The corporation that owns Rockne’s has terminated its franchise agreement with the owner of its Stow restaurant, accusing him of disregarding repeated memos this year to stop serving romaine lettuce during a nationwide E. coli outbreak.
But the owner of the Hudson Drive eatery — Dan Mazzola — is refusing to surrender, saying the lettuce served never made anyone sick and came from growers not impacted by the bacteria.
This week, the food fight landed in federal court after Rockne’s Inc. filed a civil complaint Tuesday against Mazzola and his business.
The Stow Rockne’s, which employs about 55 cooks and wait staff, remains open.
But lawyers for Rockne’s have asked Judge John R. Adams to order Mazzola to cease operations, allowing Rockne’s to take over day-to-day operations at the eatery known for its giant salads and sandwiches.
The judge Thursday afternoon had not yet made any rulings in the case.
This spring’s E. coli outbreak started in March when at least 200 Americans fell ill and five died.
Federal food safety investigators quickly identified romaine lettuce as the source of the bacteria and zeroed in on Yuma, Ariz, later saying manure — and the E. coli inside it — from large cattle fields may have contaminated farm fields.
Restaurants and groceries across the country pulled their romaine lettuce from menus and shelves.
And Rockne’s, the lawsuit said, was among them.
On April 26, Rockne’s corporation sent notices to each of its 10 area restaurants to stop serving romaine.
"Throw out all current inventory," the memo said, and "inform all in store, especially the servers & carryout order takers — to not serve or accept any caesar salad orders!"
Updates followed on May 3 and May 10, the lawsuit said, showing Rockne’s was to stop serving romaine until further notice.
But the Stow location continued serving romaine,the lawsuit said.
On May 21, Rockne’s sent a memo to Mazzola, saying it knew his restaurant was still serving romaine even though federal officials had not yet given an all clear that the E. coli outbreak was over.
Rockne’s told Mazzola again to stop serving the lettuce and to throw away any supply he had at the restaurant.
But Mazzola, the lawsuit said, continued to serve romaine, which not only violated terms of his franchise agreement, but put the public’s health at risk, along with the reputation of all Rockne’s eateries.
Mazzola did not return a message left for him at the restaurant this week. Wednesday
But a letter from Mazolla’s lawyer included in litigation said the public’s health was never in danger because the romaine lettuce used did not come from Yuma, Ariz., the source of the outbreak.
Moreover, a lawyer for Mazzola insinuates that the battle over ownership of the Stow Rockne’s — the only independent Rockne’s franchise remaining — is over more than lettuce.
Rockne’s corporation "has wanted to take the Stow location away from our client for some time," Mazzola’s lawyer wrote, adding that Mazzola wouldn’t give up his franchise.
Summit County Public Health this week said it was not aware of any E. coli illnesses lined to Rockne’s in Stow.
Tonia Burford, director of environmental health, said health officials send email warning to restaurant owners about any food recalls to make them aware of a situation, but it’s up to the owners what action to take.
County workers do perform twice-yearly inspections of full-service restaurants like Rockne’s.
The most recent in Stow happened in January and it was cited for some minor violations, including dust accumulation around a vent.
Burford encouraged all consumers to check out the inspection reports of their favorite restaurants — plus tattoo shops and swimming pools. They’re posted online at Summit County Public Health’s website and searchable by name or location.


