We do it without even thinking about it. We feel thirsty, go to the shop, buy a bottle of water, drink it, and then throw it away, perhaps into a bin with a recycling logo on it, perhaps not. Clever marketing and branding ploys have had subtle yet powerful effects on our behavior - so much so that we barely notice that the price of bottled water is extortionate. Bottled water is virtually (and sometimes literally) identical to the public water that flows from our taps, which we already pay for in federal taxes and utility bills.
The environmental costs and carbon footprint associated with bottled water are shocking. As we make the transition towards global sustainability, it is evident that the very notion of single-use bottles of water will come under scrutiny. To borrow the words of Elon Musk, bottled water is surely one of the “dumbest experiments in human history,” up there with our reckless penchant for burning fossil fuels. It is time we gave tap water an image overhaul. Here’s why.
The bottled water industry is massive. American citizens work their way through 50 million single-use disposable plastic water bottles every single year. The industry is so lucrative and successful, that annually it rakes in around $100 billion globally while global consumption rates increase 10 percent each year. Bottled water consumption levels in the US outstrip that of coffee, milk and juice, falling just behind beer and soda.
Corporations pump millions of dollars into marketing campaigns to make bottled water seem smart, sexy, and healthy, and to encourage you to impulsively spend hard-earned dollars on a conveniently cooled and on-hand beverage. This water comes at a markup of 240 – 10,000 times the cost of a glass of tap water paid for by your utilities and taxes. Meanwhile, these companies sustain a huge profit margin - up to 35% for convenience-sized bottles, and 60% for larger home and delivery containers. Bottled water is twice as profitable as soft drinks for those conglomerates like Coke, Nestle, and PepsiCo, who wield a huge monopoly over the industry.
Yet the costs of this wasteful water delivery system go unnoticed in the price tag. According to The Atlantic’s Derek Thompson, “for every dollar that you spend on a bottle of water… you’re spending about 43 cents in transportation costs. For every liter of bottled water that you drink, the production process consumes twice that much [water], so when you buy one liter of water, you’re actually paying for three.”
It can be quite hard to discern where the water in your bottle has come from. Some high-end bottlers have bought up the right to siphon off water from the planet’s ancient glaciers. Other bottlers use water from subterranean water sources, such as aquifers and springs. Yet perhaps the most surprising fact about the water bottle industry is that the majority of companies simply bottle up public water sources - water that would otherwise be streaming directly out of our taps. One study by the Food and Water Watch suggests up to 47.8% of bottled water comes from public sources.
These precious water systems which bottled water companies tap into feed our rivers and lakes, sustain our ecosystems, and shield us from drought. The water bottle industry is just one of the many water-intensive industries which put unsustainable pressure on our ever more limited fresh water supplies and further disrupt the complex harmonious cycles of the natural world. Scientists are not being flippant when they warn of drastic clean water shortages in the future exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
But are there any health benefits in drinking bottled water? Certainly, the bottled water industry would like you to think so. Many people are convinced that bottled water is of a higher quality, cleaner and better-tasting, but it’s not necessarily true.
Some water is simply glorified tap water, purified or radiated, and perhaps only 25% is genuinely fresh spring or mineral water. Besides, tap water is carefully regulated and tested by the federal government to ensure that it reaches stringent safety requirements. In most cases, tap water is perfectly safe to drink. In fact, according to Marion Nestle writing for The Atlantic, FDA safety and consumer protections for bottled water are "often less stringent than comparable EPA protections for tap water," and recalls of bottled water do happen, even if they don't hit media headlines.
In fact, the only major difference which generally exists between tap and bottled water is that federal tap water often has small amounts of fluoride in it, whereas bottled water tends to be fluoride free owing to purification processes. Depending on whether you believe fluoride is good for your teeth or an evil poison, that can be a good or bad thing.
According to the blind taste tests, tap water is indistinguishable from bottled water. While it is true that occasionally tap water may have a slightly funny flavor to it, most of the time that isn’t a sign that it is dangerous. In fact, contaminated water is generally something you can’t distinguish by taste. But if you are still suspicious of your faucets, it’s very easy to purify your water at home with a filter, which will normally eradicate any strange tastes as well.
The Plastic Problem
The final and perhaps most devastating impacts of bottled water are the plastic bottle itself and the sheer volume of oil used to transports these heavy loads across states, borders, and oceans. Yet the staggering scale of the problem is difficult to comprehend. 17 million barrels of oil per year are devoted to the production of water bottles – enough to fill one million cars for a year. To put that into perspective, if you placed all of the 30 billion plastic water bottles sold in America in 2011 back-to-back, they would stretch to the moon and back seven times.
Bottled water is one of the single biggest sources of plastic waste in the US, with tens of billions of bottles being thrown away each year and only a small fraction—up to 12%—of these being recycled. PET plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, and even efficient recycling systems still require inputs of resources.
Plastic bottles are literally choking up landfills, being incinerated, and contributing to the huge swathes of trash which float in our oceans. These floating landfills are having a devastating toxic effect on our oceans and exposing marine life to the nasty effect of bioaccumulation.
If the idea of the entire planet being smothered in plastic isn’t enough to deter you, the bottle itself may cause a health risk. Scientists have examined plastics such as BPA and PET, which are common plastic materials used for water bottles, and found concerning evidence suggesting that chemicals can leach from the plastic into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight or left in storage for a long time. These leached chemicals have been linked to cancer and hormone disruptions.
Whether or not you agree with the science, it’s still inadvisable to reuse plastic bottles. The safest option is to buy a reusable bottle, either a BPA-free plastic bottle or better yet a stainless steel water bottle which will last many years with no ill side effects.
Start Drinking Tap Water
Drinking tap water is a political act. As Alissa Walker writes in Gizmodo, “Drinking municipal tap water means connecting yourself to your local water system, where the goals are to think holistically about the conservation of natural resources, replenish local aquifers, and build a resilient infrastructure to distribute water to the public.”
Thankfully, it is also incredibly simple. Buy yourself a good quality filter for at home, and some reusable, stylish, portable stainless steel bottles. Refuse to buy single-use plastic bottles unless you’re absolutely desperate. If you’re traveling abroad, invest in one of the incredible devices out there on the market which will purify and decontaminate even the dirtiest of water. Unlike many consumer products, these items truly are investments – depending on your spending habits, you could save back the money you would otherwise have spent on bottled water in a matter of weeks.
Be proud to drink tap water. Be vocal about it and tell people. Get others on board to save the planet. And if your local tap water isn’t drinkable, launch a campaign to get your local authorities to clean up their act.


Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Throughout the month, MCPS schools will be celebrating the unique culture and traditions of students, teachers, staff and community members who trace their roots to Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean.
Hispanics and Latinos are the fastest growing ethnic group in MCPS, with 34 percent of the student population. MCPS resources to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month are available here.
Instead of starting celebrations on the first day of the month, Hispanic Heritage Month begins the third week of September each year.
While other countries like Chile commemorate their Independence Day on September 18, and Mexico celebrates it on September 16. Both dates fall within Hispanic Heritage Month.
We want all MCPS students, parents and staff to celebrate with us! Share a picture that represents your heritage and MCPS may feature it in a virtual gallery. Email pictures to firstname.lastname@example.org.


Knoxville and Maryville, TN
Many studies support the health benefits of breastfeeding your infant, but recent research in America has linked mother’s milk and skin to the production of healthy gut bacteria in infants. Even more important, the longer a baby breastfeeds, the more healthy gut bacteria they will develop, which helps promote long-term health.
Hopefully, these findings will help increase awareness about the importance of breastfeeding in support of promoting healthy gut bacteria in infants.
A study conducted by the University of California discovered that babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first month of life received nearly one-third of gut bacteria from their mother’s milk and an additional 10 percent from their mother’s skin (from direct contact with mother’s breast). The study goes on further to indicate that the longer a baby breastfeeds, the more gut bacteria it receives from the mother. In fact, the JAMA Pediatrics Journal writes that bacteria found in the breast milk of mothers are found to “seed” the gut of infants who are breastfed.
According to an article published in Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology, infants are born with what is referred to as a sterile gut, meaning the level of their gut microbes is very low, at best. The composition, as well as the rate of development, of an infant’s gut microbe, is dependent on the method of delivery, how the baby is fed (breast or bottle), and if probiotics, prebiotics, or antibiotics are used.
Why are gut microbes important?
The gut microbiota is complex, and has been challenging to study until recently. The human gut is home to more than 100 trillion microbial cells that play a role in our physiology, metabolism, immune system function, and nutrition. Furthermore, a disruption in gut microbiota has been linked to many gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, and even obesity and Type-2 diabetes.
Recommendations on Breastfeeding
Pediatric health experts recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed until the introduction of solid foods, which is usually around six months of age. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and that mothers continue to do so until their baby is one year of age or until there is a mutual desire to quit.
When it comes to breastfeeding, the benefits increase the longer you breastfeed, but keep in mind that even if you are only able to nurse your baby for a short period, there are many health benefits during this time. For babies who are breastfed the first 30 days of after birth, and that received mostly breast milk, derived about 28 percent of their gut bacteria from their mother’s breast milk, and another 10 percent from skin-to-skin contact with their mother’s breast.
Crestview Dental Care is proud to serve the dental needs of patients in the areas of Knoxville and Maryville in Tennessee.


