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[
"C-Ville Writers",
"Samantha",
"Lisa",
"C-Ville",
"Tami",
"Jedd",
"Raennah",
"Erin",
"Kristofer",
"Mary Shea"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:16 | null | 2016-08-24T07:00:36 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fbest-c-ville-2016-shopping%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2016.07.29-KS2-8378-large.jpg | en | null | Best of C-VILLE 2016: Shopping | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Moola, cash, dinero, dolla dolla bills—it doesn’t matter what you call it, you like spending money. And you know where all that hard-earned coin should go, too. From toys and books to bow ties and pet food, here’s how you’ve been shelling out your shekels.
JEWELRY STORE
Andrew Minton Jewelers
Runner-up: Keller & George
Honorable mention: Tuel Jewelers
There’s no dearth of jewelry stores with strong community ties in Charlottesville, and Andy Minton’s are perhaps the strongest. A former Cavalier football starting defensive back, Minton not only offers some of the finest gold, diamonds, pearls, pendants, bracelets and custom jewelry in town, he’s committed to supporting the university, its athletic programs and the surrounding area. Visit the shop off Route 29 or browse on the Web, but don’t go home empty-handed (and by empty-handed, we mean don’t overlook the rings!). Keller & George takes second place with nearly 150 years in business and a sparkling lineup.
HOME STORE Circa
Pick of the litter
From wacky to wonderful, Circa stocks it all
There’s plenty to love at Circa—literally more than 10,000 square feet worth—but part of the 18-year-old store’s appeal is finding a piece you’re not quite sure about. Maybe it won’t mesh with your décor or it’s just not sending the right vibe. It equal parts intrigues and intimidates you. We feel that. On a recent visit, we noticed a box of mannequin arms, a carved wooden head and this nearly 2′-tall cat. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what we might take home…if we had the guts.
Runner-Up: HomeGoods
Honorable mention: The Habitat Store
SECONDHAND CLOTHING STORE
Darling
Runner-up: Goodwill
Honorable mention: Twice is Nice
Owner Linnea White says she doesn’t just want to help women find a great outfit (like “that dress you pined after from Anthropologie last year”)—she wants to empower women through fashion. That’s why the Darling diva stocks handcrafted wares by female artisans both local and abroad and offers brands with a global impact mission. In second place, Goodwill is the place to make an unexpected find on the cheap, from a Fendi purse to Frye boots.
The Men’s & Boy’s Shop’s Josh Cain ties it right. Photo: Amy Jackson
PLACE TO BUY A BOW-TIE The Men’s & Boy’s Shop
Tie one on
Ask Men’s & Boy’s Shop owner Mike Kidd how to a tie a bow tie, and he answers with a question: “Can you tie your shoes?” Um, sure. “Same principle,” Kidd says, as he ambles to the middle of his Downtown Mall store and stops in front of a rack with an impressive assortment of slim slips of silk. “Your neck is your foot, and you’re tying your shoes,” he says.
“There’s no need to make it complicated,” he adds as he places an orange-and-blue (go Hoos!) number on the back of his neck, letting one side hang a little longer than the other. And then:
Kidd crosses the longer end over the shorter end, brings the longer end underneath the shorter end and out from the center.
Keeping a finger on the half-knot so the tie stays tight to his neck, he folds the shorter end of the bow tie horizontally and places the longer end of the tie over the shorter end.
He then folds the longer end of the bow tie horizontally, and, just like you do when you tie your shoes using the bunny ears method, pulls the longer end of the bow tie through the loop at the back of the shorter end.
Kidd tugs both sides to tighten and straighten, and centers the tie between his collar.
Pee-wee Herman would be proud.
Runner-up: Eljo’s
Honorable mention: Beecroft & Bull
PLACE FOR A DATE-NIGHT OUTFIT
Anthropologie
Runner-up: BitterSweet
Honorable mention: Derriere de Soie
It’s bittersweet when local shops get tossed on their derriere in favor of the big chains. But readers know Anthropologie delivers beautiful designs and quality clothes from its artistically decorated store. Or, as the 42-state, 217-store conglomerate says on its website, it offers “clothing, accessories, gifts and home décor that reflects… their [customers’] passions.” Downtown, runner-up BitterSweet hits the spot, offering a curated selection of cool-girl garb that’ll make your date all swoony.
PLACE FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHES
Old Navy
Runner-up: Belk
Honorable mention: Kid to Kid
One way to explain this win? Quantity over quality. Old Navy is the leader in trendy, inexpensive duds the nation over, which is why readers say, this year, they’re headed there for pint-sized khakis and tees come school time. Meanwhile, runner-up Belk keeps your little ones dressed to impress.
Illustration: Jason Crosby
LOCALLY OWNED GROCERY STORE Foods of All Nations
In store
What you want is what you get at Foods of All Nations
On a recent stroll through the aisles at Foods of All Nations, store manager Geoffrey Garbaccio stops in front of a bin overflowing with Hanover tomatoes. Clearly pleased with the beautiful, bountiful harvest before him, he points to equally impressive displays of cucumbers, peppers, peaches and zucchinis. “All from local farms,” he says, and then guides a visitor toward aisle 2, Jam and Jelly Central, where you’ll find everything from Smuckers strawberry to Frank Cooper’s Original Oxford Marmalade. Because here’s the thing about the Ivy Road food emporium: If you want it, all you have to do is ask.
“Charlottesville is a very diverse, multicultural city, and if somebody wants us to get something for them, we’ll try to do it,” Garbaccio says, be it Helmut Sachers Kaffee, De Ruijter chocolate or Divina Dolmas stuffed grape leaves. But not everything on the store’s shelves is from far-flung locales: Chaps ice cream is served in the café and Gearharts chocolate (in custom-made Foods of All Nations wrappers) is front-and-center on a candy shelf that’s located near a large display of Barboursville Vineyards wines. And it’s hard to miss the MarieBette bread in the bakery.
One of the first things Garbaccio did after coming to work at FOAN six months ago was visit every bread baker within 30 miles of the store. “Dozens of them,” he says. “Because you have to have good bread. It’s a staple.” And he’ll get no argument from his customers: MarieBette “bakes twice a day for us—and we sell out every day.”
Runner-up: Feast!
Honorable mention: Market Street Market
WINE SHOP
Market Street Wineshops
Runner-up: Trader Joe’s
Honorable mention: Market Street Market
What is it with all our favorite places being just below ground (see previous nautical-themed choice)? Regardless of where it is relative to sea level, Market Street Wineshop has it all—knowledgeable, gregarious staff, wine and beer tastings by the bushel and, of course, rack after rack of world-class vino. If you can’t find what you want at its 29th Place location or its location downtown on the north side of Market Street, head to Stonefield for Trader Joe’s value (read: cheap!) selection.
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
New Dominion Bookshop
Runner-up: Blue Whale Books
Honorable mention: Read It Again Sam
New Dominion offers the best of both worlds: nearly the inventory of a national brand and all the charm of a carefully curated, thoughtfully designed local shop. Ask any of New Dominion’s bookies for recommendations or help, and you’ll walk out of the oldest independent bookseller in Virginia with the perfect selection of fiction or nonfiction. The store also has an unmatched catalog of architecture and landscape gardening books. Down the mall at Blue Whale, it’s a history buff’s mecca, with rare books and antiquarian maps (and a Corgi named Gizmo, for the dog-loving bibliophiles).
STATIONERY STORE Rock Paper Scissors
Mail call!
8 times a card is better than an e-mail
It’s clear readers love browsing Rock Paper Scissors’ wall of greeting cards. We asked local etiquette expert Patty Hughson of Etiquette Empowerment to give us even more excuses to peruse.
After you receive a gift
If the person takes the time, money and interest, don’t you want them to know how much you appreciated it with a written note of thank you?
When someone has passed away
Your written words on a card provide more comfort in the survivor’s time of sorrow.
When someone you know is ill
Every time the person looks at your note on their bedside table, they’ll know how much you care and it will bring them a smile.
When congratulations are in order
Take the extra five minutes to show them you understand how hard they worked for that accomplishment.
After a job interview
This may be your future boss and this is the time to make a great first impression. Stand out from the crowd by showing that you appreciated their time and would be an asset to the company.
To repay a nice gesture
Acknowledge the gesture by taking the time to write a note.
To your grandparents
It may sound old-fashioned, but grandparents love written notes from family for gifts or to just say I love you.
After you leave a job
Never burn your bridges; you never know when your paths might cross again.
Runner-up: O’Suzannah
Honorable mention: Caspari
TOY STORE
Shenanigans
Runner-up: Alakazam
Honorable mention: O’Suzannah
When Kai Rady opened Shenanigans in 1974, it was the only toy store in Charlottesville. More than 40 years later, Rady’s still hand-selecting toys for sale in her Main Street retail space. She says she seeks out “toys, books, games, dolls and stuffed animals from all over the world that offer high play value, which I think is the No. 1 thing.” It shows. Shenanigans remains the place to snag this year’s hard-to-find plaything (and win Parent of the Year). Downtown, Alakazam continues to wow crowds with a selection of (among other fun things) themed toys from Wild West to pirates.
NURSERY/GARDEN STORE
Fifth Season Gardening
Runner-up: Ivy Nursery
Honorable mention: Snow’s Garden Center
Local beer geeks know Fifth Season as the spot for all their homebrew needs, but this funky joint on Preston is also a destination gardening center. The chain’s fifth location, the Charlottesville store offers up hydroponic and organic gardening supplies, wine- making products and supplies for cheesemaking, vinegar-making, canning, fermentation and more. The family-owned business, founded more than 20 years ago in North Carolina, claims to have everything for folks who are into “urban D.I.Y.” At upscale garden shop Ivy Nursery, nab anything from a Japanese maple to a gallon container of annual blooms.
PLACE FOR PET SUPPLIES
Ancestry Pet Food
Runner-up: Pet Food Discounters
Honorable mention: PetSmart
Although its name has changed (Ancestry Pet Food was previously Sammy Snacks), the dedication to your pets’ health hasn’t. What started as the owners’ quest to bake a healthy chocolate-chip cookie for their black Lab, Sammy, morphed into a farm-to-bowl business in which almost all ingredients for the company’s food and treats are sourced in the U.S. Once your pet has had a taste of the all-natural, holistic food (most pets eat less because it’s more nutrient-dense), it’ll be hard turning them back to brand-name nibbles. Runner-up Pet Food Discounters is the place to go for any pet—from dogs and cats to reptiles, fish and even pigs.
VAPE SHOP Smoke Brake Vapes
Vape a little
Tracy Riffel opened Smoke Brake Vapes with her aunt, Ronda Richardson, because she wanted to quit smoking but was intimidated by most e-smoking retailers. She wanted a place where newbies would feel comfortable coming to kick a bad habit.
“My aunt and I both used vaping to quit smoking, and we were both successful on our first try,” Riffel says. “I was in the hospital and purchased a starter kit. I didn’t even know I hadn’t been craving a cigarette for several days.”
Serious stuff. But for the fun side of vaping, try one of these: Pink Paradise, Thug Passion or Blueberry Muffin. “My favorite is Bourbon Street,” Riffel says. “It’s a vanilla bourbon flavor, a very subtle vanilla.”
Runner-up: Carytown Tobacco
Honorable mention: Mom & Pop Vape Shop
PLACE TO BUY A CAR
Brown Automotive Group
Runner-up: CarMax
Honorable mention: Volvo of Charlottesville
Driving around Charlottesville, you’ve likely seen more than a few cars with the Brown Automotive Group’s sticker on the back. It’s hard to miss the big red heart stamped in the middle of the company’s name. No wonder it’s so ubiquitous: The locally owned and operated business started in 1981 and has since expanded to five facilities and a body shop. And it doesn’t just do well; it does good, too: Brown keeps strong ties with the community, often partnering with the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital and the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA.
PLACE TO SPLURGE
Charlottesville City Market
Runner-up: The Happy Cook
Honorable mention: Feast!
Stockpiling all those birthday checks seems like a great idea right about now. When you have a little (or a lot!) of cash to spend, readers say the Saturday morning City Market is the place to do it. Grab a breakfast sandwich from Ivy Provisions, ogle the bounty of fresh farm produce ripe for the pickin’ and be on the lookout for one-of-a-kind items to complete your Christmas shopping early this year (for once), like handmade jewelry or furniture. Bring your own bags—lots of them. And don’t forget to swing by runner-up Happy Cook to nab that vegetable spiralizer to make zoodles or the perfect baking dish for your farm-to-your-table berry tart.
HALL OF FAME
Angelo
There are two reasons readers head to Angelo: They need something for a special occasion or just because. We tricked you there—there’s no reason not to choose the Downtown Mall jewelry gallery, as readers have told us practically since Lee Marraccini opened the shop with his wife, Pam, in 1999. The owners stock work from nearly 40 contemporary artists, from cufflinks to engagement rings, in the modern space. You know what they say: Good taste never goes out of style.
Daedalus Bookshop
We’ll let the words of a commenter on Daedalus’ Facebook page sum this up quite nicely for us: “Book shopping online is great if you know what you want, but the exquisite pleasure of discovering what you didn’t know you wanted can only be obtained in person.” In person at Daedalus, you get wall-to-wall secondhand books for three floors—more than 100,000 total—worth an afternoon (or two) of exploration.
Want more Best of C-VILLE? Click through to… | http://www.c-ville.com/best-c-ville-2016-shopping/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/4b97af0254c1d82c9fded5f3bb8f291d2316ff0c528f746d017ac38a51322c6c.json |
[
"C-Ville Writers",
"C. Simon",
"Erin",
"C-Ville",
"Susanna",
"Jessica",
"Claudia",
"Sherina",
"Faith",
"Laura"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:26 | null | 2016-08-31T07:00:26 | Looking for something to do this week? Use our guide to what's happening in the Charlottesville area. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fliving-picks-august-31-september-6%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/To-Do_Emily-Sacco.jpg | en | null | LIVING Picks: August 31-September 6 | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Food & Drink
Virginia Food Truck Battle
Sunday, September 4
Twelve area food trucks will fight it out for the title of “best food” at the second annual Virginia Food Truck Battle & Beer Competition. Proceeds benefit The MaDee Project, which helps families and their children with pediatric cancer. $10, 2pm. Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, 1290 Richmond Ave., Staunton. tickets.frontiermuseum.org
Nonprofit
Peanut Butter Drive
Saturday, September 3
Telegraph Art & Comics is hosting its inaugural Peanut Butter Drive to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. All non-perishable donations will be accepted, but people who donate peanut butter will receive a 20 percent store discount. Telegraph Art & Comics, 211A West Main St., Downtown Mall. 244-3210.
Health & Wellness
Hoofing with the Herd 5K
Saturday, September 3
If you’ve ever wanted to run with wild horses, now’s your chance to run or walk one of three courses with Scottsville Sanctuary’s wild herd. All paths have natural terrain, gravel roads and rolling green pastures with a Blue Ridge Mountains view. Music, food and a meet-the-mustangs hayride follows. $15-35, 10am. The Scottsville Sanctuary, 15585 S. Constitution Rte., Scottsville. (540) 661-9990.
Family
Meet Yer Eats Farm Tour
Saturday, September 5
Visit 10 of the farms that regularly sell their wares at City Market. Bring a cooler and some cash—most of the farms offer produce, eggs, meat, cheese and plants for purchase. Free, 10am-4pm. Various locations. meetyereats.wordpress.com. | http://www.c-ville.com/living-picks-august-31-september-6/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/71d2520cbc245a4e8878ca68d69e66dd18893e480f2689cf16fb5edb27b48213.json |
[
"Rew Writers",
"Rew"
] | 2016-08-29T16:46:50 | null | 2016-08-29T12:13:04 | Stroll down Main Street in Madison on Saturday, September 3 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Ftaste-mountains-madison-pride%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/totm-crowd.jpg | en | null | Taste of the Mountains | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Stroll down Main Street in Madison on Saturday, September 3 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Stop by the booth manned by the volunteer fire department and try one of their famous steak sandwiches. Head over to the bandstand and hear old-time mountain music and 21st century mountain music—they call it “country”—and the marches and show tunes of Madison County High School’s Marching Mountaineers. Check out the dozens (and dozens) of craft tables, tour a 19th century mansion, and treat the kids to pony rides and magic shows.
You can do all this and a whole lot more at Taste of the Mountains, the annual festival celebrating, carrying on and extending the musical, artistic, and culinary traditions of 18th and 19th century Blue Ridge Mountain culture. Back when it was first held in 1993, Taste was mostly a local affair. Not anymore. Not since a mere six years later in 1999 when it was named one of the top 20 festivals in the southeastern United States by the Southeast Tourism Society. The hay ride-style transport from the parking lot at Madison County High School may have given way to buses to accommodate the natives, the nostalgic, and the curious flocking to a few short downtown blocks, but Taste is still the day that little Madison shows off.
History and Heritage
Madison County was chartered in 1792 and named for a family—the same that gave the country its fourth president—which owned land along the Rapidan River. It was largely settled by families of German, English and Scots-Irish descent whose own descendants remain in the area today. President Herbert Hoover liked the area so much that he bought land along the upper Rapidan in what is now Shenandoah National Park and established Camp Hoover, which served as his country retreat throughout his presidency.
Today, most remarkably, the tiny little town of Madison, the county seat (0.2 square miles; population 229 in the 2010 census) has six structures on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Madison County Courthouse, which dates to 1828. The Greek Revival-style Kemper Residence (circa 1852) was built by Confederate Major General James Lawson Kemper, Virginia Governor from 1874 to 1877. It has been restored and furnished in period style, and will be open to visitors. Civil War re-enactors on the mansion’s lawn will portray Company C of Kemper’s own 7th Virginia Infantry Unit.
Eat, Shop, Play
Area restauranteurs including Bavarian Chef, Honey BBQ and Sweet Springs Ice Cream will welcome festivalgoers with food trucks, and Madison County’s wineries will offer samples in a tasting tent. Local small businesses, like furniture makers E.A. Clore Sons and artisan showcase Mad Arts, will display their wares at some of the Festival’s 170 booths; other booths will be occupied by out of state artists and craftspeople who think so highly of the event that they return year after year. As always, The Fredericksburg Antique Auto Club of America will exhibit its cool vintage cars, while kids will enjoy games, pony rides, and a magic show.
Music
Madison’s own Dark Hollow Bluegrass Band plays traditional mountain music in the style of Charlie Moore, The Stanley Brothers, Reno & Smiley, and Charlie Waller. “We are known for the way we dress,” says singer and banjo player Paul Fincham. “We dress up like they did back in the 30s, with the fedora hats and the vinyl black and white shoes.” The band has played Taste for the past half dozen years, and Fincham is looking forward to doing it again. “Anything you’re looking for,” he says, “you’ve got it up on Main Street.”
Madison singer Jessica Weaver played on the Katie Couric show and won Martina McBride’s Blackbird Country Contest—the $25,000 prize came with a recording session in McBride’s Nashville studio. Weaver and her band Silver Linings are Festival favorites and will entertain again this year.
Professional athlete turned rapper Jon James is known for a stage show that mixes rhymes with extreme sports. “Music is the canvas of my life,” James says. “I like to inspire the listeners to follow the voice of their own soul instead of the clustered noise of the outside world.”
David Gilmore hails from Culpeper, honed his chops in Nashville, and has played Taste “for at least the last 7 years.” He’ll sing originals and cover songs ranging all the way from The Doors hit “Light My Fire” to the George Jones classic ‘’He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Bennie Dodd is from Nelson County but makes his home near Waynesboro today. He and his band will play his own blend of old time country, bluegrass and rock classics “with seasoning in between.”
“Madison is a real quiet neighborhood,” Fincham says. “They treat you real good. It’s just a little town that welcomes everybody in.” Madison native Tracey Gardner agrees. “When I was a teenager,” she says, “I couldn’t wait to get out. I went into travel and tourism and quickly realized what we have: it’s a sense of peace that you get when you come home. We call it ‘Madison Pride.’” | http://www.c-ville.com/taste-mountains-madison-pride/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/4b5cdd65c0558b1d26535c761a4d8b22944cdd373cc7fa8814d2a8e775d7ad83.json |
[
"Lisa Provence",
"Samantha",
"Lisa",
"C-Ville",
"Alex"
] | 2016-08-26T20:46:11 | null | 2016-08-26T15:47:24 | The couple who took a pig from CASPCA and who planned to eat it had their charges certified to the grand jury August 25. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fjusticeforprofit-pig-larceny-maiming-case-moves-grand-jury%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/pig2-PamRivera.jpg | en | null | Pig larceny, maiming case moves to grand jury | null | null | www.c-ville.com | The couple who took a wandering pig that police delivered to the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA and who had plans to turn it into a Fourth of July barbecue, according to a Newsplex interview, had their charges certified to the grand jury in an August 25 preliminary hearing in Albemarle General District Court.
More than a dozen supporters of a pig they’ve dubbed Profit (because it was found on Proffit Road) showed up in court. Petition organizer Debbi Torres made an audible gasp when a veterinarian pathologist testified the pig had 31 stab wounds, and others, wearing T-shirts that said “#justiceforprofit” on the front and “Who will help the next pig?” on the back, dabbed tears from their eyes.
Jerelyn Aymarie Sutter, 27, and Lee Edward Oakes Jr., 33, were charged with maiming or killing of livestock, a felony, and misdemeanor cruelty to animals. Both had been charged with petit larceny, Oakes for the third time, and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Quatara amended those charges to felony theft of livestock, “to wit, a pig.”
Two Albemarle County Police officers had taken Profit into custody July 3 after he had been found wandering in the Proffit Road area. Animal control Officer Larry Crickenberger testified that when he came in to work July 4 and had a report of the “livestock animal,” he went to the SPCA to find a place to relocate it, because the shelter does not take livestock. That’s when he learned that Sutter, an SPCA employee, and Oakes had taken the animal.
“Mr. Oakes stated he had given the pig to a friend who had taken him to a butcher,” said Crickenberger. “I said for him to stop immediately.”
Oakes contended it was a feral pig that had tusks and charged him, according to Crickenberger. Oakes, who has a long, auburn beard, and Sutter, wearing a purple T-shirt, did not testify.
Crickenberger said he and SPCA operations manager Jennifer Kilby drove to Verona to the meat processor, a very large, “state-of-the-art, very clean” facility, to retrieve the remains.
Dr. Jaime Weisman, a veterinary diagnostician at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Warrenton, conducted the necropsy—an autopsy for animals. She testified to the 31 stab wounds, and under cross examination, said most were in the neck.
She also said it was difficult to tell whether a pig is domesticated or feral, especially after a domestic one spends a few months out in the wild.
Weisman estimated Profit was around 6 months old and weighed between 50 and 60 pounds.
Video footage from the SPCA was shown in court, and Detective Michael Wells narrated what was occurring. The pig was removed from a crate and an unnamed SPCA staff member helped put a harness and leash on. Oakes walks and pets the pig, said the detective.
“There starts to be an altercation with the pig,” said Wells. “The pig is laying there. He has to be subdued.” Later, a white sheet is put over the pig, which is still moving, he said.
“It appears the pig has been stabbed out of the frame,” said the detective. Sutter backs the car up and the pig is put in the trunk. On video from inside the shelter, the two appear to be cleaning up. “Mr. Oakes carries a trashcan full of something outside,” said Wells.
At that point, the commonwealth rested, with three of eight witnesses not testifying, among them, Jose Zamora, owner of Profit. According to Crickenberger, he’d been canvassing the neighborhood where the pig was found looking for its owner when he noticed Zamora’s residence, which had other livestock, including goats.
Outside the courtroom, Zamora said he’d bought a pig in the spring at Tractor Supply, and the person selling it gave him a second pig, even though Zamora said he didn’t have room. “He said, ‘Don’t put it in the corral,’” said Zamora. “We’d leave food for it and find it in the woods. Then we don’t find it. A couple days later an investigator came, saying the pig was killed.”
Oakes’ attorney, Bonnie Lepold, argued that the commonwealth did not prove that the pig was livestock, nor that it was owned. “No one comes forward,” she said, and no one said, “That’s my pig.”
Judge Steve Helvin said the pig was clearly in the possession of the SPCA. “I have no problem certifying the larceny cases,” he said.
He also wasn’t convinced Profit was a feral pig because it was put on a leash. “I’m not buying it,” said the judge. “You might have the right to kill an animal, but not maliciously with 31 stab wounds.” He certified the livestock-maiming charges to the grand jury as well.
After the hearing, #justiceforprofit supporters were pleased.
Debbi Torres, who runs a pig sanctuary in North Carolina, gasped in court when she heard the animal had been stabbed 31 times. Staff photo
Torres, who had collected 1,060 signatures on a petition she turned over to the prosecution demanding the maximum sentences—16 years—for Sutter and Oakes, said, “We want to tell people there are a lot of pet pigs. Not all are feral. Hundreds of people care about these animals. They’re not just food.”
Said Torres, “There’s a network of people who have sanctuaries. When there’s a lost pig, we’re on it.”
Following the August 25 hearing, the CASPCA provided a statement dated July 23 that noted two employees involved had been terminated. Chair Glenn Rust said, “Since the incident is currently under a criminal investigation, we are not able to make further comments at this time.” | http://www.c-ville.com/justiceforprofit-pig-larceny-maiming-case-moves-grand-jury/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/ddf76cf013ca42a25c9d22aad6f013e7e298038f5834d80320789c135bee611d.json |
[
"C-Ville Writers",
"C-Ville"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:10 | null | 2016-08-24T07:00:55 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fbest-c-ville-2016-health-fitness%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DJI_0303.jpg | en | null | Best of C-VILLE 2016: Health & Fitness | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Shape up or ship out, we say. And readers agree, having voted for the best in everything from martial arts school to personal trainer. And, when the going gets a little too tough, you weighed in on the best docs in town to keep you limber and living well.
FITNESS CLASS
The MADness (MADabolic)
Runner-up: C’ville Burn (CrossFit Charlottesville)
Honorable mention: Hot Yoga (Hot Yoga Charlottesville)
“MAD” could describe a few things: lack of sanity (e.g. “I’ve gone mad”), the way you feel after you get your ass kicked in a workout or it might stand for Momentum, Anaerobic, Durability. In the case of The MADness, it’s the latter. Each class begins with an explanation of the exercises you’re about to begin, then you do what the instructor calls “a climb”—the whole routine for one minute per exercise, then two minutes, then finally three minutes per exercise. It sounds rough—but, since it earned top honors this year, you’re clearly not mad about it.
Illustration: Jason Crosby
BIKE SHOP Bike Factory of Charlottesville
Pedal to the metal
Bike Factory of Charlottesville might not be the oldest cycle shop in town, but owner Mark Gordon says celebrating its 20th year at its Zan Road location does make it the oldest to stay in one spot.
“There’s something to be said for that,” Gordon says, adding that his family-owned shop’s quick turnaround on repairs are likely why you’ve voted it the best bike shop in town.
But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. What’s Gordon’s recommendation for the best city ride?
“Observatory Hill. It’s not the longest in the world, but you can definitely get some good riding in there. It’s very challenging.”
O Hill is home to some of the most steep, rocky and aggressive mountain biking trails in the city. It connects to the Rivanna Trail, which Gordon says gives bikers a good avenue to extend their ride.
Runner-up: Blue Ridge Cyclery
Honorable mention: Blue Wheel Bicycles
MASSAGE THERAPIST
Brett Strieter
Runner-up: Brian Keena
Honorable mention: Emma Rowe
Head, shoulders, knees and toes —it’s all connected, which is why Brett Strieter’s work at Infinity Massage focuses on releasing restrictions to the body’s fascial connective tissue. Through massage, he breaks up the tissue surrounding the muscle fiber, which helps the body move more freely. And he should know—Strieter’s work as an amateur bodybuilder and powerlifter gives him unique insight into the body’s abilities. In the runner-up spot, Brian Keena specializes in five kinds of massage therapy, including craniosacral and neuromuscular.
Illustration: Jason Crosby
DENTIST Jeffery Hodges
You’re probably doing it wrong
“One tooth at a time…You scrub that tooth, then you go to the next one.” That’s the advice that dentist Jeffery Hodges gives the Charlottesville community on the best way to go at their daily cleaning. This year’s winner says while there’s no specific pattern for teeth-brushing, it’s important to focus on each tooth individually, and continue brushing for no less than two and a half minutes—anything below that, he says, is just not sufficient enough. Another piece of advice? Loosen the death grip on your brush. Being too aggressive could leave you down in the mouth.
Runner-up: Aaron Stump
Honorable mention: D.J. Bickers
GOLF COURSE
Old Trail Golf Club
Runner-up: Birdwood Golf Course
Honorable mention: Full Cry at Keswick Golf Club
A championship golf course in Crozet’s Old Trail community, Old Trail Golf Club boasts a full 18 holes of bent grass greens and zoysia fairways. We’re not of the golfing sort (though the club offers lessons to players of all skill levels through its Kandi Comer Golf Academy), but we can get behind one thing most people rave about when it comes to Old Trail: the views. Situated at the base of the Blue Ridge, golfers can get in some serious mountain-gazing from hole to hole.
HIKE Humpback Rock
Rock out
It takes hikers a little under an hour to traverse the 740 feet to the summit of Humpback Rock, but how did that rock even get there? Suffice it to say it took awhile. Here’s your history lesson.
About 1.2 billion years ago, the collision of several continents formed supercontinent Rodinia and caused a mountain-forming event known as the Grenville orogeny. (When two continents collide, instead of sinking, they shove over each other, creating mountains.) Then, roughly 400 million years later, as Rodinia began to break apart, molten magma beneath it started to heat up and spill onto the surface in the form of lava flows. Over time, those lava flows metamorphosed into basalt, an extrusive igneous rock. That igneous rock is the main element of the Catoctin Formation, a geological unit that stretches from Pennsylvania to Virginia and includes this year’s best hike winner at 3,080 feet above sea level.
Runner-up: Old Rag
Honorable mention: Saunders-Monticello Trail
PERSONAL TRAINER
Dar Malecki
Runner-up: Justin Tooley
Honorable mention: Vanessa Schnable
No surprise here: The CEO of MADabolic (this year’s best fitness class and best niche fitness studio) takes the top prize again this year. Malecki was living in Charlotte, North Carolina, working as a commodities trader when she signed up for a trial class with MADabolic. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Charlottesville to open the company’s first franchise location. Her high-intensity workouts keep clients coming back stronger than ever. In the runner-up spot, Justin Tooley gets recognition for squats, deadlifts and bench presses at his McIntire Plaza spot, The Gym.
NICHE FITNESS STUDIO
MADabolic
Runner-up: FlyDog Yoga
Honorable mention: CrossFit Charlottesville
If you’re headed to a fitness studio, you want to see results. Happily, that’s the goal at MADabolic, too. An athletic conditioning program that emphasizes interval training from its studio near the IX Art Park, MADabolic’s intervals switch daily to produce a unique workout that clients won’t get tired of—and will give them long- lasting results. In second place, FlyDog Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes from its studio in the Millmont Shops.