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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Yum num yumm......Really can you go wrong with pasta, cheese, tomatoes and beef? Especially when you get the cheese really toasty under the broiler.
The inspiration for this came from the cinnamon in the Pasta al Forno I made recently, and the fact that I had leftover shells from the Venetian Mac & Cheese.
1 pound medium shell pasta
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 can, crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 pinches ground cinnamon
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Brown beef over medium heat for about 10 minutes, add garlic about halfway through with salt and pepper.
- Pour in tomatoes and seasonings (Italian and cinnamon) and let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the shells to al dente
- Pour in the milk or cream to the sauce and stir, let simmer for about 5 more minutes.
- Pour pasta and sauce into a greased casserole dish and top with cheese. Broil for about 3 - 5 minutes until the cheese gets toasty.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Its a great warm weather dish because of the flavors and the fact that you can grill the shrimp for added fantastic flavor, but also great in the dead of winter (made on a grill pan) when you are dreaming of warmer weather!
The recipes are adapted from WS, I have made it so many times I'm sure I am not following it exactly.
Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined - about 12 pieces for 2 ppl
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup of parsley, chopped
- Whisk together the lemon juice, wine, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper and parsley.
- Add the shrimp and let marinate about 15 minutes.
- Grill the shrimp on a grill pan or directly on the grill
For the risotto, just use a basic risotto recipe, using white wine and chicken broth as your liquids.
For the vegetables, add in whatever fresh spring vegetables you can find. All I had this time were green beans, but I've used peas and asparagus before too.
If using green beans or asparagus, blanch for about 4 minutes and shock in an ice bath while the risotto is cooking. Then add at the last minute, with parsley and parmesan cheese.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
This was inspired by Racheal Rays Florentine Prosciutto wrapped chicken.
I didn't actually use the recipe though, I just remembered seeing it on TV, so I used what I had on hand, which was bacon, spinach and shredded mozeralla.
I just pounded out the chicken breasts, spread the spinach on, sprinkled with the cheese, rolled em up and wrapped them in bacon! Cooked at 350 for about 25 minutes. I turned on the broiler for the last few minutes to crisp up the bacon.
This is a great side dish, but you could also add chicken for a whole meal.
3 portabello mushrooms
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbl spoons olive oil
1/2 cup wine
1/2 cup milk or cream
2 tbl spoons flour
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
parsley (optional garnish)
- Start by cleaning the leeks if you haven't already. Chop them and throw into a large bowl of water. Stir them up with your hands a bit and let soak about 10 minutes, all the dirt will sink to the bottom.
- Begin boiling the water for the pasta
- Heat up the olive oil in a large pan and add the leeks and mushrooms with some salt and pepper, let saute for about 5 minutes and add the garlic, let saute another 5 - 10 minutes until the mushrooms are soft.
- Start cooking the pasta once the water boils
- Add the wine and let cook down.
- Sprinkle in the flour slowly, working into the mixture as you go.
- Then pour the milk or cream in slowly and let thicken up with the flour.
- Let this simmer about 5 minutes and add the cheese. Mix in the drained pasta, garnish with parsley.
I served mine over mashed potatoes.
Source: Food Network, Tyler Florence.
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) piece beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 2 yellow onion, halved
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 bunch baby carrots
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 cup button mushrooms, stems removed and sliced in half
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Season all sides of the beef with a fair amount of salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven or other heavy pot that has a tight cover; heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over moderately high heat. Brown the meat on all sides, taking the time to get a nice crust on the outside. Pour in the tomatoes and the water. Scatter the vegetables and herbs around the pot roast, season with salt and pepper; and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Braise for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the beef is fork tender.
Slice the pot roast and arrange on platter surrounded by the vegetables. Serve with the pot juices.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Oh my gosh, this was sooo yummy, the picture really does not do it justice. The cheese sauce on this was just delicious, there is a pinch of nutmeg in it and the flavors worked very well with the shrimp.
I got the recipe from Everyday with Rachel Ray. The next time I make it, I will make a few changes though. The shells are cool and all, but kind of a pain to eat, in my opinion. Also, I wasn't a huge fan of the radicchio in this dish. I cooked it even longer than the recipe did to let it wilt more, but it was still kind of tough. Also, the flavor was a bit too bitter for my liking.
So next time, I think I'll use a smaller pasta and maybe use spinach instead of radicchio.
- 1 pound medium shell pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Pinch Nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional) - I did not use this
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute,then whisk in the half-and-half and chicken broth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper and the nutmeg and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 6-7 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add the garlic and anchovy paste, if using, and cook for 1 minute. Add the shrimp and radicchio, increase the heat and cook, stirring, until the shrimp is pink and the radicchio is tender, 3-4 minutes.
Pre-heat the broiler. Stir the Parmigiano Reggiano into the white sauce. Add the pasta, shrimp and radicchio and toss. Pour into a buttered casserole and sprinkle the asiago on top. Broil until the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes; serve hot.
Right....so what does Obama have to do with Red Velvet cupcakes? Not much, but bear with me, this is not a shameless attempt to attach the Obama name to my cupcakes just to attract attention...maybe.
Okay, so yesterday, Valentine's Day, was also tax day for me and Joe, our first year doing our taxes as newlyweds (exciting stuff). Something about Joe is that he's one of those guys who has "a guy" for everything; realtors, mortgage guys, accountants, contractors, etc. Well for his taxes his "guy" is actually a very nice woman, who works in Hyde Park (our President's previous home), which is in the south side of Chicago.
So at 9 am, yesterday morning, we were headed down to the south side to get our taxes done. Over time, I've grown to be more skeptical of Joe's "guys". Add the fact that I had to wake up early on Saturday morning and drive to the south side, let's just say I was not a happy camper. We get there and the tax lady is late for our appointment, we're told she'll be there in an hour.
Now I'm even more annoyed - I tell Joe I just want to go home and go the H&R block that is in our neighborhood. He convinces me to wait for her and now we have an hour to kill, and suggests that we find a grocery store to buy the ingredients for my cupcakes. Fine, whatever.
We start driving and immediately realize that getting around is not going to be easy, since Obama was back this weekend - there are police barricades all over the place. Turns out we were just a block away from his house.
Now, I'm just really laying into poor Joe about the whole thing. We get around the barricades and find a grocery store and Joe tries to turn things around by saying "I bet Michelle Obama used to shop here Mel, this was probably their grocery store! Your cupcakes are going to be special Obama cupcakes."
Whatever....he was trying, and I finally came around. The tax lady was fabulous and so were the cupcakes!
I found this recipe on The Way the Cookie Crumbles, Bridget had this amazing red velvet recipe comparison, so I followed her advice and chose the recipe from Apple a Day.
I followed the recipe exactly except:
1) I added a tbl spoon of baking soda instead of a tea spoon - on accident of course. The cakes puffed a bit more but otherwise this didn't have a big effect.
2) Instead of buying cake flour, I substituted with all purpose after doing some research, removed 2 tbl spoons per cup of the flour and added 2 tbl spoons corn starch. I'm not sure I'll do this again, because I could taste corn flavor in the final product.
3) Original recipe, below, is for a whole cake, so it needs less baking time, probably 15 - 20 minutes.
For the cake:
2½ cups cake flour
1½ cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons (1 oz.) red food coloring
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
For the frosting:
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 ounces butter, softened
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
1½ cups chopped pecans (optional)
1. For the cake: Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa, and salt into a medium bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well combined. Add dry ingredients and beat until smooth, about 2 minutes.
4. Divide batter evenly between 3 greased and floured 8″ round cake pans.
5. Bake cakes, rotating halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Let cakes cool 5 minutes, then invert each onto a plate, then invert again onto a cooling rack. Let cakes cool completely.
6. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until combined. Add sugar and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes.
4. Put 1 cake layer on a cake plate, level off with a serrated knife, and spread one-quarter of the frosting on top. Set another layer on top, level, and repeat frosting. Set remaining layer on top, level, and frost top and sides with the remaining frosting. Press pecans into the sides of the cake, if desired. **Tip: after leveling cake, turn it upside down to reduce numbers of crumbs. I also did a crumb coat on the outside, let it set for ten minutes, then finished with remaining frosting.
5. Chill for 2 hours to set frosting.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Since my friends and I love trying new restaurants, I figured it would be a great idea to start incorporating reviews into my blog. So Chicago readers, be on the lookout for more to come. Non-Chicago readers, now you'll know where to go on your next visit!
*please excuse the obnoxious picture. In the future I will try to get pictures of actual food, but had just decided to do this, and already consumed a bottle of wine at this point.
3915 N Sheridan Rd
Joe and I moved about a half a block from here almost a year ago, but had never tried Ricks. There are a lot of great restaurants on this block, Pizza Rustica, TAC Quick and Fornello Trattoria just to name a few, and we overlooked Rick's.
The other night, my friends and I were planning on going out to dinner at one of our favorite BYOBs in Lakeview, Andalous. Andalous has amazing Morrocan cuisine and is one of those places that you can count on for delicous food, decent service and a great value. Well, up until now you could also count on getting seated right away. Not anymore, as we found out when we called ahead and were told there was a 2 hour wait!
So....we sulked for a bit...and then decided we needed to find our next fabulous BYOB that no one else knows about. I thought of Rick's, since I have been meaning to try it, and received recommendations from 2 different people. Online reviews were not consistent, so I wasn't sure what to expect.
IT. WAS. SO. GOOD. Oh my god - you know when you get an insanely delicious dish from a restaurant and its all you can think about the next day? Or is that just me? Okay - here's how I rate Rick's by category.
Food - Amazing. Rick's cuisine ranges from French to Morrocan, so the menu has some interesting flavor combinations. I got the Fricassée de poulet ã la crême, a chicken dish cooked in morel juice, and finished with creme fraiche and honey. Soooo delicous. The sweetness of the honey definitely made this dish memorable.
My friends ordered Penne Primavollo, Pasta with Shrimp and tomatoes, and Artichoke Raviolis. We all tried each others, and everyone's food was fantastic. The penne primavollo was probably my second favorite.
Value - Good, on target for the neighborhood and quality of food. Entrees ranged from $15 - $20. Corkage fees were $2 per person. A lot of people complained about this in the reviews I read, I really don't think its that big of a deal for a BYOB in Lakeview. Some restaurants charge by the bottle, and since the 4 of us usually go through at least 3 bottles when we go out, this worked for us!
Ambiance - Not great, to be honest. I'm not sure if it was the lighting, or the layout of the restaurant, but you definitely feel like you're just sitting in a little room with a bunch of other people, there is nothing to seclude the tables from each other. The restroom requires a trip through the kitchen, but this just always makes me laugh, since a lot of restaurants in Chicago are like this. Usually by that time I've had enough wine to say hi to the chef on my way through!
Service - Not bad, not great. Honestly, I've learned to lower my expectations on service since moving to Chicago. If a restaurant can get the food and value right, I'm a happy camper!
We will definitely be back to Rick's - hopefully this one has a couple more years before it turns into 2 hour waits!
While I do the majority of the cooking in our little household, it is not an indication that my cooking abilities are superior, by any means. So once in awhile, when Joe offers to cook, I gladly step back.
One of his specialties are stuffed peppers, and being Italian, it should be! I once tried making a healthier, greek version that included ground lamb, spinach and feta. I thought they were delicious, but Joe was disgusted by them, and therefore, I am never allowed to make stuffed peppers again.
His version is not as healthy, but incredibly tasty!
Ingredients (you'll have to guess at the exact amounts):
2 green peppers
mild italian sausage
2 cups beef broth
1 cup abbrio rice
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded mozeralla
- Brown sausage
- Add 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of risotto. Slow cook for 20 minutes
- Add chopped garlic and 1 can of diced tomatoes
- Simmer and add 1/2 cup of parm
- Wash green peppers and cut a round whole on the top. Gut out all the seeds
- Cut the bottom of the pepper to make sure it stands upright while cooking
- Stuff the pepper and top with cheese
- Cook on 375 for 15 minute of until top is golden brown
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ahem....this is a pretty big deal for me. Since learning how to cook, I've definitely been one of those "no-bake" type of cooks. I attribute this to my lack of patience and attention to detail, something about exact measurements, remembering to set the butter out and all that mixing just didn't interest me.
So there have been a few factors that have recently encouraged me to give baking a shot.
1) My Kitchen Aid mixer
2) My aunt got me "cookie kit" for one of my showers, complete with this amazing cookie cookbook, Taste of Home Ultimate Cookie Collection. Joe has taken to reading it and dog-earing the pages.
3) My friend Amy is an AMAZING baker and always makes extras for Joe. Unfortunately, she moved back home to Minneapolis recently, so Joe has been deprived of baked goods for a few months.
After a few attempts, these cookies are the first thing I've baked that I was really excited about. Joe actually asked me, "Are you sure you made these?"
Heath Chip Cookies
2/3 cup shortening
1 - 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 - 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
4 oz chopped candy bars (recipe called for Snickers, I used Heath)
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
-Mix shortening and brown sugar until creamed. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinammon and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture.
- Stir in chopped candy bars and oats
- Drop by spoonful, 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 10-12 minutes.
Source: Taste of Home Ultimate Cookie Collection.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
I was going through some cooking magazines to find recipe inspiration on Sunday, and came across this recipe from the March 08 issue of Every Day with Rachel Ray. I know there are some haters out there but as I've said before, I love her recipes for weeknight meals because, of course, they are so quick and easy!
Joe was so excited when he saw the picture in the magazine and realized that is what I was making (he has been known to gnaw on blocks of parmesan cheese). I think mine came out looking just as good as it did and the mag and tasted amazing.
I followed the recipe closely, only omitted capers (because Joe doesn't like them and I couldn't find the green olives I bought to substitute for the life of me!).

domain: food


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Yes, I’m *that* kind of diner. I’m the one that likes talking with the restaurant owners or even meeting the executive chef that prepared our meal at restaurants I dine in, if at all possible. Granted, it doesn’t happen every time I eat at a restaurant but if the opportunity is there, I’m going to take it. For me, talking with the owner or executive chef gives me a better understanding of what they are all about because it eventually is transferred into the food they serve and prepare. It also helps me appreciate my meal and the establishment even more. I dined at the ever popular restaurant, Blackbird, a couple weeks ago and not only did I have a chance to talk to Executive Chef/Partner, Chef Paul Kahan, but he prepared his special Blackbird Bouillabaisse in front of me! As a special treat, I have this delicious recipe to share…
So who’s Chef Paul Kahan? Where do I start?! Here’s a great summary to start…
Executive Chef/Partner Paul Kahan has become the nationally recognizable face for a new guard of Chicago chefs With an ever-growing list of international accolades for Blackbird, Avec and The Publican, Kahan was honored by his selection as a James Beard nominee of Outstanding Chef in 2007 and 2009, and winner of James Beard Best Chef of the Midwest in 2004. Passionately seasonal, unconventionally creative and dedicated to the inspiration of classical cuisine, Kahan has earned the praise of many who claim him to be one of America’s most influential working chefs.
In 1999, shortly after Blackbird opened, Food & Wine placed Kahan on its Best New Chefs list, recognizing his highly individual approach to cooking and the talent that Chicago diners have celebrated for years. Years of accolades and awards followed until, in 2007, Kahan was honored with a nomination for James Beard Outstanding Chef, an amazing achievement for a chef from a small restaurant without a cookbook or TV show to promote his name nationally.
If you’re a fan of Bravo’s Top Chef cooking competition show, you may have seen Chef Paul Kahan as a guest judge. Speaking of which, Top Chef judge, Chef Tom Colicchio has even named Chef Paul Kahan as one of his favorite chefs in the U.S.! There’s so much to like about Chef Paul Kahan. He is passionate about Chicago and sourcing ingredients locally if at all possible. He speaks of his wife fondly as he shares how much they love cooking together as often as possible. And of course, he makes some amazing bouillabaisse.
This bouillabaisse is one that is popular on the restaurant’s lunch menu. It’s beautifully aromatic thanks to the fresh notes of citrus and fennel. The rich color is as a result of just a pinch of saffron and tomatoes. But the best part of this dish is the seafood. A flavorful fish fumet (fish stock) adds elevated seafood notes and the fresh seafood added towards the end of the dish just puts it over the edge. This is one soup that’s easily a meal and is wonderful to enjoy during these cooler months.
recipe from Blackbird
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
15 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 medium yellow onions, peeled & julienned
2 bulbs of fennel, julienned
3 pounds red new potatoes, sliced into coins
1 bay leaf
1 pinch saffron
1 (28oz) can whole tomatoes, drained of half of liquid and crushed
1 gallon fish stock or fish fumet, brought to a simmer
1 lb white fish of your choice (cod, tilapia, sole, halibut, etc)
20 littleneck clams
2 pounds mussels
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled & deveined
1 pound cooked king crab legs
1 cup Pernot (pastis)
2 tablespoons Siracha
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
In a large stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, fennel, potatoes and bay leaf; stir to coat.
Cover and cook over medium low heat until the potatoes begin to soften, approximately 15 minutes.
Turn heat to high and stir in saffron and tomatoes; cook for 5 minutes.
Add the fish stock or fish fumet. Continue to cook over high heat until the potatoes are tender.
Add the clams. Followed by the mussels after 3 minutes, followed by the fish after another 1 minutes, followed by the shrimp after 1 minute and the crab legs just before serving.
Finish the dish with Pernot and siracha, and season with fresh herbs, salt and pepper to taste.


