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"This program doesn't work," said Costa Constantinides, a City Council member from Queens, who introduced the bill to end the program as one of several parking and transportation proposals. "Trucks are still parking in bike lanes. It's been around for years, and I really feel it's prohibiting us from having a real conversation around parking that we desperately need to have."
As part of that conversation, the councilman introduced a bill that would require the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, which oversees city agencies, to have buildings under its jurisdiction receive deliveries between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
"The city should lead by example," Constantinides said.
That's not so simple, it turns out. A Transportation Department off-hours delivery program proved unworkable for many businesses, some of which had to add employees to accept the shipments. The councilman said his program would be "one part of the puzzle."
As it happens, parking-ticket broker Glen Bolofsky has contributed more than $4,000 to Constantinides' campaign treasury in the past five years. A spokesman for the councilman dismissed the idea that the bill was intended to help brokers.
"The majority of those that benefit from this [stipulated-fine] program are big-box delivery corporations who flout traffic laws at the expense of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers," the spokesman said.
Bolofsky agreed that ending the program would help brokers, but he insisted the biggest beneficiary would be the public. "Congestion will be reduced," he said. "More money will be raised."
Assuming 70% of double-parking tickets are dismissed, he estimated the city has forfeited $147.5 million over the life of the program by not fining participants for double parking beyond Midtown.
The new schedule will collect about 30% of double-parking fines, but Bolofsky insists the program still benefits the biggest operators the most. He maintains that neither the city nor companies such as UPS will lose money adjudicating tickets, arguing that many companies still have in-house teams for the job, and automation can reduce the expense further. He noted that the city handled 12 million tickets a year in 1990, when they were handwritten, and had to deal with only 10 million last year. Enforcement agents now use handheld devices that reduce the errors and bad handwriting that led to dismissals.
The Finance Department disagrees with his conclusions, saying both the city and the 1,751 companies in the program—encompassing 48,880 vehicles—would spend more without the program.
"We would need more hearing officers," Shear said. "The companies would have to retain brokers or hire staff to defend against these parking tickets. In terms of revenue, there would be no increase to the city."
Apart from whether the program is good for the city, a walk through Midtown with several UPS executives revealed how difficult following parking rules can be.
Another option would be to park at a metered spot a couple of blocks away and cart diamonds by hand truck to recipients, which UPS rules out for security reasons. "It would put our driver and other people in the area at risk," said Axel Carrion, director of state public affairs.
A few blocks away, on West 50th Street, where commercial parking was allowed at that hour, every space between Sixth and Seventh avenues was taken, mostly by delivery and commercial vehicles. There were two idling for-hire vehicles and three cars with "parking authorization" placards—the bane of parking-reform advocates—on their dashboard.
Even when a UPS driver finds a legal spot, regulations can conflict with the company's efforts to operate efficiently. Using new dispatch-planning technology, the company has increased the number of packages a truck will carry to nearly 400 so that one truck does the work of two. But that truck needs to stay in one place much of the workday, doing pickups when it's done with deliveries. Parking rules—which aim to promote the flow of traffic and keep operators from hogging spots—require it to move after three hours.
But circling the block will delay deliveries and the truck could lose the spot, so the driver will stay put. This reduces congestion and pollution. But the ticket, which costs program participants nothing, will set them back $25 under the new schedule.
Overall UPS expects its payments under the fine program to jump 32% next year, to $21.8 million, with a $3.4 million increase from double parking and more than $1 million from unloading in the wrong spot or at the wrong time. The company says it would like to try other solutions, such as paying for spots where a truck could sit all day. Long term, it would like to see new building construction include space for unloading.
Right now the firm is weighing the benefits of staying in the program.
"My drivers can be trained to avoid the ticket, and we have drastically reduced the amount of tickets over the past couple of years," said Dan Byrnes, director of finance at UPS, adding that the city's ticket data aided his efforts. "Now with these changes, [the city] is not really helping. Just raising prices is not going to change behavior."
A serene elegance overflows from this timeless Spanish beauty in the Hollywood Hills. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac at the foot of Runyon Canyon Park, it’s evident that something special awaits as you enter the property through concrete arches and a custom wrought iron gate.
Besides its dramatic presence, the home is loaded with architectural details that are only found in homes from a bygone era.
A rotunda entry with inlaid polished wood floors and stenciled ceiling. The hardwood floors throughout the house are impeccable. It's as though they've never come in contact with the sole of a shoe in their 86 years.
The doors and windows throughout this home are beautiful, and in some cases quite unique. The French doors in the living room open to a large courtyard.