Gordon Emery. Photo: Keith Alan Sprouse
MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL Charlottesville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Don’t panic
Charlottesville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s lesson in self defense
At Charlottesville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, owner Gordon Emery and his fellow instructors teach 24 classes to about 200 students each week, in the martial arts styles of jiu-jitsu—which is most popular—as well as Muay Thai and Krav Maga. But martial arts aren’t just for people who want a black belt. The skills it teaches can help save your life.
We asked Emery to demonstrate how to defend yourself if an attacker were to push you up against a wall and attempt to strangle you. However you react, the first step, says Emery, is, “Don’t panic.”
Step 2: Reach upward to the attacker’s fingers with both of your hands. Locate the easiest finger and grab it with one hand.
Step 3: With your other hand, secure the attacker’s wrist by grabbing onto it.
Step 4: Bend the attacker’s finger back to his forearm and straight down.
Step 5: Remove yourself from the situation and get help.
Runner-up: Laughing Dragon Kung Fu
Honorable mention: 7 Tigers Taekwondo and Hapkido
BIKING TRAIL
Walnut Creek Park
Runner-up: Rivanna Trail
Honorable mention: Observatory Hill
Get out your good legs and a tuned-up ride. Cyclists beyond beginner level will be aptly challenged on a trail system that leaves you pumped out and breathless by serving up a jostle of roots and ruts with multiple ways to connect throughout Walnut Creek Park. While designed for hiking, runner-up Rivanna Trail is a combination of smooth paveways and well-worn paths that fill up quickly on the weekends with dog walkers, tikes on training wheels, joggers and dodgers on mountain bikes.
Photo: Matteus Frankovich/Skycladap
KIDS’ PARK IX Art Park
Free for all
No idea is off limits at IX Art Park
If you’ve never been to IX before, here’s what you need to know to enjoy it: nothing. It’s an art park, and what is art if not open for interpretation? That’s what makes it a great place for kids both big and small. The space ignites imagination. But, in case you’re more of a realist, we asked the park’s executive director, Brian Wimer, to tell us what each exhibit is all about.
“Blastoff” by Eric Cross and Chicho Lorenzo
A true creative collaboration. Chicho took Eric’s suggestion seriously to stick a space shuttle on a tree trunk. It helps to have welder Brady Pisha working nearby in the IX art studios…and Oliver Kuttner’s cherry picker.
“Head of Zeus” by Christian Breeden
Originally featured in the film Pyrometheus. Christian was one of the first instigators in the Art Park, bringing the Burning Man ethos of participation and play to Charlottesville (not shown).
“Hands Together” mural by Ross McDermott and Avery Lawrence
This mural by the Charlottesville Mural Project predates the Art Park, but helped put IX on the map for ambitious, large-scale public art (not shown).
“Piano Stairs” by Katherine Sigman and Susan Krischel
Play is a key Art Park principle. With some creativity and a couple cans of black and white paint, a disused staircase became one of the park’s first and most used attractions (not shown).
“Dream Big” mural by Chicho Lorenzo
“Dream big” is the park’s motto, an invitation to indulge possibility. This 15,000-square-foot mural replaced the park’s original “Art Invasion” graffiti mural.
“Labyrinth” by Chicho Lorenzo and Brian Wimer
Bernie McCabe’s original “Dream Big” maze was all but walked-off. The new labyrinth is the center of what will become a wall-to-wall mandala, filling the entire courtyard with color for contemplation.
“Music Pipes” by John Rubino
Perhaps the most participatory piece in the park. Each pipe is tuned to a note so anyone can bang out a tune, satisfying the park’s promise to stimulate the senses, including sound.
“Nest” by Katarzyna Borek
Katarzyna makes nests—this is perhaps her biggest. The geodesic dome underneath the nest was on the playa at Burning Man, at the Polish sausage party where Kuttner and I first discussed the possibility of the park.
“Zen Lifeguard” by Brian Wimer
One of the many ways to sit at the park. A lifeguard chair in a sandbox…and an open invitation to David Hasselhoff.
“Unicorn Bikeboat” by Chicho Lorenzo
What’s to say? It’s Chicho being Chicho. Magic happens when you have an artist in residence.
“Before I Die” wall by Candy Chang
An invitation to indulge your life’s dreams. Cleaned every week, this interactive chalkboard quickly fills with wishes, wants and bucket lists.
“Express Yourself” Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression
This mobile monument travels occasionally. Another 3-D opportunity for free-spirited speech, like the chalk monument on the Downtown Mall.
“Byron’s Telescope” by Joseph Schepps
Experiential art. This steampunk sideshow piece is actually a time portal. You climb in, bells ring and then you see God (if you are so inclined).
“Second Stream” by Brian Wimer
Placemaking is about perception. What if a street becomes a stream? A dozen community members helped make this possibility a reality.
“Love Butt” by Kurt Braunohler
Braunohler was hauling ass across country with Comedy Central. He asked for a place to park his butt. Charlottesville gave him such a great reception he decided to bring back the butt after the tour (not shown).
“Circle Swing” by Brian Wimer (swings made by Cloud Cabin Arts)
Shade, seating and the context for conversation—this is how you build community. One swing at a time.
“Pollocks Path and Meadow” by Devin Floyd
Floyd, from the Center for Urban Habitats, devised this walkable wonderland of native flora and fauna—what would have grown and thrived 500 years ago on the banks of the stream is now buried in a pipeline under IX.
Runner-up: Pen Park
Honorable mention: Greenleaf Park
SWIMMING HOLE
Blue Hole
Runner-up: Walnut Creek Park
Honorable mention: Chris Greene Lake
Once a clandestine place to skinny dip, the climb to Blue Hole (just up from the Sugar Hollow Reservoir) is now populated with families, canines and athletes. No longer a destination for swingers after the legendary rope swing was cut down, the natural swimming pool is still our hottest place to cool down. The trucked-in sand, shallow entry point and shady shelters make Walnut Creek Park another favorite spot for a group picnic or family staycation.
GENERAL PRACTITIONER
Katharine DeGeorge
Runner-up: Annika Abrahamson
Honorable mention: Greg Gelburd
There was a time when a doctor visit meant he was coming by to check on you and it was best if you had a pot of tea or a spot of sherry on hand. These days it’s hard to romanticize the waiting room and health care system tango, but getting a hold of your health with Dr. Katharine DeGeorge makes it all seem easy. Annika Abrahamson’s nurturing bedside manner and expertise make her a repeat favorite as the one to call when you’re feeling poorly.
DERMATOLOGIST
Anna Magee
Runner-up: Deborah Elder
Honorable mention: Bridget Bryer
The porcelain skin, the Irish lilt—it’s easy to see why readers voted for Anna Magee this year. When it comes to skin care and keeping our community looking fabulous, she leads by example at Charlottesville Dermatology. Deborah Elder, at the same practice, solves all your skin squabbles, from acne to varicose veins.
CHIROPRACTOR
Cox Chiropractic Clinic
Runner-up: Sam Spillman
Honorable mention: Tate Huffman
The love for an effective chiropractor cannot be underestimated. With nearly 40 years of thorough examination and attentive treatment under its belt, repeat winner Cox Chiropractic Clinic bends over backward, while assisting you to do the same through regular adjustments, acupunture, physical therapy and more. Runner-up Sam Spillman uses research, therapeutics and modifications to keep you in balance from his Preston Avenue office.
Photo: Cramer Photo
PEDIATRICIAN Paige Perriello
Baby talk
Paige Perriello says one size doesn’t fit all
It’s no secret that your child is amazing. And pediatrician Paige Perriello is among the first to confirm that fact. She also knows that, as a parent, you have questions. Lots of them. Which makes sense, seeing as you’re responsible for a human being and all. According to Perriello, the best thing you can do to keep from getting overwhelmed by the enormous 24/7 job you’ll have for the next, uh, forever, is to choose a pediatrician you trust to help you along the journey.
Pediatricians are “trained in the comprehensive care of children from birth until age 18—or 19, 20, 21, 22…usually through the college years,” she says. And during every one of those years, you’ll have dozens of questions: How can I get my baby to sleep through the night? What’s the best way to discipline my toddler? How do I know that my child is getting a healthy diet? How much screen time is too much screen time?
When we posed these questions to Perriello, who works at Pediatric Associates (the practice her father, Vito, founded), she told us “every newborn, child and family is different, therefore the answers to those questions differ slightly for each family.” She says she likes to “take what I know about a family’s background and experiences and align that with the best and most current evidence-based pediatric knowledge to work together with them to make a plan that suits them.”
Sleep, for example, is something that comes up frequently in the first two years—and sometimes even in later years. “The so-called ‘cry it out’ method, popularized by sleep expert Dr. Richard Ferber, works if done correctly, but it is not the method that is most comfortable for everyone,” Perriello says. So she adheres to “core principles with each family: having a routine, knowing the goal amount of sleep for their infant or child, getting parents or extended family on the same page, making a plan and then sticking to it.” If, however, the plan’s not working, schedule a visit with Perriello. And while you’re there, you’ll probably have a few more questions.
Runner-up: Alaina Brown
Honorable mention: Carol Boersma and Greg Gelburd (tie)
EYE DOCTOR
Blue Ridge Ophthalmology
Runner-up: Primary Eyecare
Honorable mention: Drs. Record & Record
Plus two, minus four, OD, OU—what’s it all mean? Spectacles are a nice fashion accessory (especially if you’re going for the sexy librarian look), but if you require them for daily function, you need to get your numbers straight. The experts at Blue Ridge Ophthalmology will look you in the eyes and make it all crystal clear with routine exams and assistance in everything from cataracts to diabetic retinopathy. In the No. 2 spot, Primary Eyecare sees you through the prescription process and offers an on-site optical boutique that’s handy for setting you up with a second set of eyes.
HALL OF FAME
David and Rebecca Swett
Headed to the dentist? No frowns here! Normally, we wouldn’t feel envious. But a trip to see David and Rebecca Swett isn’t your typical visit to the tooth doctor. In fact, some patients have likened the atmosphere to that of a day spa. The Swetts are not only committed to your dental health—from root canals to halitosis—but they’re also interested in promoting a healthy view of dentistry in general, so they keep their office environment calming and their procedures as pain-free as possible. The result? We’re all smiles.
ACAC
When Phil Wendel opened Atlantic Coast Athletic Club in 1984 (in a former Safeway grocery store on the corner of Hydraulic Road and Route 29), he had two goals: Keep it clean and keep it open. Once he had both of those down, the mission morphed. Health and wellness should be available to everyone—not just bodybuilders and bikini models. More than 30 years later, ACAC members total around 60,000 across its locations in Charlottesville, Richmond and West Chester, Pennsylvania, with more than 20,000 of those in our city alone. Safe to say it’s sticking around.
Want more Best of C-VILLE? Click through to… | http://www.c-ville.com/best-c-ville-2016-health-fitness/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/1de58834efc541259822e6718eab021a3849c42e9d20096f1a3a45e3a75c6283.json |
[
"C-Ville Writers",
"Samantha",
"Lisa",
"Alex",
"Susanna",
"C-Ville",
"Melissa"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:24 | null | 2016-08-31T07:00:29 | In brief: New bridge, $26 million hotel, funky smoothies and more... | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fbrief-new-bridge-26-million-hotel-funky-smoothies%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Screen-Shot-2016-08-26-at-3.14.59-PM-copy.jpg | en | null | In brief: New bridge, funky smoothies and more... | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Good news for smoothie fans
Charlottesville has no reports of hepatitis A cases like the outbreak that struck 28 Tropical Smoothie Cafe patrons throughout Virginia that was thought to be caused by contaminated Egyptian strawberries, according to the local Virginia Department of Health office.
Understudy steps in
While UVA drama professor Walter Francis Korte Jr., charged with two counts of possessing child pornography earlier this month, is still being held at the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail, two of his classes—Cinema as an Art Form and Film Aesthetics—are now being taught by Matthew Marshall, another professor in the department, according to the Cavalier Daily. History of Film, which Korte was also scheduled to teach this semester, is no longer listed for students.
A little more time
Photo: Scott Elmquist
U.S. Supreme Court justices unanimously ruled to reverse former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell’s 11 corruption convictions in June, sending his case back to Richmond’s 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to decide whether there is enough evidence for a retrial. His council and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are now asking the appeals court to give the U.S. Justice Department three more weeks to further prepare and consider its next steps before taking any action.
Hotel hot spot
Rendering courtesy of CARR City Centers
Developers announced August 29 that they have secured a $25.8 million loan for a 10-story luxury hotel on West Main Street. As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection Hotels, the space will feature 150 guest rooms and suites, a restaurant and 3,000 square feet of meeting space. It will be located next to Uncommon, West Main’s newest digs. Construction is slated to begin this fall, and the hotel is expected to open in 2017.
Sexual assault details
The victim of the August 19 sexual assault occurring on Emmet Street, possibly between Thomson Road and Jefferson Park Avenue, recently told Charlottesville Police that “a couple of people” on the street took her home after the assault. Police ask for anyone who aided the victim or noticed anything suspicious in the area between 11:30pm and 1am to contact Detective Regine Wright-Settle at 970-3274.
Bridging the gap
While the U.S. 29 and Rio Road grade-separated intersection got all the attention this summer, the Berkmar Drive Extended project, parallel to Seminole Trail, has been chugging along. Upon completion, one can drive from the former Shoppers World, now called 29th Place, up to CHO without setting wheels on 29. And VDOT has documented the bridge construction over the Rivanna with pretty nifty time-lapse photography. The connecting road beams are supposed to go in this week.
2.3 miles long
Costs $54.5 million
Two lanes with four-lane right of way for future expansion
Includes bike lane, sidewalk and multi-use path
By the Numbers: Power struggle
Dominion Virginia Power was officially given the go-ahead August 23 to begin
a $140 million power line burial project across the state.
400 miles of power lines buried
$350,000 per mile
$6 extra per year that each customer will pay
50 cents added to average customer bill starting next month
Quote of the Week:
“Every year he has new evidence about why he shouldn’t be in jail in Virginia.” —Delegate Rob Bell about Jens Soering’s petition for absolute pardon. | http://www.c-ville.com/brief-new-bridge-26-million-hotel-funky-smoothies/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/ae3c2cbf4da9835b4c1c91a78fc9ff134ea6735074a0028666423a5f18244c15.json |
[
"C-Ville Writers",
"C-Ville",
"Tami",
"Jedd",
"Raennah",
"Kristofer",
"Nick",
"Erin",
"Alex"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:25 | null | 2016-08-31T07:00:39 | Of Montreal plays The Jefferson Theater on Tuesday, September 6. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Farts-pick-montreal%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/of-Montreal_Ben-Rouse-2.jpg | en | null | ARTS Pick: of Montreal | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Over the course of two decades and 14 LPs, of Montreal’s Kevin Barnes has established himself as a bit of a sonic chameleon while usually covered in glitter. He swallowed up ’60s psych-pop, Prince-ly funk and glassy prog while morphing deftly between the personal and the fantastical. On the new record Innocence Reaches, the first line asks, “How do you identify?,” surfacing ideas about gender, attraction, nationality and race that are on our collective minds.
Tuesday, September 6. $18-20, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 245-4980 | http://www.c-ville.com/arts-pick-montreal/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/f056cffc4544d553698fdc8c89f9c5864f4487bb609fb3b9afbfa726383edc6e.json |
[
"Samantha Baars",
"Lisa",
"C-Ville",
"Samantha",
"Susanna",
"Melissa",
"Alex",
"Jessica"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:33 | null | 2016-08-25T18:15:45 | In April, a Forest Lakes resident was arrested for installing a camera inside his neighbor’s bathroom. He was sentenced to seven months August 25. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fthomas-eagleson-sentenced-7-months-unlawful-filming%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/ThomasAndrewEagleson.jpg | en | null | Thomas Eagleson sentenced to 7 months for unlawful filming | null | null | www.c-ville.com | In April, a Forest Lakes resident was arrested for installing a hidden camera inside his neighbor’s master bathroom. Facing 23 years in prison, he was sentenced to seven months August 25.
“This is a bit of a unique circumstance because these people were not strangers to each other,” defense attorney Rhonda Quagliana said in Charlottesville Circuit Court. “It makes it a whole lot worse and a whole lot better at the same time.”
Thomas Eagleson, 45, was charged with two felony counts of unlawfully filming a minor and three misdemeanor counts for filming his adult neighbors in the shower. He was also charged with two counts of breaking and entering, though Charlottesville Police say he had access to the home because he was pet sitting.
Judge Paul Peatross ordered that Eagleson is not permitted in Forest Lakes, nor is he is allowed to have any contact with the family he violated. After he is released from jail, he is expected to be on good behavior for 20 years, probation for two of those and monitored by a GPS for one. He will also take therapy for sex offenders.
Several former colleagues from Klockner Pentaplast, where Eagleson worked since 1997, testified at his sentencing. They told the judge they were “shocked” when they learned of his charges, that he was a “good mentor,” a “good role model,” and that they were aware of some personal issues Eagleson was facing.
“Tom was more than just a brother, but a best friend,” his brother, Ken, also said during his tearful testimony. “He did something stupid, absolutely stupid, and he knows it.”
Eagleson, who has been incarcerated since April 11, appeared in a black-and-white striped jumpsuit. He read a written statement, which said he takes full responsibility for his actions and acknowledges that he needs professional help.
Those supporting Eagleson sat shoulder to shoulder in the pews behind him. He thanked them for their continued support.
“There’s not a day that goes by where I do not feel remorse and shame,” he said. | http://www.c-ville.com/thomas-eagleson-sentenced-7-months-unlawful-filming/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/e7f33ae5893bc1534f66f5e77fa7a7e02906f6effcb748b87b4afdbbcbc03f37.json |
[
"C-Ville Writers",
"Samantha",
"Lisa",
"C-Ville",
"Alex"
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:36 | null | 2016-03-09T07:00:48 | Have a look at our zany predictions for what the future holds in Charlottesville. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Ffuture-focus-whats-store-charlottesville%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/ThinkstockPhotos-163995641.jpg | en | null | What's in store for Charlottesville? | null | null | www.c-ville.com | What does the future hold? We examine what has happened in Charlottesville’s past and present to make some zany predictions about what could occur years down the road. But you know what they say: Fact is stranger than fiction.
Developing our future
Growth is always an issue in both Charlottesville and Albemarle County, and there’s no reason to think that will change in the future. Those already here want things to stay the way they are—while newcomers continue to flock to our beautiful burg.
Albemarle County has incorporated the preservation of the county’s rural character into its comprehensive plan by funneling development into designated growth areas such as Crozet, Pantops and U.S. 29 North.
Charlottesville flirted with high-density development in 2003 during the tenure of then-UVA architecture professor/mayor Maurice Cox. However, once the first nine-story buildings actually were built (ahem, The Flats), citizens decided they didn’t want density quite that…dense, at least on West Main.
So what does Charlottesville of the future look like?
West Main
West Main is one of the oldest thoroughfares in the commonwealth, dating back to the 18th century when it was known as Three Notch’d Road. By the early 19th century, it was the muddy lane connecting Mr. Jefferson’s new U to the town of Charlottesville. The 20th century saw it dotted with gas stations, car dealerships and auto repair shops in the style now known as mid-century. In the early 21st century, the battle raged about what West Main would look like going forward. Would it keep its mid-century charm with the remnants of 19th-century Vinegar Hill, or would it become canyon-like with nine-story hotels and condos? Would it become even more bike- and pedestrian-friendly, with the 66-foot-wide street redeveloped into a boulevard?
C-VILLE predicts: The Downtown Mall is so successful that it seems only logical to turn West Main into a pedestrian and bike mall, a notion retailers and auto service centers fight. The compromise: no on-street parking and a city requirement that the hotels lining West Main build giant parking structures to handle at least twice their occupancy rates. And a fleet of golf carts will shuttle less-ambulatory citizens to West Main’s restaurants and shopping.
Cherry Avenue
Cherry Avenue now is best known for its Salvation Army Thrift Store and being a backed-up commute option to Jefferson Park Avenue.
C-VILLE predicts: With its proximity to downtown, those deserted storefronts are ripe for redevelopment, especially with a hotel going up on the corner of Ridge Street. And when Trader Joe’s takes over the old IGA space, Cherry Avenue becomes the new West Main.
Strategic Investment Area
Charlottesville’s boldest plan for the future is to take 330 privately owned acres south of the Downtown Mall between Ridge and Avon streets—where some of the city’s poorest residents live—and redevelop it while avoiding the pitfalls of the Vinegar Hill urban renewal of the ’60s. The plan calls for retaining low-income housing while encouraging market and work-force residences, investment in innovative business and upgrading existing infrastructure for safe and walkable/bikable streets.
C-VILLE predicts: The 17-acre Ix complex becomes the centerpiece of the SIA because of its size and its private ownership by the innovative Kuttners, which make it much more nimble than the other large tracts owned by Piedmont Housing and the Charlottesville Housing Development Authority. The area gets its first park and first grocery, and people flock to the mixed-use housing on the property with its close proximity to the Downtown Mall. Following city investment in sidewalks and bike lanes, Ix Center becomes the Belmont of the 2030s.
Oh, the Places we’ll grow
Pantops
The area east of Charlottesville has been Albemarle’s least successful growth area, where instead of the new urbanism, it looks more like the old suburbanism, with all the disadvantages of growth—traffic—and none of the benefits of density. In 2015, residents pleaded for a pedestrian bridge just to be able to safely cross multi-lane U.S. 250 to the Pantops Shopping Center. The perpetually strapped county added the bridge to its good-ideas-we-can’t-afford list.
C-VILLE predicts: Even if Amazon takes over the retail world, we’re always going to need car lots, and that will continue to be Pantops’ ace in the hole. Future Pantops residents won’t be getting rid of their cars anytime soon.
We predict Seminole Trail will receive an underpass at Rio and an overpass at Hydraulic, helping through-traffic flow much better. Photo: Jack Looney
Crozet
Crozet convened its first master plan advisory council in 2002, and for years to those involved it looked like a lot of talk and no money for implementation. But slowly, in the intervening years, Old Trail turned from a big field into a small-lot community with a walkable commercial area—although residents still have to get in their cars to go to the grocery store. The Crozet streetscape, after being torn up seemingly for forever, finally was complete, as was the long-delayed library. Jarman’s Gap was widened and is safe for walking and biking. And the subdivisions that sprouted around the small village prevented the sprawl that otherwise would stretch along U.S. 250 as a blight upon the road’s rural vistas.
C-VILLE predicts: The redevelopment of the Barnes Lumber site is the game-changer for Crozet and the best neighborhood model in Albemarle, thanks largely to Frank Stoner, who redeveloped the Jefferson School. Residents actually live above office and retail, and walk to the Mudhouse for coffee and to Great Valu for shopping, thanks to a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, some are calling the county’s scenic yet funky village “the new Downtown Mall.”
Seminole Trail
Seminole Trail became Charlottesville’s Main Street of the latter 20th century, geared toward the automobile. The area has been in a chronic struggle to move through-traffic without the bypass desired by Lynchburg and Danville. And while the county’s zoning has kept it from becoming a commercial eyesore like our neighbors on U.S. 29 to the south, it’s also contributed to commercially awkward spaces, like The Shops at Stonefield.
C-VILLE predicts: With the completion of Hillsdale and Berkmar connector roads, the underpass at Rio and an overpass at Hydraulic, through-traffic flows much better. However, that doesn’t appease Lynchburg, which is still clamoring for a bypass 20 years after the Western Bypass was officially killed, and local residents still continue to avoid it if at all possible.
Pay Scale
Charlottesville’s median household income of $44,601 between 2009 and 2013 was well below the state median household income of $63,907, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The higher-than-the-state median housing cost of $293,000 and 27.5 percent of city residents living below the poverty rate prove that Charlottesville is an expensive place to live and wages don’t come close to making it affordable. Albemarle’s numbers tell the same story: Even more expensive housing at $319,200 with a median household income of $67,725.
C-VILLE predicts: In 2036, Charlottesville remains a desirable place to live—for the rich. Its unaffordability creates a boom in Buckingham County, where the median home price was an almost-affordable $128,800 earlier in the 21st century.
Joining Forces
In 1982, Albemarle signed a deal with the devil, in this case, Charlottesville, promising to pay it 10 cents of its property tax rate—currently at 81.9 cents per $100 of assessed value—if Charlottesville stopped annexing county land, which the General Assembly declared a moratorium on in 1987. Between 1983 and 2010, Albemarle has paid nearly $161 million to Charlottesville, and ponied up nearly $16 million in 2016 alone, according to Charlottesville Tomorrow.
C-VILLE predicts: Although Charlottesville reaps a windfall every year from Albemarle, both budget-strapped entities realize their dollars could go a lot further if they consolidated schools, police, fire departments and redundant local governments. The result? A new municipality called Charlbemarle.
Traffic Calming
To discourage driving into town—although for many commuters from surrounding communities, there is no other option to get to work—by 2016 Charlottesville has calibrated all its stoplights so that motorists have to stop at every signal, or at least it seems that way.
C-VILLE predicts: An environmentally committed City Council finally realizes that cars spewing carbon monoxide idling at lights with no other traffic in sight is not the most sound policy, and that the ensuing road rage of citizens constitutes a very real safety concern. Council orders city traffic engineers to calibrate those darn lights to make traffic flow.
Future of downtown
Is there living room?
A well-established community already thrives in downtown Charlottesville. You can buy the essentials at Reid’s Super-Save or Market Street Market. Several salons and barbershops exist to style you, some of the best eateries in town are there, and a buffet of live theaters, movie theaters and music venues aim to feed your soul.
But will downtown Charlottesville soon face the issue of too many people and too few homes?
Realtor Jim Duncan, who has sold downtown homes for more than a decade, says the market has remained surprisingly consistent.
“A lot of people are just happy where they are,” he says, adding that while there are currently enough homes downtown, there is a historically low inventory of homes for sale in the area.
He says as the city’s population grows, and more people are looking to buy homes in neighborhoods such as Woolen Mills, Belmont and Ridge Street, it won’t be long before there are no homes left to buy.
The solution? Building up.
Duncan says the future of Charlottesville could follow the “aspirational trend” of cities such as New York and San Francisco with taller buildings and fewer cars. One of those taller buildings will be Market Plaza on Water Street, with a nine-story retail/office/residential building alongside the open-air City Market. Occupancy is expected in April 2018.
C-VILLE predicts: Oliver Kuttner’s micro apartments around the Glass Building inspire a tiny-housing boom in Charlottesville. Not only do apartments downtown start getting smaller and smaller to accommodate an influx of residents (one resident boasts living in a 150-square-foot IKEA-inspired room), but a local developer buys 50 acres of land in the county and builds a tiny-house community of 1,000 freestanding homes.
With parking spaces expected to disappear as new construction comes in, by the year 2050 we predict we will see 10-story parking structures dotting the downtown skyline. Illustration: Jason Crosby
Where will we park?
In 2012, the city’s office of economic development recorded that more than 1 million visitors parked in a downtown parking garage. As the area continues to grow in popularity and development, and more folks find themselves venturing to the mall, the manager of the Charlottesville Parking Center, Bob Stroh, says parking will become an issue. And sooner than you think.
In just two years, Stroh says the number of lost parking spaces is in the hundreds due to development in the area, including the reconstruction of Belmont Bridge, the building of Market Plaza and potentially futher development of the Landmark Hotel.
“That’s near-term,” Stroh says. “Long-term is worse.”
The city’s 2008 parking study cited 6,000 available parking spaces downtown and called for an additional 1,700 spaces needed due to increased demand. By the 2015 study, only 4,280 spaces were recorded downtown and instead of pushing for more spaces, the study called for learning how to share public and private spots.
“I don’t see any indication that that’s going to happen,” Stroh says, adding that calling for even an extra 1,700 spaces is “very conservative.”
“Now we’re at the point where if somebody wanted to build something downtown,” he says, “they really couldn’t unless they could build parking within the development.” As for the future of parking? It might have to be underground, says Stroh.
C-VILLE predicts: In the future, those living more than a stone’s throw away from the Downtown Mall will fire up their smart cars to drive toward the center of the action. But where will they park? Parking garages will have been demolished to house 20-story apartments and, as for off-street parking—not a chance. You’ll have to motor up to a 10-story parking structure you’re used to seeing in big cities and have your car placed in its designated space by a giant motorized lift.
Youthful nature
Chris Engel, the city’s director of economic development, says Charlottesville was ahead of the curve when the Downtown Mall was built 40 years ago. Not only are pedestrian malls becoming more popular across the nation, he says there’s also a notable trend regarding the people targeted to work and live on them.
Charlottesville companies such as WorldStrides, WillowTree and RKG, which employ significant numbers of young professionals, are situated downtown for a reason, he says. It’s hip. It’s cool. National trends show that youngsters want to live where they work and work where they live.
The future of the Downtown Mall, Engel says, could show an increase in professional offices. But don’t worry, if his calculations are correct: Dining, entertainment and specialty retail aren’t going anywhere.
C-VILLE predicts: Lest we forget the empty-nesters who have moved downtown in an effort to eliminate the burden of driving, just 20 years from now, the young and the old will coexist just steps away from a mall lined with offices and specialty shops. It’s safe to say The Needle Lady isn’t going anywhere. And what do we predict will be the wave of future? You can’t have enough ice cream/gelato shops. We all scream for ice cream.
Shop till you drop
By 2030, Charlottesville Fashion Square mall gives the boot to chain stores and becomes a commercial center for local boutiques, with a brewery and doggie daycare located on the bottom level and a rooftop restaurant featuring Virginia wines. Photo: Jack Looney
The opening of 5th Street Station, projected for late 2016, will tip the balance of shopping in what some say is an already oversaturated retail market. For decades, residents living south and east of town have had to travel up north on U.S. 29 to buy new shoes or school supplies. Okay, they’ll still have to go north to buy shoes, but 5th Street Station’s 465,000 square feet make it almost as large as Barracks Road Shopping Center, and having a Wegmans is a game-changer for local groceries.
C-VILLE predicts: Seminole Square and Albemarle Square, which were nearly ghost shopping centers before 5th Street Station opened, in desperation embrace mixed-use development and became new urbanism hits and actual neighborhood models. Seminole Square, with Kroger as its anchor and close to Whole Foods, is actually walkable for the affordable condos and apartments built on the site. Its bus connections and a neighborhood brewery make it popular for car-less millennials—or whatever the generation is that follows them. Albemarle Square is a tougher sell, but the growing senior population, car-less for different reasons, also embraces being able to go by wheelchair to the grocery, as well as its proximity to the Senior Center.
Despite Amazon obliterating many brick-and-mortar retailers with drone delivery, specialty shops remain because a lot of the time people don’t know what they want until they see it and can touch it. And the need for dry cleaners and convenient groceries, drugstores and hardware stores remains.
Local governments learn something from The Shops at Stonefield and Seminole Square, and decide to stop telling developers how to build shopping centers that look like awkward upscale urbanism.
Grocery stores
Again, 2016 was a watershed year for going to the store, with the opening of Wegmans, a grocery chain even more beloved than Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, if such a thing is possible. Wegmans joins Charlottesville’s Giant, three Krogers, two Harris Teeters, five Food Lions and The Fresh Market national chains.
C-VILLE predicts: Wegmans becomes the local mecca for all things food related, and decides to open five more locations in town, becoming the top chain in the area.