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Last week was busy working on my Oral Presentation. This module, I attempted to follow the outline in the brief. The language is finally starting to make sense and feel comfortable using it.
This in part is due to Dr. Steph Cosgrove, who I met at the F-2-F in Falmouth, who told me to read, and read, and read. And indeed, it is beginning to pay off.
Always feel could have done better, however, this module has been the greatest advance for me in terms of my practice. I did get all this conceptually, now it turned into a practical manifestation. This is where the biggest change was for me.
This whole year has been a rollercoaster ride without a seatbelt, however, I managed to glean enough information for me to hold on for dear life no matter how bumpy the ride, and I have been through some tight turns and drops.
However, so far so good. Will see what the next module brings. I look forward to it, and hope to fine-tune what I have learned in this one.
This week watched interview with Felicity McCabe. Always interesting to find out how some-one else starts in the business, and where they came from. In her case started out with nightclub photography.
Interesting to see companies that attempt to do creative commercial work, was quite impressed with Head Over Heals and what they did creatively, shows there are people out there who want creative images, would be nice to find a company like that.
Started as an assistant, very good way to begin when interested in the commercial market. Also built her own portfolio of work that she liked to do, and practicing on weekends.
I think she went about it in a very good way, built up from a simple beginning. Also how she eventually focussed on photography. I think a lot of photographers battle with photography as a true art form and get enamored with painters and photography, and it can be a battle. The advice of the teacher to give up painting ended that for her, so made it a lot less difficult. Even the greats like Arron Siskind, liked painting and did a lot of homages to Franz Klein. I am glad that I came back to photography this module, because I love painting as well, not to actually paint, but love the medium, so I watch a lot of documentaries about painters.
Interesting how she baked the rose and came up with the idea. She had a lot of good ideas about tryptics (band shot) and associations People+Landscape or something they associated with. I like the way she uses painters of Diptych and Triptychs to fuel her own projects. Nice to see when metier cross pollinate and come out with a new hybrid.
This week I looked at the interview with Francesca Genovese curator of very interesting interview. I think it’s very important for a photographer to know how to deal with their work as far as selling and presenting it goes.
It always amazes me how people tend to talk in abstracts. For example Francesca says: “There is a lot of ways to find out how to price your work.” Well . . . tell me some ways, don’t leave it open ended.
Very busy this week writing my Oral, gathering my images for presentation and catching up on the CRJ.
This week I presented a paragraph Anna asked for. What is ‘Fences’ about and what it means to me. I sent it and received a very +ve response, and it will be part of my oral presentation. The part that discusses where I was in the past, and where I am in my practice now!
I have been working on the oral presentation and it has been going well. Seems a lot easier to put together this time around, and Anna gave some good input as what is to be expected in the Oral this module. MLO was very informative and critical, and came out of it once again as I call it my creative therapy session.
Had a good after module conversation with Michael Turner, fellow co-hort. I was very impressed by his color abstracts, and the work he is doing. We had a good long creative talk after the MLO and I discovered how much he saw into the images I presented this week. For the first time experienced how an intuitive person interprets another’s work, again I look for genuineness when people critique my work and was very impressed by what Michael saw in my images, and patterns that I did not even see my self until pointed out.
I feel that this module is enabling me to stride out in a way that I have had problems with up until this time. In the prior two modules, the problems where brought to my attention (split, undecided as far as my portfolio was concerned) so grateful for that. This enabled me to have a ‘problem’ to solve, and feel that it was a lead up to this module, and glad it got resolved, albeit only in the beginning stages.
This is the first time that I will create (a word I NEVER used before the MA) a complete ‘series’ of images with an emotional as well as a technical thread that links them. Gary was always very patient, and constantly said that his was only the second module (MOD_703) to relax, and go photograph and work it out by doing. He knows that I am very ‘heady’ and abstract, that I needed more concrete work and he encouraged me to go shoot images.
Stella brought up the fact that it’s okay to fail, that failure is part of the process, so that helped me through, instead of stopping short, like I did before. Would have an idea, think it was magnificent, and such a genius for thinking about it. However upon waking up the next morning, I would think myself an idiot for thinking up something so stupid and I would quit before I even started. Both Stella and Gary got me over that. Now I do, then think, before it was think then do (or not do) as was most of the time. So changing my approach helped me get over that fence, in the last module.
My failure piece: real vs illusion, ie real vs mirror, no idea what I was trying to do, or say, did it anyway, felt stupid presenting it and of course good ol’ Gary compounded my insecurities (with +ve outcome) he was honest and I appreciated that, and suggested what I could have done different…better and made me think further out than the immediate place I was while making this.
This week has been a breakthrough week for me. For the longest time, over two modules, in fact, I had a problem of putting together a series of images that is linked: in concept, idea and image. Up until this point, I have been happy with the singular image, and have battled with linking an idea with a series of images.
Anna suggested to start with a ‘micro-series’ of images that are related. This suggestion really made the task easier, because I looked at it as a small series, which I decided to limit to three or four images. I have always liked the number three, so I linked the concept of micro to three, and this made my ability to move into a micro-series of 3, or in my case 4 images.
I wanted to make the series in the confines of my yard, and see if it could be done. (an ego trip to be one up on Edward Weston, who limited his work to one square mile, at Point Lobos) never realizing how I was fencing myself in, and, not in a good way. Sure, it is possible to do…now what!
Related: For the past week, I have been looking at a cell tower that was constructed near my house (1/4 mile away, direct line of sight) and realized that the fence I have around my property is useless. The fence has served well in terms of keeping intruders out, but for the dangers of EMF’s and RF’s, (Electro Magnetic Fields ((RF)) Radio Frequency) it has no protection at all.
I started to think about this and figured that I have to figure a way around this problem, and decided not to be fenced in by other peoples information put out there on the internet and to do some research and tests of my own on the subject. By doing some EMF measurements on an RF meter, to measure the EMF’s emitted from other cell phone towers in close proximity.(this will be another project down the line) This way, by gathering information, testing, and making my own informed decision, this whole affair spawned the idea to make a micro series on ‘fences’ both as a physical structure and the metaphorical concept of the mind.
I decided to make a series of images of a wooden fence that I have on one side of the property, and another micro series on a rusty chainlink fence I have on the back side of my house.
When I started to photograph, the intruding thoughts started to pervade, about the idea being ridiculous and stupid. At this point, I would normally stop the project and move to another idea. This time, I decided to take the idea of former tutor Stella Baraklianou. (I will cite under contextual research) about failure and the acceptance and benefits of it.
I decided to forge on with the series, good, bad or indifferent. As I was photographing and forging on, I went back to re-photograph the wooden fence I had photographed earlier, later in the day. By this time the sun was setting, and through a crack in the fence, I caught a flash of sunlight. I decided to make a series on following the light (as cliche and banal as one can get) but decided to follow though. As I held my camera up to the slit in the fence and looked through the lens, I was transported into another world, of beauty, color, shape, line, shadow and abstraction (my favorite photographic genre) and made a few images.
I then went on to a second series of 3 to 4 images at the rusty chain link fence ant the back of my property. I had made a few images here in the past, but not a series. I made the first image of a weed head growing through the fence. Then wondered how it would look from the other side of the fence, so I went up and around to make that point of view. It was as beautiful but in a different way. The lighting was more top and the background a smoother shade of grey. Not better, but different. It gave me a perspective from the other side of the fence. The third image, is of the chain link, not the fence itself, but the shadow of the fence, cast onto some fencing cloth. So, at fist glance it looks like chain link, but once pointed out, it is in fact a shadow. Sometimes a little knowledge of the image can dispel many questions.
The last image, is of a shaft of wild grass growing through the fence. As I made the image, I noticed as much grass behind the fence, as in front of it, and thought: ‘Nature is not constrained by boundaries.’ It lives, grows and thrives, behind, in front, above, or through the fence. I have decided to adopt this attribute in my life as well as in my work from now on, and no longer be confined by the physical fence of my yard, or the mental fence of my mind.
A simple blade of grass showed me what true freedom is all about! This kind of philosophy has been with me always, however, now it takes on an understanding, that I could not grasp before.
The webinar with Krishna was very informative. She suggested that I make photographs every day. I said that I do, but she reminded me to keep it in the vane of series, and thinking about the images as a series. So it’s good that I am finally getting into the groove of working from and idea, instead of from an image that was made. This series ‘Fences’ was born out of ‘Yardwork’ and that was to make images around my yard. I am happy that it was able to be made into a series, as opposed to multiple images with no relation, which could very easily have been the outcome were I not guided this week by Anna and Krishna.
There are no wrong notes, some are just more wrong than others!
This week I have pretty much caught up with the tasks. Went through a bit of a downward turn on the ferris wheel, for a few days, after looking at the work and portfolio of David Jackson, (recommended by Anna, in her interview with Max Barnett of PYLOT magazine.) Once again the doubt about my own work crept in. Just realizing once gain how important that golden thread is that ties bodies of work to-gether, especially on the commercial end. When these times happen, I just recall the words of Simon a fellow student, slightly ahead, at the F-2-F at Falmouth earlier this year. “Your emotions are going to be a rollercoaster” or something to that effect, those words have got me through some emotionally difficult times during this MA.
Still playing catchup, finishing off 7 day picture a day. Started my Instagram this week. It was up, however did not know how to post, but figured it out, so no I have been posting on Instagram. It’s much better than I thought and am enjoying it very much. https://www.instagram.com/streets2studio/
Module Leader Office with Anna was very informative. Spoke about a lot of things, mainly how to get from small time to big time and her advice was spot on, and need to change my approach. Anna stressed how important Instagram is, so figured I may was well dive in. I did, and very happy about that. Looking forward to the next MLO with Anna.
Finally met with Krishna to-day for the first time. Had the opportunity to listen to past recordings. I am pleased to have he as my Tutor and feel it’s a very good fit. Still have some issues with the FMP, in terms of finding a thread through the work. I am and have been very opposed to telling a story with photographs, especially with abstract work. However, as I have learned in past modules, the very thing I oppose has been a hinderance in going forward with my practice, and once I had overcome them (appropriation and refusing to talk about my work) things started to open up. So, maybe I need to address this story telling issue as well and see if thats not what is the cause of my moving forward with the FMP. In the past two modules, I did not achieve a uniformity of images, or a series. They were very one of a kind, I felt I crossed the threshold, but stopped right there. This module I will make a series of images, good, bad or indifferent. I will see what the outcome is after the process instead of shutting down before, or freezing at the gate.
Week one was a slow week for me MA wise. I was on a film as a Camera-Operator for that whole week. Working 12hrs a day, plus travel, ended up 16 hr days. So could not do any work on the MA that week as far as the activities were concerned. Got to work with Tatum O’Neal (Paper Moon) and Peter Jason (48 Hours) so that was nice.
Looked at the recording of the Module Leaders Office hour, found the group to be rather upset at the activity for the week, because they found it too easy and being a seven day activity could not fit into the week. I am glad I missed that, and am working on it now in Week-3.
Sometimes I have lagged behind, mainly due to my day job and other work commitments but work extra hard down the road to make and catch up which I am doing now in week three. So far I have photographed 4 days of the 7 and will finish the activity up and post it when done.