Stocznia Gdańsk S.A. has acquired a contract for the construction of steel blocks for the Norwegian company Ulstein Verft AS. The completion of the agreed scope is expected in the first quarter of 2020.
Gdańsk Shipyard and Szczecin Shipyard signed an agreement regarding the "POLISH SHIPYARDS" project. According to the agreement, the companies will work together for the development of the domestic shipbuilding industry.
The Representatives of Stocznia Gdańsk S.A. have signed a framework agreement with the Finnish leader in the crane industry, Konecranes.
Due to the tragic death of the President of Gdańsk – Mr. Paweł Adamowicz, the management and employees of Stocznia Gdańsk SA and GSG Towers sp. o.o. would like to express most sincere condolences to the family and friends.
GSG Towers has received an order from one of the largest wind turbine manufacturers for the supply of 14 complete, onshore wind towers.
GSG Towers has won a contract for the assembly of large-size steel structures for the Norwegian oil service company Aker Solutions. For GSG Towers and the sister company Stocznia Gdańsk, it is an important step towards entering the offshore market.


Mills & Boon and Harlequin have launched a global writing competition which offers a publishing contract as its prize.
The competition, So You Think You Can Write, is the first held jointly by Mills & Boon and its parent company, Harlequin, and will be supported by a free online conference between 17th and 21st September 2012, hosted at soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com. The conference will bring together more than 50 Harlequin and Mills & Boon editors through social media tools including podcasts, videos, Google Hangouts, blogs, live chats, community discussions and Twitter events, with prospective competition entrants able to interact with them.
The competition deadline is 26th October 2012, with participants initially required to submit a 100-word pitch and a first chapter. An online vote, open to the public, will narrow the field to 25 contestants who will then be asked to submit a finished manuscript. Harlequin and M&B editors will then select three finalists, with the final winner then chosen again via public vote. The winner will be awarded a publishing contract with Mills & Boon and Harlequin.


Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is an innovator when it comes to boosting education through technology. It offers Microsoft Office 365 productivity services to students and staff to use in flexible, empowering collaboration scenarios. UGM chose Office 365 over other productivity suites like Google Apps for Education to create an online version of its learning management system—eagerly adopted by other local universities—and to enhance its distance learning programs.
In the heart of Yogyakarta, a center of Javanese culture and learning in Indonesia, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is driving educational excellence through the innovative use of technology. As the oldest university in the country, UGM has close ties to Indonesian history. It was founded in 1949, shortly after Indonesia declared independence in 1945. Today, the university offers a combination of traditional values—all students contribute two months of rural community service—with modern, comprehensive degree programs supported by progressive technology initiatives. Most recently, UGM added Microsoft Office 365—a cloud-based business productivity service offering—to its roster of enabling technologies for approximately 60,000 students and 6,000 lecturers and academic staff.
“We facilitate education with the best possible technology for learning and for preparing students for the job market,” says Widyawan, PhD, Director of the Directorate of Systems and Information Resources (DSDI) at Universitas Gadjah Mada. “Our students are excited to use Office 365 because they are familiar with Office programs. They know that companies, both here in Indonesia and abroad, are looking for graduates with competence using enterprise-level business tools.”
Enhances Distance Learning
In Indonesia, distance learning is a high priority and a growing practice for many of its universities as they use technology to engage students in the farthest reaches of the country. While blended learning (a combination of both in-person and virtual coursework) has been integral to UGM’s pedagogy for years, new tools like Lync Online, OneDrive for Business, and the Microsoft OneNote digital note-taking program are providing remote students with new ways to collaborate and connect with each other and their instructors.
-Widyawan, PhD, Director, Directorate of Systems and Information Resources
“Teachers and students can use Office 365 videoconferencing and collaboration tools to streamline the assignment and delivery of class projects, with students working anywhere they have an Internet connection, on any of their devices,” says Widyawan. “Lync Online offers desktop sharing and capacity for meetings up to 250 participants. And there is no restriction to online storage with OneDrive for Business. The big advantage over competitive offerings is the OneNote Class Notebook Creator, where lecturers can create personal workspace notebooks for students to write their assignments and communicate with their teachers. These services are helping the university to build its position as a leader in distance learning.”
Differentiates Learning Management System
UGM also brought more robust services and features to its e-learning portal by integrating it with Office 365. “Compared to other productivity suites we have used, Office 365 integrated more easily with our learning management system, had greater capacity for email delivery, and offered a more powerful suite of collaboration tools,” says Widyawan. “We feel it will help us create a better online community for uploading lectures, enabling discussions, and delivering academic results.”
The enhanced portal, known as eLisa, is now supporting higher education across the country. “Through eLisa, our students can keep up with their studies when they are in the field doing community service,” says Widyawan. “Plus, we are sharing eLisa with other universities in Indonesia so they can replicate it for their own use. The portal has received global recognition as well, as it is one of the reasons UGM placed first in Indonesia in the Webometrics 2014 rankings of world universities according to their presence on the web.”
Takes Advantage of Partner in Learning
The development of eLisa was a joint project between UGM and the Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) that has been co-located on UGM’s campus since 2007. This latest project with Office 365 stems from a long relationship between UGM and Microsoft. The MIC is dedicated to promoting technology in higher education at UGM and across Indonesia, and works closely with faculty at the university. “The strategic partnership between UGM and Microsoft will accelerate UGM’s plan to realize our vision to be an excellent and innovative world-class university,” says Dwikorita Karnawati, PhD, Professor and Rector at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
In the future, UGM anticipates that Office 365 will be used by many of its 60,000 students and 6,000 faculty and academic staff. While the school maintains an open policy with respect to the productivity solutions its faculty, staff and students choose to use on an individual basis, it believes that adoption of Office 365 will increase naturally over time.
“I am most excited about the collaborative possibilities,” concludes Widyawan. “The more students collaborate with their peers and their teachers, the more they will improve their skills and knowledge. That means we can contribute more to the nation and compete better on a global platform.”


Now more than ever, in the fight to end breast cancer, hope is at hand. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to addressing the most common form of cancer in women worldwide. We think of the women we know and honor the women we don’t, but the road to a cure doesn’t stop here.
Thanks to research, breast cancer mortality rates have decreased by 41% since 1989.1 By contributing to this life-saving research, education and medical services, we can continue to pave the way towards a cure. That’s why every year during the month of October, we help support cruelty-free breast cancer awareness research with our limited-edition hand relief™ moisturizing creme.
This October, our hand relief™ features our signature shampure™ aroma and every time you purchase it, 50% of the purchase price will be donated to support cruelty-free research through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). Aveda is donating a maximum of $350,000 US to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, September 26, 2021 through June 30, 2022, or until supplies last.
Since 2001, we’ve raised close to $6.5 million through the BCRF. This mission of care is at the core of who we are. With every collection we create, we strive to make an impact that goes beyond the bottle, helps protect our planet and cares for all living creatures.
Discover how we’re doubling down on our commitment to this important cause this year and find out how you can get involved.


In the ongoing legal controversy over Merck’s osteoporosis drug Fosamax and the complications experienced by patients who have taken the medication, mainstream media continue to document the developing events concerning the lawsuits over this popular osteoporosis drug, industry analysts noted. In the past decade complaints of cases against the pharmaceutical manufacturer over Fosamax’ side effects have accumulated and in the last few years from 2009, court hearings have been tried and continue to come forward by plaintiffs seeking recompense over damages from receiving Fosamax prescriptions.
In early 2000 the FDA began receiving reports of complications relating to Fosamax therapy which were confirmed in later research findings that documented these side effects experienced by patients. The main complaints in these cases are osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures, which have lead to numerous lawsuits and recently esophageal cancer is speculated as another possible complication that might also lead to more court cases against Merck.
In six bellwether cases involving Merck and their popular osteoporosis medication Fosamax, plaintiffs have alleged that the pharmaceutical company is responsible for causing osteonecrosis of the jaw from taking the bone strengthening drug. At present, there are 2,800 plaintiff groups that have filed over 2,345 pending lawsuits against Merck. Judicial authorities have been prompted by the overwhelming number of cases against Merck to combine and group a majority of cases in multi-district litigation proceedings to better and more efficiently hear cases altogether rather than individually.
Merck’s official position regarding these complaints is that there is no definitive evidence linking Fosamax as the cause of the complications listed in the lawsuits despite the FDA ordering the drug company to upgrade their warning labels for osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical bone fractures to warn consumers. Towards this end Merck attempted to have other Fosamax cases concerning osteonecrosis of the jaw dismissed but was denied by the presiding judge.
As of now, more cases continue to be brought forward with the most recent news report on a New Jersey judge’s decision that opted to try a case involving atypical femur fracture instead of another case of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Experts have speculated that more cases will come to light over other Fosamax complications against Merck with no end yet in sight for either the drug manufacturer or the plaintiffs.