But not everyone can afford to shop in the deluxe markets, and two distinct trends emerge. With worsening traffic, shoppers become more fond of being able to pop into neighborhood stores such as Reid’s and Foods of All Nations, and it turns out they also like not having to navigate a massive parking lot or store.
Who will live here?
With an increase in the older population, by 2040 expect restaurants to cater to customers by offering early-bird specials from 4-6pm instead of daily happy hours. Illustration: Jason Crosby
Based on statistics from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville’s population was expected to increase 10.9 percent from the 2010 census to July 2015—up to 48,210 residents. Albemarle County was expected to see a 6.1 percent boost, to 105,051 residents. The makeup of Charlottesville in 2014 was projected to be: 69.9 percent white, 19.24 percent African-American, 7.15 percent Asian, 4.86 Hispanic and 3.2 percent two or more races. The U.S. Census Bureau 2014 projection states both Charlottesville and Albemarle are 48 percent male, 52 percent female. And the largest age group in Charlottesville is 20 to 24 years old, while Albemarle is 15 to 19 years old.
What about further down the road—2020, 2030, 2040. What will our resident makeup look like?
Investing in the future
Illustration: Jason Crosby
A group of prominent Charlottesville CEOs, led by Coran Capshaw, fund a local biotech company that invents a device that allows them to oversee their businesses long into the future.
Eat really local
If Charlottesville had an overarching theme to its restaurants, it would be eat local. Farm-to-table is a common practice, with many chefs and owners searching out the best of area ingredients to offer diners.
C-VILLE predicts: One restaurant takes the concept of eat local to a new extreme, opening a restaurant that features one of Thomas Jefferson’s favorite vegetables—the pea. Pea shoots top pasta, pea greens are sprinkled on steaks, and sweet pea pies become all the rage.
Wedding experts
Charlottesville has become a destination wedding spot for couples from all over the country thanks to our perfect pairing of wedding planners and picturesque wineries.
C-VILLE predicts: Piedmont Virginia Community College will offer a two-year Wedding & Wine Expert degree in which you master flower arranging, catering, how to open a winery and event planning. You also become an ordained minister.
University of Virginia
House hunting
The real estate market surrounding the University of Virginia is known among UVA students for being particularly cutthroat. Students often sign leases for the next year as early as September, and cheap housing is difficult to find. With increases in admissions, new dorms are being built to accommodate incoming freshmen, the most recent of which opened last fall.
According to UVA’s Housing and Residence Life website, prices for on-Grounds housing are projected to increase by about $200 for the 2016-2017 school year. However, the university is also considering plans to expand upperclassmen housing in the future to popular living areas such as Jefferson Park and Brandon avenues.
C-VILLE predicts: By 2025, housing for students will have become so preemptive that first-years will be required to find housing for all four years during summer orientation.
There are currently 6,540 beds on Grounds for UVA students, and dorms see a 97 percent occupancy rate. First-years are often required to sign leases as early as September to secure housing for the next year. Photo: Robert Llewellyn
Big spenders
According to College Board, in-state tuition at public four-year institutions has increased by an average of 3.4 percent per year for the past 10 years. That means that by 2025, UVA’s in-state tuition could increase to roughly $20,505. For 2015-16, in-state tuition was $14,678, while out-of-state tuition was $43,974.
C-VILLE predicts: To help students earn extra money for tuition, UVA creates a work/study program for Cav Man and invents as many iterations of the mascot as possible. There’s
Big ’Hoo, Kind-of-Big ’Hoo and Medium-sized ’Hoo. And the Cavalier on horseback becomes a cavalry on horseback with up to 10 mascots (in both Cav Man and horse costumes) taking the field at one game. Team spirit has never been so strong.
Athletics
Football
Things haven’t looked great for the Cavaliers recently—as evidenced by cumulative statistics this year. In 2015, the Cavs were outscored by opponents 386-304, out-rushed by opponents 1,879-1,737 and received roughly 10 more penalties per yard than other opponents. Last winning season: 2011. Number of consecutive losses to Virginia Tech: 11.
C-VILLE predicts: The future looks bright. Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall didn’t have a single losing season with Brigham Young University, and we predict he won’t have one with Virginia, either. Five years of winning seasons are on the horizon.
Basketball
Head Coach Tony Bennett, in his seventh season, has led the Cavaliers to two ACC regular season titles, and his team clinched a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament in 2014 for the first time since 1983. Bennett’s paycheck this year was $2.1 million.
C-VILLE predicts: Money is key. The next seven seasons under Bennett will be full of hotly contended ACC titles and NCAA tournament runs, but that kind of success comes with a price tag.
Baseball
The men’s baseball team is hoping for a repeat of 2015, when it won the NCAA national title series for the first time in the program’s history.
C-VILLE predicts: In 2016, the Cavaliers again clinch the national title and see six players selected in the first 25 picks of the Major League Baseball draft. The consecutive winning streak continues to 2020, and UVA holds the record for most number of consecutive national titles.
This article was updated at 2pm March 15 to reflect the correct name of The Salvation Army Thrift Store on Cherry Avenue. | http://www.c-ville.com/future-focus-whats-store-charlottesville/ | en | 2016-03-09T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/142c44ead53a8ef3a23766db2db2d793a011be6cfc458c89c4e3ce1d3c4dfc66.json |
[
"Kristofer Jenson",
"Erin",
"Elizabeth",
"Nick",
"C-Ville",
"Jedd",
"Raennah",
"Kristofer",
"Tami",
"Alex"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:12 | null | 2016-08-31T07:00:55 | Don't Breathe, Fede Alvarez's follow-up to Evil Dead remake, only has something to offer the cinematic world in the first hour. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fdont-breathe-overcome-bad-choices%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/UFAP_06927GT.jpg | en | null | Don’t Breathe is overcome with bad choices | null | null | www.c-ville.com | No film is completely perfect, but it takes a special kind of wrongheadedness to make a decision that completely divorces an audience from enjoyment by being both morally repugnant and betraying its own narrative. This is the experience of watching Don’t Breathe, technical wunderkind Fede Alvarez’s follow-up to his promising remake of Evil Dead, which fell short of the original but still managed to impress.
With Don’t Breathe, Alvarez clearly relishes the freedom that comes with being under the wing of Sam Raimi’s Ghost House Pictures. For the first hour or so, the movie is a fantastic, clever twist on the home invasion genre. The plot follows three burglars in Detroit who plan their robberies carefully: Alex (Dylan Minnette), whose father installs security systems and is extremely methodical and keen on minimizing the gang’s legal risk; Rocky (Jane Levy), who is fixing to make enough so she can live the good life in California with her daughter; and Money (Daniel Zovatto), the most reckless and aggressive of the bunch.
In figuring out their next score, the group chooses the house of a mysterious, reclusive, blind veteran (Stephen Lang), who won a large settlement after his daughter was killed. The operation takes a turn for the worse when the blind man (as he is credited) is alerted to the robbers’ presence and kills Money. He then blocks off all exits for Rocky and Alex, and what follows—at least until it all comes crashing down—is some of the most exciting camerawork of the summer, delivering a thrilling cat-and-mouse game where the ability to see becomes a disadvantage. The house is Alvarez’s playground, and the way in which he maximizes the dramatic potential of just a few rooms and hallways is truly captivating.
This is where things get ugly. This might be an appropriate place for a spoiler warning, but this sort of thing needs to be discussed openly. While Rocky and Alex are trying to find an unguarded exit, they discover a woman who is kept hostage in the basement, who we come to learn is responsible for killing the blind man’s daughter. She was acquitted, the blind man says, because “rich girls don’t go to jail.” Kind of demented, but after the trauma of war, then losing his child and seeing the perpetrator go free, it works as a component of the overall moral ambiguity of the narrative; neither the thieves nor the blind man are entirely good or bad—either side could win in the end.
Rocky is captured and placed in the harness where the killer once was. Here, we learn that she wasn’t simply a hostage. She was forcefully impregnated by the blind man, which is what he’s about to do to Rocky. This moment is played for campy laughs, with a slo-mo close-up of a turkey baster dripping with semen, and the purpose is only a ticking clock for Alex to heroically rescue Rocky.
Let’s repeat: There’s a five-minute sexual terror near-rape subplot that’s played for laughs. The blind man is about to forcefully insert this object into Rocky and we’re supposed to find this thrilling?
Narratively, it fails on its own terms; this moment exists so the audience changes its opinion of the blind man, removing any sympathy and making it all right for Rocky and Alex to kill him if necessary. Even a less horrifying trait would be a betrayal of the breathless anything-could-happen flow of the film that precedes it, dulling the edge on the audience’s anticipation. But for the filmmaker to make him an abductor who impregnates his captives and then assume it’s so cartoony as to be unbelievable is insulting. We just had an Academy Award- winning film, Room, explore this very subject. It’s not a hammy subplot.
This sudden shift does the double duty of being wholly unnecessary and manages to lose whatever traction the film had. The final showdown isn’t heightened from this contrivance, but rather it’s deadened as the audience is still trying to cope with what just happened. It’s puzzling, it’s heartbreaking, it’s unnecessary. Alvarez has something to offer the world cinematically, but the transcendent first hour of Don’t Breathe only means that it crashes from a greater height than if it had never been any good in the first place.
Playing this week
Regal Stonefield 14 and IMAX The Shops at Stonefield, 244-3213
Bad Moms, Ben-Hur, Florence Foster Jenkins, Hands of Stone, Jason Bourne, Kubo and the Two Strings, Mechanic: Resurrection, Pete’s Dragon, Sausage Party, The Secret Life of Pets, Star Trek Beyond, Suicide Squad
Violet Crown Cinema 200 W. Main St., Downtown Mall, 529-3000
Ben-Hur, Don’t Think Twice, Florence Foster Jenkins, Hell or High Water, Jason Bourne, Kubo and the Two Strings, The Music of Strangers, Pete’s Dragon, Sausage Party, Suicide Squad, War Dogs | http://www.c-ville.com/dont-breathe-overcome-bad-choices/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/6abb3f745334543bc698d026892f4297c3b20135479a7fca73a9bae7ae105539.json |
[
"Samantha Baars",
"Tami Keaveny",
"Jessica Luck",
"Lisa Provence",
"Caite White"
] | 2016-08-26T12:47:34 | null | 2016-08-24T07:00:53 | Any way you slice it, there’s a lot to love about Charlottesville. That’s why, every year, we ask readers to tell us their favorite things about our city | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fhappy-birthday-best-c-ville-way-slice-charlottesvilles-pretty-great%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Slice_color.jpg | en | null | C-VILLE’s edit staff on Charlottesville’s best | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Gwen Berthy. Photo: Eze Amos
BEST LAST VESTIGE OF A BYGONE MUSIC ERA
Melody Supreme
Listening to a vinyl record is a ritual: Take the wax out of the sleeve, lay it on the turntable and place the stylus in the grooves. “It’s not like an MP3, or even a CD, where you touch a button and that’s it,” says Gwen Berthy, who, as owner of vinyl-only record store Melody Supreme, performs that ritual many times a day. His shop is an old-school stronghold in a music era where everyone relies on an algorithm to find it for them on the cloud.
DJs prefer vinyl and still use CDs—for now. “We have real live people picking music, so we need those physical formats,” says Matthew Simon, who spins vinyl for about half of his Thursday afternoon “Carry the Zero” segment on WTJU. “CDs are going away,” says Simon. “Once we all convert what we have on CD to a hard drive or the cloud, no one will buy them,” except to expand their digital collections.
“It’s not a question of quality, it’s just different,” says Berthy. “With a record, you are going to listen to music. You are going to choose it. You are going to go into your record collection and ask, ‘What am I going to play now?’” In other words, you have to be present. | http://www.c-ville.com/happy-birthday-best-c-ville-way-slice-charlottesvilles-pretty-great/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/87d15ef56b8a2b6e46cde41b74fd5797bd37cad53bedb0a785ea6e1fa829d15c.json |
[
"Rew Writers",
"Rew"
] | 2016-08-29T16:46:48 | null | 2016-08-29T12:13:49 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fcharlottesvilles-commercial-real-estate-market-continues-impress%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_8277.jpg | en | null | Impressive Commercial Real Estate Market | null | null | www.c-ville.com | The commercial real estate market in our local area continues to improve as it does nationally. The annual report from Deloitte and the National Association of Realtors on the 2016 national commercial real estate market outlook states that expectations for growth reflect “steady job gains and stable leasing demand,” trends the authors believe will support continued expansion.
In our market both commercial sales and leasing are strong and we are seeing decreased vacancies in the retail sector. The industrial-warehouse sector is also strong and prospective tenants may face inventory shortages as they look for just the right property.
The energy behind commercial expansion starts with an active residential market and fortunately the news continues to be good there as well. The recently released CAAR Second Quarter Market Report showed a remarkable 17.2 percent increase in the number of homes sold compared to 2015, and the highest number of sales in any quarter since 2006. In addition, while listing activity was up 6.6 percent, inventory was actually down 10.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2015 thanks to many more buyers actively looking to purchase a home. All of that bodes well for the continued growth of Charlottesville’s commercial market.
Commercial Market Continues to Expand
“The market is positive right now,” said Bill Howard, President and Broker at Real Estate III Commercial Properties, describing the agents in his office as “very busy.” He added that there is “definitely an upswing in office rentals” leaving many fewer vacancies, especially downtown.
Other sectors of the commercial market are also doing well Howard said stating that “there are not a lot of vacancies in retail centers” and that we are experiencing a “shortage in industrial and warehouse space.”
“We’re definitely seeing an increase,” said Robin Amato with Real Estate III Commercial Properties who described the market as “active,” with both tenants and buyers in a positive mode. The amount of leasing activity in both office and retail space has increased making it difficult to find the properties she needs for her clients.
She added that for a time after the economic slowdown landlords had to reduce their rates in order to get spaces leased. Now, she said, with the success of new centers like 5th Street Station and Stonefield, older, established centers are beginning to raise their rates.
“Sales of commercial properties have also increased over last year,” Amato said adding that mortgage companies are working with buyers to help make it all happen.
Much of the recent activity comes from local businesses choosing to expand their leases, or who are moving having sold their previous location. While a fair amount of the business is from out of town, Amato estimates that as much as seventy-five percent is local.
Bob Kahn with Bob Kahn Realty and Investments agreed with this assessment stating that in his experience the majority of new leases and sales in our commercial market represent growth that is happening “organically” within Charlottesville. “Many are entrepreneurs involved in cutting edge technology based industries, and many have roots in our area either by birth or because they were once students at UVA and Darden.” These entrepreneurs have a desire to “get back to Charlottesville to both live and work here,” Kahn continued.
Commercial Market Activity is Area-Wide
While downtown continues to be a hot spot, it is no longer the only active market in town.
Our local market is “unique,” said Benton Downer with Downer and Associates as it doesn’t fluctuate as much as some others. He described the downtown market as strong with a lot of appeal to major-mid to large-size companies. Part of the attraction is that employees can walk on the mall during breaks, enjoy decent food when they go to lunch and partake in the many entertainment venues available there after hours. Downtown has a “good vibe,” he said and “is a unique experience for our community.”
Kahn described downtown as the preferred location for many IT folks and technology- based companies. “All of these companies are doing well and ever in need of more space,” he said. These kinds of tech companies attract a younger group of employees, many of them Millennials, who especially appreciate the downtown location.
Preston Avenue is another active area where Amato described “two great projects.” One is the building at Preston and 10th, home to Shenandoah Joes and the former home of the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA Rummage Store that relocated to the Seminole Square Shopping Center at the end of last year. The new owners of this Preston Avenue project plan renovations that include doubling Shenandoah Joe’s current footprint and adding additional parking behind the building.
Down the street at 608 Preston Avenue, Mark Green and Tom Hickman are putting final touches on the King Lumber Building, a structure originally built in 1909 that has been extensively renovated and today houses four businesses including OpenSource Connections, a software development company, Balance Chiropractic, Random Row Brewing and Express Employment Professionals. Of the original 10,000 square feet of available space for lease, only 2,000 remain, Amato said.
The 29 North corridor continues to be active in spite of recent construction activities. “There are not a lot of vacancies in retail centers,” Howard said. He referenced new tenants at Stonefield, and Krogers’ expected move from their long-time location at the bypass and Route 29 to the Seminole Square location previously occupied by Giant and Ashley’s Furniture.
Office leasing is also going well on 29 North. Steve Melton, Property Manager with Virginia Land Co, said that his company’s Hollymead offices are now fully leased.
Further north Bill Gentry with Jefferson Land and Realty suggested there may be national tenants looking at space in Madison as well as increased interest from locals wanting to expand existing businesses or open a new one. Recently he facilitated Yoder’s Country Market’s move to an 18,000 square foot building in Madison on Seminole Trail 25 miles north of Charlottesville, and found a new tenant, MESA, Madison Emergency Services Association, to lease the 8,000 square foot building the Yoders left behind in the town of Madison.
South of town anticipation grows about the opening of 5th Street Station with its anchor tenant, Wegmans, an upscale family-owned grocery store based in Rochester, New York. Wegmans is known for its quality and reasonable prices and for giving back to the community. A recent corporate-level press release announced that in the winter months of 2016 customers in 27 of their stores raised over a million dollars for local food banks, a 6 percent increase over what was raised the previous year.
Wegmans is now training 350 employees for part time positions in preparation for the store opening now scheduled for November 6, 2016. The store will employ 550 people of which 500 are local.
While there are a few remaining spaces at 5th Street Station, most are leased. “It’s amazing how well it’s coming along,” Amato said. In addition to Field & Stream, PetSmart, Panera Bread and Dick’s Sporting Goods, Wegman’s will also be joined by Haverty’s Furniture and Planet Fitness along with A.C. Moore, an arts and crafts retailer, Timberwood Tap House, Dollar Tree, Mattress Warehouse and Krispy Kreme, to name a few. Shoppers can also see a movie at the new Alamo Cinema, take care of banking at one of two banks, buy cell service, get a haircut or manicure and even enjoy an appointment at Select Physical Therapy.
“5th Street Station will be a game changer for Charlottesville,” said Ed Brownfield with Brownfield Realty Associates. “Wegmans will make a big difference for the south part of Charlottesville,” he added since there is nothing comparable out there.
Downer said that 5th Street Market will “transform our community,” and predicts that people from the east end of town who have been driving to Zion Crossroads to avoid the traffic on 29 North, will be willing to drive to 5th Street Station when it opens due to the ease of access off the interstate.
5th Street Station shoppers who love wine can take advantage of another south side addition. Wineworks Extended, an extension of Michael Shaps Wineworks, is located just across the street from the east entrance into 5th Street Station on Avon Extended, Howard said. Wine will be bottled and stored in this 16,000 square foot former warehouse which will also feature a tasting room and event space. In addition to bottles of wine, Wineworks patrons can take home growlers of wine that are filled and sold in the tasting room.
Pantops on the east end of town continues to be a popular spot with low vacancy. The location is enhanced by its easy access to the interstate making it convenient for companies with multiple locations and personnel who frequently travel in and out of Charlottesville.
While there is not a lot of space for new construction, Melton reports that Virginia Land Company has submitted a final site plan for county approval for a project on the site of the former White House Motel behind Carmax. This 45,000 square foot office space called Monscane Center will consist of three buildings with office condos for rent or for sale. Built on a slope, the one story condos will have walk out access to parking on both levels. With no common spaces, stairways or elevators the offices are more economical to maintain, Melton explained. He added that this project is “moving along well.”
Another Virginia Land project on Rolkin Road is 75 percent leased, Melton said. Thanks to the popularity of the area, the building is getting leased up by word of mouth only, with no advertising required. Tenants include Atlantic Coast Mortgage and, most recently, a medical services company called Intravene Infusion for which, Melton said, they did “a nice build out.” He explained that the nearness of Martha Jefferson Hospital plus easy access from the interstate makes this area especially appealing to medical companies who also look for ground floor locations to save patients from having to navigate stairs or elevators.
Technology and Venture Capital Boost Commercial Growth
Tech companies make an important contribution to the growth in our local economy and commercial real estate market thanks in part to increasing amounts of venture capital flowing into our area. An article at Newsplex stated that “Charlottesville is the fastest-growing venture capital ecosystem in the United States.”
They added that funding of local companies grew to an impressive $27.7 million from just $250,000 between 2010 and 2015 and described UVA as “a driving force behind the rapid growth, with six of the nine leading companies that were primary investment recipients having worked directly with the UVA Licensing and Ventures Group.”
The outlook for Charlottesville’s commercial market continues to be positive. There is lots of good news including low vacancy rates in most parts of town, a strong residential market, and new projects in the works. The future does indeed look bright.
Celeste Smucker is a writer, blogger and author who lives near Charlottesville. | http://www.c-ville.com/charlottesvilles-commercial-real-estate-market-continues-impress/ | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/cb7ff2727212eba0c4c1a61e895e9c6a28838fcffc8b9e4a0062171b3d008745.json |
[
"C-Ville Writers",
"Tami",
"Jedd",
"Raennah",
"C-Ville",
"Kristofer",
"Erin",
"Alex",
"Elizabeth"
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:06 | null | 2016-08-24T07:00:44 | Jewish-American beatboxer and rapper Matisyahu turns to improvisation for his latest tour. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Farts-pick-17%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/matis_5.jpg | en | null | ARTS Pick: Matisyahu | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Back in 2005, Jewish-American beatboxer and rapper Matisyahu, heavily influenced by scat- and hazzan-style singing, joined jam band Phish on stage at Bonnaroo for two songs that turned into an improvisational display of lyrical gymnastics, and Matisyahu’s passion for full-band improvisation was laid bare. Now, more than a decade later, he’s formed a master improv band that gives itself over to the music and uses lyrics to connect to something beyond the self. No two performances of a song are alike—lyrics are rearranged on the spot to serve the energy of the jam.
$25-28, 7pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 245-4980. | http://www.c-ville.com/arts-pick-17/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/8c9f7ad0fc9b2689ef27a235c6faeab0ccce32603463d79571c707cb363d72d9.json |
[
"Raennah Lorne",
"C-Ville",
"Tami",
"Jedd",
"Kristofer",
"Raennah",
"Erin",
"Alex",
"Elizabeth"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:41 | null | 2016-08-24T07:00:33 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fearly-male-impersonator-kathleen-clifford-charlottesville-origins%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_8260.jpg | en | null | Early male impersonator Kathleen Clifford had Charlottesville origins | null | null | www.c-ville.com | One of the earliest ordinances against cross-dressing was passed in Columbus, Ohio, in 1848, making it illegal for someone to appear in public “in a dress not belonging to his or her sex.” While police enforced such laws on public streets and jailed offenders, the impersonation of women by men, and men by women, became a popular routine on the vaudeville stage, a precursor to today’s variety show. And it so happens that in the early 1900s, one of the most renowned male impersonators was a Charlottesville native.
Kathleen Clifford was born in Charlottesville in 1887. Hailey Stoudt, who researched and designed an exhibit about Clifford’s life that is currently on display at the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, says there are discrepancies between the historical record and the information Clifford presented to the public about her life.
Because British performers were popular at the time, Clifford purported to be from England, despite her Virginia birth. And because being a performer was not exactly a reputable thing to do, especially for a woman, there is no information available about Clifford’s family, possibly because she took a stage name. While an origin story pinpoints her entrance into the performing arts at age 15, when she met American producer Charles Frohman at age 15, (who then cast her to star in a musical comedy called Top o’ the World), Stoudt says this is likely the glamorized Hollywood version. Clifford probably had more humble beginnings and had to work her way up from minor parts to center stage.
As a male impersonator doing vaudeville, Clifford wore a top hat, coattails and a monocle. Her smart fashion sense earned her the nickname “the Smartest Chap in Town.” The exhibit explains there were two generations of male impersonators. In the first generation, which performed from 1860 to 1900, the goal was to present a realistic portrayal. According to historian Marybeth Hamilton, female impersonators at the time were billed as illusionists, which made them appear less of a threat to traditional gender roles. But in the second generation of male impersonators, from the 1900s to 1930s, actresses were purposefully more feminine, no longer trying to pass for male as vaudeville hoped to attract a more middle-class audience, including women and children, and a convincing drag performance would have been considered vulgar.
Clifford continued to perform in vaudeville up to the 1930s, even as she was cast in Broadway productions and silent films. The only film Stoudt found intact was When the Clouds Roll By, a 1919 comedy in which Clifford stars as the romantic leading lady, an artist named Lucette Bancroft, opposite Douglas Fairbanks as Daniel Boone Brown, a young man being driven mad by his psychiatrist.
“It is the only one [of her films] still currently available,” Stoudt says. “A lot of silent films were actually destroyed. It’s kind of sad that we don’t have them to look at now. The performance is over the top and exaggerated to get the point across, but she was definitely talented.”
While she continued to act, Clifford also opened a florist business in Hollywood in the late 1920s. But five years after the first feature film with sound, Clifford appeared in a short talkie called The Bride’s Bereavement (1932), and then she disappeared from film. Her appearances in vaudeville, too, began to wane in the 1930s, as the novelty and popularity of the talkies eclipsed such live-performance shows.
Her passion for the written word, however, did not diminish. In 1945, she published The Enchanted Glen: Never Trod by the Feet of Men, a children’s book that was illustrated by Howard “Kim” Weed, a contributing illustrator to Disney’s Fantasia (1940). Ten years later, Clifford published the novel It’s April… Remember?, inspired by her time in Hollywood, a place she described as “perhaps the most romantic city in the world of romantic dreams.”
“It’s a farce that looks at Hollywood’s personalities and outrageous characters,” Stoudt says. In the foreword to the novel, Clifford reminds her readers that it is a work of fiction, asks them not to superimpose themselves on her characters and even jokes about being sued for libel. Yet she writes a sincere and nostalgic tribute to the “fabulous people” of Hollywood and credits them with their unbiased generosity and selflessness.
“She was such an interesting woman,” Stoudt says. “She was famous for being a male impersonator in vaudeville, making all her costumes, writing her own songs and material. She was definitely a hardworking woman and this translated later in her life when she ran her own business and wrote her stories and novels. I’m excited to see, as more information becomes available, what we can uncover about her.”
The exhibit will be on display through the end of the year, and an article on Stoudt’s latest findings on Clifford is forthcoming in The Magazine of Albemarle County History. | http://www.c-ville.com/early-male-impersonator-kathleen-clifford-charlottesville-origins/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/a429eb8056f1f2c309af6009ec86822c57b4f1619113a84079fa7efda7374a95.json |
[
"Lisa Provence",
"Cara",
"C-Ville",
"Samantha",
"Lisa",
"Susanna"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:17 | null | 2016-08-31T07:00:33 | A new documentary reveals how convicted murderers Jens Soering and Elizabeth Haysom saw themselves as tragic characters out of Shakespeare and Dickens. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Ffemme-fatale-literary-allusions-haysom-homicides%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/elizabethhaysom-Filmperspektive.jpg | en | null | Femme fatale: Literary allusions in the Haysom homicides | null | null | www.c-ville.com | The tale of UVA students Elizabeth Haysom and Jens Soering, who were convicted in the 1985 double murders of Haysom’s parents, has long riveted central Virginia, and a new documentary reveals how the two saw themselves as tragic characters out of Shakespeare and Dickens.
Initially Soering confessed to the murders, he says, to protect his beloved from the electric chair, but he almost immediately recanted, and 30 years later, still maintains his innocence.
Soering’s attorney, Steve Rosenfield, filed a petition for absolute pardon with Governor Terry McAuliffe last week. Earlier this year, German filmmakers Marcus Vetter and Karin Steinberger screened their documentary, The Promise, at the Munich Film Festival. Germany, too, has long been fascinated with the case involving one of its citizens, who has garnered support from the entire Bundestag and Chancellor Angela Merkel.
The real-life film noir, screened for reporters August 24, opens with lonely highways and dark country roads to Loose Chippings, the genteel Bedford home of Derek and Nancy Haysom, and then slams the viewers with gruesome murder scene photos that one investigator described as “like stepping in a slaughterhouse.”
Soering was 18 years old when he met Haysom, two and a half years his senior, in 1984. “I was practically a child,” he says. Both were Echols scholars, and Soering also was a Jefferson Scholar, a rarity even in the world of the University of Virginia’s gifted students.
Soering says he was a virgin when he met Haysom, and the pair’s passionate affair was documented in their love letters in that era before e-mails and texts.
Writes Haysom after their arrests, “Promise me, Jens. Whatever it takes now, promise me you will not let me ruin your life. I’ve seriously fucked up mine. Don’t let me destroy yours. I would kill myself if I discovered you were compromising yourself for me.”
That was a warning Soering did not heed from a woman who also referred to herself as Lady Macbeth.
Haysom’s letters and writings frequently expressed her wish that her parents were dead. She also has suggested that her mother sexually abused her, but denied it when pressed on the witness stand at her trial.
Soering saw the tale as more Romeo and Juliet, he says. When Elizabeth came back from Bedford and said to him, “I’ve killed my parents. I’ve killed my parents. You’ve got to help me,” Soering turned to Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, and pictured himself as Sydney Carton, giving up his life to save another, only he believed that as the son of a German diplomat, at worst he’d only be sentenced to a few years in prison in Germany, ultimately to be reunited with Haysom.
“I said it was me,” says Soering in the film. “I thought I was a hero.”
And police were willing to believe that. Even when Haysom told the detectives interrogating her in London, where the couple was arrested in 1986, “I did it myself,” a detective says, “Don’t be silly.” To which Haysom responds, “I got off on it.”
Haysom was an “unconventional beauty,” says Carlos Santos, owner of the Fluvanna Review, who was a Richmond Times-
Dispatch reporter when the trials took place. “She was worldly, smart,” he says, admitting on the witness stand that she used LSD and heroin. “At the same time you could tell that she lied,” says Santos. “She was a beautiful, charming liar.”
“I have brought sorrow to so many,” Soering tells the filmmakers. “I have destroyed my life because I thought it was about love. Retrospectively I realized I never knew this woman.”
Soering, 50, was sentenced to two life sentences in 1990. Haysom, 52, is serving a 90-year sentence. | http://www.c-ville.com/femme-fatale-literary-allusions-haysom-homicides/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/b56b89178d5e43207524e3c53df2d6d17276f8564039115700238236f11de9ce.json |
[
"Erin O'Hare",
"Elizabeth",
"Nick",
"C-Ville",
"Tami",
"Raennah",
"Kristofer",
"Alex"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:22 | null | 2016-08-31T07:00:47 | Camp Ugly brings DIY bands to Milli Coffee Roasters. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fbooking-team-camp-ugly-breaks-velvet-rope%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Will-Mullaney-Judith-Young4.jpg | en | null | Booking team Camp Ugly breaks through the velvet rope | null | null | www.c-ville.com | In May 2015, housemates Judith Young and Will Mullany went to the Paramount Theater for a screening of Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington, D.C. (1980-90). In the cushy theater seats, they watched how the early D.C. DIY scene unfolded, how now-legendary bands such as Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Government Issue and Fugazi released their own records, booked their own shows and eschewed major record label and mainstream media in the process. They left inspired to start a venue of their own in support of independent music.