domain: hobby


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“When we tell our stories, when we listen to others’ stories, we are practising a form of acceptance.” This memorable line particularly shines in Matthew Wilkinson’s tense two-hander exploring forgiveness and acceptance in the aftermath of a tragedy, as well as our ability to empathise as spectators in both the theatre and the public sphere. A Russian architect loses his wife, son and daughter in a plane collision. Searching for justice and frustrated by the refusal of everyone else to assign responsibility, he decides to take the law into his own hands.
Cal MacAninch has drawn the most attention for his performance of Nikolai Koslov, the wronged and then wrongdoing architect. Inscrutability itself, his enigmatic performance gives nothing away. More revealing is the care he shows in his evocative mime work. The heaviness with which he carries his daughter’s corpse is breathtaking, sensitive work which tells us more than he ever does himself. This is a performance that we never quite see inside, and which is all the more compelling for it.
However, MacAninch is undoubtedly outshined by the extraordinary Thusitha Jayasundera. Playing every other role in the production, from Koslov’s wife Marya, to a young child, to Koslov’s distraught sister-in-law, her shifting selves are utterly uncanny and brilliantly drawn. A particular highlight is the wife of Koslov’s victim – through which, the central paradigm shift of the piece is told through a vivid monologue of domestic banality. This is the best performance I have seen at the Fringe, and potentially the best multi-roleplaying I have seen in the theatre to date.
Jayasundera’s versatility helps to imbue an uneven script with a more significant meaning. Her ability to become anyone is crucial to the play’s tension, as who she becomes will determine where the plot goes next. When Koslov becomes paranoid about retribution, his fears are well founded or at least felt equally by the audience, as everyone has the same face. Jayasundera’s performance and Wilkinson’s direction create a purgatorial psychodrama where Koslov will never escape his wife or his victim – as he tells a fellow victim, “I see Marya in everyone I see.” This is reflected in a script which subtly shifts in time and perspective whilst maintaining a delicate structure of symbolic motifs.
The play has its flaws – there is an especially slow first act, and Koslov’s inscrutability becomes alienating in the script’s weaker moments. However, the piece is elevated by its powerful performances – especially Jayasundera’s star turn as a one-woman ensemble.

domain: artistic


(TNS) — The Tarrant Appraisal District’s website was down for a few hours Thursday after a “network disruption,” and the district is working with leading, independent cybersecurity experts to assess the issue, officials told The Dallas Morning News.
In a statement Thursday afternoon, Tarrant chief appraiser Joe Don Bobbitt said his office does not believe that sensitive data was affected by the incident.
“Our investigation into the matter remains ongoing,” he said. “However, at this time, we do not have reason to believe sensitive information was involved. If that determination changes, we will take appropriate steps to notify those involved.”
Bobbitt said the district became aware of the “network disruption” Thursday and initiated an investigation. It’s unclear what caused the disruption. The district would not say if it reported the incident to law enforcement agencies. Attempts to contact the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office before publication were not returned.
At 11:56 a.m., the website’s homepage simply read “hello world.” By 2 p.m., the website was back up and functioning. IT staff were able to isolate the website problem and restore it. Staff are working to restore phone and email access. The district’s office is still open in a limited capacity, but the appraisal software is not online yet, Bobbitt said.
“TAD has invested significant time and resources into our systems and practices to ensure we are appropriately protecting our network and data. Our investigation is ongoing in an effort to determine how this occurred,” he said.
The district launched its new website last week after a database error caused its old site to crash. Bobbitt told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram last week that the district hired a third party to investigate the potential breach of taxpayer information.
The district was the victim of a cyber attack in 2022, but an investigation found no taxpayer information compromised.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported ransomware incidents were on the rise in 2023 with over 2,825 complaints reported. That’s an 18 percent increase from 2022. Reported losses rose 74 percent, from $34.3 million to $59.6 million.
Several entities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area have been affected by recent data security breaches.
Nearly 2,100 people were affected by a breach that included medical and health insurance information, addresses, and dates of birth at UT Southwestern Medical Center earlier this month.
In October, hackers with the cyber criminal group ‘Play’ accessed Dallas County’s network. While the county’s cybersecurity detected and kicked the hackers [out] before they shut down the system, the group was able steal data — mostly criminal case information accessible through public records requests — and posted it on the dark web.
Last year, hackers with the group Royal targeted the city of Dallas, resulting in a data breach that affected more than 30,000 people. The City Council voted in August to set aside $8.6 million to pay vendors for hardware, software, incident response, and consulting services in response to the ransomware attack.
The Tarrant Appraisal District is responsible for property tax appraisal and exemption administration in Tarrant County.
“At this time, we are limited in the information we can provide,” Bobbitt said. “We understand that not immediately having all the facts may be frustrating, but we need time to work through this with the specialist teams we have engaged.”
©2024 The Dallas Morning News, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