I just saw this article on the Planetizen website. It's about how Youngstown, OH is handling being a shrinking city, and intriguingly, it mentions that both the city and the university, Youngstown State, are buying houses from willing sellers as part of a land bank, an idea I'd mentioned. While the article's point is that shrinking isn't enough (to which I might add "yet"), I looked into the literature on land banking and sure enough, it's recommended practice for shrinking cities. In the same set of articles, I also got outside confirmation that Cincinnati is indeed shrinking. It lost over a third of its population between 1960 and 2000, and I would bet that percentage will be around the same when the 2010 numbers come out.
Most importantly, it turns out that land banking has been authorized in Ohio since 1976, and that Cincinnati has had a land bank since 1996. It acquires only ~10 properties a year whereas Flint, MI and Cleveland, OH acquire around 1000. In April, former Gov. Ted Strickland signed a bill authorizing land banks in every Ohio county (previously only Cuyahoga County was authorized to land bank on a county level, and Cincinnati's was a municipal enterprise). Expanding to Hamilton County would allow Cincinnati to take advantage of the extra money that could come from taking less-damaged foreclosed properties in the outlying areas and reselling them and using the profits for upkeep and redevelopment. Apparently, though, according to this Master's thesis from the regional planning program at the University of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Land Bank has even bigger problems to sort out first.
This probably still would not help my grandmother, as condos are not particularly valuable land banking property, and she can still pay her taxes. Still, a new and improved Hamilton County Land Bank might be able to help with the zombie move malls.


Recognizing firms for projects which demonstrate "...an exceptional degree of innovation, complexity, achievement, and professional dedication", these awards have been given out annually for the past 15 years at the Consulting Engineers of Ontario's Annual Gala. This year, the gala was held on Saturday April 8th in Mississauga, welcoming some of the industry's most respected leaders.
At the gala this past weekend, Smith + Andersen was honoured to receive the OCEA 2017 Award of Merit for the Environmental Science and Chemistry Building on the University of Toronto's Scarborough Campus. This LEED Gold, 110,000 sf project was completed in 2015, and was designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects. Elaine Guenette, Associate at Smith + Andersen, accepted the award on behalf of the team, accompanied by Jeff Miller (Director of Facilities Management, University of Toronto Scarborough), and Nigel Tai (Associate, Diamond Schmitt Architects).
"Thank-you for the recognition for such an amazing project," Elaine shared with the room at the International Centre in Mississauga on Saturday night. "The team really worked hard to bring together the sustainable engineering elements, including a geothermal heating and cooling system, low velocity fume hoods, a cascading outdoor air system through the atrium, air sampling technology to optimize exhaust requirements, and giant underground concrete earth tubes for pre-treating outdoor air...to name just a few. Measured results by the University for 2016 are showing that the building is using about 50% of the energy of other, similar laboratory buildings on the campus."
Smith + Andersen was the Mechanical and Electrical Consultant for this innovative project, and was proud to work with such a collaborative team to deliver a legacy building for the University of Toronto's Scarborough Campus.


I called my friend, also named Lisa, who lives in Houston, Texas. Hurricane Harvey’s devastation had not only hit Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, but many communities in the Gulf Coast region. According to my friend, who lives on the north side of Houston where they got no flooding except for those who were near a river or large body of water, the worst of the rain is over. People are leaving shelters scattered thought-out Harris County, where Houston is located.
Out of the 6.5 million people in the greater Houston area only about 1.5 million lost power and most all the water is drinkable. No need for ice, a valuable commodity, for many of us here in Charleston who experienced the wrath of Hurricane Hugo. Unlike Houston, Hurricane Hugo, also a category 4 storm, was a direct hit and as a result we not only got the flooding but also high winds. But no one can deny that the Houston area experienced the worst flooding in its history, with some areas getting as much as 50 inches of rain. And because Hurricane Harvey’s devastation was so widespread, it will take years for the region to recover from this natural disaster.
My friend, Lisa, who is originally from Charleston, knows about hurricanes and the emotional roller coaster they bring; the anxiety before the storm of not knowing exactly what is going to happen, the storm itself, the flooding and aftermath once the storm has passed. No doubt, you too, no matter where you call home, are aware of the horrific situation the residents of the Gulf Coast region, north of Brownsville, Texas, are now experiencing. Lives have been lost, people displaced and the uncertainty of what’s ahead. It is one thing to watch the news again and again and be reminded of the destruction and the anguish. But to just absorb the information without acting when we can help can be paralyzing and emotionally harmful.
Animals as well need help and assistance. Donate to the Houston Humane Society, which is helping animals affected by the storm. The Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation, is another charity. You may also want to check out Charity Navigator to further ensure your donations are helping those in need.
By helping those in need, you too can benefit. Studies have shown that people with strong social and community ties tend to live longer, are less likely to report being depressed, and have a stronger a sense of belonging, purpose and self worth.


To further its mission in physical health and wellness, the 1889 Foundation granted $6,800 to Variety the Children’s Charity for its My Bike and My Stroller programs.
Safe opportunities to engage in exercise, especially for the most vulnerable populations, is important to the 1889 Foundation. By supporting Variety, the Foundation is supporting children and families in Cambria and Somerset counties who need safe bicycles and strollers to engage in countless healthy activities.
“Two of our priority goals are Childhood Development and Physical Health and Wellness,” said 1889 Foundation President Sue Mann. “1889 Foundation is founded upon the principles of ensuring the physical well-being of the community. Supporting the social, academic, physical, and mental well-being of our children impacts everyone and those are the programs we want to invest in; to help our children have every opportunity to grow up and reach their full potential.”
My Bike and My Stroller provide eligible children with disabilities with an adaptive bike or stroller, so they may have the opportunity to feel proud, to find greater independence and inclusion, and to create lasting memories with their family and friends in the community.
“Through listening to families, we’ve learned first-hand that riding an adaptive bike can provide transformative physical, mental, and emotional benefits for our most vulnerable population of kids; and an adaptive stroller completely transforms the lives of the kids and their families immediately,” said Variety CEO Zach Marsh. “For many families, the cost of this equipment is out of reach” said Variety CEO Zach Marsh.”
To apply for a bike or stroller, visit Apply Now – Variety Pittsburgh.


Maxx L. McKinney
Black Lives Matter Protest in FXBG 06.01.2020
#BlackLivesMatter protests in Fredericksburg Virginia - June 2020
Standing in protest
A Protestor confronts a police cruiser.
Protestors make their way through the city.
Along with those marching, supporters passed out waters and other supplies.
A protestor leads chants while standing on the auction block which was used to sell slaves and property. The block has since been removed.
Anthony Footé - the primary organizer - skates with the group while sharing the event live on Facebook.
Protestors expressed their anger.
One of the protestors lays down with the rest of the group in front of the city court house while chanting.
Many of those in their vehicles expressed support for the protestors.
Protestors pause while crossing the bridge to chant and rally.
A protestors talks to the Stafford police department across the river.
The Stafford PD bring out the riot team to drive the crowd back across the bridge.
Protestors hold their ground.
Police fire gas canisters from atop an armored vehicle.
Protestors toss the canisters back in defense.
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Gary Leverton | December 4, 2014
Students and community members piled into the Beaumier Suites in the basement of Raynor Memorial Library Tuesday to listen to Cuban activist Orlando Luis Pardo Lazo speak on government censorship in Cuba and what activists like him are doing to combat it.
Pardo Lazo documented what he saw in Cuba, particularly social media. He has blogged for several websites that include allvoices.com, El Nacimal, Diario de Cuba and Orlandoluispardolazo. He also has his own photo blog, Vocescubanas.
His particular blogging has always been difficult, as he said Cuba’s government is severe and repressive on anybody who opposes it. With more Internet use around the world, the Cuban government has tried to transition itself as well in order to retain this power.
“They are transitioning from power to power,” Pardo Lazo said. “They are attempting to mutate without losing central control.”
Instead of trying to completely block the Internet, Cuba is attempting to control it. The country developed its own blog called the Blogoserfa Cuba on Twitter and Facebook. The government-controlled blog will not include any independent bloggers like Pardo Lazo.
The Cuban government also developed EcuRed, a website similar to Wikipedia. Unlike Wikipedia, where information is changeable, this information is nearly impossible to change. Cuba’s government also said that no independent person can develop a website. The only way to register a website in Cuba is to have a website for a business a citizen owns, which the government will monitor.
Not only has the government controlled independent bloggers, but it pretended to be an independent blogger to give the illusion that it provides citizens freedom on the Internet.
“Cuba is a black hole in terms of connectivity,” Pardo Lazo said.
The repression of the Internet is causing citizens to attempt to leave Cuba. Since 1995, 600,000 people immigrated to the United States. Other Cubans are trying to fight back against the repression. The Ladies in White, an activist group in Cuba, has attempted several protests against the repression, but many of these members have been arrested without charges.
“I have been arrested three times,” Pardo Lazo said. “One time was particularly difficult because I was unable to contact my family for four days. I was eventually released with no charges against me.”
Despite all this, there are many ways independent bloggers are able to get their messages out. There are democratic embassies that allow bloggers to print their work. There is also a black market system used to get Internet access, but Pardo Lazo said it can only be accessed safely after midnight.
Included in the black market system are offline packages, which usually include a DVD or hard drive of information that would be unavailable otherwise. If the black market is not an option, people set up Wi-Fi networks in neighborhoods to receive Internet.
Pardo Lazo said the threat of censorship is something that is necessary when searching for stories.
“When censorship is not coming for you, you’re doing something wrong,” Pardo Lazo said.