Young and Mullany, both recent UVA grads and former WXTJ 100.1 FM student DJs, began hosting shows in their house on Gordon Avenue for the station. They called the effort Camp Ugly. High school and college students packed into their living room and kitchen, spilling out onto the porch, to hear local bands like Cream Dream and New Boss.
But they wanted to do something that would meld the student music scene with the city music scene. While sitting at Milli Coffee Roasters on Preston Avenue one afternoon, Young looked up at the ceiling and noticed stage lights hanging from the ceiling; she thought it would make a cool place for a show.
Young e-mailed Milli owner Nick Leichentritt and asked: “Can I book shows here?”
Leichentritt responded almost immediately: “Yes.”
And thus began Charlottesville’s latest DIY music initiative: Camp Ugly shows at Milli.
Every Friday night, bring $5 to Milli and get a red ink Camp Ugly heart stamped on your hand and hear a handful—sometimes three, sometimes two or four—of local and touring independent bands.
Camp Ugly has one major principle: Book talented, diverse musicians who play good, diverse music, and pay them for their art.
But that’s easier said than done. It’s a challenge to find bands that aren’t full of white dudes playing indie rock, they say. And while both admit that they love plenty of bands full of white dudes playing indie rock, they don’t want to perpetuate the status quo.
“What purpose are we serving by maintaining the only thing that there is?” asks Mullany.
They’ve booked Those Manic Seas, an alt-rock band whose lead singer has recorded a DVD of his performance played through an old TV propped up on the neck of a mannequin. They’ve hosted Charlottesville ex-pats Left & Right (an all-white, all-dude rock band). They have a hip-hop show planned for September 16 and a free computer-music and jazz improv night booked for October 7. “You come in with the expectation that what you see might be totally off the dome,” says Mullany. They envision all-female bills, electronic and bluegrass acts and maybe even an all-Jewish klezmer show.
“The philosophical debates that we have about music don’t show well in our calendar,” says Young. At least not entirely, not yet. They’re still trying to seek out diversity in race, gender and sound—and for good reason.
“Women, non-binary folk and people of color have different perspectives in their music,” Young says. “They are detailing different narratives that people really need to hear.”
It’s important that everyone have a musical platform, Mullany says. “When it becomes apparent in music, as it has, that certain types of people or backgrounds aren’t getting the same sort of treatment or presence in the community that others are, it’s time to take a hard look at why this is, and what you can do to help.”
Leichentritt says these intentions are what led him to agree to a Camp Ugly/Milli partnership in the first place, along with Young and Mullany’s promise and ability to come through on their word. “I’ve been happy to work with them,” he says, noting that both Young and Mullany know what they’re talking about. “They do a good job.”
All of the door money goes to the bands; Camp Ugly doesn’t take a cut, and neither does Leichentritt, though he profits from coffee, beverage and food sales made during the show. Bands are paid on a weighted scale that considers the number of band members and distance traveled, and Young says she tries to pay them as fairly as possible for their time and their art.
“Women, non-binary folk and people of color have different perspectives in their music,” Judith Young says. “They are detailing different narratives that people really need to hear.”
Camp Ugly joins the ranks of more established DIY venues like Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar and Magnolia House, but Young and Mullany are quick to note that they’re not looking to compete for bookings. At first, they say they worried about whether Camp Ugly would be a detriment to the local DIY scene by diluting it. “But I don’t think so,” Mullany says. “I think there’s more room to get people into it.”
When Magnolia House booked three of Charlottesville’s most popular bands, New Boss, Night Idea and Second Date, for September 9, Camp Ugly decided to take the night off rather than compete for the audience. They still might put on a show, but it’ll be for a different crowd—bluegrass, or jazz, instead of indie rock. “Magnolia is not an enemy,” says Young. “We’re trying to achieve the same goal.” And that is getting more ears tuned in to live music.
Mullany hopes that having yet another DIY venue will inspire more people to play music—and more diverse music at that—around town. “Sometimes bands will form when there’s an opportunity to play that isn’t being filled,” he says. “I hope that more places to play means more people playing music. I don’t know how true that will be, but I would like there to be more people performing in Charlottesville.” | http://www.c-ville.com/booking-team-camp-ugly-breaks-velvet-rope/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/cc8c6501e4fa3dba6acb24c0d491767033292765f0844ba070acefd4c5da5f6a.json |
[
"C-Ville Writers",
"C-Ville",
"Erin",
"Jessica",
"Mike",
"Sherina",
"C. Simon",
"Laura",
"Faith",
"Shea"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:12 | null | 2014-06-11T12:00:51 | We sipped our way across town for our bar guide issue, and while we now have a pretty impressive headache, it was worth it to bring you the best in local booze. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fbarventure-a-practical-guide-to-drinking-in-the-ville%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Parallel_38-11_MORONE.jpg | en | null | Barventure: A practical guide to drinking in the 'ville | null | null | www.c-ville.com | We sipped our way across town for our bar guide issue, and while we now have a pretty impressive headache, it was worth it to bring you the best in local booze. Whatever your pleasure, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our choose-your-own-adventure-style bar guide and some behind-the-scenes tips for imbibing from us and friendly local barkeeps—and check out the other half of our feature for some on-the-town advice and stories that will have you rolling. Cheers!
Choose your own barventure
C-VILLE knows from drinking. Here’s where you should head tonight. Pick a neighborhood and sip around from there! Click the image below for the full effect—and don’t forget to hand off your keys.
Do the twist
Let’s call this wave of bars updating classic cocktails what it is: a clever marketing idea. It’s hard to make a “cocktail”—a spirit mixed with a sweetening agent and a bittering agent—that isn’t in some way a take on a classic. No new ideas, right?
Still, there’s something about telling us bargoers we’re drinking a concoction people have been enjoying for a century, tricked out with the bar’s own twist. It makes us feel like we’re being let in on a cool secret.
“When you go to a place that only does classics, they’re unapproachable,” Parallel 38 owner Justin Ross said. “Classic cocktails are austere. When you go to a place that twists that cocktail around, they make it more approachable. Anyone can follow a recipe that was developed at a Paris hotel in 1907; what can you do to make it new?”
Here’s a look at five places that are getting this marketing device exactly right.—Shea Gibbs
The .38 Special at the Local. Photo: Emily Morone
The .38 Special at The Local: The Local’s cocktail list is so consistently good it’s hard to single one out, but the .38 Special is the most obvious update on a classic. The Belmont gastropub takes the Old Fashioned, traditionally whisky, sugar, bitters, and a twist, and amps it up with Bulleit Bourbon, local honey, Canton Ginger Liqueur, bitters, and muddled cherry and orange. The result is a glass of brighter flavors that weave in and out of the spicy-sweet whisky.
Murano at Maya. Photo: Emily Morone.
Murano at Maya: Maya bar manager Ted Norris wanted to update the classic cosmopolitan martini with pear vodka, so he used an Absolut-sponsored cocktail contest as his proving grounds. The problem? He’s not a fan of Absolut’s pear vodka. Once he found the right spirit, he figured he was onto something: Grey Goose La Poire, triple sec, white cranberry, and drops of Midori, blue curacao, and grenadine. The result is a sweet update on the traditional vodka, orange liqueur, and cranberry juice you’ll find in a cosmo, with a stained glass effect floating at the bottom. The tribute to Murano’s glassmaking tradition is best enjoyed during happy hour on Maya’s patio, where the natural light can bring out the colors.
Manhattan at Whiskey Jar. Photo: Emily Morone.
Manhattan at Whiskey Jar: The Whiskey Jar’s take on the classics are for the most part only slightly altered, and the Downtown Mall bar’s Manhattan is no exception. Typically whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, the Whiskey Jar gives you a choice of bourbon or rye and subs out the vermouth for Cardamaro, a wine-based digestif flavored with cardoon. The take is complex, challenging even, but the bourbon in particular plays well with the Cardamaro, making the sweet, dark cocktail the perfect end to a good meal.
Persian Collins at Parallel 38. Photo: Emily Morone.
Persian Collins at Parallel 38: The Persian Collins at Parallel is graduate level cocktail making. The small plates joint in The Shops at Stonefield makes its own vinegar and mint syrup (a take on a shrub), muddles cucumber, and adds Hendrick’s gin and house made sour mix. The result is an especially tart, refreshing take on the Tom Collins, usually made with gin, lemon juice, sugar and carbonated water. Ross likes the drink so much, he’s planning to serve it when Parallel cooks at the renowned Beard House later this year.
King and Queen at Pasture. Photo: Emily Morone.
King and Queen at Pasture: Pasture is all about simplicity in its cocktails, according to barman Wiley Kimball. Most of the drinks contain two or three ingredients, and the goal is to make all the flavors distinct. That makes the King and Queen, a subtly flavored mixture of Bombay Sapphire and house made ginger beer, the perfect representation of the Stonefield spot’s cocktail menu. It’s a simple update on the Moscow Mule (vodka and ginger beer). “We want you to be able to taste the gin and ginger beer in tandem,” Kimball said. They succeeded.
More bang for your buck
Drinking on a budget doesn’t have to mean holding your nose and throwing back forties of Miller High Life and handles of sour apple Burnett’s. PBR and Boone’s Farm may always hold a special place in our hearts, but we’re adults now; let’s see if we can drink on the cheap without resorting to the battery acid that we slugged on our 21st birthdays, shall we?
The martini list at Bang! includes more than 40 hand-crafted cocktails, which feature liquors ranging from bottom-shelf rum to tequila fit for a king. According to restaurant manager and long-time bartender Laura Price, there’s a time and a place for less expensive spirits.
“It depends on how cheap we’re talking,” Price said. “Something like Aristocrat, that’s going to be hard to mask, and that’s not what we’re trying to do here. We want to enhance and complement the flavor of the liquor.”
The B. Moss, a refreshing and crisp cocktail served in a frosted martini glass with only three ingredients, is made with Skyy, the bar’s rail vodka. Photo: Emily Morone
The cocktails at Bang! are all $9-12, and Price said some drinks lend themselves to substitutions better than others. The martini-like drinks like the Banghattan, a Manhattan-style concoction using Knob Creek bourbon, are built around the flavor of that particular liquor, she said, and shouldn’t be tampered with.
And don’t be deceived by the hefty price tag on some liquors. Not all booze is created equal, and cost is not necessarily reflective of quality. Price said she’s now using Tito’s for the Pantydropper, a popular tequila-heavy martini that used to feature the much pricier Patron.
As for what to order (or make at home) if you want to keep it cheap without sacrificing too much in terms of flavor? Price recommends mixing rail liquors with soda water and a splash of fruit juice. Pineapple and cranberry juices, she said, can go a long way in masking the harshness of the cheap stuff.—Laura Ingles | http://www.c-ville.com/barventure-a-practical-guide-to-drinking-in-the-ville/ | en | 2014-06-11T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/24f00f2c6c7caf1f3cb250936f11852af8bce3d06cee910c2b095a7503913315.json |
[
"Lisa Provence",
"Lisa",
"Samantha",
"C-Ville",
"Alex",
"Susanna",
"Melissa"
] | 2016-08-29T06:47:45 | null | 2014-11-19T07:00:35 | One year after the tragic attack by his son, State Senator Creigh Deeds continues the fight to improve mental health services in Virginia. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fone-year-later-senator-creigh-deeds-determined-make-difference%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/CreighDeeds_JacksonSmith.jpg | en | null | One year later: Senator Creigh Deeds determined to make a difference | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Even as he regained consciousness in the hospital last year after his son had stabbed him 13 times, State Senator Creigh Deeds was thinking about what he’d encountered while trying to get help for 24-year-old Gus Deeds. “I started to figure out what we needed to do when I got out of the hospital,” he said.
The November 19, 2013, attack by and subsequent suicide of Gus Deeds both saddened and shocked Virginians, who realized that even a longtime legislator and former candidate for governor could not get the care he needed to save his son during a psychiatric crisis. One year later, has anything changed?
“Immediately we made changes in the processes that failed my son last year,” Deeds said recently in his Charlottesville office. And he’s working on an ambitious plan to overhaul the state’s mental health care system with bipartisan support. What’s not clear is whether reform will stick or fade away as it seemed to after the 2007 Virginia Tech massacre.
Deeds won’t talk about the events leading up to that terrible morning of November 19, but he told The Washington Post, in a 6,000-word article published November 1, that he wakes up every morning thinking about Gus, trying to focus on the happy images, rather than those of that morning, when he went out to the barn at his Millboro Springs residence. He was holding a bucket of feed and Gus walked up and began stabbing him.
Gus Deeds had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and the day before the attack, concerned about his son’s increasingly erratic, paranoid behavior, his father got an emergency custody order (ECO), step one in dealing with a mental health crisis, and something Deeds had done twice before, he told the Post. The Rockbridge Community Services Board said it was unable to find a bed for Gus during the six hours it could legally hold him, although later, three hospitals, including UVA, said they had beds and were not contacted. Gus Deeds was released, and killed himself the next morning.
In Virginia’s contentious, highly partisan General Assembly, there was rare unanimity to legislate the issues that led to the Gus Deeds tragedy. “The issues I dealt with last fall won’t present themselves again,” said Deeds.
The legislature increased the time a person could be held on an emergency custody order from six hours, the shortest in the nation, to eight hours. It also passed a “bed of last resort” bill carried by Delegate Rob Bell.
“Before, when you hit the six-hour mark,” said Bell, “they kicked you out.” The new law requires the state hospital—Western State in this part of the Commonwealth—to take the patient if nothing else can be found.
The legislature passed a real-time, online psychiatric bed registry. And the time a person could be held under a temporary detention order (TDO) was upped from 48 to 72 hours.
“We tried to figure out what went wrong in the big and small picture,” said Bell.
“Those are significant changes,” said Deeds, “but they’re about 2 percent of the total pie.” Hospitalization is costly and not the best way to treat most patients, he said, which means it’s critical to provide services throughout the Commonwealth way before a person’s condition becomes a crisis.
Gus Deeds frequently was on the road with his father, especially during Creigh Deeds’ run for governor in 2009. Photo: Hyunsoo Leo Kim/REUTERS/Newscom.com.
Outgoing Governor Bob McDonnell proposed spending $38 million to expand crisis care and treatment. Earlier this year, the General Assembly approved an additional $108 million in spending over the next two years, $75 million of which will go to state-operated mental health facilities. Community mental health services will pick up nearly $34 million in additional funding in the next two years.
Getting it right
The most significant action the legislature took, said Deeds, was to create a joint subcommittee to study mental health services in Virginia, and in other states. The subcommittee, upon which Bell serves, has until December 2017 to report back.
“My goal is to make Virginia the leader,” said Deeds. “I’m convinced we have an opportunity to get it right.”
The subcommittee will look at what services government should provide, how to provide those services and how to pay for them, said Deeds. “We’ve got to reform the existing system first.”
“We’d like to go in with a blank slate,” said Bell. “Where should decisions be made? What role does the doctor play? What role does the community services board have?” And he wants to see how other states are handling mental health care.
In the let’s-do-something aftermath of the Gus Deeds tragedy, “Resources are an issue,” acknowledged Deeds.
The General Assembly, which earlier this year declined to expand Medicaid in Virginia, allotted $4.5 million for extra beds in state hospitals. Deeds said it’s more than he thought he’d get, but still “a drop in the bucket.”
Virginia is one of 20 states that have refused to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe made expansion a priority and said there was a “moral imperative” to provide health insurance to the poor, but the Republican-controlled General Assembly blocked those efforts. Of the 400,000 Virginians eligible for Medicaid and without health insurance, 77,000 of those have serious mental health diagnoses, said Deeds, and $200 million of the $2.1 billion the federal government earmarked for Virginia would have gone to mental health care.
“We were foolish not to expand Medicare,” said Democrat Deeds. “It’s hard to understand why we didn’t.”
Republicans like Bell are unswayed. “We think the [Medicaid] program is growing substantially,” said Bell, who voted against expansion because the program has grown from 5 percent of the state budget to 22 percent since the 1980s. “It’s not sustainable or affordable,” he said.
Bell has been interested in mental health issues since law school, when he looked at detention orders or not-guilty-by-reason-of-insanity pleas. When 32 people died at Virginia Tech, Bell wanted to know why mass murderer Seung-Hui Cho, who had been ordered into treatment, didn’t go. “No one had the responsibility to follow up and make sure he went,” said Bell. “Massive changes took place that year.”
And then the recession hit and the state budget shrank, a familiar scenario that happened again this year with news of a $2.4 billion shortfall from cuts in federal defense spending. Both Deeds and Bell point out how dependent Virginia is on federal dollars and how hard the state is hit when Washington cuts spending.
“I hope we’d have the commitment to provide the services we really need in mental health,” said Bell. Finding the funding is always a challenge, he acknowledged, but if the mental health proposals are good ones, they can be priorities, he said, such as the $5 million that was appropriated for “bed of last resort” bills during last year’s difficult budget.
Bell agrees with Deeds that fixing the involuntary commitment procedure addresses only a tiny percentage of mental health services, and that it’s much better to catch things before a crisis erupts.
“We want to make sure there are no more events like what happened to Gus,” said Bell. “We want to look at upstream factors before that happens, and avoid the 2am emergency room crisis.”
Even with the groundswell of attention following the Deeds tragedy, earlier this year there were unexecuted temporary detention orders, said Bell. “At six hours they’d say, sorry, we couldn’t find you a bed. Even after all this happened, there were still unexecuted TDOs.”
Delegate Rob Bell, a Republican, joined Democrat Deeds on a joint subcommittee to study mental health services over the next four years. Photo: Ash Daniel.
Mental health ghettos
Deeds is still troubled that location matters in mental health care in Virginia, and that there are disparities in services available around the state, particularly in rural areas. Earlier this year, he flat-out blamed the Rockbridge Community Services Board for what happened to his son and in June filed what’s called a “notice of claim” that would allow him to sue the board.
By late October, he declined to discuss it. “I’m going to stay away from that,” he said.
Part of this year’s legislation directs the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to look at the clinicians doing the evaluations at the point of crisis. “I think we need to look at the whole system,” said Deeds.
Money to community services boards flows from the General Assembly through the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, which reviews requests from the service boards and then allots the money.
“People in Charlottesville have an embarrassment of riches compared to other parts of the state,” he said. “[Region Ten] isn’t the best funded in the state, but it is one of the better funded community services boards.”
Region Ten has undergone changes in the past year. “We certainly have seen significant increases in emergency custody orders and psychiatric hospitalization,” said Lynn Shoen, senior director of emergency and case management services. “Why that is, we’re not really sure.”
In September 2013, Region Ten evaluated 224 people, 67 of whom were hospitalized. A year later in September 2014, 321 people were evaluated and 92 hospitalized.
There are theories, such as whether people are more aware after the Deeds tragedy, or whether people are under a higher level of stress, said Shoen. “We don’t know for sure. There could be myriad reasons. One theory is clinicians are being more conservative in terms of their evaluations,” she said. “Clinicians would say that isn’t true.”
Charlottesville’s biggest change in how it handles emergency custody orders is the opening of a crisis intervention assessment center at the UVA Medical Center, funded by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, said Shoen,
When family members or friends witness a person experiencing a psychiatric crisis and believe him to be a threat to himself or others, they can call a local magistrate for an emergency custody order, explained Shoen. The magistrate notifies local law enforcement that the person needs to be taken into custody.
Once the person has been picked up, the eight-hour clock starts ticking, she said, which can be a problem for people who live in, say, Louisa, because of the time it takes to get them to the hospital, and which was problematic for Gus Deeds in rural Bath County.
A Region Ten clinician is now on site at the hospital at night during the off-hours of 4pm to midnight, as is a police officer to accept custody of the person under the ECO. Short-staffed rural law enforcement departments had been concerned about extending the time length of the emergency custody order because it would take an officer out of commission for the six or eight hours the person could be held.
Under the new system, when the person is transferred to police custody at UVA, the officer bringing her in “can get right back to his job,” said Shoen.
Also on site with the Region Ten clinician who does the evaluation is a peer support counselor—someone who has needed mental health services in the past and is there to help the individual know what to expect. “It’s a very positive addition,” said Shoen. “It’s streamlined the process and is much friendlier,” she said.
Local police departments are receiving crisis intervention training to recognize when someone is experiencing a psychiatric crisis, said Shoen. “Region Ten, UVA and police are coming together. It’s a great development.”
Shoen and other mental health care professionals want to see more community-based support to keep people from going into crisis. Region Ten has a Wellness Recovery Center, a two-week residential program that provides therapeutic intervention.
“A person can be admitted on the early side of psychosis,” said Molly Yates, director of emergency services at Region Ten, who’d like to see more such centers opened. “They stay full,” she said.
“We’d like to have more upstream intervention—early intervention before a crisis situation,” echoed Kate Acuff at Mental Health America of Charlottesville Albemarle.
“I think in dealing with someone in crisis as Gus Deeds clearly was, things are better,” said Acuff. “But there’s enormous variability in what’s available across the state.”
She’s seen increased awareness and increased calls for help in the past year. “That’s a good thing,” she said.
A start, said Deeds, is simply talking about the issue of mental health. “We’ve begun to reduce the stigma and made it easier for other people to talk about,” he said.
Region Ten’s Lynn Shoen said the agency has seen an increase in emergency custody orders and psychiatric hospitalizations in the past year, and isn’t really sure why. Photo: Michael Johnson.
Man with a mission
Does it take high-profile tragedies like the Virginia Tech slayings or the suicide of a state senator’s son when the system fails him to bring bipartisanship to the state legislature on mental health issues?
“There’s policy and there’s personal,” said Bell, who’s often on the opposite side of issues from Deeds. “Some of us have family members with mental health issues. Also, this was the child of a colleague. This was something personal for him that really brought it to our attention.”
“I have been in the legislature a long time,” said Deeds. “I’m a partisan warrior, but I also understand you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I’m a likable guy.”
Gus Deeds was 2 years old when his father was first elected to the House of Delegates, and he traveled around a lot with him over the years. “A lot of people knew my son,” said Deeds, who said his return to the legislature after the tragedy helped get things passed. “The fact I was there every day with red eyes and a red face, we were going to have success.”
Deeds calls the joint commission “probably the most important thing I’ve worked on. This will make a difference in the lives of so many ordinary people.”
The senator said he’s read that one in four or one in five people have mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety disorder. “I’ve read that 24 percent of those incarcerated have mental health issues,” he said. “My experience is it’s a lot higher than that.”
He’s aware of the fickle nature of public interest and how quickly spending can be slashed. “I’m on this like a dog on a scent,” said the Bath County native. “I’m not going to let it go.”
The joint commission will not make its first report until the end of 2015. “I want to make sure we’re getting it right,” he said. “I’m going to be deliberate and have answers that are correct.”
Not surprisingly, the past year has been difficult for Deeds and his family. “Everyone’s struggling,” he said. “My children were very close. My girls look great but they’re all struggling. My ex-wife is struggling.
“There are no guarantees in this life,” said Deeds. “I’ve got to move on. I owe it to Gus and my family to try to make a difference.”
He noted that a lot of bad things happen in a lot of people’s lives. “I’m a lucky guy,” he said. “I had 24 years with my son. It was fantastic. I’ve got three daughters. I’ve got a wife. My life is good. I’ve got a responsibility to make change where I can so other people don’t have to suffer like my son did.”
On this day, nearly a year after unimaginable loss, Deeds sounds upbeat. “What choice do you have?” he asked.
“I’m an old-school Presbyterian,” he said. “I believe things happen for a reason. You’re put here for a reason. I knew I had a platform and I had to speak out. I didn’t think about quitting. I thought about making change, of the opportunity to use my office to make change.”
Despite the personal tragedy of the past year, Deeds displays an innate optimism—and determination—when he recalls what Tom Moss, the last Democratic speaker in the House of Delegates, said to him years ago: “Creigh-Creigh, you remind me of a little boy who wakes up on Christmas morning and finds nothing but horse manure in his stocking, and you’re looking around for the pony.”
Said Deeds, “I’m still looking for the pony.” | http://www.c-ville.com/one-year-later-senator-creigh-deeds-determined-make-difference/ | en | 2014-11-19T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/9bc3a487464046e45c949041cc7ffaa3d9cb4d6ec207aa39f14e7187b3dc54b4.json |
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] | 2016-08-26T12:57:02 | null | 2015-12-21T17:12:47 | Former Crozet resident Robert Davis was pardoned by Governor Terry McAuliffe after serving 11 years in prison after a false confession. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Frobert-davis-receives-pardon%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Davis.jpg | en | null | Robert Davis receives pardon | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Robert Davis stepped outside the walls of a prison as a free man today for the first time since he was arrested at gunpoint nearly 13 years ago. Governor Terry McAuliffe issued a conditional pardon in a case that experts have called a textbook case of false confession.
After being released from Coffeewood Correctional Center in Mitchells, Davis, 31, said Monday afternoon that he was “elated.”
“Words can’t describe it. If it weren’t for that man there fighting for me (pointing to his lawyer, Steve Rosenfield), I wouldn’t be out right now, ” Davis said before getting choked up.
Asked about the first thing he wanted to do after being released, Davis didn’t hesitate: “I want to go hug my mother,” he said.
Today is an especially happy day for Davis’ mother, Sandy Seal—it also happens to be her birthday.
“I’m so grateful it’s my birthday and my son is coming home,” Seal said via phone. She was waiting at a friend’s house to be reunited with her son.
The crime was one that rocked Crozet. On a chilly February 19, 2003, morning, firefighters raced to a home on Cling Lane in response to a reported fire. Upon entering the charred remains of the house, they made a much more gruesome discovery—Nola “Ann” Charles,41, bound with duct tape, throat slit and face down in her toddler son’s bunk bed. A charred knife protruded from her back. Her three-year-old son William was found dead in her room from smoke inhalation.
Two suspects, Rocky Fugett, 19 at the time, and his 15-year-old sister, Jessica, were arrested and charged with murder within two days. The Fugetts named two other Western Albemarle High School students as accomplices, including then-18-year-old Robert Davis. After holding the other student in juvenile detention for several months, police dropped charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Davis was arrested February 22 and, starting around 2am, subjected to five hours of interrogation by former Albemarle police officer Randy Snead, whom Davis knew as a school resource officer. Shackled in a chilly room, he denied involvement in the murder dozens of times. It was only after five hours that he asked the fateful question, “What can I say I did to get me out of this?” according to a transcript of his interrogation, which C-VILLE posted on YouTube earlier this year.
His case has gained the attention of experts in false confession, including the Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, where a professor there, Laura Nirider, has called Davis’ confession “one of the most coercive I’ve ever seen.”
The idea of confessing to a crime one didn’t commit is hard to grasp, but there are those who are particularly susceptible to doing so. UVA false confession expert and law professor Brandon Garrett has identified juveniles and the mentally disabled as more prone to do so, as are those who are exhausted and drunk.
“The interviews in false confessions I looked at lasted over three hours,” said Garrett in a 2011 interview. “If someone is exhausted, they think if they just go along with the interrogation, they can clear it up later.”
Because of the confession and the threat of testimony by both Fugetts saying he was there, Davis entered an Alford plea in September 2004, maintaining his innocence while acknowledging the prosecution had enough evidence to convict him. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison, of which he’s served nearly 13 years.
Rocky Fugett pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in November 2005, and was sentenced to 75 years. Jessica, initially found incompetent to stand trial, did stand trial, was found guilty of two first-degree murders, and sentenced to 100 years in 2006.
Both Fugetts have since filed affidavits admitting that they lied about Davis’ involvement—Rocky in 2006 and Jessica in 2012..
In 2011, Rosenfield filed a hefty clemency petition package with then governor Bob McDonnell, and it lingered until his last day in office, when he denied the petition. Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Tonya Vincent later revealed the McDonnell administration had never investigated the case. When Governor Terry McAuliffe took office in 2014, Rosenfield sent a second clemency request.
Virginia’s track record on false confessions is not stellar. Earl Washington Jr. spent 18 years in prison and came within nine days of execution after giving a false confession to the rape and murder of a Culpeper woman in 1982. After another man’s DNA was linked to the crime, Governor Doug Wilder commuted his sentence to life in prison. Washington served another six years in prison until Governor Jim Gilmore pardoned him.
In the notorious case of sailors known as the Norfolk Four who falsely confessed to a brutal 1997 rape and murder, when exculpatory DNA came to light Governor Tim Kaine refused to grant full pardons and instead conditionally freed them in 2009 while requiring them to register as sex offenders and felons.
Rosenfield praised McAuliffe. “The governor stepped up when Bob McDonnell didn’t,” he said. “The McAuliffe administration spent two years investigating this case and concluded Robert deserved a pardon.”
“People will know now it’s true,” said Sandy Seal. “Robert didn’t do this.”
Updated 9:32pm. | http://www.c-ville.com/robert-davis-receives-pardon/ | en | 2015-12-21T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/0b46747cd6dc0859271736fc6e19299cbc09c5395653b7ff7b8a74f6c627aad0.json |
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] | 2016-08-26T12:53:44 | null | 2016-08-24T07:00:36 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fbest-c-ville-2016-services%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/P135-rgb16.jpg | en | null | Best of C-VILLE 2016: Services | null | null | www.c-ville.com | Change your own oil, till your own garden, paint your own nails. It’s all too much to keep up with—throw some money at the problem and move on. Here’s who readers say top their list for good help, from car repair to pet hotels.
REAL ESTATE AGENT
Jamie White
Runner-up: Sasha Farmer
Honorable mention: Paul McArtor
It’s hard to resist an accent. And while we’re sure that’s not the only reason London-born Jamie White is going home with the gold this year, we can’t discount its appeal. White’s clients say it’s his sharp wit and fine-tuned negotiation skills, too, that help them with all aspects of buying or selling a home. Runner-up Sasha Farmer takes second place with her five-person team and her deep appreciation for all things Charlottesville.
HOMEBUILDER Latitude 38
Charlottesville: 3016
Latitude 38 predicts what’s in store for local housing. The answer? Togetherness!
Will humans even be here in 1,000 years? Current global conflict, natural resource limitations and the recent successful entrance of Juno into Jupiter’s orbit, further compounded by my 5-year-old daughter innocently asking when the Earth will die, all led me to think that the probability of continued human success is finite.
But the idea that these incredibly adaptive unique creatures in the universe—humans—could be around in 1,000 years seems very possible, if not likely. I feel special to be one tiny cell in an expansive, ever-morphing collective body made up of millions of quotidian lives responding to their changing surroundings. And every one of us lives in a home. Some humans are like wasps, using wood to create a proverbial custom hive of rooms. Some humans are like hermit crabs, walking alone, finding homes no longer needed by others and adapting them to their needs. Some are like sociable weaver birds, who build massive hanging apartment buildings out of sticks and grass to stay warm during the cold seasons, huddling together for strength.
Humans will be no different in a thousand years. We will continue to adapt to our surroundings, using the materials we have available to build shelter that keeps us warm and dry and meets some inner calling of beauty. There will always be variation in taste, leading to a continued mix of detailing from simple, clean lines to ornate craft work. The skill of delivery will vary, too, depending on the demand of the user, which I estimate will generally increase across society, but could just as easily become more egalitarian or more stratified.
I feel pretty strongly that we will figure out creative ways to harness solar, magnetic and kinetic energy once the demand on natural resources makes them competitive with renewable energy. Already, model track home developments in the United States are being built to run on solar energy. This is not too far away. But, overall, homes will really not look that different from today.