The mantra of climate change "reduce and reuse" implies a drastic shift from consumerist lifestyles the modern world has provided for people and can often end in the "too-hard basket".
To break down barriers, resourceful Kiwis have done some of the hard yards and can help those who are keen to do their bit.
A dedicated couple from Kerikeri, Rolf Mueller-Glodde and Inge Bremer, are the driving force behind a carbon calculator to help people understand their household emissions.
It takes about 30 minutes to fill in the calculator on their Carbon Neutral Trust Kerikeri website and will take into account household waste, transport and energy.
The household emissions will then be offset by the carbon that is absorbed by the user's property – for example, through trees.
"We aim to show people what they can do. To do that you need to have the basis to understand what your carbon footprint is," Mueller-Glodde said.
In 2018, Mueller-Glodde and Bremer founded the Carbon Neutral Trust Kerikeri together with Lindsay Jeffs, Kevin Lewis and Lynda Jeffs from Waiheke Island.
Initially, they planned to encourage Kerikeri and Waiheke Island to become carbon neutral.
That goal has been put on the back burner. Instead, the trust is focusing on getting communities and organisations nationwide to use their award-winning carbon calculator.
They now have over 1000 participants.
Mueller-Glodde said other carbon calculators would ask for too many personal data including household income, which he "would be hesitant to mention and probably other people as well – it's private".
Apart from being free, anonymous and easy to use, Mueller-Glodde said the most distinguishing feature was that it takes carbon sequestration into account.
"The calculator asks information around how many trees are in your garden, how big is your property and whether you compost. All that sequesters your net carbon footprint. As far as we know, we're the only calculator that does that."
Bremer added it was based on an idea from Ken Ross, Far North District Council community development adviser, who suggested that Kerikeri could become carbon neutral if its carbon sequestering vegetation is taken into account.
After completing the calculator, users can compare their profile with the carbon footprint of their community. The tool also helps participants to compute how to reduce their carbon footprint.
"The beauty of the system is that for the first time, you can get a grip of your emissions."
Bremer said households can't relate to the Government's reports on New Zealand's total emissions.
She believed if people are being made aware of how much greenhouse gas their land and garden can offset, they would be more motivated to look after vegetation and plant new trees.
Once households have a clearer picture of their carbon footprint, there are options to reduce emissions.
While tackling transport and energy emissions might be a long-term project for families, many could immediately reduce their emissions by cutting waste.
Hannah Blumhardt and Liam Prince from Wellington made the life-changing decision to ditch their rubbish bin in 2015, and have since toured the country to explain how living without waste is possible.
On their website The Rubbish Trip, the pair have published an in-depth guide for Northlanders on how to shop more environmentally friendly.
"The biggest thing that people can do to reduce their waste, if they're not doing anything already, is to organic waste out of the rubbish bin," Blumhardt explained.
"The single biggest proportion of a household rubbish bin is food scraps."
It makes up 30-50 per cent for Kiwi families.
"It has a climate impact because it goes to landfill and in the landfill there is no oxygen – it's an anaerobic environment and when food waste breaks down in an anaerobic environment, it produces methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas," Blumhardt said.
To stop organic waste from going to landfill, households can set up a compost bin, worm farm or bokashi composter.
Bokashi bins "pickle" food waste, unlike traditional composting where waste is allowed to decay.
There is also a compost collective, ShareWaste, which "is like Tinder for food scraps", Blumhardt said.
"It links you up with people in your community – maybe someone down the road who has got a compost and they have enlisted themselves and allow you to compost."
The Far North has a compost collective called Compost Connection, run through CBEC EcoSolution, which is setting up community composting sites.
Councils nationwide have either trialled or at least considered organic waste collection, but it's often deemed to be unpopular and expensive.
Whangārei District Council solid waste engineer David Lindsay said it would cost $2 million a year to introduce organic waste collection in the district and uptake is not expected to be high based on experience by other councils.
"People who would use the service are probably already composting in their backyard."
If households decide that composting isn't enough to reduce their waste, changing shopping habits is next on the list.
This requires bigger-picture thinking: Prince says we often don't take into account all the emissions that have been released to get the products we use daily.
Supply chains are connected to a series of emissions starting with the extraction of resources from the earth, to turning them into products and shipping them around the world.
"Some studies have shown that as much as 45 per cent global emissions come from making products. We're not doing so well in accounting for these emissions."
Every time we don't consume, buy second-hand or fix something that is broken instead of buying new, we're avoiding all of those emissions.
Reducing consumption stops putting pressure on the production demand.
Blumhardt said it was a common misconception that shopping environmentally conscious is more time-consuming than the classic supermarket visit.
"The thing that's time-consuming is changing habits. People are used to going to the supermarket, they know how it works, they are used to the products you get at the supermarket. Changing that is stressful."
Blumhardt recognised that people are time poor and zero-waste shopping can seem inconvenient.
But "convenience means we shop more inefficiently, more often".
That being said, shopping eco-conscious in the supermarket is also possible, but "you'll spend more money", Blumhardt said.
"The trick is to stay on the outside perimeter of the supermarket and not to go down the aisles. Stick to your fresh fruit and veg, the bakery section (bring bags), the deli (bring containers) and the bulk bin aisles (bring bags)."
Prince said it was wrong to assume that produce in a packet is more expensive than local and unpackaged goods.
Another eco-trap are compostable single-use bags from the fresh-produce aisles. Bringing fabric bags is more environmentally friendly.
Prince explained while they are certified to break down in an industrial compost (which do not exist in New Zealand), they are mostly going to landfill and produce methane.
The compostable bags are among several items the Government has committed to phase out by 2025 to be replaced by more environmentally friendly options.
The list also includes: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) food packaging; plastic cotton buds, produce labels, straws, cutlery, drink stirrers and plates.
The Government is yet to decide on two other big polluters: coffee cups and wet wipes.
For Blumhardt and Prince, reducing waste is only one side of the coin. Reducing consumption and extending the lifetime of household items by reusing and repairing them is also important.
Tool and toy libraries as well as car rental and car sharing can open access to high-quality services and products for everyone. Renting high-end-brand clothes is also becoming increasingly popular.
Repair cafes offer expertise, community and know-how around fixing household items.
Kiwis pride themselves with ingenuity and enhancing skills around mending and extending the life of items can open up connections to others.
For Blumhardt and Prince, reducing their waste has been the "most exciting and fulfilling" change in their lives.
• The charitable Carbon Neutral NZ Trust is offering tree gift certificates as virtual Christmas gifts to support the community planting of native trees at the Wairoa Stream in Kerikeri.
Friday: How to encourage climate action
Yesterday: Niwa scientists predict Northland's climate
Today: How can we help?
Tomorrow: What are our councils doing?
Thursday: How we can fight for climate justice
Friday: How to take industry into a sustainable future
Saturday: Regenerative farming and growing techniques
Monday: The future generation


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The House and Senate convene today at noon and 3 p.m., respectively.
Votes. The chamber will take up a series of measures to expand and improve access to Health Savings Accounts – see the full list here. Other noteworthy bills to be considered this week include:
- H.R. 3500 – the Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act would prohibit the IRS from rehiring any former employees that were terminated for misconduct.
- S. 1182 – a bill that would extend the National Flood Insurance Program through Nov. 30, 2018.
- H.R. 184 – a bill that would repeal the medical device tax.
FY 2019 Defense Authorization (NDAA). The NDAA conference report may receive floor consideration this week. The conference report is expected to contain language to update operations at the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.
Tax Cuts 2.0. Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) is expected to unveil an outline of the GOP’s second tax-cut package before the chamber departs for August recess. The centerpiece of the package will focus on making permanent the individual tax cuts enacted in 2017.
Section 232 Hearing. The Ways and Means Committee will hold a subcommittee hearing on Tuesday to discuss the product exclusion process for Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Vote. The chamber will vote today on the nomination of Robert L. Wilkie to be the secretary of veterans affairs.
FY 2019 Appropriations. Senators will begin consideration of H.R. 6147 – the second “minibus” spending package that includes funding for Financial Services, Interior-EPA, Transportation-HUD, and Agriculture.
FAA Authorization. Potential amendments to the Senate’s 2018 FAA reauthorization bill are still undergoing review this week. The goal is to take up the measure the week of July 30.
Tax Administration Hearing. The Senate Finance Committee will hold a subcommittee hearing Thursday on improving tax administration and oversight at the IRS.
Key Hearings and Meetings
- Senate Agriculture Committee. Hearing to examine the nominations of Dan Michael Berkovitz to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and James E. Hubbard to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Environment.
- Senate Banking Committee. Hearing to examine the nominations of Elad L. Roisman to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Michael R. Bright to be President, Government National Mortgage Association, and Rae Oliver to be Inspector General, both of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Dino Falaschetti to be Director, Office of Financial Research, Department of the Treasury.
- House Ways and Means Committee. Subcommittee hearing on “Product Exclusion Process for Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum.”
- House Judiciary Committee. Hearing on the Wayfair decision and its ramifications for consumers and small businesses.
- House Education and Workforce Committee. Hearing on H.R. 4219, Workflex in the 21st Century Act.
- FDIC. 2018 Joint Mutual Forum with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The intent of the forum is to promote the operations of mutual depository institutions and discuss industry trends. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with executives from other mutual organizations, as well as hear from senior management of the FDIC and the OCC.
- House Small Business Committee. Hearing on the tax law’s impact on Main Street.
- Senate Finance Committee. Hearing to consider the nominations of Justin Muzinich to be deputy secretary of the Treasury and Michael Desmond to be chief counsel for the IRS and an assistant general counsel at the Department of the Treasury.
- Senate Finance Committee. Subcommittee hearing on “Taxation and IRS Oversight: Improving Tax Administration Today.”

domain: news


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Dec 20, 2013, 10:51 PM EST
When the Nets played the Sixers just four days ago in Brooklyn, they won by 36 points and honestly, the game wasn’t even that close.
Things were different Friday night in Philadelphia, however, and it had everything to do with the available personnel.
Kevin Garnett took this game off as a day of rest, and Joe Johnson missed it for personal reasons. Add those absences to the fact that Philadelphia got Michael Carter-Williams back in the lineup after missing the last seven games, and we got a much more competitive contest that required overtime to be decided.
The Sixers got the win this time, thanks to a shot from Evan Turner at the overtime buzzer that ultimately found its way home. Paul Pierce hit a huge three on the prior possession, and appeared to be in position to take a charge on Turner before the shot was released. But it’s better to contest shots like this than to try to wait for a call from the official, because with the game on the line, unless something blatant and egregious occurs, that whistle isn’t likely to come.
- Report: Sixers engaged in buyout talks with JaVale McGee 14
- Bulls’ Jimmy Butler leaves with elbow injury, does not return (VIDEO) 0
- Adam Silver says data may prove Gregg Popovich right in terms of resting multiple players 7
- Rockets general manager Daryl Morey proposes loosening NBA trade rules 6
- Derrick Rose starts rehab, in “good spirits” after knee surgery 11
- Russell Westbrook undergoes procedure to address cheek fracture, will be re-evaluated next week 6
- Russell Westbrook takes knee to face, it leaves dent (VIDEO) 15
- Former All-Star, popular Knick Anthony Mason dies at age 48 16