The City of Rochester fails to hold police officers accountable for misconduct and brutality. Between 2001 and 2016, citizens filed 923 allegations of excessive force against the RPD. The Chief of Police, who has the sole power to discipline officers, only sustained 16 of these allegations. The Chief of Police cannot be expected to investigate, evaluate, and discipline police officers. This is a clear conflict of interest. Between 2002 and 2016, only 13 allegations led to discipline. The harshest discipline was 6 suspensions for sustained allegations of use of force. None were fired. Police misconduct will continue unless this broken system is replaced with an independent system that serves the interests of the people of Rochester, not just the RPD.
A coalition of community organizations came together in 2017 and proposed a Police Accountability Board (PAB) to replace the current broken system. The proposed PAB would be a civilian-led oversight board that is rooted in five essential pillars:
Currently The Locust Club, the RPD's police union, is challenging the disciplinary power of the PAB in court. Although the NYS Supreme Court ruled against us, Rochester City Council is appealing the decision to a higher court.
In addition to the five pillars, sufficient funding is required so that complaints of misconduct are resolved efficiently and effectively in 90 days. To handle the volume of complaints that are filed in Rochester, the PAB will require a funding equal to 5% of RPD’s budget, five million dollars, a reasonable cost of true accountability, and an investment which will result in far fewer costly lawsuits against the city involving excessive force.


Team Youghal have entered the Race Around Ireland for a 4th consecutive year and will have a four man team on the Start line in Trim on Sunday September 9th.
Only ten weeks after completing the 3,005 mile Race Across America Team Youghal will compete in the toughest cycling endurance test in Europe covering a massive distance of 1,350 miles travelling through all four Irish Provinces with many steep climbs and sharp descents along the way.
Team Youghal were guests of the Consulate General of Ireland at the Emer Casey Foundation reception held at 345 Park Avenue on Tuesday June 28th. The event was hosted by the Vice-Consulate General Jackie O’Halloran and the MC for the evening was ESPN Commentator Tommy Smyth.
Team Youghal started their Race across America on June 18th at 10:40pm, Irish Time, leaving Oceanside, California, for a three thousand mile journey across the continent of the USA.
Team Youghal launched their Race Across America Cycle at the local Mall Arts Centre on Saturday last. The team will compete in the World’s toughest cycle race, which is 3,005 miles long from the Pacific Coast at Oceanside, California to the Atlantic Coastal city of Annapolis in Maryland.
American electronics company, Flextronics, which has a base in Cork, has signed a €20,000 sponsorship deal with Team Youghal, to allow it compete in the world’s longest endurance bike race – the gruelling 4,835km Race Across America.
Team Youghal rounded off their Winter Training programme last weekend with a Training Camp in Kerry. The Race Across America bound cyclists based themselves in the picturesque town of Kenmare in what was the best weather of the year so far.
Team Youghal launched their New York fundraising event, which will be held on June 28th at Fitzpatrick’s Hotel, Lexington Avenue, Manhattan at the Annual New York St. Patrick's Lunch on Wednesday 16th March.
Over 100 people deemed who brought honour to themselves, their families and their affiliated clubs or institutions had their successes honoured at Youghal Town Council’s inaugural Annual Achievement Awards on Saturday Feb 12th.
Team Youghal recently presented a cheque for €5,400 to Brendan and Juliette Casey, representing The Emer Casey Foundation. The Team raised this money through their participation in The Race Around Ireland in September, 2010.
Team Youghal take on the ultimate challenge in endurance cycle racing when they line up for the 30th edition of the Race Across America in Oceanside, California on June 18th 2011.
Team Youghal completed Their ‘Race Around Ireland’ for The Emer Casey Foundation at 12.48pm on Saturday the 19th September, 2010.
Team Youghal had their official launch Monday night at the ‘Mall Arts Centre’ in the Mall House ahead of their attempt to defend their ‘Race Around Ireland’ eight person team title.
Alan Heary, Race Around Ireland Director, and Emmet Roche, Race Around Ireland Route Coordinator, recently stopped off in Youghal during their final inspection of the race route for 2010. As a memento of their visit to Youghal they were presented with Jack O’Patsy Pottery from Team Youghal who will be entering an eight man team and crew for the race to raise funds and awareness for The Emer Casey Foundation. Team Youghal starts the race in Navan on September 14th at approximately 8:00pm.
Team Youghal were delighted to receive support from The Kerry Rose, Veronica Hunt, during the launch of their website, www.teamyoughal.com, and also to celebrate the support of Youghal Kia for supplying vehicles to the team for The Race Around Ireland.
Veronica, from Youghal, stopped by to give her support to Team Youghal in their upcoming participation in The Race Around Ireland for the Emer Casey Foundation in September. She was impressed with the website and the level of support received by Team Youghal to date. Veronica also admired one of the cars which was supplied to Team Youghal by Pat Ryan of Youghal Kia.
Team Youghal cyclists successfully competed the very popular Ring of Kerry Cycle on Saturday last in their preparation to this year’s Race Around Ireland. The Ring of Kerry Cycle is the biggest one day charity fundraising event in Munster with thousands of leisure cyclists experience a fun and rewarding day’s cycling, while at the same time fundraising for worthy Charities.
The 112 mile leisure cycle takes place around the picturesque Ring of Kerry and to date the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle has raised over €3.5 million for Kerry Charities and reached a record number of cyclists this year when over 5,000 people took part. Conditions were not ideal for the 6a.m. start with a very strong headwind all the way to Waterville from the Killarney start, passing through Kilorglin and Cahersiveen en route. The event took in the climb of Coomakista on the way to Caherdaniel, Sneem and Kenmare before the final climb of Molls’ Gap and finished in Killarney. The organisation was excellent throughout and with a tail wind in the final hours of the event all the Team finished strongly.
Training has been going very well over the past few months and with only ten weeks to the start of the 2010 Race in Navan, Team Youghal are confident of improving on their wining time of 90 hours in last year’s race.
The Race Around Ireland have decided on the provisional route for September 2010 and it’s passing through Youghal. The Walter Raleigh Hotel in Youghal has been named as an official time station and the Hotel has thrown its doors open for the race. Michael Davitt, Hotel Manager, said; “We’re very proud to be supporting The Race Around Ireland and Team Youghal as we see it as being a fantastic opportunity to enhance Youghal as a tourist destination while seeing up close what an extreme endurance race involves and supporting a well deserved local and international charity in the process.” The Walter Raleigh Hotel has made accommodation available for all teams that are competing in the race and also will have a dedicated press room available for the media that will be following the event.
TEAM Youghal took a massive step forward to raising awareness of the Emer Casey Foundation this morning by appearing on Ireland AM on TV3, helping to promote the ‘Race around Ireland 2010’. The East Cork Eight man cycling team, led by Ger Flanagan, are part of a massive push to raise funds for the Emer Casey Foundation and are the defending eight man, team race around Ireland champions and will look to go close to last year’s time of just over 90 hours. Flanagan spoke of the team’s intention in the gruelling 1,350 mile race which leaves Navan covers the county and ends up in Navan at the finish line some three and a half days later to Ireland AM Presenter Alan Hughes. Flanagan when asked about how much would be raised during the event replied “Well you’re talking about hundreds of thousands of Euro, which is great and we in team Youghal are a group of leisure cyclists and we have managed to raise quite a significant amount ourselves, so there is fantastic support out there for this event”. There is a meeting with all the details to the ‘Race around Ireland to be held at DCU tomorrow Saturday the 20th of March.
Team Youghal will appear live on the Ireland AM on Friday Morning March 19th on TV3 as part of a Special on Race Around Ireland 2010. The cyclists featured include Ger Flanagan, Tommy Roche, Christy McCarthy, Eoin Whyte, Kieran Groeger, Brian Fitzgerald, Michael McCarthy, John Twomey and Tom Fitzgerald. The team are currently training for this year’s race which once again will begin in Navan and cover a 1,350 mile route, taking in Newgrange, The Giants Causeway, Malin head, The Cliffs of Moher, The Ring of Kerry, Mizen Head, the Garden County (Wicklow) and back to Navan. Team Youghal are the defending champions in the 8 man team category in this World Cup event, the second toughest in the world after the Race Across America. The Emer Casey Foundation is once again the chosen charity of Team Youghal. www.emercaseyfoundation.com


The West Harris County Regional Water Authority (the “Authority”) withdrew implementation of Stage 2 of its Drought Contingency Plan and reinitiated implementation of Stage 1 of its Drought Contingency Plan.
Under Stage 1, the Authority continues to request all water users to voluntarily reduce their water usage. The Authority will continue to monitor water use and will provide another notice if the drought stage changes or if Stage 1 drought conditions have been lifted. Please keep in mind that, despite the recent cooler and wetter conditions, drought conditions remain in the Houston region.
By HCMUD 163|2023-10-12T17:23:26-05:00October 12th, 2023|
The District is aware of a water main break near 15835 Pinyon Creek Drive. Crews have been notified and will be on-site as soon as possible to make the repairs. At this time there is no ETA. Check back for updates.
By HCMUD 163|2023-08-15T16:04:51-05:00August 15th, 2023|


Islamic Congress sends message of sympathy to Palestinians everywhere
11 November 2004
The Canadian Islamic Congress has sent a message of sympathy to the Palestinian Authority representative in Ottawa Dr. Baker Abdel Munem and to Palestinians everywhere, following the announcement that their President, Yasser Arafat, died in a French military hospital today. The message said the late leader's record is now in the annals of history and his spirit in the hands of his Creator.
For nearly 40 years Arafat was the most visible leader of the Palestinian people under occupation. During his career, he escaped death on several occasions. One time was in July 1981, when Israeli aircraft bombarded his headquarters in Beirut, and again in 1982 when they bombed the same city for 10 weeks, pounding buildings in which he was thought to be hiding. In 1986, Israeli fighter planes flew from Tel Aviv to bomb his headquarters in Tunis, reducing it to rubble and killing most of those inside. And in 1992 his plane crashed in the desert, killing the entire crew. No trace could be found of Arafat, as he did change his departure plans at the last minute.
Political analysts are still divided over the possible repercussions of Arafat's death on the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and on world peace. In remembering Yasser Arafat, the Canadian Islamic Congress hopes and prays that peace with justice returns, sooner rather than later, in the land to which he devoted his life. Amen.
Mrs. Wahida Valiante, (905) 881-8024, e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.org
For French media:
Dr. Mohamed Nekili,
Comments to : email@example.com
Copyright New Media Services Inc. © 2004. The views expressed herein are the writers' own and do not necessarily reflect those of shunpiking magazine or New Media Publications.