What will likely look different, I believe, is how houses are grouped. There could easily be double the population we have now. In Charlottesville in particular, density will become much more accepted as people realize that community interaction can be regenerative. Large swaths of parking lots are not an efficient use of space, and I predict more and more consumer goods and services will be purchased remotely, reducing the need for travel. Social upheaval reverses the trend of seeking residence in urban areas (thus making the suburbs more attractive), but as we continue to work toward positive ways to commune with one another, we will move back toward the city center. I don’t think this necessarily means mega cities or communes; it might produce cluster communities of smaller homes. Charlottesville, especially, draws people from all over, and we’re already striving to live closer to one another and drive less. If we continue to work together to address our social failings, we will only want to enjoy our collective body more.—Joey Conover, co-owner of Latitude 38
Runner-up: Craig Builders
Honorable mention: Southern Development Homes
CAR REPAIR SHOP
Airport Road Auto Center
Runner-up: Bob’s Wheel Alignment
Honorable mention: Settle Tire
What is there to say about a great auto body shop? Most of them run on word-of-mouth, and our readers’ endorsement again this year speaks volumes of the family-owned and -operated shop. In business since 1971, Airport Road Auto Center boasts perks like free Wi-Fi, coffee and a shuttle service. Back in town, runner-up Bob’s Wheel Alignment keeps your motor running.
LANDSCAPING COMPANY J.W. Townsend Landscapes
Leaf year
Springtime in Virginia means dogwoods and redbuds, but, says J.W. Townsend Landscapes’ Tiffany McCord, “Charlottesville and Albemarle County play host to a wide range of native trees that many consider to be quintessential to the Virginia landscape.” Here’s a list of local natives that, as McCord notes, “have been a part of the Virginia landscape since long before we arrived.”
Spring
Dogwood
Eastern redbud
Fringe tree
Sweetshrub
Witch hazel
Summer
Sweetbay magnolia
Sourwood
Buttonbush
Smooth hydrangea
Fall
Serviceberry
Black gum
Common spicebush
Fragrant sumac
Winter
American holly
River birch
Winterberry holly
Mountain laurel
Runner-up: Snow’s Garden Center
Honorable mention: Dos Amigos Landscaping
DOGGIE DAYCARE
All Things Pawssible
Runner-up: Canine Campus
Honorable mention: Pet Motel & Salon
With three indoor and three outdoor areas at All Things Pawssible, there’s ample opportunity for Spot to enjoy his home away from home. The trainers love their campers—they remember everyone who walks in the door (even if it’s only their second visit) and they learn the dogs’ buddy preferences and pair them in play groups according to size and romp style. The best part? It’s open on the weekends, so you can drop your fur baby off for a day of play while you run errands. Over at runner-up Canine Campus, the facility’s training day camp teaches dogs socialization and how to be good canine citizens.
VETERINARIAN
Autumn Trails Veterinary Center
Runner-up: Georgetown Veterinary Hospital
Honorable mention: Old Dominion Animal Hospital
Pet owners know sicknesses and emergencies never fall within normal business hours, which is why Autumn Trails Veterinary Center is open seven days a week, from 8am-8pm, in case something unexpected comes up. Not only does the center, which opened in early 2015, offer routine health checks, it also provides dental hygiene, an on-site laboratory, dermatology, microchipping and boarding for when you have to leave town. And urgent care services are for all pet owners (not just Autumn Trails clients), which generally means shorter wait times and cheaper exam fees than an emergency hospital. Georgetown Veterinary Hospital, this year’s runner-up, is a perennial favorite for its acute attention to preventative, surgical and critical care.
DOG TRAINER
All Things Pawssible
Runner-up: Canine Campus
Honorable mention: Off Leash K9 Training
Undesirable behaviors, say the folks at All Things Pawssible, are often the result of a miscommunication between two species. That’s why, from puppy 101 to basic obedience, their classes are geared toward teaching you to speak Dog as much as they are teaching your dog to sit and stay (and stop eating out of the trash). Runner-up Canine Campus uses science-based, relationship-centered training techniques and specializes in problems and prevention to help teach your dog to make good decisions.
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Tandem Friends School
Runner-up: St. Anne’s-Belfield School
Honorable mention: The Covenant School
With less than 300 students between its middle school (grades five through eight) and its upper school (grades nine through 12), Tandem Friends can offer kids something few can in this age of overcrowding: attention. And that’s what readers are responding to when they voted it No. 1 again this year. Tandem creates the feeling of a small community on its 31-acre campus, giving individual consideration to each student. In second place, St. Anne’s-Belfield School continues its more than 100-year pedigree for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Luvin’ this bob on Bristles customer Missy Snelling, amirite? Photo: Amy Jackson
HAIR SALON Bristles Hair Design & Day Spa
Top-down chic
Bristles has been the place to get coiffed for more than 15 years, and while its group of over 20 stylists still wield the scissors to dramatic results, the spa services and advances in specialty care are not to be overlooked.
“Our newest service and the products that are doing well is hair replacement, wigs and toppers for people with hair loss or just for fun,” says owner Cat Burton.
With approximately 400 clients per week, the Bristles crew stays sharp on the latest trends (lots of bobs and lobs) and even a bit of whimsy as proven by a recent hair coloring layered in red, white and blue.
Runner-up: Moxie Hair & Body Lounge
Honorable mention: The Honeycomb
SPA
Cityspa
Runner-up: Spa at the Boar’s Head Inn
Honorable mention: Signature Medical Spa
Steps from Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall in one of the oldest residences in the historic district, Cityspa is open seven days a week and offers a customized experience to keep you pretty and pampered. From massage to makeup, Cityspa earns its top spot with a relaxing lineup of treatments for individuals and couples. Just down the road at the Spa at Boar’s Head Inn, residents can channel their inner Thomas Jefferson. The spa there pays homage to UVA’s founder by using the same plants found in Monticello’s garden in its oils and moisturizers.
Photo: Keith Alan Sprouse
NAIL SALON Serenity Nails & Spa
Hot tips
Some of us seek out nature or a cozy spot to find our happy place—and then there are the legions finding it at Serenity Nails & Spa. “I am lucky to have found my bi-weekly sanity, where I can take a moment and relax in their calm, serene environment,” says customer Carrie Throckmorton.
Is a crystal powder set in order? Or maybe you prefer a pink and white? Even if it’s just a color change, the long and short of it is: These nail technicians are artists-in-demand.
Runner-up: Red Handed Nails Salon & Spa
Honorable mention: Happy Nails
HOTEL, INN OR B&B
Boar’s Head Inn
Runner-up: Oakhurst Inn
Honorable mention: Clifton Inn
The Boar’s Head Inn wins big in all the ways an inn should: beautiful guest rooms, a top-rated spa, an excellent restaurant. But it also goes a little further, with a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Boar’s Head is Virginia Green certified, using geothermal heating pumps and compact fluorescent lighting and partnering with a local organization to turn its wasted kitchen oil into biodiesel. In the runner-up spot, Oakhurst Inn charms guests with thoughtfully decorated rooms and a hidden-gem café.
HALL OF FAME
Oasis Day Spa & Body Shop
It’s a well-known fact that if you want to treat yo self—to let someone file your nails or wrap you in seaweed or exfoliate your face—you go to Oasis. Its very name suggests a respite from the stress and strain of everyday life and that’s exactly the experience that owner Kore Russell had in mind when she opened the downtown shop in 2001. Since then, Oasis has become synonymous with “relaxation,” with a modern interior and more than 20 lines of skin, hair and nail products to nab before you go home (though good luck recreating the feeling without any help).
Pampered Pets
There’s no shortage of places to board your pet in Charlottesville. From doggie daycares to overnight camp, there’s always a place for Fido to rest his head. But Pampered Pets, the more than 27,000-square-foot facility off Preston Avenue, offers even more than that. Drop your furry friend off for the night and he’ll be groomed, socialized, exercised—in a word, pampered. The pet hotel makes accommodations for special-needs animals and kitty cats, too. You might say this place is purrfect.
Want more Best of C-VILLE? Click through to… | http://www.c-ville.com/best-c-ville-2016-services/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/d91abf057de9cb35d00f0044cc81c57afd6068d5ef5e1aeabc73436cb2fe8545.json |
[
"Tami Keaveny",
"C-Ville",
"Jedd",
"Raennah",
"Kristofer",
"Tami",
"Erin",
"Alex",
"Elizabeth"
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:44 | null | 2016-08-24T07:00:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fcatch-music-legend-peter-wolf-lockn%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/C_Peter_Wolf_photo_by_Joe_Greene_6484.jpg | en | null | Catch music legend Peter Wolf at Lockn’ | null | null | www.c-ville.com | In the early ’80s, at the advent of the new MTV era, Peter Wolf led one of the most popular rock ‘n’ roll bands on the airwaves. The high-energy blues of Boston’s The J. Geils Band formed around John Geils’ guitar licks and the innovative use of rock harmonica, but it was frontman and radio DJ Wolf who—drawing comparisons to Mick Jagger thanks to his acrobatic stage presence, raw shimmy and vocal dexterity—propelled the band up the charts with “Come Back,” “Centerfold,” “Freeze Frame” and “Love Stinks.”
Wolf, 70, released his eighth studio album, A Cure For Loneliness, in April and will perform at Lockn’ on Friday night.
C-VILLE Weekly: What inspires you as an artist at this point in your career?
Peter Wolf: Always my love of music, just reaching for a record and giving it a spin helps me to keep writing and recording relevant music.
How would you describe The J. Geils Band’s cultural impact on music during the height of its popularity…and the band’s legacy?
It presented, to a large majority of the listening audience, artists and genres many people were unaware of at the time.
How has rock ‘n’ roll changed?
Through technology.
Can you tell us one pro and one con of being a musician
in a successful band?
Pro…meeting musicians who I always admired.
Do you ever get back in the seat as a radio DJ?
Yes, and I always enjoy doing it when I can.
What do you currently listen to?
All kinds of music.
Tell us a story about your greatest rock-star moment.
No one greatest moment, but many, such as working with Merle Haggard, Mick Jagger and Aretha Franklin.
What can fans at Lockn’ expect to hear during your
set on Friday?
A mix of solo and Geils performed by a great group of musicians. | http://www.c-ville.com/catch-music-legend-peter-wolf-lockn/ | en | 2016-08-24T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/5d234088ab0f0f9ccf60356ccedaf5ee8f1e45eb5cfc40983c64eda4fd167161.json |
[
"Elizabeth Derby",
"Erin",
"Nick",
"C-Ville",
"Tami",
"Raennah",
"Kristofer",
"Alex"
] | 2016-08-31T12:47:10 | null | 2016-08-31T07:00:46 | Scott Webb created The Hart App for artistic types who want to lead with their artwork. | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.c-ville.com%2Fdating-app-creative-types-makes-cville-debut%2F.json | http://www.c-ville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_7025.jpg | en | null | Dating app for creative types makes a C’ville debut | null | null | www.c-ville.com | The last time I went on an online date, I found myself at Buffalo Wild Wings with a guy named Tony. It was 2010, and I was living on the New Jersey shore at the time. (He was actually the second Tony I’d gone out with, it being the Jersey shore.) I remember feeling…underwhelmed. Missing the spark despite millions of messages exchanged, let down in a way that only deliberate, digitally orchestrated dates can inspire.
Technology has come a long way since then. We have apps now. All it takes is a finger swipe to dismiss someone, should you find their face and/or body parts unappealing.
Unfortunately, our modern approach to romance still fails to convey the visceral magic of a person. No app can capture the soul that animates your face, radiates your brand of warmth or talent, and shines when you immerse yourself in creative work that lights you up.
Or so I thought.
There’s a new app in town, and it’s designed expressly for creative, artsy types. You know, the ones who might classify themselves as more than just a pretty face.
The idea for the Hart App was born after Scott Webb attended a Rolling Stones concert and realized “Mick Jagger couldn’t compete on Tinder if he wasn’t Mick Jagger, but people love him,” says Webb. “It’s almost a form of hypnosis. When someone has created a great artistic revolution, people don’t care what you look like.”
“A headshot can’t capture the depth of a person’s character,” proclaims the website for the Hart App, and so this Tinder-for-creatives eschews your face entirely.
Users create a profile by uploading a photo to their “public canvas” along with a five-word caption. The photo can be anything—doodles, tattoos, the sidewalk, an airplane, whatever image you decide expresses your uniqueness. The caption can be poetic, descriptive or completely unrelated to your image.
The only catch? You can’t post a photo of your face.
Once you’re in the public gallery, you swipe left to dismiss the work that doesn’t move you and swipe right to engage with the spirit that does. Should you like a canvas, you’ll be asked to write a critique. If the person on the other side of the screen likes what you have to say, he’ll allow you to view his profile. Then the conversation can begin.
“If you post to this app, you’re one to two steps ahead of someone on Tinder,” says Hart’s founder, Scott Webb. “You want someone to understand you. That’s really who the app is for: those people who have evolved a notch ahead, who want to bypass all the bullshit of what dating is and just have a conversation about imagination.”
A colon hygienist and former philosophy major, Webb ran with the idea for Hart after recognizing its potential. “It seems very simple and it has a broad appeal nationally, and maybe across the whole planet, this idea that people could connect more via their interests or their passions, talents, versus just what they look like.”
At present, the app has launched in limited markets: first in Nashville, where Webb lives, then Asheville, North Carolina, and now Charlottesville. Brand-new users will find that the public gallery “unlocks” when 25 (or more) locals create and upload profiles.
So far, user profiles run the gamut, from a stylized sun painted on a guitar to a pair of legs on an outcropping overlooking the Blue Ridge to an oil painting of a woman looking out to sea.
But the real breakthrough, Webb says, is the way users take advantage of their caption.
“It’s not enough to just put up a photo,” he says. “It’s the five words that I think is the genius aspect of the app. Because now the post itself becomes a work of creativity.”
(Of the few I saw, my favorite was the image of an aquarium-bound jellyfish, underscored with the caption “don’t be jelly.”)
Helping people harness that artistic charisma—whether they are artists—is exactly what Webb wanted to do in the first place. “I think sometimes creative types, their photos may disqualify them from Tinder-type competition,” he says. “You could have someone highly creative and an introvert that has all this material, and they could thrive if they could put their art forward first.”
The idea for Hart was born after Webb attended a Rolling Stones concert and realized “Mick Jagger couldn’t compete on Tinder if he wasn’t Mick Jagger, but people love him,” says Webb. “It’s almost a form of hypnosis. When someone has created a great artistic revolution, people don’t care what you look like.”
A hypnotherapist himself, Webb explains how limited typical dating thought patterns can be.
“In society, all we’re providing people with is the hypnotic aspects,” says Webb. “It’s looking at a face and saying, ‘Yes, no. Yes, no.’ That encourages a generic, cookie-cutter model for what dating is and for what relationships are. We’ve been trained to focus more on what is. It’s a very linear, hypnotized, cause-and-effect model, whereas genuine love comes through the subconscious.
“What I’m suggesting is, for how the human mind works, we might introduce more imagination and more expression and getting to know each other, and that changes the whole dimension of the relationship.” | http://www.c-ville.com/dating-app-creative-types-makes-cville-debut/ | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.c-ville.com/1d100c2788dd58711c4c028698fa1ac10256f93ff4ff8817de88760f04ac82d2.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:13 | null | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.topsailvoice.com%2Fcool-story-always-starts-with-something%2F.json | http://www.topsailvoice.com/cool-story-always-starts-with-something/ | en | null | Cool Story Always Starts With Something… | null | null | www.topsailvoice.com | A few years back I responded to a domestic. The wife told me that I should call in back up because her husband was a black belt. I didn’t want to take a chance, so I called in backup. Once they arrived, we went upstairs to apprehend the husband. The guy was sitting in a chair, with a broken arm, and a broken leg. Both appendages were in casts. He agreed to leave the house without much prodding. To this day I’m known as the fake cop that needed help arresting a guy with one working arm, and one working leg.
Finding a babysitter that isn’t from the club and the kid likes too much can be just as much of an inconvenience as hiring a babysitter that the kid doesn’t like. We did that, and our son couldn’t stop talking about how much he actually wanted to hang out with the babysitter, and how he wanted her to come over for a play date. We tried to explain to him about how friendships with older kids worked, and what big kids were like, and how she was a babysitter. Somehow, nothing seemed to really seal the deal.
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It always much of fun to see teens fucked by teachers. These guys and gals in school don’t mess around – they want actual sex! | http://www.topsailvoice.com/cool-story-always-starts-with-something/ | en | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | www.topsailvoice.com/2758a6b7fee4bdc6b44fa0d28241bc1cb4860497871a0520a06c64b3e078ea13.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:48:53 | null | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | If like many others you have an issue that is close to your heart that you would like to become more involved with finding out what is going on around your | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.topsailvoice.com%2Ftips-for-becoming-more-involved-in-local-issues%2F.json | http://www.topsailvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/do-good-work.jpg | en | null | Tips for Becoming More involved in Local Issues | null | null | www.topsailvoice.com | If like many others you have an issue that is close to your heart that you would like to become more involved with finding out what is going on around your local area is a really good starting point. Whether it is politics, medical issues, social problems, animal welfare or environmental concerns that you are particularly concerned about, the chances are that there is already something going on locally. There are usually plenty of opportunities around to volunteer your skills, join committees, raise funds or help in some other way and as local organisations are often always looking for extra support you will probably find there are far less barriers than you think.
If you are interested getting more involved in what happens where you live the following advice could be very helpful to you.
Decide What You Want To Do
Before you start doing anything make sure that you have a clear idea of what you are looking for to make your search easier and to prevent you making decisions you may later regret. Things worth considering are;
* Who you would like to help, or what you want to change.
* How much time you have and what skills you have to offer.
* What kind of role you would like to take
Research What Is Available
Have a look about your local area to see if there are any projects or organisations that appeal and are doing work relating to your interests, make a shortlist of any that you would like to consider supporting. Ways to find local groups include;
* Internet search – Try entering your area of interest followed by your area into a search engine and see
what results you get, alternatively search social media sites or pages dedicated to your area.
* Visit your local community centre – Most community centres will be well equipped with information
about local groups and organisations, alternatively you could go to your local library or town hall and
see what information they have available there.
* Talk to other people – Ask your family, friends and colleagues if they are aware of anything local you
Could get more involved with, sometimes word of mouth can be one of the most effective methods.
* Join your local neighbourhood watch scheme – This is a great way to meet people that live locally to
you and to find out what else is going on.
Take The Next Step
If you have found an organisation or project that you want to become more involved with take the plunge and make contact with them. Get a clear idea of what they do and find out if they would be interested in what you have to offer, don’t get disheartened if some organisations have nothing for you to do as some more popular projects may be oversubscribed or have agreements with local colleges or schools. Good ways of finding out more before committing your time are;
* Making contact through the internet – Some organisations have a dedicated link on their webpage to a
form for people wishing to get more involved.
* Ringing an organisation directly – By ringing the office directly you can have an informal chat about your
aims and decide if that organisation is right for you
* Attending a meeting or event – Many organisations hold open meetings or events that anyone can
attend, this is an ideal way to find out more without having any pressure to do anything.
Continue The Good Work
Once you have found a good organisation to support your project or that you can become more involved with, you will find that you quickly begin to see the results of your efforts as well as reaping some personal rewards as well. Many people that are active within their community find that they are well respected by others and that they meet plenty of other like minded people so their social group increases. Being able to help others and really make a difference to their lives is a really good way to increase confidence and self esteem and can also really benefit your future employment chances as well. Continue with your efforts and discover how rewarding becoming more involved with your local community can really be. | http://www.topsailvoice.com/tips-for-becoming-more-involved-in-local-issues/ | en | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | www.topsailvoice.com/bc0b075ceb39bc81543f01c865744ce383ba898e2fa4a252b324dadeb25be601.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:48:25 | null | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | Journalism is a career path that many young people are interested in. A young person will learn what questions to ask when reporting on a topic. They will also | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.topsailvoice.com%2Ftop-journalism-schools-in-california%2F.json | http://www.topsailvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/socal-1-rs1.jpg | en | null | Top Journalism Schools in California | null | null | www.topsailvoice.com | Journalism is a career path that many young people are interested in. A young person will learn what questions to ask when reporting on a topic. They will also learn how to turn their writing into something interesting that people would want to read. Journalism can also include broadcasting studies. To work in this field a person is going to need a four year degree. There are some top journalism schools in California where a student can get a quality education and learn all they need to know about journalism.
University of Southern California
This school ranked number one for their journalism program as well as communications. The school focuses on the work of journalists in the modern time and has a high tech, state of the art digital media center. Since students are learning modern journalism techniques they have some of the highest salaries in this field when they graduate from this college.
Chapman University
This school offers two different division of journalism. They offer the communication studies where a student will learn about the research and theories in this field. The college of film and media arts will focus on helping aspiring broadcast journalists learn the ins and outs of the business.
University of California- Irvine
This school has a literary journalism program. This is for students that are looking to writer long term research papers and reports. This school has its own literary magazine which allows students the opportunity to have some of their work published.
Pepperdine University
This college offers training in both journalism and communications. The school focuses on teaching students about the foundations of the news and how to gather factual information for their news stores. Students will learn how to distribute their stories though traditional methods such as newspapers and printout. They will also learn how to use the internet for media broadcasting. This college will teach a student both the classic and the modern techniques to getting their stories published.
California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo
This university will focus on the fundamental concepts of journalism. Student will have to use and apply both critical thinking skills as well as problem solving skills as part of this program. They will learn both classic techniques and modern techniques for communications and how to make their news stories available to the masses. This school will also teach students the legal and ethical issues when it comes to the media and reporting news stories. They will also learn social responsibility and diversity . Students will get hands on experience by working in the media center once they enter the journalism program. This school publishes its own newspapers in print and online where students can have their work published. The school also runs a radio station, television stations, and public relations firm where students can get hands on experience.
These are just some of the top schools in California that quality journalism programs. When students graduate from these schools they will leave knowing a great deal of information about the field and with some hands on experience working as a journalist. | http://www.topsailvoice.com/top-journalism-schools-in-california/ | en | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | www.topsailvoice.com/0edfc0823516ab69e42c40ed16d86d14026d6010b1b161dec83ad2554a63c3a0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:45 | null | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | Federal government and its belief that it knows best Federal government in the past as well as currently has a tendency to believe that it knows best how | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.topsailvoice.com%2Fis-federal-government-infringing-on-local-politics%2F.json | http://www.topsailvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/19debatepic.jpg | en | null | Is Federal government infringing on local politics? | null | null | www.topsailvoice.com | Federal government and its belief that it knows best
Federal government in the past as well as currently has a tendency to believe that it knows best how to do things without always intending to infringe on local politics. The federal government does what most national governments do, it claims to see the bigger picture and assumes that others in local or state government do have the same capacity for understanding the best things to do, and when to them by. The federal government may sometimes argue that changes in culture, society, and technology places it in a better position to make decisions than either state or city government can. Basically it reserves the right to intervene whenever it believes it is the country’s best interests for it to make the decisions and to implement policies in full.
Aside from claiming to know better than the state or city government, the federal government is tending to infringe in local politics as it has gained notions that the country will have better government if it has a bigger and more powerful federal government. The most recent administrations of the federal government have been focused on trying to force their own agendas on to the population and ignoring state and local institutions in the very process of doing so.
Homeland security an extra reason for federal government to infringe on local politics
Ever since the attacks of 9/11 the federal government can claim greater justification in any interference in local politics simply by uttering the phrase homeland security. Previously the federal government only had control over defense, foreign, and national economic policies. Everything else was left for the state and city governments to work out as well as run by themselves. However when homeland security gets mentioned the federal government contends that it has the duty as well the right to tell the people of the country how to behave, and bypass local politicians completely when it suits the Oval office to do just that.
By making decisions and implementing policies without consulting other tiers of government or the public it maximizes its justification for doing so by citing homeland security concerns. Things are not debated as thoroughly as should be at either federal or local level as soon as national security or homeland security are mentioned. Perhaps the media needs to discuss more if decisions are being made without any serious discussion or evaluation of the issues being attempted. Washington D C is pulling the wool over peoples’ eyes.
Federal government does not want political debate
It is not just over homeland security that the federal government is infringing on local politics and eroding the rights of citizens across the country. Things are decided at the federal level and then it is taken as read that it will be enforced across the nation without any debate or questioning at all.
Take for instance the talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership, even Congress has been kept out of the loop on this one, and the White House will sign up to it, and nobody but the largest companies have had any part of it at all. | http://www.topsailvoice.com/is-federal-government-infringing-on-local-politics/ | en | 2015-10-13T00:00:00 | www.topsailvoice.com/8b888116713eccc2b69d9c94d9eb21310344b31927b8cfd16b1ee78c8a4aa392.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:45 | null | 2016-05-21T20:46:53 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fjornalriogrande.com.br%2Fana-carolina-seu-jorge-jornal-do-rio-090416-hd%2F.json | http://jornalriogrande.com.br/ana-carolina-seu-jorge-jornal-do-rio-090416-hd/ | pt | null | Jornal do Rio (09/04/16) HD | null | null | jornalriogrande.com.br | null | http://jornalriogrande.com.br/ana-carolina-seu-jorge-jornal-do-rio-090416-hd/ | en | 2016-05-21T00:00:00 | jornalriogrande.com.br/a326e0e6e96d738679c016c267906417d39b13e104d8a88c0706e98cf73adbd2.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:25 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Flots-of-life-left-in-senior-pets.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Lots of life left in senior pets | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Every day, in shelters all across the country, senior animals are passed over by prospective pet owners. Why? Some people are looking for the energy of a new puppy or feel older dogs offer families too little time. But the truth is, providing a new home for an older animal may bring you a level of companionship you never imagined.
“Any shelter worker will tell you, puppies and kittens get adopted first and older shelter pets have a higher likelihood of being euthanized,” says Andrea Arden, a dog trainer who’s been featured on Animal Planet and the Today Show, and spokeswoman for Tractor Supply Company’s Pet Appreciation Week. “But if you’re considering adoption, there are great reasons to choose a more mature pet.”
Older animals can be just as cute and lovable as their younger counterparts. In fact, they often come with many wonderful qualities that take years to develop in younger animals.
Here are a few benefits to consider as you’re looking for a forever friend:
Saving a life
It’s no secret that senior pets are at a disadvantage in shelters. Not only do they have a lower likelihood of adoption, they are also more prone to depression and confusion as a result of their new environment. Consider how they got there; more often than not, a senior animal ends up in a shelter due to owner surrender. It could be an older owner’s declining health, an unforeseen move or a sudden change in financial situation. Still, these are wonderful, loving animals that simply had no place to go. By choosing to adopt a senior pet, you’re providing a second chance at life and, with that, can come a lot of fulfillment.
Say so long to training
Lucky for you, the majority of senior animals have already learned the fundamentals – everything from toilet training to various commands to leash walking. Not having to spend weeks and weeks on training can be a valuable perk of adopting a senior pet.
Age is but a number
However, should you want to teach an older dog a new trick, you’re in luck. Animals can be trained at any age; in fact, more mature animals may have a longer attention span, so you may actually find it easier to teach your senior pet something new.
What you see is what you get
Adopting an older pet means its size and temperament are established, increasing your chance of finding the perfect companion for your household. Have a cat? No problem, many senior dogs have already lived in a home with felines.
Lots of love, less destruction
Senior pets are typically well past the search-and-destroy phase, minimizing the possibility of unwanted accidents and bad behavior.
Something for everyone
The mellow disposition of a senior animal makes them a great companion for people of all ages. Their lower energy level is often a perfect fit for the elderly, while their calm presence can be great for families with children.
Wonderful years ahead
Arden urges pet parents not to let the shorter lifespan of an older pet keep you from adopting one. Depending on the breed, a dog of 7 or 8 years may have at least as many good years left ahead, and most breeds of domestic cats can easily live to be 15 or older. It’s also important to note that while veterinary attention and medication are needed for animals of all ages, old age doesn’t necessarily mean higher costs.
“You wouldn’t avoid making a human friendship just because the new person in your life is mature,” Arden says. “When you adopt an older animal, you can still have plenty of time to enjoy their companionship. Because they’re older, you’ll be inspired to make every moment with them as loving and rewarding as possible.”
Preparing for senior pets
Good nutrition and regular veterinary checkups are important for all pets, especially seniors. Look for a specialized food, such as 4health Premium Pet Food, to ensure your pet is receiving the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy. You can also find walk-in PetVet Clinics at Tractor Supply stores where you can save as much as 70 percent off the cost of yearly vaccinations, microchipping and other preventative treatment options.
Supporting the cause
Finding a senior pet that’s right for your family is easier than you might think. During the week of Sept. 14-18, many of Tractor Supply’s 1,500 stores across the country will host Pet Appreciation Week where they will feature on-site pet adoption events with community shelters and rescues, some offering senior pets. The main event on Saturday, Sept. 17, will also feature prizes, giveaways and demonstrations on pet nutrition. Check with your local Tractor Supply store to get more details on the Pet Appreciation Week events happening near you. | http://www.vt-world.com/lots-of-life-left-in-senior-pets.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/b5588a1d497277978060e9d5517adb353d2cc544e38877d624ed6b4d922b5f49.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:00:45 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fvermont-veterans-memorial-cemetery-completing-major-expansion.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery Completing Major Expansion | null | null | www.vt-world.com | The Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Randolph Center, already acclaimed as one of the nation’s most beautiful and inspirational veterans cemetery, is undergoing a major expansion that should be completed by late fall.
The cemetery opened in 1993 and according to Robert Burke, Director of the State of Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs in Montpelier, is currently almost 80 percent full.
In an update on Jan. 15 of this year, it was pointed out that “at our current rate of burials it is projected our developed plots would be filled during the 2018 burial season.”
An application by the Cemetery Advisory Board and the Office of Veterans Affairs, and Buildings and General Services, along with an 100-year Master Plan for the entire scenic 110-acre cemetery, was started in 2012 and in 2014 was approved by the National Cemetery Administration in October of 2014 along with a grant of $4,570,000 that eventually increased to $5,695,359 in July of 2015.
The report Burke submitted shows that 40 percent of the roadways are roughed in; 50 percent of the new entryway is complete; 50 percent of the new 1,230 sq. ft. Public Information Center has been constructed to include the finished roof; and site work continues to rough in the road to a new 2,652 sq. ft. Maintenance Facility which is now being built.
This “Phase 1” expansion adds 1,640 burial plots: 410 pre-place crypts for in-ground casket burials; 390 in-ground cremains plots; and 840 Columbarium niches.
“The grant will allow for year-round operation of the cemetery,” notes Burke, explaining that it is now only open May through the first week in December.
Also, the new road system will more directly connect visitors to the beautiful chapel and allow a secondary exit from the site, states Burke.
A kiosk will be at the Public Information Center to show where everyone is interned, which will greatly help visitors.
This cemetery is open for any veteran (not just Vermont) and their spouse and dependent children under 21. The only cost is an opening and closing fee for spouse and dependent children.
Tricia Harper, the Veterans Cemetery Project Manager for the State Buildings and General Services, says the Phase 1 project, which started in August, is going well and no major delays are expected.