The home features a family Room, large formal dining room with views, a tower room, a 2-room staff wing and guest apartment with large terrace.
The second floor has five bedrooms. The master suite has city views and a generously sized dressing room.
Check out the oval window. Sweet, isn't it?
One of the more unique features I've seen is this space that appears to be a sort of prayer vestibule. The detail of its design is extraordinary.
The outdoor area in the back has three distinct levels. On the main floor is a private and beautifully tiled courtyard.
At the second level of the backyard is this beautiful pool and a terrace..
On the uppermost level of the back yard is a long pergola with that sits high above the house and commands unobstructed views of the city and beyond.
We are proud to offer you our latest product.
The Curcumin edition is the newest member of the DNH product family. After a year of development and testing it's finally available from the webshop.
What is the reason for this product? Are the wonderful properties of CBD insufficient on their own?
As part of nature, CBD and Curcumin have a programme that is incomparable with anything else, CBD as highest in rank, but when it comes to attributed properties Curcumin is a good second. That’s exactly why we call it the best of both worlds. Curcumin and CBD are in part, as regards effect and properties, aligned with each other and therefore increase the chance of making a valuable contribution to the well-being of humans and animals.
There are also properties attributed to Curcumin that provide a great deal of extra added value independently of CBD.
We opted for 30 ml and 50 ml packaging to draw individual attention to both products and to present these in the best possible way. As a result, the ratio CBD and Curcumin is 1 : 1 and this is the ratio that has been tested as best.
The Curcumin edition is also particularly suitable for preventative use, 10 drops in cup of tea, glass of water or juice gives you a dream start to the day! Whenever you could use a little help, we recommend the use of 10 drops at breakfast and 10 drops during the day, and do please feel welcome to let us know what it does for you!
We think this is the most wonderful product of all and the best supplement ever. What do you think?
How to Make Flapjacks - Quick, Easy and Yummy!
Learn How to Make Flapjacks with this easy recipe. The favourite simple, English, chewy, gooey, kids bake. Add chocolate if you fancy, or use dairy free spread to make them vegan. Use gluten free oats to make them gluten free too.
I’ve got to tell you, my home baking has fallen down a little lately.
We are living in a new house (October, is that still ‘new’?) which has a pretty rubbish kitchen and once I’ve been cooking all day for work, I kind of forget to cook treats for George and Harriet.
I’d like to tell you that Mum guilt got the better of me but actually I accidentally ordered a COMEDY sized huge bag of Jumbo Oats by mistake.
I realised that I’d never shared this recipe and in writing up how to make flapjacks, I’ve realised I MUST make them more. They are SO good!
Before we get into the details I feel I should clarify what a flapjack is for any transatlantic readers.
In America a flapjack is actually a pancake. English flapjacks are more of a gooey oat/granola bar, made with butter, sugar, golden syrup and oats, all baked in the oven.
Flapjacks are a super simple and easy treat.
What ingredients do you need to make flapjacks?
All you need to make flapjacks are butter, sugar, golden syrup and oats.
How do you make flapjacks?
The absolute key in how to make flapjacks is all in the cooking time.
They really are such a simple bake to make. Firstly you melt unsalted butter in a heavy bottomed pan. Once the butter is melted, stir in sugar and golden syrup. As soon as the sugar is dissolved, you remove the pan from the heat.
Now stir in your oats, making sure that they are all coated with the mixture.
Put the flapjack mixture into a baking parchment lined baking tray. Carefully press them down using a spatula to ensure they cook evenly and are the same thickness when you cut them.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, the edges of your flapjack should just be starting to brown, but the middle should be soft with a slight amount of wobble.
Which oats should I use in flapjacks?
I used Jumbo whole oats, in this flapjack recipe. They give a lighter, more crumbly texture.
You can also rolled oats, which make a more dense flapjack.
Should flapjacks be crunchy or chewy?
For me the perfect flapjack is a chewy one, with slightly crunchy edges. Anything else is simply not good enough!
However, if you of the crunchy flapjack persuasion, just cook your flapjacks for slightly longer.
What other ingredients can I add to my perfect flapjack recipe?
Once you have mastered the basic flapjack recipe, the world is your oyster in terms of other flavours.
A simple covering of melted chocolate after cooking adds some sugary goodness that will be a hit with the children.
You can also add dried fruits for an extra portion of fruit.
The list is endless, let me know if you find your perfect flapjack flavour!
Do you cut flapjacks hot or cold?
Leave the flapjack in the tin until it is completely cooled before cutting into sixteen squares and removing from the tin.