Not only does October bring the beginning of fall and the excitement of the coming holidays, it also brings the beginning of flu season. The 2017-2018 influenza season was a high severity season, meaning there were high levels of outpatient clinic and emergency department visits.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu annually. And those most at risk—young children and the elderly—are more likely to suffer severe complications, hospitalizations, or even death from catching the flu.
Many of the severe complications related to the flu could be prevented by getting a flu shot. And today, it’s never been easier to find one. Most retail pharmacies and stores like Target and Wal Mart have the shots available. In addition, many stores offer promotions or gift cards for getting one.
But…if access isn’t the problem, what keeps most people from getting a flu shot? Many times it’s a misconception about the vaccine itself. Below are the most common excuses we hear from patients on why they forwent their flu shot. Before skipping out this year, make sure to keep reading to help debunk any misconceptions.
Myth: You can catch the flu from the vaccine
This is the most popular excuse to not get the vaccine. Everyone has a story about how they or their friend caught the flu after receiving the vaccine. But this myth is absolutely false. The flu vaccine is made from an inactivated virus that is incapable of transmitting the infection. Many times, people coincidentally get sick in the days after the shot, but in most instances they were sick before the shot and just were not showing symptoms.
Myth: The flu shot doesn’t work
While the flu vaccine isn’t perfect, in a good year it’s about 70% effective. That “effective rate” is dependent upon the strain of flu since the virus mutates every year. Scientists have to predict which strain will go into the vaccine months before the beginning of flu season. The shot is also less effective in children under two and adults over 65, which is another reason it’s important that the majority of the population get vaccinated.
During the 2017-2018 season, the vaccine effective rate against both influenza A and B viruses was estimated to be 40%. This means the flu vaccine reduced a person’s overall risk of having to seek medical care at a doctor’s office for flu illness by 40%.
Myth: I should wait until later in the season so I don’t get sick then
Many people forget that flu season starts in October. In fact, there have already been deaths this year from the flu. Don’t wait until you start hearing from friends who have it or an outbreak occurs at your child’s school. During the 2017-2018 flu season, the virus actually began to increase substantially in November. And that’s right around the corner! Most years, the flu peaks in January, much earlier than many people realize. Couple that with the fact that it takes at least 10 days for the shot to be completely effective, and you may have waited too long if you don’t get a vaccine now.
Myth: I never get sick, I don’t need the shot
Getting the vaccine not only protects you against the virus, but also protects populations that are particularly susceptible to becoming ill. This is why health care providers and those who interact with young children are highly encouraged to become vaccinated.
Over 23,000 people per year die from the flu. To put that in perspective, 30,000 people die annually in car crashes.
It’s also possible to spread the flu without realizing it. 20-30% of people inflected with the flu show no symptoms yet are still contagious. For those with a weak or compromised immune system, any interaction could be deadly.
In addition to getting a vaccine early this year, it’s important to practice good preventative measures like hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough. If you think you are coming down with the flu, visit your doctor as soon as possible since some medications that can receive symptoms need to be taken in the first 48 hours.
Also published on Medium.


June 1-7 is CPR and AED Awareness Week, and it’s the perfect time to share some good news regarding heart health and our kids. At the end of April, Florida lawmakers passed a bill that requires all high school grads to have CPR training. The man behind the bill? Shawn Sima, dad to Lexi Sima, who thankfully survived sudden cardiac arrest at just 16 years old.
“In February 2016 my ‘healthy’ 16-year-old life-long athletic daughter went for a run that changed the trajectory of my life forever. My Lexi was an Air Force brat, a life-long cheerleader, and a great softball player from the time she was 4 years old. On the fateful night of Feb 2, 2016, we got the worst call for any parent…Our daughter had a “heart attack” (it was Sudden Cardiac Arrest which is different) while running on the treadmill at a gym and was not responsive—she was dead. We made it to the gym to see the paramedic team going in. What we didn’t know was that non-medical gym bystanders had already done CPR and used an AED to bring her back—10 minutes before the Paramedics came),” recalls Shawn in an interview with The Local Moms Network.
Their family’s near tragedy wasn’t uncommon, unfortunately—cardiac arrest is the leading cause of on campus deaths in the United States. After Lexi recovered, Shawn joined the Board of Who We Play for, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating preventable SCA through EKG screening, and has been advocating ever since.
Thirty-eight states already require CPR training for its students. If Governor Ron Desantis signs the bill, Florida will become the next, and requirements will be put into place by Fall 2021.
This article was originally published by our Parent Site, The Local Moms Network


Happy Halloween everyone :-)
I just got the new issue of The Economist in the mail, and I couldn't be happier. The Economist, which is one of the most sensible magazines, endorses Barack Obama.
This is significant, because The Economist (while unabashedly pro-free trade) is a naturally skeptical (thus thoughtful) magazine, so it argues both sides of the equation. It freely expresses its doubts for both candidates and points out a better choice. It's also significant because it means the decision makes sense from the econimical, political, and security standpoint, not just from the ideological standpoint.
"America should take a chance and make Barack Obama the next leader of the free world... He has earned it."


Arbella Offers New Commercial Data Breach Coverage
Helps business customers stand up to the risks of a data breach
QUINCY, Mass., July 26, 2011 – The Arbella Insurance Group announced today that it will offer commercial Data Breach Coverage to its small business customers. Arbella has partnered with Identity Theft 911® to provide proactive and reactive data breach services, including access to a team of breach consulting experts and 24/7 access to Identity Theft 911’s breach preparedness website.
According to the non-profit Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), there were 662 data breaches reported in 2010, an increase of 33 percent from 2009.
“Virtually no business is immune from the potential risk of a data breach,” said Eileen Currie, Arbella’s vice president of Commercial Lines. “This is another way for us to meet our customers’ emerging needs. Arbella’s Data Breach Coverage is a first line of defense in data breach preparation, damage control and resolution.”
Arbella’s new Data Breach Coverage includes Identity Theft 911 guidance in creating a breach response strategy, as well as proactive and reactive support in the case of a data breach. The new offering also provides essential expense coverage, including reimbursement of costs associated with notifying potential victims and the provision of direct services to persons impacted by the breach. These services include various credit monitoring options, access to a toll free help line and identity restoration case management when needed. The offering Coverage also includes legal expense coverage to ensure that the response to the data breach complies with state and federal notification requirements and laws.
Customers who select Arbella’s Data Breach coverage will have access to services including:
- Identity 911’s secure breach preparedness website, which features easy-to-understand tips and guidelines to help minimize the chance for a breach, create a data breach incident response plan and learn what needs to be done if a breach occurs
- Professional assistance from a team of professionals to help handle a breach crisis, including help with notifications and access to personalized fraud-specialist services for any victims of identity theft or fraud
- Breach expense coverage to help cope with the costs associated with notifying affected persons and third parties
“Arbella’s Data Breach Coverage gives small business customers the peace of mind that they’ll be prepared in the event that a breach should happen,” Currie added. “We’re committed to providing swift solutions to help safeguard and restore our customers’ reputations, and to offering help and protection before and after a breach.”
Data Breach Coverage is an optional property coverage that is available for most classes of business eligible under Arbella’s Business-owners or Package Policies. Data Breach Coverage can be added to Arbella’s commercial package policies and is now available to Arbella customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
About the Arbella Insurance Group
Established in 1988, the Arbella Insurance Group is a company with over $600M in revenue with approximately $1B in assets, headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. Arbella is a customer-focused regional property and casualty insurance company, providing personal and business insurance products including car insurance, home insurance, and umbrella insurance in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and business insurance in Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
About Identity Theft 911
Founded in 2003, Identity Theft 911 is the nation’s premier consultative provider of identity and data risk management, resolution and education services. The company serves 13 million households across the country and provides fraud solutions for a range of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, the country’s largest insurance companies, corporate benefit providers, banks and credit unions and membership organizations. Since 2005, the company has helped more than 150,000 businesses manage data breaches. For more information, please visit www.idt911.com.
For more information:
617.275.6512 or 617.981.2236 (mobile)
617.275.6523 or 617.699.4853 (mobile)