“She really has done an exceptional job,” on this project, believes Burke, who notes there are many ledges under the large trees and rolling hills. “No blasting allowed—just hammering.”
This cemetery is truly a special place and when Phase 1 is complete this year it will even be more so, believes Burke. “A real tribute to our veterans and their loved ones.”
The Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs is located at 118 State St. in Montpelier. Its phone number is 802-828-3379 or go online at www.veterans.vt.gov. -GH | http://www.vt-world.com/vermont-veterans-memorial-cemetery-completing-major-expansion.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/c1c2739b32a744cf64721b5a6b005c77d924d62ace2889fc6aca2f212b6b4252.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:23 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Ftop-tips-for-successful-buyers-and-sellers-in-the-auto-salvage-industry.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Top tips for successful buyers and sellers in the auto salvage industry | null | null | www.vt-world.com | The auto salvage industry is more popular than ever. While automotive prices rise, so does the difficulty in finding a good deal on a vehicle, and yet, many are still misinformed about what a salvage car truly is. Automotive consumers have been misled to believe that a salvage car, scrap car, junk car and total loss vehicle are one in the same. As a result, many consumers are not aware of the value that the auto salvage industry has to offer.
What is auto salvage
Cars that are categorized as salvage come in all makes, models, conditions and mileage, but what does auto salvage really mean? The term auto salvage is quite simply the state of the car’s title, and it refers to vehicles that have been characterized by insurance companies, adjusters and the states as damaged in some way. The term “salvage” is generically used negatively; however, a salvaged vehicle does not necessarily imply that it cannot be rebuilt, repaired or safely driven again. In fact, many salvaged vehicles are cars that have undergone minimal aesthetic damage, and rebuilt or repaired vehicles are specifically required to pass a special inspection before they can legally be released for the open road.
Alternatively, a total loss vehicle is not a type of title, but it is a type of salvage vehicle. A total loss vehicle occurs when the insured property is totally destroyed or damaged in a way that cannot be repaired or recovered for future use. It is important to understand the difference in order to truly appreciate how the auto salvage industry operates — this also enables buyers and sellers to make smart choices.
The auto salvage industry
From the early days of automobiles, automotive recycling has developed into a refined and technology-driven industry. It is valuable as a consumer to understand that the auto salvage industry is really the automotive recycling industry. The primary focus of all entities within the industry is to repurpose, reuse and retain the value of all things automotive, and find a new life for the vehicle or components of the vehicle.
The auto salvage industry is a thriving part of the automotive supply chain. Automotive recycling as a whole represents over $ 32 billion in sales annually, and the industry employs over 140,000 employees in the U.S. alone. In addition to the critical role that the auto salvage industry plays in the automotive supply chain, automotive recyclers play a valuable role in the environmentally-friendly process of dismantling, recycling or repurposing of motor vehicles. Buying and selling a salvaged vehicle is not only more cost efficient, it also preserves natural resources and significantly reduces pollution and the demand for landfill space.
Title
Buyers and sellers of salvaged vehicles can sleep soundly knowing that all title discrepancies must always be announced during the transfer of a vehicle. This is including, but not limited to, mileage, salvage, theft, recovery, stolen vehicle, buybacks and more. Insurance transfers also require full disclosure, and by law, titles will always be changed to reflect the vehicle’s true status. Remember to be a smart buyer and check your state for the different title types and what they mean.
Copart
All buyers and sellers should take it upon themselves to fully understand vehicle history and title status before offering to buy and sell cars. If you are looking to buy and sell a salvage title vehicle, Copart.com exceeds all expectations and demands. Copart, Inc., a leader in live online salvage and insurance auto auctions, is a publicly traded and reputable company with a dependable global footprint. Copart has grown into the premier online destination for quality vehicles that links buyers and sellers all around the world.
The salvage auto industry is more popular than ever before, and Copart.com makes it more convenient than ever before to access thousands of vehicles. | http://www.vt-world.com/top-tips-for-successful-buyers-and-sellers-in-the-auto-salvage-industry.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/4fb84267799c6760dc235210baec6be4a693475060ea838cdb6e2701357eb4f7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:09 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fautism-puzzle-foundation-leaves-lasting-legacy-on-barre-with-imagination-station.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Autism Puzzle Foundation Leaves Lasting Legacy on Barre with Imagination Station | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By Aaron Retherford
For a decade, the Autism Puzzle Foundation has been raising tens of thousands of dollars to help Vermonters who are on the autism spectrum via small individual grants.
After 10 years of fundraising, the APF’s founding Board of Directors decided it was time to end their monthly grant program and go big to give one lasting gift to Barre. That $75,000 gift became a reality last Wednesday at the ribbon cutting for the Imagination Station, a Snoezelen Room located in Washington County Mental Health Services’ WellSpace building, at 23 Summer St.
“It was absolutely gratifying to see all the years of hard work come to fruition,” APF President and co-founder Randy Lamberti said. “It is a great feeling to know that our legacy will live on in Barre for many years to come.”
Lamberti wanted a way to honor his mother, Kay, after she passed away in 2014. There is a memorial dedicated to Kay Lamberti in the room. Lamberti approached WCMHS with the idea of creating a Snoezelen Room and while WCMHS Executive Director Mary Moulton said the organization had never considered the idea in the past, they were on board as soon as Lamberti explained his vision.
Then it was just a matter of finding a location. In what used to be an eight-room space at WellSpace, WCMHS facilities workers knocked down walls and repaired water damage in order to create a space filled with interactive activities. There are even quiet rooms for those who need less stimulation.
Imagination Station will be primarily used to serve individuals with Autism, but can also be utilized by anyone who can benefit from sensory based therapeutic settings, including people with forms of dementia. It’s also arguably an awe-inspiring experience for anyone experiencing a Snoezelen Room for the first time with dozens of interactive activities.
Moulton said the room will serve 20-50 local children a week initially, but she would like to see it help Vermonters across the state eventually. She said she expects the room to be open for full-time use the second week of June.
“We’re so grateful to the community and grateful for Randy’s leadership, to the whole crew, and the Autism Puzzle Foundation,” Moulton said. “We’re going to make something special happen here.”
So far, Imagination Station has 20 trainers, who can then train family members to explain to their loved ones how best to use the offerings in the room. There’s everything from giant iPad-like devices on the walls with matching games, to touch-sensitive blocks that change the color of light on the wall, to a device that helps you regulate the level of your voice by showing you the volume of your speech.
APF used its 10th and final Casino Event fundraiser last year to help make this happen, and it is truly a sight to be seen.
Lt. Governor Phil Scott, who was on hand for the ribbon cutting and has attended the fundraising events over the past decade, couldn’t agree more.
“It takes a team to put something like this together as I know,” Scott said. “The Lamberti family has been such big givers to the community over the years.” | http://www.vt-world.com/autism-puzzle-foundation-leaves-lasting-legacy-on-barre-with-imagination-station.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/0b181729dc71ec4a49c381a62aeb37967059bb808d472ba70d41cd4411a644d7.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:01 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fmaxs-view-78.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Max’s View | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Hillary’s America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party
**
The most confusing letters in our language are (D) and (R).
When there is a (D) or an (R) next to a person’s name, it makes it impossible for otherwise smart people to make an accurate judgement of them. Or to even be able to hear what they are saying.
I mean, Red Sox fans hate the Yankees but they able to recognize that New York SS Didi Gregorius is just a regular guy with a strange name. And Yankee fans don’t hate Boston SS Xander Bogaerts personally. They understand that he’s just a regular guy with an even stranger name. And yet, Democrat voters really think every Republican is evil and vice versa.
It’s confounding to me that any Bernie Sanders supporter could actually vote for Hillary Clinton. They aren’t just different; they are on the opposite side of every important economic issue. You can’t claim to support a political revolution and then vote for the living embodiment of the status quo.
Meanwhile, it’s strange to hear that some George W. Bush-loving Republicans are actually warming up to Donald Trump. Trump’s anti-corporate, anti-Wall Street, anti-globalism, anti-regime-change, anti-imperialism, anti-free trade message is a total repudiation of the Bush legacy.
The truth is that Hillary Clinton is the ultimate Conservative establishment insider. And Donald Trump is the enemy of the establishment. Why do you think nearly every major Republican opposes Trump? Because they think he’s racist. Ha. No: it’s because Trump threatens their power and their money. But people can’t seem to see past the (D) and the (R) to grasp the truth.
“But, max, you are forgetting about social issues!” No, I’m not. I am intentionally ignoring them. Focusing on social issues is a clever scheme that politicians use to hide the fact that mainstream Republicans and Democrats are basically the same. A Republican president doesn’t have the power to overturn Roe v. Wade or ban gay marriage. And a Democrat president doesn’t have the power to outlaw Christianity or take away your guns.
Conservative documentarian Dinesh D’Souza agrees with me that Hillary Clinton is a money-hungry charlatan posing as a liberal. But, boy, he disagrees with me about my theory of guilt by party association.
In “Hillary’s America,” D’Souza tells an interesting history lesson about the Democratic Party. From its original rise to power under slaver and Native American-eradicator Andrew Jackson, the Democrats began as a party of white supremacy. The defenders of slavery were Democrats. The guys who established Jim Crow after Reconstruction were Democrats. Nathaniel Bedford Forest was the Founder of the Ku Klux Klan and a Democratic delegate.
This is all true. And also largely irrelevant to the current political situation.
Make no mistake: Hillary Clinton is a shocking, unforgivable racist against black people. That is because she and husband voted for and signed into law the trade bills that led to the closing of thousands of factories that were the livelihood of black families. That is because she continues – to this day – to cash checks written to her by the owners of privately run prisons. These prisons destroy the lives of people whose only crime was being a non-white man who couldn’t afford a great lawyer.
Dinesh D’Souza is the Michael Moore of the Right. He’s entertaining. He’s great at preaching to the converted. But he’s not super interested in uncovering actual truths.
The truth is that Hillary Clinton is a bad candidate and a bad person. But that is NOT because she has a (D) next to her name like Andrew Jackson. | http://www.vt-world.com/maxs-view-78.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/17a5b872ce11e8f762d4be3a5aaba7ec009178773a61c3e2ed4c464c3124b1e0.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:09 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Faugust-25th.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | August 25th | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By G. E. Shuman
I’m writing this column on Thursday, August 25. You are reading it at some later date, but today is important to the story, so that’s why I mentioned it. It’s also why the title is what it is. In any case, where and when I am right now, it is August 25th. This morning my wife came to me and said, “Hey, it’s four months ‘til Christmas!” Lorna loves Christmas, whereas I mostly just tolerate it, and she is always excited as Christmas gets closer. She also happens to work in management at a big shipping company, who’s delivery drivers dread the Christmas rush even more than Santa’s reindeer do. I shouldn’t tell you the name of the company, but there is a U, a P, and an S in that name. Anyway, Lorna always delights in telling those driver-guys each month when Christmas is exactly five, four, three, two, or one month away. Today she had to remind me that only four months, exactly, from today, the presents will be unwrapped for another year. I thanked her for bringing me such joy.
“No,” I said. “It CAN’T be that close! Summer just started!”
I mean, I know the mornings have been a bit cooler lately, but it really is still August, if just barely. And, yes, there are a few dry maple leaves on the lawn, but there are still many thousands of green ones up in those big branches. I understandÉyes, the kids (and we teachers) are back in school, and a few Halloween displays are beginning to appear in the stores, but really. Summer CAN’T be over already. No, tell me it isn’t so!Ę
Wait, oh ye of little faith, I have proof that summer shouldn’t be more than maybe a quarter or a third over. I mean, didn’t I just assemble that new barbecue grill that Emily bought me? I know I did. It seems like we have only used it a few times. And, yes, we went on a couple of picnics, and spent a few days at the coast, but we planned time to do so much more this summer. There must be at least several more weeks left. I just know there must be.
No, No. Wait a minute. I know! Wasn’t it only recently that I was so excited to see the seed displays in the stores? I could just smell those tiny plants pushing their way up through the potting soil that I would so carefully sow them in, in my little city-house garden. That can’t be over for another year, can it? And, didn’t I just get the parts to do a little tune up on the old lawn mower? I know that must have been just a few days ago. Wasn’t it? And now my wife is telling me that Christmas, of all things, is only FOUR months away, from TODAY? Unbelievable!
Fellow summer and sun worshipers, we must unite to fight this calendar thing, because it just isn’t fair at all! Here’s how we all need to do it. We must get on the phone to our family members, and get them out at least a few more times for swimming, and burgers, hotdogs, chicken, and steaks on the grill. Have a few more campfires, and tell the kids some ghost stories under the trees, while you roast some more S’mores. Do this stuff, before the leaves have fallen, and the first snow flurries fly in your face, chilling all hopes of grilling.
Today, as I have said, (somehow, thanks to my wife,) Christmas is exactly four months away. When you read this column, it will be exactly somewhat closer than that. I think that’s why God gave us weekends, even after school starts. Those are so we can fire up the grill a few more times, and have family over for some last roasted corn and spareribs, before we need to wear mittens to eat them. (Not a pretty thought.) These weekends are so that we summer lovers don’t have to go ‘cold turkey’ from summer fun and just wait for cold turkey the day after Thanksgiving. Ę
The frost isn’t on the pun’kins quite yet, but that comes next, and we KNOW what comes after that. Making a law to abolish the 25th of every month might not do any good, but it’s worth considering. | http://www.vt-world.com/august-25th.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/b2a38ca64b6ef61f64c43f90a0834cd7a18b83d07c62085e0c0fe2bec0bf034b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:02:36 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fvermont-pride-theater-puts-on-cyrano-de-bergerac-tale-with-a-twist.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Vermont Pride Theater puts on Cyrano de Bergerac tale with a twist | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By Aaron Retherford
When the topic of homosexuality is approached in theater, oftentimes serious themes of bullying or HIV permeate throughout the emotional performances. Vermont Pride Theater at Chandler in Randolph is about to put on a performance with a more light-hearted approach.
On Saturday, Jan. 24, Chandler Music Hall will host a staged reading of “M or F?” at 7 p.m.
The story, written by Chris Tebbetts of Hinesburg, Vermont and Lisa Papademetriou of Northampton, Massachusetts, is a modern day telling of the Cyrano de Bergerac tale. But there’s a twist. The heroine, Frannie, is the character with the fear of speaking to the object of her affection. The hero, Frannie’s gay best friend Marcus, is her muse and voice through online chatting. Will the object of Frannie’s affections fall in love with “M” (Marcus) or “F” (Frannie)?
“What I like about this story is it talks about all these issues like it’s normal and like it’s part of high school life,” the show’s director, Cher Laston, said. “These kids are comfortable with who they are. They’re exploring all of the growing up issues that every young teen does. It just has that little extra flavor that it’s focused. It brings to light LGBT issues in a really positive way. But they’re not abnormal. There’s no bullying. They talk about insensitivities, but they don’t make them the focus of the story.
“It’s sort of an ‘every teen’ play. Any young person reading the book is going to see themselves in one of the characters.”
There are five adults in the cast, and the rest are students from area high schools. The majority of students come from Randolph Union High School, three attend U-32, and the remainder go to Sharon Academy in northern Windsor County.
Because the bulk of the cast are high school students, money raised by the performance will be split between the three schools to be used by LGBT clubs. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students.
Laston’s first experience with the Vermont Pride Theater was last summer when she was asked to direct a staged reading of “October Mourning: A Song for Matthew Shepard”, which she described as the highlight of her directing career. Laston agreed to direct this performance without seeing any sort of script and said it’s been a whirlwind. During a six-week writing process, the script underwent major edits from playwright Gene Heinrich, and two auditions were held because initially only two people showed up to audition for parts in the 17-member cast.
“It was just really fun, the whole process of watching the script unfold and casting the show as we went,” Laston said.
Saturday night’s performance will be used as a workshop in hopes of determining what works and what doesn’t. The script will continue to evolve with the goal of it becoming published and turned into a full-blown play. There will also be a post-performance audience talkback in which Tebbetts will take part.
So why take a risk and watch a staged reading?
Laston said the reason why people should come out for the performance isn’t just for the story, although that’s a good enough reason. Attendees will see a play in its infancy. The cast will only have had seven rehearsals and the script needed to be reworked twice during the process.
“This is the pure essence of what theatre is all about: taking safe risks, creating something new, sharing those gifts with an audience with the sincere hope that minds will be expanded, and hearts will be touched,” Laston said. “We create and suffer our creations into being because we live to tell stories of real people about real issues.” | http://www.vt-world.com/vermont-pride-theater-puts-on-cyrano-de-bergerac-tale-with-a-twist.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/dc8078a2be8dd033cddcaa40b0c60eed9e77c56b8f28b597348035a4f1586a2a.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:19 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fnorthfield-residents-have-chance-to-shape-towns-future.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Northfield Residents Have Chance to Shape Town’s Future | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Editor,
Again, the Town of Northfield is at a crossroads. In fact, at least three crossroads. Will we be up to it?
On Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. in the Brown Public Library Community Room, the Economic Development Committee will be looking at final drafts of economic development zones developed in the wake of flooding from tropical storm Irene.
While these proposals are focused in the vicinity of Northfield’s historic downtown, they have the potential to revitalize the entire community and are important to everyone. Public participation is welcome at this open meeting.
Earlier drafts of these proposals were on display July 19 at Northfield’s “Night on the Common.” If all goes as planned, the proposals will be on display after Sept. 21 in both the Municipal Building and the Community Room.
Also available for public comment will be plans for the Water Street River Park, also developed following the Irene flooding. While separate, the two proposals are mutually supportive, both contributing to downtown revitalization and community resilience. Funding for the Water Street River Park has been approved by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and Friends of the Winooski River plan to seek additional state funds. Northfield High School alumni, spearheaded by Sally Nadon Pedley, have created a Trust Fund for the River Park to manage community contributions to the project. Walking tours of the site are scheduled for Labor Day, and more information is available at http://waterstreetriverpark.zohosites.com.
But, that is not the end of the “crossroads” story in Northfield. A committee co-chaired by Peter Evans of Northfield and Rama Schneider of Williamstown has voted to advance beyond the discussion stage and prepare a school district merger plan to be presented for consideration by the voters of Northfield and Williamstown at their separate Town Meetings in March, 2017.
Preparation of this school district merger plan has been undertaken in response to a state initiative to increase the size of school administrative districts in the state. But the focus within the committee has been consistently on using merger as an opportunity to expand educational opportunities while containing costs.
Three years ago we merged the Town and Village of Northfield, and that action turned out to be a major benefit to the Town. Two years ago, the merged town completed the Depot Square redevelopment begun by the Village.
Now we are approaching three more crossroads. Let’s give our attention to each of these proposals as they take shape and as we continue to move our town into what looks to me like a bright and rewarding future.
Brad Denny | http://www.vt-world.com/northfield-residents-have-chance-to-shape-towns-future.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/609ff6ee973e9365be91034c45b6cba172b8d99fe771e60c418706b07e8b5a6d.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:18 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fget-adventurous-before-busy-fall-routines-set-in-with-these-5-fun-family-activities.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Get adventurous before busy fall routines set in with these 5 fun family activities | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Summer is fleeting and schedules are filling up quickly, so take advantage of the free time you have to partake in fun activities with those you love the most: your family. It’s tempting to stick to the same routine of going to the local playground, taking in a movie or playing in the backyard. Why not try some new experiences this year and go on a family adventure? These five activities are fun for the whole family and will help create lasting memories together. Incorporate a couple (or all five!) ideas into your schedule to finish summer with a bang and begin fall on a fun note.
Take in a variety of wildlife at the zoo.
Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! You don’t have to be a child to marvel at the unique and awe-inspiring beauty of our world’s wildlife. Frito-Lay 2 Go (FL2Go) is partnering with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to encourage families to get out and enjoy unique animal experiences. By visiting an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium, you’ll be supporting their conservation efforts to save endangered animals from extinction – all while having an unforgettable time with your family. To find a free kid’s pass, head to your local grocery store and look for FL2Go packages featuring a tiger, panda, monkey, elephant or penguin. Then visit aza.fritolay2.com to upload the receipt and find your closest AZA facility.
Go kayaking and plan a picnic by the water.
Forget the open road, and hit the open water instead this summer! Kayaking is a fun, active adventure. Soak in the sun and cool breeze, relish in the relaxed environment and enjoy a quiet moment or two with the kids.
When you’re done, extend your time by the water and have a family picnic. Pack a lunch of sandwiches and your favorite chips to refuel.
Spend a night star gazing to look for constellations.
Before the sun goes down, take some time to learn about the various constellations, and have everyone in the family select their favorite one. Then, in the evening, lay out a blanket in your backyard for a night of star gazing, and see who can spot their favorite constellation.
To amplify the adventure, turn the night into a backyard camping trip, complete with a tent, campfire and songs.
Stop by the local animal shelter to take friendly pups on a walk.
The best part of volunteering is anyone at any age can make a difference! Schedule a family trip to your local animal shelter to spend the afternoon walking dogs, playing with cats and more! Time with a few furry friends will brighten everyone’s day and you can feel good knowing you brightened their day, too.
Pick your own apples before baking a mouth-watering pie.
When the temperature starts to drop and the leaves begin to turn colors, embrace the changing of seasons by visiting your local apple orchard. A delicious day trip, apple orchards often offer a wide range of family fun activities, such as hay rides and petting zoos, to make the apple-picking experience that much more enjoyable. After you return home, continue the family time in the kitchen by baking a homemade apple pie!
Hectic fall schedules will be in full swing before you know it, so take advantage of the time you have now to go on a family adventure and create fun-filled memories. Visit fritolay2go.com for more family-friendly activities. | http://www.vt-world.com/get-adventurous-before-busy-fall-routines-set-in-with-these-5-fun-family-activities.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/7f84dcd4094dd5d6683819408d49ac10c1106f5722107acfd50c1bb6c3f8cddd.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:16 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fmaxs-view-80.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Max’s View | null | null | www.vt-world.com | [History Book Review]
The Columbian Exchange (1972)
By Alfred W. Crosby Jr.
****
Thank you to our legislature and to the Vermont Retail Grocers Association for mandating that companies label all foods that contain GMOs.
Thanks to this new practice, we will certainly be saved from the ill-health and certain doom of consuming food products that have been genetically modified by man.
Sorry, natural food aficionados. I am being sarcastic. While I respect the fact that your ethos requires you to believe that everything humans do is inherently unhealthy and destructive, history proves that this is not the truth.
For those readers out there who are on the fence about whether or not GMOs are dangerous, I recommend the short history book “The Columbian Exchange.” It will enlighten you. And save you a lot of money on groceries.
We are all taught that Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492 and began the process of eradicating the native human population and replacing it with people of European and African origin.
But, according to “The Columbian Exchange,” the other exchanges of flora and fauna between the Old World and the New World were even more dramatic.
Before the white man arrived, the largest domesticated animal in the New World was the Llama. Llamas are good for encouraging you to download the Bank of America mobile app. But little else.
European cattle and horses were introduced by Columbus and they promptly conquered the Americas. Huge packs of wild horses made it through Central and North America a heck of a lot faster than the white man. Pueblo and Comanche Indians discovered and tamed the white man’s horses long before they ever saw an actual European.
For every domesticated cow that was turned into cheap steak for Argentines and Brazilians, several more were roaming free and grazing, changing the landscape of South America forever.
By the way: cows, as they exist today, have been selectively bred to be larger and more docile than the first cattle that were domesticated in Asia Minor 10,000 years ago. In a very real way, every cow you see is a GMO.
To nourish themselves, Europeans relied heavily on wheat and, to a lesser extent, barley. The Columbian Exchange brought new high-yield crops like corn and potatoes to the Old World.
Just as there are anti-GMO fanatics today, I’m sure there were some kooks who argued that growing corn and potatoes in Europe is “unnatural” and therefore dangerous. But eventually, of course, the truth won out.
“The Columbian Exchange” features some neat contemporary drawings of corn and potato plants by fascinated 16th Century Europeans. One can’t help but notice that the corn and potatoes of their time were significantly smaller and less bountiful than the ones we see today at Shaw’s.
Industrious humans selectively modified the genes of New World plants to make them more efficient and more palatable to the hungry masses of the Old World. Thanks to GMOs, famine due to crop failure has been almost entirely eradicated.
Farmers selectively alter food plants to increase crop yields and suit our needs and desires. This is not only natural, it is a basic attribute of human civilization. You can only separate GMOs from other foods if you pretend that human history began on the day that Monsanto was incorporated.
You basically have two choices, Vermont: you can either live in paranoid fear of the GMO bogeyman. Or you can read “The Columbian Exchange” and learn that there is nothing particularly scary or dangerous or new about what is on your dinner table. (Except dessert). | http://www.vt-world.com/maxs-view-80.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/3a6c985e726ec8619cfc328a00c6b6eb5a92dc9a7e0f61223989669c8246b7b3.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T16:49:38 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fallen-wins-thursday-night-finale-on-jet-serviceaccura-night.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Allen Wins Thursday Night Finale On Jet Service | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Jason Allen of Barre ran down pole-sitter David Whitcomb of Essex Jct. halfway through the race and stayed on top the rest of the way to claim victory in the Thunder Road Late Models on Jet Service Envelope/Accura Printing Night on the final Thursday night event of the season.
Allen started fifth in the 24-car main event field, moved into second on the eighth lap, and erased Whitcomb’s 15-car length lead grab first place on the 24th lap. Whitcomb couldn’t catch back up to Allen, but was able to maintain his position and finished the caution-free race in second place. The victory was Allen’s first of the season, and the second of his Late Model career at Thunder Road.
Marcel Gravel of Wolcott finished in third place. Tyler Cahoon of Danville, who won his heat and semi-feature and would have earned a $1300 bonus from Maplewood for the Triple Crown with a feature victory, was fourth. Cody Blake of Barre finished fifth, and was followed in the top 10 by Kyle Pembroke of Montpelier, Matt White of Northfield, Nick Sweet of Barre, Scott Dragon of Milton, and Jason Corliss of Barre.
Brendan Moodie of Wolcott followed up a win in the opening segment with second and sixth place finishes in the second and third segments to claim the overall victory in the Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen Triple 20’s.
Moodie finished with a combined nine points over the three races to finish two points ahead of second-segment winner Mike Martin of Craftsbury Common. Rounding out the top five were Stephen Donahue of Graniteville, Cameron Ouellette of Barre, and Mark Barnier of Essex Jct. Tommy Smith of Williamstown won the third segment.
In the Allen Lumber Street Stocks, Jaden Perry of Hardwick earned his first victory of the season after passing rookie Cooper Bouchard of Hinesburg for the lead on the final lap. Bouchard, looking for his second feature win of the season, settled for second in the 23-car field.
Jamon Perry of Hardwick finished third. He was followed in the top 10 by Thomas Merchant of Eden Mills, Brandon Lanphear of Morrisville, Alan Maynard of Fairfax, Kelly Miller, Jr. of Johnson, Garry Bashaw of Lincoln, Reilly Lanphear of Duxbury, and Greg Collette of Milton.
Greg Donahue of Barre and Dwayne Fuller of Starksboro were winners in the annual “Run-What-U-Brung” event, where race fans risk their own cars in match races against each other on the quarter-mile oval.
Racing action returns to Thunder Road on Sunday, September 4 for the 38th Coca-Cola Labor Day Classic. The event features a full card of action for the Thunder Road Late Models, Bond Auto Tiger Sportsmen, and Allen Lumber Street Stocks. Post time is 1 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free. | http://www.vt-world.com/allen-wins-thursday-night-finale-on-jet-serviceaccura-night.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/659168a17d3b7f62790b25490454f012a46aafa063ef34fed4b05283f0443d57.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:46 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Ftown-of-marshfield.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Town of Marshfield | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By Senator Bill Doyle
According to Esther Swift, author of “Vermont Place Names,” the charter of Marshfield in 1782 by the State of Vermont was related to the grand design of the Allen Brothers to have the Republic of Vermont accepted as a state.
Vermont in various ways had attempted to gain the attention of the new nation in order to obtain statehood. The Republic of Vermont had annexed 14 New York towns and in the early 1780s annexed half of New Hampshire. The young republic had declared its independence against New York and Great Britain in 1777, had written a state constitution in the same year and in 1778 elected its first governor and legislature.
In 1775, under Ethan Allen, Vermonters won the first victory of the Revolutionary War, the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, and then sledded heavy military equipment 200 miles to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts in order to help supply George Washington’s Army. In 1777, Vermonters fought with distinction at the Battle of Bennington which was the prelude to Saratoga, the turning point of the war.
In order to attract additional attention, the Allen Brothers conducted secret negotiations with Canadian officials with the intent that if the new American nation would not accept the Republic, Vermont would join Canada, since most of our trade was conducted with that country.
The action of Vermont granting Marshfield to the Stockbridge Native Americans was yet another attempt on the part of Vermont to gain acceptance as a state.
According to Swift, “The Stockbridge Indians had been converted to Christianity in the 1600’s by John Eliot, and their community in Stockbridge, Massachusetts was one of the earliest of what were referred to as ‘praying towns.’ Having been persuaded that they should foreswear their old ways of life and stop making war on the white man, they were dispossessed from their Massachusetts land rather early.”
The Vermont charter to the Stockbridge Native Americans was very similar to other Vermont charters. Of the 75 lots in Marshfield, one was allocated to a common school, one for church purposes, one for a church parsonage and the settlers had to construct a dwelling 18 feet square.
According to Mrs. H.C. Pitkin, the Marshfield Native Americans “when they secured the grant of Marshfield intended to remove here, and make it their hunting ground, but finding white settlements were beginning to cluster around it, they disposed of it as best they could, and sought the unbroken forests of New York and called their new home (New Stockbridge), in honor of the old one in Massachusetts.”
Several school districts were formed around Marshfield and most of the classes were taught in houses. The first religious meeting was held in August of 1797 and that year a Mr. Gilbert preached at the home of Joshua Pitkin. The first marriage ceremony took place in 1797 when Thomas McLoud of Montpelier married Sally Dodge of Marshfield.
At an early town meeting, one of the old school houses was sold for two and a half bushels of wheat. A table was bought by Joshua Pitkin also for wheat.
According to Swift, many of the mountains and ponds in Marshfield were named for those who had lived in Marshfield for many years, for example Bailey’s and Ladd Ponds, Debbie and Holister Hills, Loveland Ledge, Drew and May’s Mountains. Many of the other geographic names were quite descriptive: Burnt Mountain, Gritt Hill, Hardwood Mountain, Hardwood Ridge and Knob Hill. Other descriptive names were Lord’s Hill and Devil’s Hill.
Sugar Maples were plentiful in Marshfield and the farmers did a thriving business in making maple syrup. In the spring of 1868, 180 sugar orchards produced 70 tons of syrup.
Born in Marshfield was Lindon Bates, a civil engineer who worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad, the Belgian government, and in harbor and river work.