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Who ruled the world timeline?
The Ancient World
|2000-1000 BC||1000 BC-0|
|Mesopotamian civilization ca. 3500-550 BC||inter-Persian|
|Egyptian civilization ca. 3000-550 BC||Ptolemaic|
|Indus civilization ca. 2500-1500 BC||Vedic age ca. 1500-500 BC||Indian kingdom age ca. 500 BC-1200 AD|
|ancient China (Xia > Shang > Western Zhou > Han) ca. 2000 BC-500 AD|
What’s the history of the world?
The history of the world (also called human history) is the study of what the entire human race did in the past. It includes the time from prehistory to the present day.
How old is the oldest world map?
Imago Mundi – British Museum, London, UK More commonly known as the Babylonian Map of the World, the Imago Mundi is considered the oldest surviving world map. It is currently on display at the British Museum in London. It dates back to between 700 and 500 BC and was found in a town called Sippar in Iraq.
Which is the oldest civilization in the world?
Mesopotamian civilization is world’s recorded oldest civilization. This article combines some basic yet amazing fact on Mesopotamian civilisation. Mesopotamian cities started to develop in the 5000 BCE initially from the southern parts.
What is the oldest empire in history?
Akkadia was the world’s first empire. It was established in Mesopotamia around 4,300 years ago after its ruler, Sargon of Akkad, united a series of independent city states. Akkadian influence spanned along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers from what is now southern Iraq, through to Syria and Turkey.
Who created maps?
Greek academic Anaximander is believed to have created the first world map in 6th century BC. Anaximander reportedly believed that Earth was shaped like a cylinder, and that humans lived on the flat, top portion.
Who prepared the first atlas?
Abraham Ortelius is a key figure in the history of human knowledge. He is known as the inventor of the atlas – a book bringing maps together in one format and with the same display – and was the first person to discover continental drift.

domain: library


Solange on the Third Ward: 'It'll Always Be in My Work'
Two days after the surprise drop of When I Get Home, Solange Knowles orchestrated a Houston-spanning album release that revealed her project’s deep personal significance.
Solange selected nine locations based on their meaning in her life and for the black community writ large. Institutions like the Ensemble Theatre and Project Row Houses stood out as obvious venues for the artist to debut her film, but Sunday’s sold-out crowds were also directed to Unity National Bank—the first black-owned bank in Texas—and Texan Tire & Wheel, ground zero for so much of the city's ubiquitous slab culture. Solange appeared herself for a post-screening talk at the SHAPE Community Center.
In conversation with writer/curator Antwaun Sargent, the artist explained how she embarked on the project in a rented Third Ward house “off Wichita” where she quietly reacquainted herself with the Houston of her youth. The end result? A 19-track album she called an “exploration of origin,” something that offers a “snapshot” of herself and her place in the world. And unlike her previous record, this project is meant to be experienced as much as it's supposed to be heard.
“With A Seat at the Table, I had so much to say,” Knowles said. “With this album, I have so much to feel—I have so, so much to feel."
Inspired by Steve Reich, Alice Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, and Sun Ra, repetition became her primary mode of exploration. She would obsess for days over a single drum beat, and trancelike improv sessions with members of her high school jazz band laid the foundation for many of the tracks. Twenty-minute demos were ultimately whittled down to mostly sub-three-minute tracks, polished to a point where Solange dedicated an estimated 80 percent of her creative efforts to production and editing. “Words would've been reductive to what I needed to feel and express,” she told the crowd. “It's in the sonics for me.”
That’s to say nothing of the visuals, of course, which arrive onscreen as a postmodern fantasia that heightens the mundane Houston setting to a dreamlike realm. The When I Get Home film opens inside the Rothko Chapel before sliding into shots of black cowboys galloping down Third Ward streets. Camera lenses stare out downtown skyscrapers, where Solange reclines in snakeskin stiletto boots. Dramatic rodeo scenes punctuate found YouTube footage—motivational clips and mantras—and Photobooth videos show private moments of the artist twerking in various states of dress and undress.
Later in the talk, Solange addressed the film's prominent yeehaw imagery, which sought to push back against the lily-white stereotypes of the American cowboy. For Knowles, black cowboys “off Almeda road” were simply what she knew growing up, and what her Houston friends continue to experience today. There aren’t two ways about it for Knowles: “I don't know who John Wayne is, I don't know what his story is—I really don't.”
Reasserting this strand of black history into the culture was an explicit part of her ambition. She was also thinking about legacy with the project, of how to transmit some schematic of what black art might look like for future generations of girls growing up in the Third Ward—to have something for those girls to point to as a piece of culture created by someone like them. That huge, arena-like sculpture present throughout the film? She wanted to create a monumental icon that would live on to inspire others.
Most of all, she said she wanted to capture her truth.
“To have something out in the world that feels like a true reflection of who I am, the things that I love to listen to, the things that I love to experience as sort of a snapshot of myself at this present time...That feels so good,” Knowles said.
Yet her gratitude for the Third Ward—for Houston—rose above all else. The 32-year-old remembered her childhood days at the Ensemble Theatre, where she starred as Glinda the Good Witch in The Wiz. She mused about the unrelenting joy of landing at IAH, getting in the car, and tuning the radio to 97.9. Hell, she said she was even grateful for Sunday, when Paul Wall picked her up in a slab to take her to this event, where Bun B and Miss Tina and at least a dozen folks in cowboy hats were nodding their heads in affirmation.
“This is who I am,” Knowles said of her neighborhood. “I don't even have to say it or express it—it's just a part of me, it'll always be in my work.”
You can stream the When I Get Home film now on Apple Music; audio streaming everywhere.


PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN; SHERIFF'S OFFICE RESPONDS TO ARKANSAS' ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION ON ACT 746
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Major Lafayette Woods, Jr.
Operation Commander/Public Information Officer
PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN; SHERIFF’S OFFICE RESPONDS TO ARKANSAS’ ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION ON ACT 746: Jefferson County, Arkansas – August 31, 2015- The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office calls Act 746 divisive following the recent opinion rendered by Arkansas’ Attorney General, Leslie Rutledge on Act 746, which the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office calls divisive, has seemed to draw even more concern for the safety of the public.
In 2013 Arkansas lawmakers passed Act 746 sponsored by State Representative Denny Altes (R) of Fort Smith, AR. There has been much controversy over the wording of Act 746. “The impetus behind Act 746 seemed to be merely a work around to an already failed open-carry bill sponsored by then State Representative Sue Scott (R) of Rogers, AR. The measure was deceptive to say the least. With previous failed attempts to pass an outright open-carry bill, it was clear to legislators and their constituents that such a measure would not be good for the State of Arkansas for more than one reason.”
“From a law enforcement prospective, Act 746 and/or related proposals to allow open carry in Arkansas is unnecessary, redundant, not well thought out, and could lead to dire unintended consequences for Arkansas citizens and visitors to the state. To put more guns into the hands of more people is an invitation to chaos, especially given the disparity in who will be armed and who won’t.”
“Now that Attorney General for the State of Arkansas has opined that one can open-carry a weapon just so long as he or she does not possess a handgun, knife, or club on or about his or her person, in a vehicle occupied by him or her, or otherwise readily available for use with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ the handgun, knife, or club as a weapon against a person, the baseline question is whether those who will be armed will be trustworthy with their advantage over the unarmed.
Open carry can be unsafe, intimidating, and potentially dangerous, especially given that there are no provisions for proper administration, controls, and protections for the public. Many first-time carriers will also be untrained in retaining control of their own weapons and may make it possible for others to grab their guns and use them against innocent bystanders. Guns kill the innocent and the guilty equally. When the smoke settles, the dead have no voice.”
“Open carry predicates a well-balanced and rational society in an era when reality suggests differently. Guns consistently factor into these equations in Arkansas, where domestic violence and gun-related homicides in Arkansas is epidemic. As it relates to gun-related homicides, Arkansas is among the highest rates nationwide in 2011.”
“As the chief law enforcement agency in Jefferson County, we are fearful of the consequences of allowing people to open carry, out of a concern about not knowing who is the good guy or the bad guy in the midst of a violent encounter. Many law enforcement and community’s at large view carrying of any type of weapon, openly or concealed, as a threat to their well-being and public safety.”
Since the passing of Act 746, we have seen the “open carry” debate become increasingly uncivil and, in some cases, even threatening. On Saturday, February 15, 2014, Pro-gun activists of Arkansas Carry used Pine Bluff, AR as a political stage through a march downtown that did nothing more than deliberately try to inflame the public and provoke a response from law enforcement. One supporter even “called out” our agency in a challenging tone.
“Arkansas should never again become a venue for old-style, wild wild west. We have enough rodeos in which to seek to recapture that era. The Second Amendment's guarantee of the right to bear arms being uninfringed evolved early in our country's history over concerns about subjection to rule by another country. The popularity of Second Amendment rights today appears to evolve from activists' concerns about violence and wanting to be able to defend against violence. However, people who choose to live in peace also have the right not to be exposed to weapons and violence. Legislation must balance protection of the rights of all.
The solution to concerns about violence is better and more effectively achieved through policy initiatives that address the sources of our wounds such as poverty, obesity, smoking, addiction, mental illness, and health disparity, to name a few. When we focus on and get these areas right, we will have achieved great strides toward reducing the conditions that perpetuate violence in society.”