For years, the American government has supported the Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), an organisation tasked with promoting all things dairy, at home and abroad. You might be familiar with the 'Got Milk?' initiative - that was one of theirs.
Unbeknown to most, America is also in the middle of a dairy glut:
600 million kilograms of cheese sitting in cold storage,
190 million litres of milk tipped down the drain in 2015
a bail-out request from the National Milk Producers Federation, from the USDA for $150 million.
Clearly the next challenge for DMI had to be cheese.
Americans love cheese. The average consumer eats 15kg of the stuff every year. But the question remained; could the DMI exert its influence and increase cheese consumption - just like they with 'Got Milk?'.
DMI's started by embedding a food technologist, Lisa McClintock, within the Taco Bell innovation team. Lisa's sole focus was to develop products that would use a lot of cheese.
Did Lisa Deliver? You Bet!
In 2016, following years of research into thermal properties of melted cheese, lab contests to see who could stretch their cheese the furtherest, and some fancy new proprietary taco-shell-stuffing-and-sealing equipment, Lisa and Taco Bell launched the 'Quesalupa'.
Launched the biggest way they know how, with a commercial during the 2016 Superbowl touted this product to be 'Bigger than...' a lot of things (including bigger than 'man buns').
This super stretchy, cheese stuffed, fried taco shell sold out - all 75 million shells that were made for this launch were devoured in just 4 month by consumers eager to try this limited release product.
As the ad shows, the cheese was no longer a garnish, it was now the main event!
Paradigm Shift: Cheese on a Taco - Not Garnish, But the Main Event
How could this solve any of the America cheese glut problems?
The DMI are aiming to increase the consumption of cheese (and dairy), which eventually would begin to reduce the mountains of cheese being held in warehouses across the country. Changing the mindset of consumers that the cheese (or other dairy products) could be the hero of a meal, and not simply garnish would help increase the rate of consumption.
And the DMI isn't done yet. It has already embedded more agents within Burger King, McDonalds, Dominos and other similar organisations. Providing this capability rather than cash is a productive way of solving this problem.
And in case your were wondering how much cheese is in the Quesalupa taco? About 5 times as much as a regular taco...
This post was created using exceprts of an article found on the Bloomberg online news site. The link below will take you to the complete article.


In July/August of 2002 a meeting occurred between a sitting Village Board Member and the recreation department in general about the prospect of holding a Halloween Parade that coming October. A resident/merchant/recreation committee was formed within a few weeks and the parade idea was approved and was on for that initial year.
In October of ’02 the very first Down Town Halloween Parade took place on a “Sunday” with no rain date for that first year. The first parade route was declared from the Washington Irving School track down Washington St. to Main Street to Broadway then to Patriot’s Park basketball court for the post parade party with a D.J.
From ’03 to the present the parade route was reversed and it began in Patriot’s Park [assembled] and ended on Main Street for the block party.
In 2005 the parade attracted 28 floats which to this date is our high water mark for floats, we got close to that last year but the size of the parade now [musical groups/walker groups] is much bigger with over 3,500 spectators including more who come down for the bloc party to enjoy the musical entertainment.
We are heading into our 13th parade season, the event has expanded beyond the original time frame to 10:30 at night now to accommodate a live musical group performing after the normal two hour D.J. stint.
The Main Street merchants have also contributed to our evening of fun by setting up their eateries on the side walk that night to allow spectators a place to eat and enjoy a front row seat of the festivities prior, during the parade, and after for the bloc party activities.
In 2012 a new committee was formed to help enhance the parade for more community interest and sponsorship to help defray cost, a new web site, needless to say the parade is bigger than ever, and looking to become the best each and every year.


Central Oregon has had numerous large forest fires over the years but until recently none were of conflagration type. Although large acreages burned the damages were mostly limited to the timber stands and natural resources.
Early news reports of fires outlined some of the fires and the results of the blazes. Many fires had occurred in early settlement but received little reporting. One of the earliest reported fires by the Bend Bulletin occurred in August of 1908 and was located on Paulina Mountain southeast of Bend. Head forest ranger of the Rosland District, F.P. Petit, “came to Bend Monday to secure men to fight the fire, which extended over an unbroken line for 15 miles and was traveling to the southeast.”
It was reported that Petit called for 150 men to fight the flames, but all that could be found were some locals in Bend. A call went out to Prineville, Shaniko and Moro for men to come help fight the fire. Pickup labor was paid $2.50 per hour to fight fire. Rain arrived to help control the fire.
Another fire of note was started by lightning on June 6, 1910 near the mouth of Jefferson Creek west of the Metolius River. The fire burned a huge area five miles down the Metolius River and up to the top of Green Ridge. Another fire started by lightning on the same day near Edison ice cave burned over 7,000 acres.
One of the most expensive early forest fires occurred in August 1924 near Wasco Lake. It required more expenditure of funds than any other fire on The Deschutes National Forest up until that time. It spread through 2,517 acres of timber in a very rugged area. The cost to control the fire was $18,125.
The Bend Bulletin reported that firefighters were handicapped by “fallen logs, thick underbrush and steep hillside.” Most of the fire fighters were men from the McKenzie Pass road construction crews. Local residents on the Metolius river baked pies and doughnuts for the firefighters. There were several large fires during the 1930’s including one on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation that burned over 100,000 acres of mostly sage, grass and juniper. The Minto Pass fire of 1945 was a hold over lightning fire that consumed over 4,000 acres just north of Santiam Pass. It only received a small note in local newspapers as the surrender of Japan during World War II was the big news item. But as the fire grew it began to share headlines with war news. A crew of 150 men was fighting the fire and U.S. Marines from Klamath Falls were requested to help fight the fire. Eventually over 600 men were used to fight the fire but it was finally extinguished by a late August rainstorm.
Fires have occurred on a regular basis in Central Oregon through the years and the fires of recent years have been more complex and damaging because of the extension of homes into the wildland environment and the build up of fuels over the years that typically would have burned in the natural cycle.


In order to raise money for the people served by Reach Inc., celebrate the start of yard sale season, and help the environment by providing opportunities to reuse previously owned goods, Reach Inc. is going to have the fourth annual Spring Yard Sale. Community members may drop items off at 322 Gallatin Park Drive, Bozeman, MT 59715 (please, no electronics) on Friday, May 5th between 9am and 6pm. The yard sale will be held on Saturday, May 6th from 7:00am to 1:00pm. This event will take place rain or shine. In the event of gorgeous spring weather, we will be outside. In the event of rain, sleet, snow, or wind, we will be inside the Work Center. For more information, feel free to contact Dee at 406-587-1271 or email@example.com.


November 27, 2019 - Tree damage in City Park
**Updated** February 6, 2020
A large tree cracked in the wind the night of November 26-27th and smashed the main picnic area within the park. The City wants to thank Amity Fire for coming out in the night to secure the area around the damaged picnic shelter.
***As of February 6, 2020, the City's insurance company closed out its claim investigation. The City has guaranteed full replacement value for repairs. This is good news. City Staff briefed the Council on this status during the Feb. 5th Council Meeting. At the March City Council Meeting, City Staff will present a few different options to reconstruct the facility. The City still expects to have the structure completed in time for the Annual Pancake Feed.***
The City will work to rebuild the picnic area as quickly and as safely as possible. Requests for further information should be directed to Amity City Hall at 503.835.3711. Thank you.


The government on Saturday declared four days of mourning following the death of former president Demetris Christofias on Friday.
Following a meeting of the cabinet, during which ministers stood for a minute’s silence, an announcement said that the state funeral for Christofias will be held on Tuesday June 25 at 5pm, at the church of Ayia Sophia in Nicosia.
Government spokesman Prodromos Prodromou said that the state declared four days of mourning, and that Tuesday would be a public holiday for Government workers. In the meantime, all state public events would be postponed.
A book of condolences will be opened at the presidential palace, where members of the diplomatic corps and politic leaders can sign.
President Nicos Anastasiades will sign the book of condolences, Prodromou said, adding that all the flags in public offices will be flying at half-mast until the day of the funeral.
The funeral, the central committee of Akel decided, will be held using public funds, and the former president will buried at the cemetery in Makedonitissa. Akel also decided that the general-secretary of the party, Andros Kyprianou would deliver the eulogy.
Akel said in a statement that there would be a public viewing of the open casket at the PEO offices in Nicosia from 9am until 3pm on Tuesday, ahead of the service at the church.
The family will be receiving condolences from 4pm until 5pm at the church, the party announced.
Akel said that instead of flowers, the public would be able to make donations to the social welfare network, and the workers’ support union.
The flags outside the offices of Akel will all be flying at half-mast until the day of the funeral. A book of condolences will also be opened at the party offices on Monday.
Christofias died Friday at 5.40pm after a month-long battle with respiratory problems. He was 72.