I think allowing them to cool helps them to keep their shape and means that you don’t need to overcook them.
Can you make Dairy free or vegan flapjacks?
Yep! Just replace the butter with your favourite dairy free spread.
How long do homemade flapjacks last for?
In our house this is about 5 minutes but if you can resist temptation this flapjack recipe will last for around 10 days kept in an air tight container.
You can also freeze flapjack in portions for up to one month.
This perfect sized baking tin.
Great quality baking paper like this.
Always use a good quality baking parchment to line your baking tray. A top tip is to make small cuts in your parchment at each corner to help it fit the baking tray better.
You can vary the type of sugar used in your flapjack. I used soft brown sugar in this recipe to make it chewy and rich. You could also use castor sugar but it won’t be quite as tasty. Dark brown sugar would give a darker appearance and a richer flavour.
I have used 1tsp of salt in this flapjack recipe. You can leave this out if you are cooking for young children, but I do have to say I think it really adds to the recipe and brings out the flavour.
If you prefer you could substitute honey for golden syrup, I haven’t tried this myself, but if you do let me know how you get on.
If you fancy some inspiration for other simple sweet treats or after school snacks then take a look at my Ultimate Banana Muffins or Microwave Brownies recipes.
Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. I’d love to know how you got on and what you thought of it if you make this Easy Flapjack recipe. Please rate the recipe and leave me a comment below if you do.
PS. Look at these two getting in on the post photo act. HAHA! Hope your children enjoy this recipe as much as mine do.
Preheat your oven to 170deg (fan) 150deg (conventional).
Line a 20cm x 20 cm baking tray with baking parchment, cut slits in each corner so it fits neatly.
Melt your butter in a large pan over a low heat.
Once melted add your sugar. and golden syrup. Once the sugar has dissolved remove from the heat and stir in the oats.
Give the entire mixture a really good stir so that all of the oats are coated.
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, the edges should be starting to brown but the middle should still be soft and wobbly.
When the flapjacks are cold, remove from the tin and slice your flapjack into 16 squares with a sharp knife.
Jordan Lee Archilbald “Jordy”, 24 of Jamestown NC was called to heaven on May 3, 2018. An informal gathering to celebrate the life of this precious soul will be held on Tuesday, May 8th at 6:00 pm at his mother’s home, 205 Forestdale Dr Jamestown NC 27282.
Jordy will be remembered by all who loved him as having the most beautiful, loving, caring and tender heart. When Jordy loved, he loved deeply. Jordy was kind and so affectionate and made everyone feel important. Jordy was special, that’s for sure and if we mentioned all that we have in our hearts, you would all be reading this for days. That’s how much we all loved our “baby boy”.
Some of the things Jordy loved most was large family gatherings, eating his “Ma’s” good cooking, fun times with friends, playing with Kensleigh and Abri and his little brother Jaidan, he loved his big brother Josh and fishing with his younger brother Jared and his cousin Garrett. His dad, Elmer was his hero. Jordy had much love and respect for his grandparents Kenneth and Virginia Manring and he knew that his Aunt Sissy worshiped the ground he walked on. Jordy loved all of his family so very much.
Jordy was charismatic and full of life. Just being near him made others happy and people were drawn to him. His beautiful smile and that sparkle in his eyes would light up the room and his silly laugh will never be forgotten.
We will miss our precious Jordy every day of our lives. We will continue to find comfort in knowing our God is a loving God and he has our boy in the palm of his hands and Jordy’s Mimi is holding him in her arms. We will see him again. He was and will always be SO LOVED.
In lieu of cut flowers, the family would welcome perennial flowers to create a memory garden for Jordy.
What is the fifth wave?
The mid-January defeat in Congress of the Protect IP Act (PIPA) and its evil twin, the Stop Piracy Act (or SOPA), is a dramatic illustration of the decline of established authority in the face of a rebellious public. The authorities engaged in this particular farce were political and economic: a handful of senators and congressmen, and the organizational chieftains of the entertainment industry. The performance began with quiet murmurs behind drawn curtains, but ended with a pratfall-filled chase scene in the full light of day, worthy of the Marx Brothers.
The sponsoring politicians clearly believed this was a technical matter, to be settled among lawmakers and interested parties. It never occurred to them that anyone would be paying attention. For their part, representatives of the “creative” establishment felt entitled to reduce the web to something like an occupied country, and co-opt the Justice Department to secure their profits. It never occurred to them to question the outsourcing of their business needs to the government.
This being Washington DC, the line between political and corporate power was fuzzy.

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