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A well-connected and efficient transport system is detrimental to the growth of an economy of the region or a country. Moreover, a fluid road system is an integral part of the transportation system due to which, a significant amount of resources are allocated for building and refurbishing new road systems. While infrastructure development projects continue to garner significant momentum particularly in the developing regions, including Asia Pacific and Latin America, and with it, removal of old asphalt surfaces and pavement to attain an even surface gained pace. As a result, the demand for cold milling machines has witnessed a considerable surge in the past few years and the trend is set to continue in the next few years.
Apart from abundant opportunities in developing regions, developed regions such as North America and Europe will also provide lucrative growth opportunities for players involved in the cold milling machine market. As governments across the world continue to emphasize on improving the quality of roads and on its maintenance, the demand for cold milling machines is expected to witness significant growth in the upcoming years. Companies operating in the current cold milling machine market are expected to utilize new technologies to enhance the performance of their machines, quality of milling, and simultaneously minimizing the operating costs. In addition, several key participants operating in the current cold milling machine market are likely to upgrade their existing range of cold milling machines with new and improved technologies. Thus, the global cold milling machine market is expected to reach ~US$ 1.5 Bn by 2027.
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High Deployment of Cold Milling Machines for Concrete and Asphalt Roads
The cold milling process is the first step for roadways or traffic rehabilitation. The speed and efficiency provided by cold milling machines for the removal of concrete as well as asphalt surfaces is a major factor that is projected to drive the cold milling machine market. Moreover, the overall condition of the milled surface has a major influence on the quality of the surface, which needs to be paved, the quality of services, and the economics of the entire project.
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The cold milling process also affects the construction process when the structure of the pavement is removed. The demand for cold milling machines for asphalt roads is anticipated to be considerably higher than that for concrete roads. In addition, as asphalt roads are easier to repair and maintain, the demand for cold milling machines for asphalt roads will remain higher. However, due to significant rise in the construction of concrete roads across developing nations, including India, China, and Malaysia, the uptake of cold milling machines for concrete roads is witnessing a gradual growth. Companies involved in the current market for cold milling machines are also likely to eye projects wherein replacement of damaged layer of roads and roadways is required using surface recovery techniques. The adoption of surface recovery techniques is on the rise, as this process is faster and highly efficient due to the progress in the functionalities of modern milling machines.
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Increase in Vehicular Traffic and Focus on Repairing Aging Pavements to Drive Market Growth
The global cold milling machine market is expected to witness steady growth in the upcoming years, as governments across the world continue to invest funds to upgrade old and aging pavements. Companies in the cold milling machine market should formulate effective marketing models to gain a competitive edge in the largely consolidated market landscape. Some of the key factors that stakeholders in the cold milling machine market are expected to focus on include cutter drum, size, horsepower, local size, and weight restrictions during the deployment of these machines for different applications. In addition, companies are likely to focus on improving the overall performance of their machines and minimize the maintenance costs of their products. The significant growth of vehicular traffic worldwide is projected to increase the construction of new road systems, which, in turn, will create significant demand for cold milling machines during the forecast period.
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domain: geography


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Mukkani is a small village in the Srivaikundam Taluka of the Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) district in Tamil Nadu. A beautiful village, it has Thimraparani River flowing through it which makes for a great visual treat. The place serves as a classic example of rural life, where time slows down.
Places to Stay
There are not many hotels in Mukkani. However one can find dharamshalas there. Thoothukudi (20 km) has hotels like Soma Hotel (Tariff – Rs. 400), Chitra Hotel (Tariff – Rs. 300), and Ram Hotel (Tariff – Rs. 200).
Tamil is the official language of Mukkani.
Apart from the generic festivals, a 4 day harvest festival called Makar Sangkranti or Pongal is considered important here. There are many festivals for local gods like Maariyamman, the goddess of rain.
Places of Interest
Apart from the beautiful nature trails, there are many places to visit. About 36 km away is the coastal village of Manapad famous for its Holy Cross Church. Around 100 km away is Kalugumalai, famous for rock cut Jain cave temple.
How to Get There
The nearest airport to Mukkani is the Tuticorin Airport.
Tuticorin Railway Junction (23 km) is the nearest station. One can check IRCTC for further details.
Local and private bus operators like Komitla Buses provide bus services to ferry passengers. Avail of bus ticket offer when you book your tickets through Ticketgoose.com.


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As you begin the journey of planning your dream wedding, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the perfect wedding dress. And at the heart of that decision is choosing the right fabric. The fabric you choose can have a major impact on the overall look and feel of your dress. It can determine how comfortable you are on your big day and how well your dress holds up throughout the festivities. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But don't worry, we're here to help! In this post, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the perfect fabric for your custom-made wedding dress.
Let's start with one of the most popular fabric choices for wedding dresses: silk. Silk is known for its luxurious feel and ability to drape beautifully. It's available in a range of types, including satin and chiffon. Satin is a shiny, smooth fabric that's perfect for creating a classic, elegant look. Chiffon, on the other hand, is a lightweight, sheer fabric that's perfect for creating a flowy, romantic look. Some popular styles that use silk include A-line, ballgown, and sheath dresses.
If you're looking for a fabric that adds a touch of romance to your dress, lace is the perfect choice. Lace has been a popular choice for wedding dresses for centuries and remains a timeless option today. There are many types of lace, including Chantilly and Alençon. Chantilly lace is delicate and features a floral pattern, while Alençon lace is a bit sturdier and features a more intricate design. Lace can be used in a variety of ways, from a full lace overlay to delicate accents on a bodice or sleeves. Some popular styles that use lace include mermaid, trumpet, and boho dresses.
Tulle is a dreamy, ethereal fabric that's perfect for creating a whimsical, romantic look. It's a lightweight fabric that can be layered to create volume and movement. English net tulle is a bit stiffer and creates a more structured look, while illusion tulle is softer and more delicate. Tulle can be used to create a variety of styles, from full, voluminous ballgowns to delicate, airy skirts. Some popular styles that use tulle include ballgown, A-line, and tea-length dresses.
Organza is a crisp, lightweight fabric that creates a structured, polished look. It's available in a range of types, including silk and polyester. Silk organza is more expensive but has a luxurious feel, while polyester organza is more affordable but still creates a beautiful look. Organza can be used to create a variety of styles, from structured ballgowns to delicate overlays. Some popular styles that use organza include ballgown, A-line, and mermaid dresses. Designers like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera are known for their stunning organza creations.
While silk, lace, tulle, and organza are some of the most popular fabrics for custom-made wedding dresses, there are plenty of other options to consider as well. One such option is crepe, which is a soft and lightweight fabric that drapes beautifully. Crepe is often used for sheath or column-style dresses, as it hugs the body's curves and creates a sleek, sophisticated look.
Another option is velvet, which is a luxurious and elegant fabric that adds texture and dimension to a dress. Velvet can be used as an accent fabric or as the main fabric for a winter wedding dress. Satin-faced organza is another fabric option that combines the crispness of organza with the softness of satin. This fabric is perfect for creating a structured look while still maintaining a touch of romance.
When considering other fabric options, it's important to think about the characteristics of each and how they will work with your dress design. For example, if you're looking for a flowy, ethereal look, you may want to consider chiffon. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more structured look, crepe may be a better option. Consider the season, venue, and theme of your wedding as well when choosing your fabric.
Choosing the perfect fabric for your custom-made wedding dress is a crucial part of the process. The fabric you choose will impact the look and feel of your dress, and it's important to take your time and consider all of your options. Whether you opt for the classic elegance of silk, the romantic touch of lace, the dreamy quality of tulle, the structured look of organza, or another fabric altogether, make sure it's one that speaks to your personal style and suits your wedding theme and season.
With careful consideration and expert guidance, you'll be sure to choose the perfect fabric for your custom-made wedding dress and walk down the aisle feeling confident and beautiful.
Contact our team at email@example.com if you need help choosing the perfect fabric for your dream dress.