Breaking down barriers to COVID-19 vaccine information
COVID-19 has often been dubbed The Great Divider. Shining a light on long-standing inequities within our communities, the pandemic not only impacted those in greatest need, but access to trusted vaccination information and mass COVID-19 immunization clinics was out of reach for many. Fueled by the knowledge that vaccinations were critical in stopping the spread of the virus and preventing deaths, Women’s College Hospital embarked on a mission to bring barriers down…and quickly.
Education and access to COVID-19 vaccinations is not a one-size fits all approach. Internet access, language, location of clinics, and availability of transportation and childcare are just a few of the obstacles people faced. To reach those in greatest need and vaccinate as many people as possible, we worked with our vast network of partners including Unison Health and Community Services and the Mid-West Toronto Ontario Heath Team to build trust and knowledge to ultimately get vaccines in arms. To do this successfully, the first step was overcoming hesitancy through education.
“Vaccine education was tailored to each specific site where Women’s supported vaccine provision,” says Vanessa Wright, nurse practitioner at Women’s College Hospital Crossroads Clinic. “In some shelters where we provided primary care, we offered group vaccine information sessions over a period of four weeks leading up to the vaccine clinics, using multi-lingual handouts to support the discussion. In other settings, vaccine information sharing was provided through webinars and in-person door-to-door visits, both in advance of the vaccine clinic and the day-of.”
To further drive vaccination rates and bridge existing language barriers, Crossroads, in partnership with Refugee 613, TAIBU Community Health Centre and the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), created a series of informational bulletins in 11 languages. Covering a wide range of topics about vaccine development and testing, youth vaccination and the differences between vaccine brands, the goal was to inspire vaccine confidence among immigrants, refugees, and non-English speaking groups.
Parallel to this initiative, Women’s connected with multi-language media outlets to reach non-English speaking communities. Working with experts we created multi-language informational videos and translated English-based vaccine materials on a rolling basis to ensure linguistic and cultural inclusivity.
“Many new immigrants are unable to access COVID-19 vaccine messaging through traditional sources of media that require English competency. Providing high-quality vaccine information in different languages is critical in reaching non-English speaking communities and helps to develop trust in newcomer communities,” said Meb Rashid, medical director at Crossroads Clinic.
The Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health (CWP-IH) at Women’s College Hospital recognized that there would be barriers to the uptake of COVID -19 vaccinations for numerous complex and context-specific reasons amongst Indigenous community members. This was compounded by the lack of culturally safe and relevant educational materials about vaccination. In partnership with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC), Anishnawbe Health Toronto, The Indigenous Health Program at University Health Network and Shkaabe Makwa (CAMH), CWP-IH launched Maad’ookiing Mshkiki – Sharing Medicine virtual hub with the aim of unpacking biomedicine, traditional knowledges and healing practices though oral storytelling and visualizations to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis in making informed choices about the COVID-19 vaccine. (read Knowledge is Medicine. Love is Medicine. Storytelling is Medicine. for the full story)
Beyond educating individuals about vaccines, we had to educate healthcare providers about the concerns individuals would have at our vaccination clinics. To create a culture of safety to support COVID-19 community outreach, our approach had to be informed by the diverse communities we were trying to reach. A COVID-19 Equity Advisory Group was formed to identify and remove barriers at Women’s College Hospital-run vaccine clinics.
“The Equity Advisory Group strategized, collaborated, and mobilized to ensure that equity was integrated at every level of the vaccine roll out, including design, staff training, outreach, and implementation,” explains Mina Kazemi, project manager for the COVID-19 Equity Advisory Group. “We co-created training tools and processes to ensure a safer, more accessible and equitable experience. Using an equity lens, our vaccine clinics worked to re-build trust and promote health and wellbeing among those hardest hit by the pandemic.”
Over the last year, Women’s built up vaccine confidence and tore down barriers. The organization prioritized vaccine education that was accessible, inclusive, and multi-lingual to minimize vaccine hesitancy among communities who are too often overlooked and underserved. Everyone deserves a fair shot at getting protected against COVID-19. Thanks to a collaborative, equitable and inclusive approach, Women’s administered over 125,000 vaccines to help curb the spread COVID-19.
19 to Zero
To shift public perceptions around COVID-19 and reduce vaccine hesitancy, Women’s College Hospital joined 19 to Zero, a 500+ member group of experts committed to building vaccine confidence and getting Canadians vaccinated.
“We want to reach people where they are at, and we need to help turn trusted healthcare practitioners into effective vaccine advocates,” explains Dr. Noah Ivers, WCH clinician scientist and medical lead with 19 to Zero. “Research consistently demonstrates the importance of trusted community members in driving vaccine confidence.”
In support of this, 19 to Zero has launched public health campaigns, produced and disseminated tailored resources, translated fact sheets, developed toolkits and led community and corporate Town Halls. This coalition is committed to supporting healthcare workers get educated and vaccinated, so they can become effective vaccine advocates.


A WORD FROM THE CEO
The 2021 Category 1 Club Grants are now open to eligible community groups. Last year, NSW registered clubs contributed in excess of $100 million through ClubGRANTS, helping thousands of community organisations, charities and sporting groups. It is a great opportunity for our Club to support the community and we are proud to be part of this endeavour.
If you would like any further information about the grants program or to apply for a grant please visit www.clubgrants.com.au
Take care, stay safe and I look forward to seeing you at our club soon.


Mobile Monday Belfast and Ulster University (School of Computing & Mathematics) are launching the Mobile Academy course in Belfast on 27th April 2016.
This unique CPD programme was created by University College London and MoMo London for entrepreneurs, project managers, marketers, designers and technologists impacted by mobile in their work and business. Hear what London alumni have to say about the 2016 course. The same course as in London will be delivered by tech professionals and entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland, to local participants interested in getting a wholesome understanding of the mobile eco-system and enhancing their career prospects by upskilling.
The course will run 9am-5pm on Wed. 27 April, Wed. 4 May, Wed. 11 May, Wed. 18 May and finish on Wed. 25th May 2016 at the Belfast campus of Ulster Univeristy, and cost half as much as in London! Ulster University CPD points are guaranteed and accreditation possible (T&Cs apply).
Check further details and registration here: www.MobileAcademyBelfast.org


A copy of the Constitution (and some hand sanitizer) for the flight to D.C.
My daughter Sarah leaves San Francisco tonight for Washington DC, where she will join March for Our Lives.
Sarah is 15, a freshman at the Oakland School for the Arts (OSA), a California public charter school. As 9th grade class representative, she helped organize OSA’s participation in the recent 17-minute National School Walkout on the one-month anniversary of the shooting that killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Students from thousands of American schools organized themselves on Twitter.
Sarah and her classmates at OSA are being trained to raise their voices, whether on the stage or at the podium, in the courtroom — or in the streets. Sarah’s education in this regard started at the Duck Pond preschool in our Oakland neighborhood, where the kids were groomed to be toddler activists: if they saw one child hurt another, in word or in deed, they knew to call for circle time. In elementary at Park Day School, the motto was “If you see something that’s broken, then it’s your job to fix it.” It’s easy to mock the earnest, ultra-liberal sensitivities of the Bay Area — and I do, quite often — but there is no denying the critical mass of awareness and resources available here.
Our neighbor Danny, who works at GoFundMe, the online fundraising platform, told Sarah that student travel grants were available for Saturday’s March for Our Lives. He encouraged her to apply. (Lest you think Danny is a typical Bay Area lefty, he served as a captain in the United States Marine Corps.) While Sarah was between performances at a theater competition last weekend, she organized a small delegation of OSA students to fly to DC, and drafted a travel budget, right down to the cost of the Metro tickets.
Last Sunday night, face still buried in her phone, she asked, “What’s a 501-c-3?” I explained, and minutes later, she asked me to proofread a note to her school principal, asking if the school could accept funds from March for Our Lives to pay for the plane tickets. The school could not, but the California Center for Civic Participation, a nonprofit in Sacramento, came to the rescue at the 11th hour with a banking assist. The funds were transferred within hours. These students are the mass shooting generation, yes, but also the multitasking generation with super computers fused to their palms.
They are woke and wired.
This morning, I pulled together a care packet for Sarah’s redeye. The citizen part of me selected a worn pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution her older brother Ben brought home in his senior year. A small American flag. That wonderful quote from anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
The mom in me tucked in energy bars, travel-sized toothpaste — and hand sanitizer.
During the flight, I hope Sarah can thumb to the Second Amendment in the little blue volume. Yes, it’s all online, and excerpted on bumper stickers too, but something about the infamous 27 words printed on the page offers fresh perspective: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
Does this mean the Constitution protects the collective right of a “well regulated Militia” to bear Arms, the prevailing interpretation of the courts from 1787 until the 1980s? Or is it the second clause, the individual right of “the people” to bear arms, which has prevailed since the Reagan era, that has brought us where we are today? (Legal journalist Jeffrey Toobin deftly explores this ambiguity in this 2012 article for the New Yorker, published after the Newtown elementary school massacre.)
There will be time before landing to reflect as well on the First Amendment, both trendy and timeless, yet also misunderstood.
Each year, the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania polls Americans’ civic literacy. The results of this annual Constitution Day survey are always dismal, and 2017 was no exception: only 10 per cent of those surveyed could name all the protections of the First Amendment. Almost half (48 per cent) got the free speech part, but only 3 percent (not a typo) could name the right to petition the government; 10 percent knew about the right of assembly; 14 percent named freedom of the press (ouch); 15 percent could tell you about freedom of religion. More than one-third of Americans could name no First Amendment right at all. Only one quarter of Americans surveyed, twenty-six per cent, could name all three branches of government.
To remedy this appalling deficit, Annenberg joined dozens of nonpartisan groups to launch the Civics Renewal Network, offering free online educational materials about the U.S. government. Regardless of politics, surely we can all agree that this is a worthy project. Or is even that a bridge too far?
Sarah tells me that students at California public schools do not take Civics until 12th grade. Because that is three years away for some, and the 2018 midterm election is in eight months, Sarah and her friends hacked their own solution. Using resources found online, they will tutor each other on how legislation is made and where to find unbiased research on the positions of candidates for Congress. Those who will turn 18 before November get first dibs on coaching.
Tomorrow I will march in San Francisco, in support of the hundreds of thousands of young people, Sarah among them, advancing on their Capitol to change broken laws. It will help if I suspend the question that nags me: why do our children now lead a struggle we should have waged on their behalf years ago? For the moment, I will put out of my mind the thought that otherwise haunts me: that of a broken parent in YOUR TOWN HERE, sitting across from the empty chair at the breakfast table, every day, for the rest of their lives. I will still cling though to the new American prayer: that I never join their ranks.
Those are my thoughts & prayers. For now, I will say thank you to our students. And urge them to keep on.