Senator Bill Doyle serves on the Senate Education Committee and Senate Economic Affairs Committee. He teaches government history at Johnson State College. He can be reached at 186 Murray Road, Montpelier, VT 05602; e-mail wdoyle@leg.state.vt.us; or call 223-2851. | http://www.vt-world.com/town-of-marshfield.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/452e9df6e5cfa69d8c242c9f4b9ba974cac9e98969638cbc931ae517c4d9be67.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:21 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fa-four-point-plan-for-joint-health.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | A four-point plan for joint health | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Whether it’s a brand-new Bentley or a classic 1970 Mustang, most people have a car they dream about. If they’re lucky enough to own it someday, you better believe they’re going to take care of it. Regular maintenance is an essential part of keeping a vehicle in tip-top shape. The same is true of the human body, particularly the joints.
“Prevention is the only thing that actually prolongs the health of your joints, similar to the care of a machine,” says Matt Johnson, health and performance expert and president of On Target Living. “If you want something to last as long as possible, and to cost as little as possible over the long run, you have to do maintenance, checkups, and change the oil. Taking care of your body is no different. If you do, your joints can last until you’re 80, 90, or even 100 without tendon or ligament issues.”
Johnson notes that joint issues are some of the most common concerns he sees in his practice. These issues can happen at any age, although many start to manifest between the ages of 40 and 50, after years of wear and tear cause pain and inflammation.
Johnson’s mantra: If you take care of the body it will take care of you. To help people of any age maintain joint health, he provides this four-point joint maintenance plan.
1. Rest
The first part of healing the joints is to rest the joints. Massage, meditation, light yoga, stretching, and cool baths are great ways to rest the joints. Additionally, quality sleep each night is essential. (Quick tip: Take an epsom salt bath once a week.)
2. Healing Nutrients
Studies show that omega-3 fats can help support joint health by limiting inflammation after exercise and boosting hormones that help the body heal. Take a daily, high-quality omega-3 supplement like Nordic Naturals that has been third-party tested for purity, and is known for its great, non-fishy taste.
3. Superfoods
Superfood herbs and spices help the body get maximum nutrients in minimal amounts. For example, curcumin and bromelain are both great for helping joint pain and repair. Remember, limited processing of the product is ideal for optimal absorption.
4. Exercise and body alignment
You can’t have optimal joint function if the body is out of alignment. There are five key joint checkpoints: ankle, knee, hip, shoulder and neck. This is where you start to achieve perfect posture, after which you can focus on strengthening the large muscles.
“The best age is always now,” says Johnson. “Start as soon as possible and think about it like you take care of a car or nice jewelry. Joints are meant to last as long as you live. The key is to take care of them with quality nutrition, normal exercise, and adequate rest.” | http://www.vt-world.com/a-four-point-plan-for-joint-health.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/c8ecc1886bc56b7a08617844554da8cac7ea25f22f47280a59f9d96c7836f241.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:14 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fbarre-family-works-together-to-claim-1000-world-grand-prize.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Barre Family Works Together To Claim $1000 WORLD “Grand Prize” | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Ever since March 30 when The WORLD newspaper announced its first-ever $1000 “Grand Prize” treasure hunt in Central Vermont, the Andy and Danielle McMichael Family of Barre followed the clues each week and practically left no stone unturned until they hit paydirt on Wed., May 11 (Week 7).
“We learned so much history and fun facts along the way about Central Vermont,” said Danielle, who is a broadcaster on Froggy FM and also works at Subway. Her two children, Wyatt (9) and Colby (4), agreed. The threesome did most of the footwork, searching sites from Norwich University and the Northfield Golf Course to the Barre “Whispering Monument” and municipal pool, Rock of Ages and other quarries, and the Millstone Touring Center (to mention a few) before finding the hidden box with the $1000 certificate at the East Barre Reservoir off Route 110.
“It was like finding the ‘immunity idol’ on Survivor,” exclaimed an excited Danielle, adding, “we tried looking under every loose stone at the quarry and elsewhere, and even visited the site where it was hidden but missed finding it on the first attempt.”
After the Week 7 clues came out on May 10, Danielle and the kids revisited that site and this time found the magnetized box, about the size of a cigarette pack, stuck in a rusty upside down pail on a fence next to a large rock with a plaque commemorating the construction of the dam/reservoir in the 1930s by the Conservation Corps.
“We’re sad to see it end,” they admitted. “Our kitchen table was turned into a treasure map for our search.” More good fortune came their way during the search, as they found three geocaches and helped return one lost dog to its owner.
WORLD co-publisher Deborah Phillips reaffirmed that no one at The WORLD knew of the location of the $1000 certificate until Danielle came into the office last Wednesday.
“We were amazed at how many people were following the treasure hunt and visiting the 19 business sponsors each week for clues. It was a perfect way to get people out of the winter blues and into the fun of springtime,” she noted. “We’ll do it again next year!” | http://www.vt-world.com/barre-family-works-together-to-claim-1000-world-grand-prize.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/6d58480c16d0312e6578c0429491c26ae3a40e45beb7121697778c51f5f08d26.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:22 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fhow-technology-is-simplifying-relief-of-chronic-pain.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | How technology is simplifying relief of chronic pain | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Doctors hate seeing patients suffering from chronic pain, and not just because their instinct is immediately to want to help their patients to feel better. One of the primary challenges doctors confront is that even though chronic pain is common, it can be extremely difficult to diagnose and treat. The condition can be debilitating for patients and frustrating for the doctors trying to help them.
“Chronic pain is a multi-faceted condition,” says Dr. Ahmed Raslan, assistant professor of Neurological Surgery at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland. “The causes are varied, and each person experiences chronic pain differently. The sheer number of variables in play can make effective treatment extremely complex. It’s not unusual for doctors and patients to try multiple types and combinations of treatment before finding something that provides at least partial relief, and that process can take months and even years.”
More than 11 percent of American adults suffer from chronic pain, according to a recent National Institutes of Health study. People who live with chronic pain report numerous negative effects on their lives, including damage to personal relationships, decreased productivity at work, disruption of their daily routine and even depression. The Institute of Medicine has estimated the medical costs and lost productivity associated with chronic pain could cost as much as $ 635 billion per year.
“Many chronic pain patients face barriers to effective treatment, including the need for continual doctor visits to adjust aspects of their treatment, and difficulty traveling to meet with their physicians,” Dr. Raslan says. “Conditions such as intractable back pain, nerve injury, neck pain, pain after hernia operations, spinal cord injury pain, post herpetic neuralgia, complex regional pain syndrome, and pain after failed back surgery can force patients to try multiple treatments. Once they’ve tried a number of options and still have not achieved the desired comfort they may become a candidate for spinal cord stimulation therapy.”
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy treats chronic pain by interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. According to Dr. Raslan, the therapy works by “flooding the gates of the spinal cord so it cannot allow unpleasant pain signals to pass through the gates. Depending on how fast and regular the therapy is being delivered, patients may feel a slight tingling sensation in the area of the body associated with their pain, and in most cases patients report that sensation replaces the feeling of pain, which corresponds to pain relief.”
Though SCS has been around for years, recent advances from St. Jude Medical have made the proven effective treatment simpler for patients and doctors to use successfully. St. Jude Medical recently launched the Proclaim Elite SCS System, which is the most advanced SCS system the company has ever developed, and which includes a new, innovative platform that enables patients to adjust therapy with an Apple iPod Touch mobile device. The application is easy to use which the company hopes will enhance patient experience and delivery optimal results for patients.
The company does note that implantation of a spinal cord stimulation system can involve risk, such as painful stimulation, loss of pain relief and surgical risks, such as paralysis, during the implantation procedure. Patients should talk to their physician to determine if spinal cord stimulation therapy is right for them and their particular pain condition.
For many patients the therapy can deliver pain relief leading to dramatic improvement in quality of life. “Before I tried SCS, managing my chronic pain was very difficult,” says Ronald Seeling, 50, of Warren, Oregon, a patient of Dr. Raslan. “For many years, I was taking a lot of pain medication and my quality of life was diminished. I could barely walk and couldn’t do things around the house or visit with my grandkids.”
Seeling says SCS has provided him with more predictable and consistent chronic pain relief.
“Best of all, I was able to ‘test drive’ the treatment before I committed to it,” Seeling says. “Just a few months later, my pain is under control and I’m able to attend the grandkids’ ball games and birthday parties and even help with the dishes.”
“I’m encouraged by the convenience and freedom that my patients experience with this cutting-edge treatment,” Dr. Raslan says. “It has helped people like Ronald take control of their chronic pain and experience a better quality of life.”
Raslan cautions that SCS may not be right for everyone, so talk to your doctor about treatment options for your chronic pain. For more information, visit www.PowerOverYourPain.com, a site provided by St. Jude Medical, a leader in technologies to treat chronic pain. | http://www.vt-world.com/how-technology-is-simplifying-relief-of-chronic-pain.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/ba4b7c316bfae8788f28e8ab917f6de4393c265ddd8b6ed9dc1c5d809baa53b9.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:26 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fmhs-class-of-1966-reunion-tour.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | MHS Class of 1966 Reunion Tour | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Editor,
The class of 1966 would like to thank Tom Allen, Director of Maintenance at Montpelier High School, for spending a Saturday morning in July giving us a tour of the high school during our 50th reunion celebration. Tom has an amazing grasp of the facility, the needs for the future, and the purpose of each space along with the educational values being worked on. He strongly supports the vision of each space along with the educational values being worked on. He strongly supports the vision of the school and appreciated the history of the building. He impressed us all and was extremely gracious.
The city of Montpelier is fortunate to have personnel so interested and invested in the culture of Montpelier High School. It was an inspiring walk through the building, where we spent four formative years, learning some of the history along with plans for the future.
MHS Class of 1966 Planning Committee | http://www.vt-world.com/mhs-class-of-1966-reunion-tour.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/a9984d1620dfdd5c9bb42d3243bd06e21639ff59f7e865b5e1ec28cbd34baeec.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:15 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Ffall-entertaining-forecast-cozy-comfortable-and-outdoors.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Fall entertaining forecast: cozy, comfortable and outdoors | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Whether an afternoon tailgating before the big game or a fun-filled evening under the dazzling autumn stars, the forecast for this season’s entertaining is trending toward cozy, comfortable and outdoors.
“I think the big lifestyle shift right now is toward eating out less and entertaining more at home, and autumn is the perfect season for taking your get-togethers outside,” says Keith Winkler, marketing manager for dinnerware giant Replacements, Ltd. “Think about it — the temperatures are cooling down following our record breaking summer heat. You can have more people at outdoor gatherings than you can generally fit in your home. Plus, there’s more flexibility because you can easily have one or more set ups, whether that means setting up tables for dinner or having canapés and finger foods around a fire pit.”
Fall is a great season for ditching the paper and plastic and taking your dinnerware outdoors. Tableware industry experts say there are many positives to introducing your “good stuff” to Mother Nature. It won’t blow away like paper plates, and it’s far more environmentally friendly than Styrofoam.
Mix it up
While serving finger foods on small plates is extremely popular and encourages your guests to mingle, there’s a definite return toward the comfort and connection of a sit down meal. To set the perfect fall table, designers encourage mixing and matching patterns to reflect your distinctive style.
“I generally start with a pattern that sets the tone for the evening, one that reflects what I’m feeling for this particular gathering,” says Replacements’ designer Julie Robbins. “Whether that’s a cute salad plate that’s going to sit atop the dinner plate, or a fun color I want as my main design element or theme. I then add pieces that either draw out that feeling or ground the place setting to give me the ambiance I want for my entire table.”
Robbins says that may mean pairing a current fall favorite, such as a dinner plate in Woodland by Spode, with vintage American amber glass from the 1940s. She also mixes different pieces. For example, adding a hued glass accent salad plate creates another layer of dimension, while a bright goblet can infuse a much needed pop of seasonal color.
Light up your evenings
There’s really no need to go heavy on the decorations for fall outdoor entertaining. Bright leaves, pumpkins, seasonal berries and other naturals create the perfect autumn décor. Experts say you don’t need a floral centerpiece if you have nature all around you. Instead, use candles to light up your evenings.
“It’s time to upgrade from the Mason jar look by mixing glassware and candles,” says Robbins. “Lighting can truly set the mood for your gathering, which is why I’m big on creating an eclectic grouping down the middle of my table by mixing glass and metal candlesticks with hurricanes, clear decanters and other pieces I can use to hold candles. If you don’t think you have enough pieces, old tumblers make great votive cups, while you can also turn wine glasses and goblets upside down and place candles on the inverted base. This is beautiful for daytime entertaining, and when lit, creates a simple, warm feeling on those nights when you’re just starting to feel a nip in the air.”
Looking for more fall inspiration? Robbins and team suggest checking out Replacements’ website at www.replacements.com. | http://www.vt-world.com/fall-entertaining-forecast-cozy-comfortable-and-outdoors.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/0530426f3690d01d4e18a2d43cd75b5b398b8365019bb9e4736a638bed2442d1.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:16 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fthree-diy-ways-to-improve-your-home-wifi.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Three DIY ways to improve your home WiFi | null | null | www.vt-world.com | You don’t need an expert to tell you: America is hooked on the internet. Just try to think of the last day you didn’t use the web in some way.
But you probably don’t think much about the main way the internet is delivered: through WiFi. It powers your computer at work — as well as the Facebook feed you’re discreetly checking under your desk. At home, it’s the new electricity. Netflix, Hulu, and Pandora rely on it. It powers activities on your smartphone, unless you want to rack up a huge data bill from your carrier. WiFi runs the kids’ Xbox and maybe even your thermostat and security camera — these days, almost every device in the home is thirsty for WiFi.
When you do think about WiFi, it’s usually because it’s not working — and driving you nuts. Before investing in a more expensive internet package or living with buffering videos and router resets, here are three do-it-yourself ways to improve your home WiFi:
Move your router
If you have rooms that don’t have access to the internet — dead zones — first try moving your router to a more central location in the home. Because routers have a limited range, it’s important that your router is in a central area. If you can’t move the router to a different location, try elevating it on a table or shelf to spread the signal more efficiently.
Large metal appliances, like refrigerators, and electronics that emit radio waves, like microwaves, can interfere with your network’s signal. Keeping the router out of places like the kitchen can help bolster the range and speed of your WiFi.
Upgrade to a mesh network
Most households rely on a single router. But with the steep increase in home internet usage, one WiFi router may not be adequate to support all the devices connected to it.
A San Francisco company, eero, was the first to bring a mesh WiFi system into the home. eero — which is about as simple as anything gets in the tech world — works by swapping out your current router, plugging a single eero into your modem, then placing additional eeros throughout the house. The devices work together to create a wireless mesh network that delivers fast, reliable WiFi to every room. Their mesh technology ensures people are getting the same internet speeds they’re paying for throughout the entire home, instead of just near wherever their cable pipe comes in.
eero is quick to set up and makes it easy for people to manage their networks through a smartphone app. The app allows you to monitor your internet network from afar and invite guests to join the network via a text message. Parents can even assign schedules for when devices can access WiFi, making it easy to limit their kids’ internet usage.
Update your modem
An often-overlooked device that may be throttling your WiFi signal is the cable modem, the device that translates the data coming in through your cable pipe into a digital language your router can understand.
Households should update their modems every three to five years. If yours is outdated, it could be impacting the quality of your signal and speed. Many people rent their modem from their internet service provider for $ 5-10 a month. Purchasing a new, updated modem usually costs $ 50-100, but you’ll save money on a rental fee while seeing major improvements to your WiFi.
The way we use the internet today has changed and the old ways of WiFi are not keeping pace. Whether it’s moving your router, upgrading to an eero mesh network, or just swapping out your modem, you shouldn’t have to deal with buffering, dead zones, or router resets. | http://www.vt-world.com/three-diy-ways-to-improve-your-home-wifi.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/83b82bd971244b90eedd70ac7afecae55f457d97f270dfcb81f81f658a634101.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:24 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2F3-simple-fast-changes-to-make-your-kitchen-more-usable-and-beautiful.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | 3 simple, fast changes to make your kitchen more usable and beautiful | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Why do you want to remodel your kitchen? Sure, the cabinets date back to the disco era, but the doors and hardware all still work. Your stove may be older than your college senior, but you can still bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies in it. So why invest the time, money and emotional capital in renovating the most-used room in your home?
If you’re like most Americans, you’ll undertake a kitchen renovation to make your life easier and happier. In a Houzz survey, 79 percent of homeowners who planned a kitchen project said they were doing it to improve the look and feel of the room, while 59 percent wanted to improve functions. The popular home improvement website Homeadvisor says that people incur, on average, $ 11,300 to $ 28,900 on kitchen remodeling projects.
However, you can improve the look and functionality of your kitchen with a much lower investment. Here are three simple changes you can accomplish in a single weekend with a modest outlay of cash:
* Upgrade your faucet to touchless
A kitchen faucet is a critical tool for numerous kitchen tasks, while also having a major impact on the overall look of your kitchen. A new faucet can improve the beauty and functionality of your kitchen, and touchless options fit the bill perfectly. Hands-free kitchen faucets are easy to use for kids, seniors and people with mobility issues. Plus, they allow you to operate your faucet without spreading germs — even if your hands are messy from food preparation and cooking.
Touchless faucets like the sleek, high-arc Beale Selectronic Kitchen Faucet from American Standard offer advanced flexibility to make common kitchen tasks feel effortless. You can operate this electronic faucet with a wave of your hand, or switch to manual operation by simply sliding an innovative movable door to cover the sensor when guests are visiting. Two spray patterns, plus a convenient pause feature, provide optimum functionality for casual users and home chefs alike.
* Hush those cabinets and drawers
Anyone who has been woken from a deep sleep by a drawer or cabinet door closing loudly in the kitchen will appreciate the idea of a device that prevents slamming. When the quiet-close feature first appeared on the scene, it was considered a luxury upgrade, and one generally available only by installing completely new cabinets and drawers.
Now, a variety of kits are available to turn ordinary cabinets and drawers into ones that close softly and quietly. Enhancing kitchen drawers to soft-close is as simple as emptying them, sliding them out, and replacing the standard slide hardware with a quiet-close apparatus. Silencing kitchen cabinets is even easier to do — simply add sound-dampening hardware, which is available at any home improvement store.
* Organize your storage
Perhaps your kitchen storage space is simple, with a few basic cabinets on hand. Or it may be substantial, encompassing numerous cabinets, drawers and even a generous pantry. No matter the size, cluttered kitchen storage areas can seem inadequate and inefficient, especially when they spill over onto counters, where you end up storing things that don’t fit into drawers and cabinets.
Fortunately, a variety of budget-friendly kitchen organization solutions are available for homeowners. From cabinet racks that hold dishes, pots and pans, lids and bakeware to over-the-door racks to contain spices, soup cans, and more in your pantry. Make finding things in cabinets easier by installing pull-out racks. Under-shelf baskets allow you to use every available inch of space in cabinets, and are great for storing dish towels, place mats, measuring cups and more. Most of these organizers require little or no expertise to install.
No need for a major renovation budget to achieve maximum impact with kitchen upgrades. By focusing on key areas like the faucets, cabinets and storage, you can greatly improve the look and function of a kitchen with a modest investment of time and money. | http://www.vt-world.com/3-simple-fast-changes-to-make-your-kitchen-more-usable-and-beautiful.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/936433caafed15dbd1995b6b840450f6f88fa7bb1bb5cf409e07cfc4a45540b9.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:06 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fkaren-for-barre.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Karen For Barre | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Editor,
I want to sincerely thank all of you who wrote in my name as a candidate to represent Barre City in the House of Representatives. I am honored to have received this opportunity to run as a Republican candidate for State Representative. While many good things have come from our legislature, there are areas where I think we can do much better. If elected I will work hard to encourage the legislature to identify meaningful solutions for the current and future issues our children and community face.
I grew up in Barre City and Barre Town, attended Spaulding High School, and earned a degree in Paralegal Studies at Woodbury College, in Montpelier. I have been married for twenty-nine years to Mayor Thom Lauzon and we are proud parents of two children. As a developer and property manager, a board member of the Barre Opera House, the board chair of OUR House, and the First Lady of Barre City, my experience and background have taught me to be a good listener, to get all the facts before making decisions, to be industrious and to always work together to get results.
I believe in the core values of personal liberty and responsibility, economic freedom and opportunity, affordability, and safe and healthy communities. I am running because of my desire to help resolve the many challenges facing this State and our City. I will represent every resident and business of Barre City and speak out for what we believe is right. I look forward to discussing your ideas and concerns with you, earning your support and working together to improve our community, the lives of our children and our future. Thank you.
Karen Lauzon,
Barre City, Candidate for State Representative | http://www.vt-world.com/karen-for-barre.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/7b6b3265f29495d7d34ae4152163acf241291891e2b01d3ac2eea050ddc32f4a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:09 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Faging-with-grace-14.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Aging with Grace… | null | null | www.vt-world.com | As a follow up to the last column on the benefits of Adult Day to the participant, this week we’ll share information on the benefits to the caregiver, which are equally important to consider.
Dear Grace,
As the main caregiver for my husband, who had a stroke about six months ago, I’m trying to figure out how to care for him at home and still have some semblance of a life for myself. How could having him attend Adult Day help me with this?
Thanks,
MaryAnn
Dear MaryAnn,
To be able to care for your husband as you wish to, you must take care of yourself and Adult Day can be of great benefit to you in this area.
Vermont Adult Day Centers are certified through the State of Vermont and offer a variety of services and supports that enable families to have their loved ones remain living at home. It’s a safe environment where you can leave your family member and not have to worry about what they are doing while you’re gone. One important thing to remember is that Adult Day Centers are not equipped to be a one on one environment and are not intended for that purpose.
Having your loved one attend Adult Day provides numerous benefits for you, as the caregiver:
-Free time for you to do anything you need or want to do (meet friends, get your hair cut, read a book, household chores, go to a movie, volunteer, continue your career, exercise or just take a nap).
-Your husband will have trained staff caring for him who will communicate any questions or concerns to you. They will also be available if/when you have questions or need support.
-Adult Day is also a great resource for caregiver support through regularly scheduled Caregiver Support Group meetings that provide an opportunity for caregivers to meet and share experiences.
Making the transition to Adult Day successful for you and your loved one:
-As caregiver, you are an integral part of the transition process to Adult Day, since your husband is used to being with you all the time. The Adult Day staff will work closely with the family throughout the process of introducing him to this new environment, as we all want a successful transition.
-When talking to your loved one about visiting Adult Day, call it the club or just mention visiting a new place and making new friends. Plan to visit several times, if necessary.
-When your family member begins Adult Day, it may be necessary for you to attend with him and gradually over a period of time work towards having them here alone. If the first attempt doesn’t work out, don’t give up. Work with the Adult Day team to try new ideas, schedules or other suggestions. There is the always the possibility that Adult Day is not the appropriate environment for your loved one, but that can only be determined over time.
Hopefully this information will support your efforts in providing the best care possible for your husband while managing to maintain a healthy enjoyable life for yourself.
Sincerely,
Grace
If you have questions or are looking for information related to caring for an elder loved one or other individual with disabilities or health issues, please email me, deargrace@pibarre.org or write me, c/o Project Independence, 81 N. Nain St. – Ste. 1, Barre, VT 05641-4283 | http://www.vt-world.com/aging-with-grace-14.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/62be241b6334d24d23e6176de44f7498b3971bdaa6d3f9b5b1cefc5d909d1220.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:04:26 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Ftwo-flawed-candidates.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Two Flawed Candidates | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Editor,
Clinton and Trump are flawed candidates running for President.
Clinton has questionable scruples, and she has made significant mistakes. As Secretary of State, she set up an unsecured private server in her home for government email communications and sent and received secret and top secret information. She had ultimate responsibility for the Benghazi debacle where our ambassador and other Americans were killed by Islamic terrorists. Her foundation accepted contributions from foreign entities.
Trump is the most unqualified person to ever run for President. He is a vile loudmouth with possible bigoted views who only cares about himself, and he does not respect our constitution and our institutions. Trump could have dictatorial tendencies. He has no knowledge of government operations and has no understanding of our domestic and world economies. His lack of knowledge in foreign affairs and military matters will hurt us in the world.
The choices are: vote for who you dislike the least, or vote for a third party candidate, or do not vote. How sad.
Donald Moskowitz
Londonderry, NH | http://www.vt-world.com/two-flawed-candidates.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/76351ad893288b3a730be5f30c1ea672d7ca9ceb85500a0dacc1c6c3b674ef41.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:49 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Freisss-pieces-146.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Reiss’s Pieces | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By Judy Reiss
There can’t be a child anywhere who can’t wait for school to get out at the end of the year. I think that feeling of euphoria still exists, although the school year has been made longer. Of course, I am one of those who thinks that a longer year is a good thing. In fact, what I’ve always thought was a little strange is that students who go to college get out months before the very young kindergartners! Not only do I think that is very strange, think about how much parents pay for their loved one to go to college! And almost before either student or parent can turn around they have either a fall break, a winter break or a spring break and then before either one can catch their breath, school is over and there is a loved one sleeping on the sofa bur someone is planning for them to get a job. And if they do get a job, they consider the money they earned as their money!
But it isn’t my place to figure out how college students behave or who pays for them to attend college. And God only knows why the costs have gone out of sight and if there is an end in sight. Actually, I don’t think so!
But boy, the school year seems to be expanding and the summer vacation shorter!
I must admit that I am one of those in the minority who has a question about this trend. Are we making the school year longer because we are so far behind many of the other countries in the world that our kids need further schooling or is the reason something almost non-existent only a few years ago?
That reason is mothers, as well as fathers are working these days. And because they are working, their children need to be cared for and nurtured by someone else.
The lucky ones have a grandparent nearby who is willing to raise their grandchild. Now, I know many parents will take umbrage at the idea that their little loved one is being raised by someone else. But if you are willing to look at it, it’s the truth. Don’t kid yourself if your child either is taken to Grandma or to a day care center, someone else is with your child during his or her main portion of their day. Granted Mom will be picking them up in time for dinner. But what comes almost right after dinner? It is bed time and when they wake up, the day will begin all over again.
I have sort of wandered away from my first question which was why do our littlest of children have to stay in school longer than our college students. And of course, we have answered our own question. Call it whatever you want, but money is driving our educational train!
I am not sure how to solve this problem except I think it is imperative to make the time children are in school important and not just time filling a seat! And although I am not sure, I believe that a great many countries have school around the year because they have put education first, and I’m not sure if those of us who live and educate our children in the U.S. consider education a priority! Very little time is spent on actually teaching subjects that we need to considered important. But now we don’t want to make a child feel bad about himself so we have dumbed down our curriculums and now we offer photography instead of an advanced math class.
Before some of you are boiling mad at what I have suggested, let me assure you that I don’t mean every single student. But the good student who searches out the hard classes is, unfortunately, in the minority. And the parent who complain bitterly about the amount of homework their child is responsible for, think about those other countries who are teaching the “hard” subjects eight hours a day seven days a week
Of course, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention that I am irate that cursive handwriting is no longer taught in school. Which brings up two (at least) questions. How are these children going to sign their name? I shudder to think that they will be printing their name! Can you imagine? And although the second thought isn’t a question, it makes me almost laugh! If these children remain cursive free, they won’t be able to read it either. And this means that any one who wants to send someone a secret, all they have to do is write in cursive. This gives parents a whole new opportunity to talk among themselves. All they have to do is write in cursive. Their children will have no idea what they wrote!
Actually, I have several friends and acquaintances who have gone to their local bookstore and ordered the good old Palmer Method workbook in order to teach their own children or grandchildren how to write cursive. And it would seem to me it is like a talking dog. It makes no difference how well he talks, it is just that he talks! My handwriting isn’t the best but I can write and I can read almost any cursive whether it is good or not. And over the years I have never really thought about it. I can read whatever is written to me or for me! And there were actually times I was able to read things that were not only historically correct but very interesting.
I don’t really know what I am suggesting, probably that these days it is imperative that you know what is going on in your school. And you should demand excellence, regardless of what your loved one thinks! You need to make sure that they get a good education and that your school is turning out a well-rounded student. | http://www.vt-world.com/reisss-pieces-146.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/b0fe9514ff54b7702f34c220a5f4df0a0b0a83958e7367b58f28dd47e3db591e.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:26 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Freisss-pieces-147.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Reiss’s Pieces | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By Judy Reiss
I had planned to share with you my transition from walker to canes, but after having lunch at Maynard’s Snack Bar in Moretown, I have changed my mind! However, I do want to encourage you folks who have been able to really get along well with your walker, let me tell you what I did…in the very short version! First, let me assure you that I love my walker. I could go anywhere and had no problem with it. And dragging in and out of the car was really no problem. I decided to try a cane, but was convinced by my PT and also my daughter, who is a PT, that regardless of how hard I tried, I was “listing” to my right. So I decided to try two canes and let me tell you they work great! Not only don’t I list to either side, I can walk fast and more upright than I ever was with my walker! Now I do keep my walker for that rare day when I am going to take a much longer trip. My walker still allows me to sit down when I need to rest and this is something that I can’t do with my beloved canes! So, don’t give your walker away, just put it in a handy place where you can get it if you need it. But try two canes. Keep them close to your hips and use them as you would your legs. In fact, move them with the leg that they are close to. Take it slow at first and when you need to increase your speed, go for it. And be sure and let me know how it goes.
But what I really want to discuss is the snack bars in Vermont. First and foremost, I have to tell you that I love snack bars! And my Malcolm still talks about a snack bar that we used to have in the Valley called Phyl-Dens. He rates every snack bar in the world with Phyl-Dens and their fantastic cheeseburgers. Keep in mind this historic snack bar has been gone for at least 45-46 years, but he just can’t put it to rest!
Now I personally just love a snack bar! What could be better than to stop and see what a neighborhood snack bar has to offer. It doesn’t have to be your neighborhood either. Nope, it is a lot more fun to see what is new and different in other people’s neighborhoods. Now if you can’t make up your mind what you want to eat, ask the proprietor what their specialty is and then be real brave and try it! You will be surprised at what wonderful treats you will have. And just remember that no matter how clever you think you are, a hamburger is only a hamburger!
So why should you try a snack bar rather than a regular sit-down restaurant? There are many, many excellent sit-down restaurants in Vermont and even around the northeast. And the ones with good waiters and waitresses are probably worth trying. But you can try these eateries any time of the year. A snack bar is usually seasonal. And of course, this is because usually we have a cold and very snowy winter. And no one wants to work in a small unheated building that was built specifically to house a seasonal snack bar. And I am willing to bet that in your town or area you have a snack bar that everyone waits for with bated breath, for it to open in the spring. In fact, the snack bar is usually one of the first harbingers of spring.
If you have a local snack bar near you and if it has been your favorite for years but now you have a hard time getting around, take either your walker or your two canes and go visit it again. This summer is the first time in ages that I have done that and I want to tell you that I couldn’t be happier. And I will share a secret with you. I am always surprised at how kind and nice people are to me and believe me it makes using your two canes easy, easy, easy! No one wants to be thought of as an old man or woman but, believe me, I have found my two canes have allowed me to feel younger, it’s easier to get around, and most people are willing to help you without making you feel like an old fart!