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We are officially rolling out a new series on spotlighting local organizations and activists. Our first feature is on the Backpack Brigade.
This week we’re taking the shift in a different direction with geography. Instead of starting with a place and somebody telling a story related to that place we’re taking a look at the whole landscape of Seattle.
We are spotlighting the Backpack Brigade, a local nonprofit that works to solve local hunger crisis for children in Seattle that are homeless or in transitional housing situations. The Backpack Brigade started in one school and now serves 23 in the entire Seattle School District. There are only 8 schools not served. Funding for Backpack Brigade comes from the McKinney-Vento Act, a federal law that provides funding to homeless shelters and programs, including homeless children. The org takes a pervasive approach to addressing the homeless issue; geographic boundaries are simply a corollary of the objective to solve homeless youth hunger in Seattle. The topic of youth hunger is highly misunderstood as well…
Let’s start by looking at a map of the Backpack Brigade’s service:
This map shows every single school in Seattle and how they are served by Backpack Brigade. Included is temporary annex locations, closed down, demolished, and more. The distribution of who is served is already determined by each school’s boundary. (There’s politics there, but we’re not getting into that today…) 3 other school districts have attempted to utilize Backpack Brigade as a resource.
Backpack Brigade works in a cooperative manner with 9 of other hunger-solving organizations. Nichelle Hilton, Executive Director and CEO of Backpack Brigade, walked me through the process of how the org was founded. Initially a “Food For Schools” project was operating in Seattle School District doing weekend hunger drives. Then a “Backpack Summit” was held to discuss how to target the local youth hunger and homeless crisis. The number of homeless children has more than tripled in Seattle in the last 4 years.
The organization puts together over 800 bags of food every week for children that are homeless, displaced, or in transitional housing. An average school year is 38 weeks so 800 x 38 = 30,400 bags for one year. “We’re so close to providing all of this to Seattle schools”. Need about $200,000 to $250,000 per year to operate.
Each bag contains 7 meals, 13 items: 3 dinners, 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts, 2 drinks, 2 pieces of fruit, 2 snacks, and a Hershey’s kiss 🙂 Bags are separately created for Cook and Non-Cook kids. Cook meals mean the child has access to a stove, pot, and can opener.
Determining who is served comes from each school’s family support worker and Fare Reduced Lunch program numbers. Monthly check-ins happen with the worker and numbers of kids on the Fare Reduced Lunch program.
Donations are widely needed. Online ordering isn’t possible because of the volume needed. Money donations will help the most at this point. What started as an operation running in the courtyard of the YWCA is now operating in a warehouse space in SODO/International District. There’s sorting, packing, and delivering – all positions can help!!
When Nichelle discusses getting funding for this program, she discusses the politics of getting involved with City Council members, City of Seattle public servants, and the politics that is often at play…as much as they’d like to help a noble cause there are different purposes being served by essentially “lobbyists”. People who have funded each public servant’s cause, what that funder’s motives are become some elected officials’ priorities. [money talks]. In my opinion this is where being an organization is more ideal; serving the true purpose(s) you’re passionate about.
It’s such a simple problem to solve yet we can’t get funding. However there are millions found for public murals and “cleanup”, tax breaks and incentives to bring businesses and developments to the city.
Can we tie this back to geography? While this isn’t quite done with a geographic issue, this is a layer of our map to Seattle that needs to be seen and understand. There are geographic problems on a magnitude sorts of scales. Looking at the Urban Landscape there are micro and macro lenses. I look at individual stories tied to a distinct boundary, landmark, location, neighborhood. THIS is something that’s attacking an issue on the larger front in the entire of city’s Seattle School District.
There are a lot of stories that are at bigger scales! Individualistic is not [always] enough. Macro is not enough. This is a serious problem that is not getting enough attention. Is that because the problem is too big, or too small??
I would argue that the stories that I’m sharing are overlooked because they’re too small. But here I’m presenting a problem on the massive scale, an entire city, and it’s also not being taken care of by our city. What’s the answer???
Nichelle shares some of her feelings about this passion project. When it comes to the issue of childhood homelessness “this is a hugely misunderstood subject”. People are always saying things like “This is the parents’ responsibility; why are the parents not responsible?” It’s not always the case that the parents don’t care, it’s actually more problems with transitional housing, or drugs—real problems, or they are working [to get out of dire situations] and they just can’t be there.
These problems require depth, and care, and compassion in order to understand and solve the problem. We can’t just give this blanket statement//these sweeping statements; assuming that a person/parent will always be in a “good” situation and can “properly” parent, i.e. be home to care and watch over and provide for a child…assuming this is the case is problematic. As exemplified with the problems Backpack Brigade is addressing. Let’s get into the nitty gritty details of that.
Want to Help? Are you free Friday mornings? 10am-12pm we need delivery drivers. If you have access to a car and are free during these times, come help us just deliver crates of food to a local school!.
On May 17th there’s a fundraising event happening at Homestreet Bank from 4 to 6 pm. Come donate your time, helping hands, and enjoy a raffle, food and drink, speaker.
$266. Think about this for a minute: $226 is all it takes to feed one child for an entire school year through the backpack brigade. For ~38 weeks a child gets a bag of food filled with 7 meals, which each cost $1. Each bag contains 3 dinners, 2 lunches, 2 breakfasts, 2 drinks, 2 pieces of fruit, 2 snacks, and 1 Hershey kiss of course. What have you spent $266 on recently?

domain: sociology


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Art in focus: July/August 2019
Self Portrait on the Edge of Loch Linnhe
Phill Hopkins, photograph
Here’s a beautiful shot of Loch Linnhe in Scotland. Look more closely. A shadow is cast across the rocks and water. The artist is present. Phill Hopkins employs photography, drawing, painting, and small-scale sculpture to examine the world of everyday experience. Many of the photographs in his Shadow-Self series, of which this is one, are humorous and reference contemporary art and artists. But in some, there are hints of a shadow side, of the hidden violence that permeates a media-driven society. Shadow-Self has been described as ‘deliberately ambiguous in [its] suggestion … that truth, including the “truth” of the self, moves, shape shifts and is never definite’. The sun is shining, the sea is blue, but who is this in the shadows?
Art in focus is curated by Meryl Doney
Photograph: ©Phill Hopkins. See more images from Shadow-Self at https://www.phill-hopkins.co.uk/section729064_738884.html
This article was published in the July/August 2019 edition of Reform


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A conversation with Matthew Swindells
The Cambridge Health Network is glad to welcome NHS England’s National Director for Operations and Information. Matthew Swindells has kindly agreed to speak to the Cambridge Health Network during their Autumn Programme. After completing the first year in his new position, Matthew will be discussing his journey. From his time as a young CEO in the NHS, working in one of the largest health tech companies in the world, his time at No 10, what brought him back into the NHS and where he sees his next steps.
Matthew will give his personal opinion on NHS policy and changes going forward, which will support an in depth and lively Q&A session before networking and canapés.
Unlike most of the Cambridge Health Network’s events, registration will begin at 5pm for a prompt 5:30pm start due to Matthew’s very busy schedule.
For more information please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team on email@example.com


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Top indian visa application Secrets
India was often on our around the world journey route, but Along with the complex visa course of action, we failed to Imagine it absolutely was likely to happen. Sending your passport to the embassy, figuring out our correct dates, publishing flight & resort documents, it absolutely was an extremely major inconvenience to Get the India Visa Ahead of they introduced India visa on arrival. November 2014 India executed Electronic Vacation Authorization (ETA) or Travel Visa On Arrival (TVoA), which enables citizens of forty three nations get more info
to acquire an Indian visa on arrival at 9 Indian airports.

domain: travel


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Stockton Center at Spring Grove
720 Ann Arbor Street
Architect: Mr. Oliver, Freeman Greer, AIA – 1872
Renovated – 2005 – Architect: Freeman Greer, AIA
This Victorian Italianate was constructed in 1872 for Colonel Thomas Stockton and his wife Maria. The original house structure is two stories on the east elevation built into a bluff, which allows for a lower level walkout to the west. The interior has original plaster detailing and wood floors. From 1921 to 1936 it served as the St. Joseph Hospital. It now operates as an office building and a small museum. After restoration it became listed on both the State and Local Historic Registers.
This program is sponsored by the Greater Flint Arts Council Share Art Genesee Grant Program made possible by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage funds. Your tax dollars are at work!

domain: history


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Colorado Springs Philharmonic wins $90,000 from Chapman Foundation to sponsor pops series
The Tulsa, Okla.-based Mary K. Chapman Foundation, which recently opened an office in Colorado Springs, has awarded the Philharmonic $90,000 to co-sponsor its pops program.
“The Chapman Foundation is new in town down here,” said Philharmonic marketing manager Nathan C. Willers. “They have recently been added to the mix and have only just started granting to local organizations, in addition to El Pomar and Bee Vrandenburg and some other larger foundations. So we’re not the first, but we’re one of the early ones and we’re awfully excited about the size of this grant.”
Willers said the Philharmonic had been seeking a sponsor for its pops program for awhile now and that the money is “a big deal to us.” The pops program this year includes everything from the music of Led Zeppelin, Broadway and “Casablanca” to selections from John Williams scores and Disney films. The $90,000 will be split up into $30,000 chunks over three seasons.
“They’re kind of the first big sponsor to come through for it, so all of it will go toward that,” Willers said.
The Philharmonic was looking for about $60,000 per year to sponsor its pops program, which is far less than it takes to produce and perform the series, so the Chapman grant covers half of that through 2015.
“It’s certainly not inconsequential and it’s going to make a big difference,” Willers said.


A House panel will present the Justice Department with evidence that specific people, possibly including former President Donald Trump, committed federal crimes in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
Jan. 6 committee chair Bennie Thompson, told reporters on Tuesday that the panel’s probe, one of the most politically sensitive in decades, was still working out details, but that it would recommend charges be brought. He declined to identify the charges or subjects the panel would recommend for prosecution.
Throughout the committee’s proceedings, members have made clear they hold Trump responsible for inciting the attack on the Capitol in an effort to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory.
“We have made decisions on criminal referrals,” Thompson said, without adding any additional detail. The panel was set to meet on Tuesday.
The charges may include perjury, the Mississippi Democrat said, also without providing any details. “Well, that’s part of the discussion. Yeah,” he said. Witnesses included White House staff and lawyers as well as law-enforcement and other witnesses to what was going on in the White House as hundreds of rioters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, to stop the US House from certifying the 2020 election.
Among other potential charges are criminal contempt of Congress, obstruction of justice, obstruction of an official government proceeding and conspiracy.
Also on Tuesday, law-enforcement members who battled the rioters were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.
The Justice Department is not obligated to follow recommendations of the committee, which spent months on the probe. A DOJ spokesman declined to respond to Thompson’s comment.
A jury last week convicted two leaders of the right-wing Oath Keepers group of seditious conspiracy, along with three other members on lesser charges. This week prosecutors will begin proceedings against four lower-level defendants tied to the organization.
A third trial is scheduled to start later this month against members of another right-wing group, the Proud Boys.
More than 900 people have been arrested for taking part in the assault. Of those, more than half have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial.