they are frequently bothersome or bleeding. ...Read more
Fiber?: White rice and farina(the white bread of hot cereals) have no fiber to speak of. Brown rice has a bit more. Whole wheat cereal, e.g. Wheaten a, whole oats, e.g. Oatmeal, oat bran have more fiber. Can't have a decent stool without adequate fiber. In general, aim for 25-35gm/day. Lots of good sources of fiber, r.G. Beans, fruit/veg, whole grains. Lots of good info online. ...Read more


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Calgary is home to the new benchmark for Cadillac’s standalone dealership architecture.
The gala opening of the new Carter Cadillac dealership in Calgary took place amid freezing February weather. The ribbon-cutting party of Jay McKeen, Managing Partner, and Steve Carlisle, President of Cadillac’s global operations, dashed outside, posed for the cameras and swiftly retreated to the warmth of the imposing new structure.
Carter’s customers will have little need to brave the elements, however. With 50,000 sq ft spread over three floors, there’s enough room inside for two showrooms, a basement containing yet more new-vehicle inventory and even a drive-through indoor service reception area, for those who don’t wish to take advantage of free vehicle collection and delivery.
If that all sounds like the recipe for a new sort of Cadillac dealership—“the Cadillac of dealerships,” in McKeen’s words—that’s because it is. Carter Cadillac is the first North American and, at the time of writing, largest worldwide embodiment of Cadillac’s new standalone dealership architecture. The goal is a luxurious client experience worthy of a reinvigorated and expanded product range.
The new facility has also extended Cadillac’s dealership playbook. Originally conceived as a single-storey building, its scope expanded when Cadillac and McKeen noted that a taller structure would make a bigger impression on a compact, sub-2-acre, hilltop site that is visible from the busy Deerfoot Trail highway and slots into a row of prestige dealerships that sell everything from Alfa Romeos to Porsches. The resulting two-storey design is now Cadillac-approved for dealers elsewhere, who are also at liberty to add a basement where the site makes sense, as Carter has done.
New sales approach
The main floor consists of a light, open, runway-inspired showroom with comfortable, informal seating areas—with not a sales office in sight.
“As a customer, you can feel like there’s always someone watching you,” says Carter Cadillac’s Director of Operations, Kevin Duriaux. “We wanted to make car shopping fun again, create an environment where you can take your time and have people who will help you without an agenda.”
Duriaux previously managed Western Region sales and marketing for Cadillac Canada and is familiar with manager-free deal-making from his time working in Switzerland.
“The most dissatisfying parts of buying are the F&I process and some of the closing techniques,” he says, “so I was very pleased when Jay told me that he wanted one person to handle the entire process from start to finish.
“Everyone is welcomed here by a concierge. You can consult directly [with sales staff] on the showroom floor, but you can also come into one of the offices to talk numbers or credit applications. When the car is ready, we have two private delivery rooms in which to do the paperwork, always with an eye on the car, and then the customer can drive away.”
Classic meets modern
Adjoining the offices behind the showroom floor is a spacious lounge that brings sales and service customers together. They can choose relaxed seating or workstations with WiFi, as well as high-end refreshments—sparkling water in glass bottles, a selection of teas and coffees served in porcelain mugs, and fresh fruit and baked goods.
The second-floor showroom is dedicated to the expanding range of V-series performance and a handful of classic Cadillacs from the Jack Carter private collection. The adjacent virtual reality room is consistent with the theme of marrying Cadillac’s heritage with future technology.
“Cadillac has developed an incredible program that enables us to demonstrate upcoming vehicles like the new XT6,” says Duriaux. “Customers will be able to virtually interact with the vehicle. With enhancements down the road, it could also become a way to build a factory order. You’ll be able to visualize the impact of a panoramic sunroof, for example, rather than only see it on a piece of paper.”
Next door is a conference room with a 17 ft table, one of two custom-made locally by one of several Calgary companies that are being supported by the new dealership. It’s expected that the meeting space will also be offered to local charity groups.
Also on the second floor are back-office and administrative functions to support the 25 staff—a figure expected to grow rapidly—as well as an overflow parts and winter-tire storage area that can be reached by forklift from below.
“When I was visiting dealers for Cadillac Canada, it was common for them to not have enough parts storage,” observes Duriaux. “We wanted to eliminate that risk.”
Pride and joy
The main parts area on the ground floor is accessible from both the parts counter and the large, brightly lit service area. With its immaculate tiled floor and built-in tool chests around the walls, the latter has the feel of a race shop.
“It’s our pride and joy,” Duriaux says. “We wanted to build a service area above anything else you’ll see around here.”
The new premises are completed by a cavernous basement that’s home to around 36 additional new Cadillacs, more historic GM vehicles, fully equipped detailing bays and equipment for 3M protection.
In the spring, a solar-powered EV fast-charger will be added outdoors ready for the next generation of electrified Cadillacs, part of a new-product onslaught that will see a new Cadillac launched every six months for the next three years.

domain: design