Yesway Launches Charitable Giving Program with an Initial $50,000 Donation Dedicated to Military Service Members and their Families and will also donate a portion of proceeds from Yesway-branded bottled water sales.
(Des Moines, IA and Abilene, TX) – May 24, 2018 – Yesway, the fast growing and innovative convenience store chain with locations in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, today announced the launch of the company’s new charitable giving program. In support of its steadfast commitment to the U.S. military and first responders, and in concert with the annual celebration of Memorial Day, Yesway will formally launch a National Two Star Partnership with Operation Homefront on May 25, 2018.
As the foundation of the Yesway Gives Back charitable giving program, Yesway is supporting, honoring, and meeting the needs of current and former members of the U.S. military and their families, who have sacrificed so much while fighting tirelessly for our nation’s freedom. “Countless numbers of brave Americans have demonstrated their courage and commitment to America and to freedom around the world by serving in the nation’s armed forces. In partnering with Operation Homefront, Yesway will celebrate these heroic men and women and thank them for their service,” stated Thomas Nicholas Trkla, Yesway’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “It is very important to all of us at Yesway that we make meaningful contributions to the communities we serve. We are very proud to be an Operation Homefront partner, further underscoring our commitment as a company to support our veterans.”
Founded in 2002, Operation Homefront is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive – not simply struggle to get by – in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefront expenditures go directly to programs that support tens of thousands of military families each year. Operation Homefront provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the support from thousands of volunteers, Operation Homefront proudly serves America’s military families.
“Not only will we be making a $50,000 donation in support of Operation Homefront’s important and patriotic work, but we are also offering Yesway customers the opportunity to join us in supporting America’s military and their families,” continued Mr. Trkla. “We will be donating up to an additional $25,000 from a portion of the sale of every bottle of our new Yesway-branded spring and purified water sold in our stores to this terrific organization.”
He continued: “It is extremely important to all of us at Yesway to be good corporate citizens – to recognize and actively support those who serve or have served in the military, as well as local charities, civic organizations, and first responders – our fellow countrymen and women who make a difference in the lives of others, and who go above and beyond the call of duty while asking nothing in return. This program is just a small way for our company to say ‘thank you’ to our troops for their service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our country, and to the family members who support them on the home front every day.”
“We are incredibly grateful for Yesway’s support of our mission to build strong, stable, and secure military families so they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect,” said Margi Kirst, Chief Development Officer for Operation Homefront. “Yesway and its customers will help us provide critical assistance to military families through a variety of impactful programs that help those who give so much in service to our country.”
To mark the formal launch of the partnership, Operation Homefront will join Yesway at a ceremony at the Yesway store located at 5194 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, Texas, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT on Friday, May 25. The company will present Operation Homefront with a donation check and will formally launch the Yesway-branded bottled water sales campaign benefitting Operation Homefront by donating 5 cents from the sale of every bottle of Yesway-branded spring and purified water, up to $25,000. Yesway team members will also be recognized for their military service during the ceremony.
Editor Note: To arrange interviews with Yesway executives, please contact Erin Vadala of Warner Communications at firstname.lastname@example.org or (978) 468-3076. High-resolution images and graphics are available on request.
About Yesway – BW Gas & Convenience, d/b/a Yesway, is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. Yesway recently debuted at #7 on the Convenience Store News “2018 Top 20 Growth Chains” list and was named a “2017 Chain to Watch” by Convenience Store Decisions. Yesway’s swiftly expanding portfolio currently consists of 88 stores located in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Yesway plans to acquire, improve, and rebrand 500 convenience stores in selected regions of the United States over the next several years. For more information on Yesway, please visit the company’s website at www.yesway.com


Decatur Memorial Hospital Again Named One of the Nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson Health
Nov. 7, 2018…Decatur, Ill…Decatur Memorial Hospital was today named one of the nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals by IBM Watson HealthTM. The Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals™ study is now in its 20th year. This is the ninth time Decatur Memorial Hospital has been recognized with this honor.
The Watson Health 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals study uses 2016 and 2017 Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MedPAR) data, 2017 Medicare cost reports (2016 if 2017 reports were not available) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Hospital Compare published in the second quarter of 2018. Hospitals were scored in key value-based performance areas: risk-adjusted mortality, risk-adjusted complications, percentage of coronary bypass patients with internal mammary artery use, 30-day mortality rates, 30-day readmission rates, severity-adjusted average length of stay, wage- and severity-adjusted average cost per case and, new this year, CMS 30-day episode payment measures.
“This national recognition for nine years is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our entire cardiovascular team at Decatur Memorial Hospital,” said Timothy D. Stone Jr.,President & CEO, Decatur Memorial Hospital. “DMH continues to set the quality standard for heart care in our community.”
If all cardiovascular providers in the U.S. performed at the level of this year’s winners (based on Medicare patients only), results industry-wide could amount to: over 10,300 additional lives saved, $1.8 billion saved, and 2,800 additional bypass and angioplasty patients could be complication-free.
“Cardiovascular disease is among the most widespread and costliest diseases in the U.S. with an annual price tag of roughly $317 billion. It is estimated that cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately $1 out of every $6 spent on healthcare in the country.i That’s why it is so critical that hospitals find new and innovative ways to deliver better care at a lower cost,” said Ekta Punwani, 100 Top Hospitals® program leader at IBM Watson Health. “The winning hospitals in our study have established the new benchmark for cardiac care performance by driving consistently better outcomes at a lower cost per case than non-winning hospitals.”
The winning hospitals were announced in the November 5th edition of Modern Healthcare magazine.
For more information, visit www.100tophospitals.com.


Harcourts Copper Triangle Rentals (HCTR) was recently recognised at the 2018 Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) Awards for Excellence;
2018 winner of the REISA gold award for Property Manager - Regional; and
2018 winner of the REISA bronze award for Property Management Agency -Small.
We are delighted and humbled to accept these awards (along with previous years awards) which reinforces our commitment to being the best possible property management team for both owners and tenants.
2016 winner of the REISA silver award for Property Management Agency -Small;
2016 winner of the Harcourts Number 3 Property Manager of the year Award; and
2015 winner of the REISA gold award for Property Management Agency - Small.


Noah Lomax has been cast to shoot 99 Homes, Ramin Bahrani's new drama starring Andrew Garfield.
Ramin Bahrani’s indie drama marks the first time Garfield has played a father on the big screen. After playing Gerard Butler’s son in “Playing For Keeps” and Josh Duhamel’s son in “Safe Haven,” Noah Lomax is getting a new Movie Dad — Andrew Garfield.
The 12-year-old actor has been cast as Garfield’s sarcastic son in Ramin Bahrani’s indie drama “99 Homes,” which co-stars Michael Shannon and Laura Dern. “99 Homes” represents the first time Garfield has played a father in a feature film.
Set against the backdrop of the economic crisis, story follows an unemployed contractor (Garfield) who gets evicted from his family home along with his mother (Dern) and his son (Lomax). In order to get his home back, he takes a job working for the realtor (Shannon) who evicted him and teaches him how to succeed in the foreclosure business.
Treehouse Pictures’ Kevin Turen and Justin Nappi are among those producing the movie, which is currently in production in New Orleans.
In addition to “Safe Haven” and “Playing for Keeps,” Lomax has appeared on several TV shows including “The Walking Dead” and “The Middle.” He also has a role in the animated sequel “Spongebob Squarepants 2.”
Lomax is represented by AEFH Talent Agency, Principato-Young Entertainment and Houghton Talent.
Director: Ramin Bahrani
Writers: Ramin Bahrani, Amir Naderi, Bahareh Azimi‐Khoie
Producer(s): Ashok Amritraj (see pic above), Ramin Bahrani, Andrew Garfield, Justin Nappi, Kevin Turen
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Laura Dern, Michael Shannon, Tim Guinee
Story: Set against the backdrop of the economic crisis, the drama revolves around an unemployed contractor who gets evicted from his family home with his mother and his nine‐year old son. Desperate to get his home back, he strikes a deal to work for the powerful, greedy, charming, gun‐toting real estate broker (Shannon) who evicted him. While it puts a roof over his daughter’s head, becoming the broker’s apprentice puts the contractor in a moral bind: is having a home worth losing your values and soul?
Release Date: Production began back in November and we’re thinking this will once again hit the film festival circuit in the fall – with stops at Venice, Toronto and/or Telluride.