So, take your walker or your canes and while there is summer left, go to your local snack bar and enjoy every single minute of it. | http://www.vt-world.com/reisss-pieces-147.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/baa096d98648b4301aebb49ef84b088e600982a101ca8af90b906bdc6600f760.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:29 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fthe-apple.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | The Apple | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By G. E. Shuman
This is probably a strange way to begin this particular column, and a stranger title to give it, but, hopefully, it will all make sense by the end. Recently our daughter, Cathy, and her youngest child, Ayvah, were out for a walk. Their walk happened to take them under and past an old crab apple tree along the roadside. Ayvah, an 8-year-old who is very famous in our family for her insightful thoughts, saturated, as always, in the natural profundity found only in childhood, asked her mom a question, which was this: “If the tree is the mother of the apple, why doesn’t the apple look like the tree?” (I just love it when one of my grandkids comes up with a brilliant, thoughtful question like that.) I don’t know exactly how her mom answered the question. My answer to Ayvah would be something to do with the suggestion that an apple does look like the tree, but it looks like how the tree used to be. (Cathy, if you read this, suggest that answer to that very brainy child of yours.)
Our family, our home, and our own old family tree, have very recently been blessed by a wonderful addition. Nahla was born, in the timeline in which you could be reading this column, just about two weeks ago. She is, just as all of my grandkids have been, the most beautiful baby in the world. She is so, and takes her place in line and number, as our twelfth grandchild. Her place in the family is just as big and bold and permanent as the places of those grandkids who are already grown or nearly grown. She is, simply, wonderful. I cannot always be believed in statements like that, but her grandmother can. So just ask her.
Here’s something I’ve been thinking about. I know I’m not always the sharpest tool in the shed, but I do believe I understand the basics of how life is carried on in our world. Still, it seems a bit strange to me that Nahla is not only here now, but has been here, living right under our roof, for many months, already. She has been with us for a while, growing and changing, as she is now, but before we ever saw her beautiful face. And, although we could feel her kicking feet within her mom from time to time, and even hear her heart beat occasionally, we did not actually meet her until just those two weeks ago. But, and thankfully, now we have, and, although I hesitate to even use the ‘a’ word in a column relating to my grandchildren, I will tell you this. I fail to see how the proponents of the abominable act called abortion don’t understand that principle, and I also fail to care how mad they get at me for saying so.
Anyway, Nahla is safely here, and now we can see her, and truly know her. I held her this morning, and she smiled slightly as she and I looked into each other’s eyes. I don’t know what she was thinking, other than perhaps wondering who that big old face belonged to, but I do know she was smiling. I saw that smile, and I know, exactly, the unspeakable blessing she is to me, and to us.
Our new granddaughter is already showing signs that she follows very closely to her mom, in strength, beauty, and determination, and that is saying a lot. Believe me, her mom is a very beautiful and tough act to follow. This apple looks a lot like the tree, and I really believe they share some very deep roots of determination and success. There are two thoughts displayed on the walls of Nahla’s nursery. On one side of the room is a wooden plaque, given to Emily by her sister, Cathy. The words on that plaque explain perfectly how we feel about how Nahla fits in our family. The plaque says: “All of God’s grace, in one tiny face.” Across the room, right above her crib, is the inscription: “Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will move mountains.” That, I believe. | http://www.vt-world.com/the-apple.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/2a451e79787922331f4fb1ff9de07c245a10ae5317f6c0336c96ce3241f8393f.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:17 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fhow-to-save-money-on-health-care.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | How to save money on health care | null | null | www.vt-world.com | One in two Americans has a chronic condition and 86 percent of health care spending is on chronic care, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When it comes to saving money, health care is probably the last place you might look, but there are many ways to build better health and stronger savings.
1. Take advantage of preventive care services.
Being proactive about your health and taking care of yourself before problems have a chance to arise or get out of control is one of the best ways to reduce future health costs and prevent unnecessary headaches. Medical, dental and vision insurance cover a wide range of preventative care services – from well-visit exams with your primary care physician, to bi-annual dental check-ups and annual vision exams. But many are simply not taking advantage of these benefits. For example, a national online omnibus survey conducted on behalf of Anthem found that only 50 percent of people surveyed visit their dentist twice a year as recommended. When you skip those dental cleanings, problems are left to progress which can lead to more expensive treatments like extractions, root canals and dental surgeries.
2. Don’t ignore your teeth and eyes.
Neglecting dental and vision preventative care can impact your overall health – which can create large health care costs. You expect your dentist to spot cavities, but did you know your dentist might be able to detect trouble which extends beyond your mouth? According to the Academy of General Dentistry, 90 percent of diseases show signs and symptoms in the mouth. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, are better managed with good dental health. Periodontal (gum) disease can greatly impact the sugar levels of those suffering from diabetes and patients with diabetes who treat their periodontal disease have lower medical costs. Additionally, while a vision exam is important to see if you need correction to see well, a comprehensive exam allows an eye doctor to check for early signs of eye disease. An eye doctor can be the first to identify chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, through an eye exam, due to the increased visibility of blood vessel size. Getting a regular dental and vision check-up might reveal an underlying health problem that can be more easily treated because of early detection.
3. Integrate and save.
Consumers are often disconnected from the care they need – care that could have identified chronic disease earlier and before it becomes a high-dollar illness. One often overlooked way to save money on health care is by integrating your coverage – a growing trend in the insurance industry. Integrated health care connects the dots between health, dental, vision, disability and pharmacy coverage to increase communication between doctors and providers. Coordination of care also makes it possible for care managers and providers to work together to find the best solutions for your health. In some cases you may even be automatically enrolled for extra benefits customized to your health needs. An Anthem survey conducted by Employee Benefit News and SourceMedia found that more than half of employers offering integrated health care (IHC) plans see reduced costs. In addition to helping you save money, 74 percent of employers offering integrated health care agree that integrated health care improves health care outcomes. Many preventable illnesses and unnecessary costs can be avoided through a holistic approach to care.
Anthem is working to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. For more information about Anthem, visit www.antheminc.com. | http://www.vt-world.com/how-to-save-money-on-health-care.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/40b06b72cbc65d97920f37c9d8c5a48214451902e7dd5240489f8a41609b30bc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:06:43 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fmaxs-view-79.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Max’s View | null | null | www.vt-world.com | China vs. USA: Empires at War
**1/2
They have 1.4 billion people. Two hundred nuclear warheads. The largest industrial economy. And an unquenchable desire to be the world’s #1 superpower.
A showdown is inevitable. World War III. The United States vs. China.
I absolutely do not believe that. China is our economic rival, not our enemy.
I am certain that the United States would be a better, happier, more egalitarian country today if we had never granted China Most Favored Nation status and become its largest trading partner. However, there is one positive thing about doing so much business with China. We aren’t going to go to war.
The militaristic kooks who made the documentary “China vs. USA: Empires at War” have a different take on the subject.
This is a well-thought-out and substantive film. It interviews experts from both sides of the Pacific to analyze China’s motivations and military might.
They explain in detail why China is a formidable enemy. History Channel viewers will enjoy the description of the different ways that Beijing is preparing for the great war to come.
Twenty years ago, the Chinese recognized that US aircraft carriers were a menace that they couldn’t contend with. So Beijing responded by building a fleet of stealthy diesel submarines.
It was clear that America had a huge advantage in satellite technology which allows our military to coordinate battles better than any foe. So China responded by creating satellite-disabling lasers that can temporarily send American generals back to the age of battery-powered walkie talkies.
I have no idea whether this is a real threat or sci-fi paranoia, but “China vs. USA” claims that China could detonate a nuclear bomb in the Pacific Ocean that would fry all electrical equipment in the area – rendering an entire American fleet completely helpless.
But why would China want to use its fancy weapons on us, you may ask? Because, the film argues, The United States is going to declare war on China when China invades Taiwan.
War with China. For Taiwan? Like heck we are.
I don’t have any idea what you think of the good folks of Taiwan. But I know darn well that you aren’t willing to sacrifice your son or grandson in a war over Taiwanese sovereignty.
And as little as we want war, China wants it even less.
We buy $500,000,000,000 in Chinese-made stuff per year. As much as I hate all of the deindustrialization and materialism that comes with our trade relationship with China, I have to admit that it acts as a guarantor of peace between our great nations.
The United States could do just fine without all of those imports (we’d start making iPhones and iPads in America and hopefully just quit buying all that other junk). China would, at best, fall into a terrible economic depression without its fix of half a trillion US dollars each year. More likely, the regime in Beijing would collapse a couple of months into the war.
“China vs. US: Empires at War” is an interesting movie about an important topic. But it is hilariously wrong. | http://www.vt-world.com/maxs-view-79.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/5d2dc9bc4782d253d6e82b73f07082a64636a4888baa8569817f4792372df56f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:05:07 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fcentral-vermont-road-pitch-impresses-in-first-year.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Central Vermont Road Pitch Impresses in First Year | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Editor,
After 6 months of dedicated work, we pulled it off! Central Vermont Road Pitch was a smashing success, especially for it being our first year.
And we could not have done it without YOU!
The Central Vermont Road Pitch Steering Committee is sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed to this amazing event.
First, congratulations to our five “pitchers” (Susan Snider, Liz Holtz, Lori Barg, Andrew Glover, and Sonya Spaulding) for delivering top notch presentations. The room was a buzz with excitement over the ideas presented.
Everyone worked so hard, but a few special thank you(s) go out to:
Cairn Cross and the Road Pitch Warriors for taking a chance on a new site. We hope you had a great time in Barre!
The Coaches: Jeff Blow, John Underwood, Thom Lauzon, Skip Poczobut, Lindel James, and presentation coach, Dona Bate.
Central Vermont Site Sponsors, we could not have done this event without you: Community National Bank, Tom Lauzon, Barre Area Development Corporation, The Barre Partnership, The Bridge, The Center for Leadership Skills, Central Vermont Chamber of Commerce, dbate speaking, JET Envelope, Northfield Savings Bank, Times Argus, and The World.
The Vermont Granite Museum, director Scott McLaughin, and his staff for all of the hard work in both organizing the event and going the extra mile the day of the event. Thank you!
Positive Pie, Delicate Decadence, and Espresso Bueno for the delicious food, refreshments, and goodies.
Thank you to Charley Ininger, John Mandeville, Linda Rossi, and NEKTI Consulting for sharing their best practices for hosting a successful Road Pitch event.
And, last, but certainly not least, Mark Browning for MC’ing the event. You did a terrific job!
This was a labor of love for all of us. Thank you again.
Joel Schwartz, Exec. Director
Barre Area Development, Inc. | http://www.vt-world.com/central-vermont-road-pitch-impresses-in-first-year.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/0f5b7ffe5bf36c77036d8f3b82f2551641ad8792655d9bcfb4b3dda14fadffef.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:01:41 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fcelebrate-your-loathing-of-black-flies-at-adamants-14th-annual-blackfly-festival.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Celebrate Your Loathing of Black Flies at Adamant’s 14th Annual Blackfly Festival | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By Aaron Retherford
Do you hate black flies? Try living in Adamant. Actually, maybe you shouldn’t.
Adamant’s black fly problem is so dreadful, that in order to garden, residents are forced to wear full-body protective nets—fittingly sold at the Adamant Co-op.
It’s so bad, residents decided 14 years ago, that if you can’t beat those ruthless blood suckers, join them, spawning the annual Adamant Blackfly Festival.
And once again, it’s that time of the year when Adamant residents curse those incessant insects. So why not join them in some wacky fun at the 14th Annual Adamant Blackfly Festival hosted by the Adamant Co-op at 1313 Haggett Road on June 4.
The festival has everything you could think of…and probably things you would never consider. There will be live music all day long (starting at 10 a.m.), featuring French Canadian dance tunes, classic folk music, and some didgeridoo jams.
One of the highlights of the event is the Blackfly Parade at 2 p.m., which lasts about two-tenths of a mile.
“It’s really zany,” Co-op volunteer Karen Kane said. “It’s farm tractors, a marching band, and this year it will be combined with the fashion show. So there will be people in pretty outrageous and eclectic outfits.”
What else would you expect from the oldest Co-op in Vermont and possibly the nation?
Well, how about a Blackfly Pie Contest, where contestants share their visions of the perfect blackfly pie. Slices of those pies are then sold after the judging. Kane won last year with a vegan pie that was “totally minimalist”, but others enter pies with raisins or other blackfly-ish decorations.
Rounding out the festivities will be the all-new Blackfly Poetry Slam. Geof Hewitt, Slam Poet Laureate of Vermont, will host. Attendees can bring an original piece of writing that can be presented in 3 minutes or less. It doesn’t need to be traditional poetry. Judges selected from the audience will score each piece for bragging rights and a modest prize.
The festival is free to attend. If you have an itch to spend some money, there is a silent auction with chances to win local gift certificates, experiences, travel and more. Or for the hungry festival goers, a grill with jumbo hot dogs, chicken sausage, salmon burgers, salads, and baked goods opens at 11 a.m. The money raised benefits the Co-op, which will also be open during the day for those who need snacks or a black fly net.
“It’s just a relaxed, fun, zany day,” Kane said. “Expect the unexpected. It’s a great way to see your neighbors, enjoy the countryside, listen to music, eat good food, and hopefully the black flies will not be present.” | http://www.vt-world.com/celebrate-your-loathing-of-black-flies-at-adamants-14th-annual-blackfly-festival.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/e6d3a058d3f0ad51f59fd34d07d7ce07b13574b8951b4c27b02a26fc91ce5c71.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:15 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fon-connection.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | On Connection | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Editor,
I have come to understand that connection is a basic human need. We yearn for connection, we seek it, and we hurt when it fails. A connection may be broken, lost, or simply not yet made. But all suffering begins with the experience of disconnection.
As a psychotherapist, when I confront the suffering of my clients, it is vital for me to remember this. I need to remember that our exploration together is in the service of connection: in finding ways to connect in a world that promotes isolation, tolerates cruelty, and encourages fear. A world where finding one’s truth, one’s passion and one’s path becomes lost in chaos and coldness. Living in such a world, finding a way a through our suffering, coming to terms with ourselves, these are the paths to connection. In connection we can find self-acceptance, love, and meaning. In connection we can find hope for ourselves and the floundering world around us.
A psychotherapeutic relationship can facilitate our lost ability to connect. In a psychotherapeutic relationship, it is okay to flounder, to examine the person we are in relation to another, without judgment, but rather with encouragement. We can let go of defenses, of walls and fears that imprison us and deny us self-understanding, clarity, and the ability to develop satisfying relationships. We can discover ourselves.
We cannot empathize with others without first empathizing with ourselves and recognizing our right to be whole, to heal, to a life of meaning and the pursuit of happiness. Sometimes this means rejecting a destructive individual outright, disarming them, taking them down, drawing a line in the sand, saying no, giving voice to our very legitimate anger. In drawing this metaphorical line in the sand, we create the opportunity to connect. In saying no, we open the door to yes. We are holding ourselves in high value, in high esteem, and accepting no less from others.
Oftentimes we logically equate our suffering with external circumstances. And when we are hurt by others, this is indeed the case. But as strange as it may seem, destructive acts are an attempt to connect. Destructive behavior arises from a suffering we cannot fathom. Destructive individuals have cut themselves off from their humanity and of the humanity of others. They are lost, desperate, fearful, terrified at their isolation, and so further lash out, hoping someone will hear the abandoned, terrified crying child. I am not the first to say this and I reiterate, as others have before me, that recognizing the suffering of another from a place of compassion does not equal condoning or even forgiving the hurtful behavior. It merely provides perspective.
With this perspective, we can choose to accept this attempt, to embrace it. We can show one another that it is possible to have the connection we seek without being destructive. What if we could lovingly accept each person’s attempt to connect, however it is expressed, take it in into ourselves, experience it as an opportunity to enrich our own lives? Can we not reject destructive values, words and actions without rejecting the suffering and isolated person? Do we not have so much to offer one another, and do we not deprive ourselves when we reject the attempt of another to connect? What if we could see in each interaction the reaching-out of another, a call for love and compassion, and offer it up generously? What kind of world we have then? And how rich would our lives be?
This is a tall order, and surely not the first time such a question has been asked, especially in the times in which we live. There is no hope for this if we do not begin with ourselves. With self-compassion, self-empathy, self-value, and a commitment to our own healing. When we realize that we deserve it, we will realize that others do as well, whoever they are.
Rachel Kling | http://www.vt-world.com/on-connection.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/bd885fce1f88cd3f18f7101221b81501cbd11ec9127e36e857663fb6bc43f906.json |
[] | 2016-08-29T16:51:12 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Freisss-pieces-139.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Reiss’s Pieces | null | null | www.vt-world.com | By Judy Reiss
I heard the most interesting thing the other day. It was a description of today’s mothers. I had never heard this before but my friends told me that I must be the only person in Vermont who did know this name. Regardless of whether I did or I didn’t, here it is! It is a “Helicopter Mother”.
I am assuming that some of you have never heard this expression, so I am going to explain to you what it means. Are you ready? It means that the mother of 2016 who hover around her children! What do you think? Is this a fair name or comment? Well, I just can’t help myself and so I have to discuss the Helicopter Mother because I think it is a very appropriate name.
If you read almost any book about history in this country and throughout the world, if you look for the information, you will learn how children were brought up and what the mother’s role was in that upbringing. In almost every part of the world, including our country, there were two different ways that children were raised, and it would seem that money was the driving force. A child who was born into money was handed to a wet nurse right from birth and then a nurse took over and raised him or her. They did see their mother but it was by invitation only! Every day an opportunity was planned and the children were presented to their parents. Their mother was included in the decisions on the daily life of her children. But that really included meals and play periods. However, she was not included in the decision making about their schooling. Actually, it was easy about girls because early on they were only taught how to sew and paint. Cooking was done by a cook in another part of the house. And she was not taught to cook. To eat, yes, but she was not included in the preparation process. Boys were taught in the schoolroom by a tutor and he was supposed to learn whatever his father had decreed! And both the girls and the boys were taught to behave and be polite, especially when presented to their parents.
Now what happened to the other children who didn’t have the opportunities the other children did? These children had a completely different lifestyle than their counterparts! They spent most of their time with their mothers when they were babies. But once they were able to walk and talk these very young children, both girls and boys, had to work and help take care of the family. The lucky ones could work at home or find food and objects to sell, but the rest worked in factories that were unbelievably awful! Many started in the factory when their mother had to work there and for 16-18 hours a week, the toddler was tied to his or her mother and learned to pick fabric apart or worse, make matches!
Let’s think about the children in this country who came many years ago. They, too, spent a lot of time close to their mother because that was the safest place to stay. But they weren’t able to just play with toys and rest. Nope, most of them had to help the family and they did this by taking care of the younger children, working in the gardens, and doing whatever chores were given to him or her. Finally, when a school was made available, they walked to it and with a light heart, learned whatever was taught by the young teacher.
If we skip ahead, we see a lot of differences between areas of the county and of course, financial differences. But the children did what they were told and for the most part, held their mother in high esteem.
Skipping ahead, when I was brought up, children were to be seen but not heard! Can you believe it? And although we weren’t sent off to factories, we did have to work around the house, and of course, take care of our younger siblings. But probably the most obvious difference between today’s children and those of my time is that we were never able to talk back to our mother or anyone else’s mother! And the village did help to raise the child! If you were naughty or fresh, your mother knew it before you got home. And punishment wasn’t talking your electronics away from you! Nope, a punishment was something that you feared and remembered for weeks! And we almost never got new clothes or shoes and when we did we knew how lucky we were and we had to take care of them.
And the mothers? Well, my mother never, ever played with me. In fact, I don’t remember her ever coming to a game of mine. Of course, back then, kids played and made up the rules and didn’t expect a parent to come and make rules and help run the game! Not only that, my mother didn’t know the mother of any of my friends. Back then, kids were kids and mothers were mothers and never did they get together! My mother nor the mother of any of my friends ever went to school. And that was because I never got into any trouble, and that meant she didn’t have to come. If she had had to come, I would have been scared to death! Back then the rule was “if you get into trouble in school, what will happen at home will be much, much worse.” And the teacher was always right!
My mother would not to be able to understand the Helicopter Mother. She believed that children were taught the rules when they were growing up and that was that. Mothers never, ever hovered around their child! It would have been considered unbelievable and not only would the mother have been ostracized, the child would have been so embarrassed that he wouldn’t have been able to breathe!
Now I know that times have changes and no longer can a child walk to his or her friend/s house alone, but I do think that a helicopter mother is not doing her child any favors. A child needs to feel that he or she can make decisions on his or her own and that whatever they do will be supported by their mother, who is either at home or at work!
I think that most children today are able to understand how to behave and that they are proud of their own accomplishments. And a mother who hovers only makes them worry about their ability to make their own decisions.
Mom, let your little angel fly and put the brakes on your love and your worries. | http://www.vt-world.com/reisss-pieces-139.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/fc41f6fec58458feed74b70cf17630ecf16e4b7fbe908cb758c489d7dbc92699.json |
[] | 2016-08-27T02:50:28 | null | null | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vt-world.com%2Fhelpful-hints-for-keeping-tile-surfaces-gorgeous.html.json | http://www.vt-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wecms_logo.png | en | null | Helpful hints for keeping tile surfaces gorgeous | null | null | www.vt-world.com | Apparently, Texas isn’t the only place where things are bigger when it comes to tile. During the past decade, homeowners across the country have installed larger and larger tile onto floors throughout their homes. In fact, the majority of tile installed today is considered large format, which is defined as tile with at least one side 15 inches or longer. This popular contemporary design trend is pushing the boundaries of tile installation with increased importance on crack prevention. The beauty and elegance of a wood plank tile or the very popular 12-inch by 24-inch floor tile can easily become a disappointing disaster in short order if the subfloor is not prepared correctly during the installation process.
Homeowners can avoid the headache and expense of repairing or replacing damaged tile by making sure the proper steps to surface preparation are taken. While it’s impossible to completely avoid cracks in every situation, in the majority of situations they can be controlled by applying products that mitigate the effects of movement and other stressful factors. Custom Building Products, the leading provider of flooring preparation products and tile and stone installation systems, recommends the following for surface preparation before installing tile on any project. Homeowners working with an installation contractor for their tile should always discuss crack prevention with their tile pro during the bidding phase.
* Tiling over a wood subfloor: The two most common solutions are the use of cementitious backerboards or a lighter weight alternative such as RedGard Uncoupling Mat. A combination crack isolation, waterproofing and vapor management membrane, RedGard Uncoupling Mat bonds with the surface while allowing the tile assembly to safely adjust and shift in response to movement. In addition, tile isn’t designed to flex so any “bounciness” in the floor should be fixed prior to tile installation.
* Tiling over concrete on grade: Use a liquid-applied membrane like RedGard Crack Prevention and Waterproofing Membrane to mitigate small cracks in the subfloor. Installed using a paint roller or trowel, RedGard Crack Prevention and Waterproofing Membrane is a seamless heavy-duty material designed for interior and exterior areas.
* Protect corners, expansion joints, changes in plane and other areas in tile installations susceptible to cracking by applying Commercial 100% Silicone Sealant. A permanently flexible material ideal for floors where they meet walls and doors as well as for tubs, showers, sinks, pools, and other wet or submerged applications, Commercial 100% Silicone Sealant is offered in 40 colors to coordinate with tile and grout.
More information on tile crack prevention products, best-practices and tips is available from Custom Building Products through www.custombuildingproducts.com, Facebook and mobile app. | http://www.vt-world.com/helpful-hints-for-keeping-tile-surfaces-gorgeous.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.vt-world.com/1173c49af0e742b4e609acb5645dd7f18541f950b67004b4a979fc696c92173c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:47:55 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fdeputy-health-minister-returns-from-66th-session-of-the-who-regional-committee-for-africa-in-ethiopia%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/rahman.jpg | en | null | Deputy Health Minister returns from 66th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa in Ethiopia | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Jonathan Abass Kamara
The Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation 1, Madam Madina Rahman has returned home as head of the Sierra Leone delegation to the 66th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held on August 19-23, 2016 in Addis Ababa in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Deputy Health and Sanitation Minister 1, Madam Madina Rahman
Madam Madina Rahman on behalf of the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Abu Bakarr Fofanah, the government and people of Sierra Leone ably show-case Sierra Leone’s health system strengthening strategy towards building a resilient health system during discussions.
She participated in various sessions which includes Global Strategy for Women’s Children’s and Adolescents’ Health 2016-2030 implementation in the African region, Health in the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, Addressing oral diseases as part of Non-Communicable Diseases Oral Health Strategy for 2016-2025, Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Ageing and Health, and Recommendations of the review committee on the role of the International Health Regulations (2005) in the Ebola outbreak and response among other key health issues including the framework for implementing the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria 2016-2030 in the African region.
Addressing the official opening ceremony, the President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Dr. Mulatu Teshome and the Minister of Health, Dr. Kesetu Dirthan Admasu Birhane welcomed the national authorities and the delegates and recalled the numerous agenda items which reflect the health challenges that the region still faces, despite significant progress in some areas.
The Ethiopia Health Minister noted that addressing these challenges would require collective approaches and opined for successful deliberations.
The WHO Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan highlighted some unique public health features of Ethiopia, especially the training and massive deployment of a new cadre of health extension workers, and the achievement of the MDG of reducing childhood mortality two years ahead of schedule.
She noted that the five-year development framework of the WHO Regional Office, the Transformation programme, with universal health coverage as its vision, aims to capitalize on a number of encouraging trends in the region: unprecedented economic growth; emergence of a solid middle class and a vibrant and innovative younger generation. Dr. Chan reminded Member States that with poverty hampering progress on all fronts, there was still a long way to go before the region could catch up with the rest of the world.
She congratulated Africa for making considerable progress despite challenges such as recurrent emergencies and security threats. Dr. Chan considered reduction in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as a significant return on investment and reminded delegates that Africa still bore the heaviest burden of infectious diseases while facing the challenge of overstretched health systems and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
She highlighted the links between poverty and health care. According to her, poverty undermines health, cripples the performance of health systems and denies the resources to implement priority interventions. Dr. Chan called on all stakeholders of health development in the region to join to eliminate poverty as underscored in the Sustainable Development Goal agenda and to ensure the security of our collective health stock. She also emphasized that the future of Africa depends on its people and not on the price of commodities such as mineral resources. Thus, countries’ primary focus should be on the development of human resources for sustainable development in the region.
Dr. Chan emphasized the need to ensure proper funding for implementing WHO reforms, strengthening health systems and building capacity to respond to emergencies. She expressed great confidence in the ability of Africa and its people to improve their health. While noting that this was the last time she would address the Regional Committee as WHO Director-General, expressing her willingness to continue to partner with the region even in retirement.
Making his statement, His Excellency Dr Mulatu Teshome, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, acknowledge the progress made in improving health and increasing life expectancy. He further stressed that health in the region remained a challenge, given the growing burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, and that all countries needed to remain committed.
During the discussions, Member States acknowledged the inclusion of the new health emergencies programme as well as the increase in the budget allocation to the Region. They expressed concern about the reduced budget for some priority programmes, the continues decline in the proportion of the budget financed by Assessed Contributions (AC), weak alignment of indicators between the programme Budget and the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and lack of budget allocations for areas of work relevant to the region.
The following recommendations were made to Member States: Provide written feedback to the secretariat and fully engage in the discussions during the Executive Board in January 2017; and advocate for an increase in Assessed Contributions. | http://cocorioko.net/deputy-health-minister-returns-from-66th-session-of-the-who-regional-committee-for-africa-in-ethiopia/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/be848e9ddaad8710825f34d553c8af6963b2cd45c4b24a4d744b940064facba0.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T16:48:54 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fsierra-leone-to-enjoy-daily-weather-forecasts-on-radio-tv-and-newwspapers%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/LOGS.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone to enjoy daily weather forecasts on radio, TV and newwspapers | null | null | cocorioko.net | “Weather information is very necessary in sustaining livelihoods, and protecting lives and property.” – Mr. Balogun Koroma, Minister of Transport and Aviation.
This morning, the Minister switched on the Freetown Automatic Weather Station, symbolizing the start of nationwide installation of weather stations.
By the end of this year, Sierra Leone will be able to benefit from daily weather forecasts on radio, television and newspapers, helping the country in preparedness and reducing vulnerabilities to local disasters such as floods. | http://cocorioko.net/sierra-leone-to-enjoy-daily-weather-forecasts-on-radio-tv-and-newwspapers/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/97fb3c0dfc2be052b5b31a4ed05f45c950fb76d8734146dbaf5efcfc8757b15f.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:50:12 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2F4-000-hectares-of-pineapples-to-be-cultivated-and-processed-in-sierra-leone%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/pineapples.jpg | en | null | 4, 000 hectares of pineapples to be cultivated and processed in Sierra Leone | null | null | cocorioko.net | Titus Bye-Thompson, Communications Expert, MAFFS
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Prof. Patrick Monty Jones has todays secured a commitment from Dole Group to commence operations within the shortest possible time in cultivating upwards of 4,000 hectares of Pineapple for a processing and juicing operations near Sumbuya in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone. At a meeting with the General Manager for the group, Minister Monty Jones expressed Government’s commitment to supporting agriculture and agri-business and confirmed that the Cabinet was also interested in the establishment of large scale agro based industries such as their operations in Sierra Leone.
The Managing Director of Dole Tropical Foods, Patrick Blake informed the Minister that their company is a multinational company with operations in Philippines, South East Asia and California in the USA. He confirmed that they are specialist producers for many companies in USA, Canada, China and Greece, producing and buying food crops from Romania, Bulgaria etc. Mr Blake confirmed they would like to establish a plantation for pineapple and a facility for processing the crop in Sierra Leone.
He informed the Minister that they have started preliminary operations in Sierra Leone and have recruited two ex-patriate staff to run their affairs in country. The newly recruited country representative for Sierra Leone is a specialized agriculturist with vast experience of the company’s operations around the World. He outlined to the Minister that despite the fact that the onslaught of Ebola caused their plans to be slightly delayed, they have since restarted their plans and have already undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment for the areas of operations around the country. He announced to the Minister that blueprint of plant and machinery for their operations in Sierra Leone would be modelled around a similar facility they already operate in Philippines which processes around 3,000 tonnes of fruit per day.
The MD also assured the Minister that they have set in motion plans for a swift start in production and have set up a nursery in Indonesia and Thailand to supply seedlings here. The company intends to bring in around 500 containers of seedlings to jump-start their operations, and since the plant is designed to be scaled up, they expect to be producing a branded Sierra Leonean product that will be marketed in Europe in the shortest time possible. They called on the Minister to assist them in finalizing their investment agreement with Government that would secure operational guarantees for duty and other concessions.
Welcoming the Company MD to Sierra Leone, Prof. Monty Jones confirmed that it was his Ministry that would have the initial responsibility to support the establishment of their plantations here and in regard to the processing and marketing of their products, other line Ministries would be taking the lead. He informed the team about the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security’s commitment to the President’s post Ebola recovery initiatives and on that note, welcomed the group’s announcement that they would be providing upwards of 2,500 jobs in the fields of their plantation and in their factories. The Minister offered to expedite the process for ratifying a final agreement provided there are no substantive material changes that would depart from the obligations on Government in the initial MOU agreement signed with the Company.
The Country representative for Sierra Leone, Mr Alex Rivera, showed the Minister some plans based on their production process and in line with their operations in Philippines with which their operational facilities in Sierra Leone will be based. He announced that as soon as all pre-feasibility studies are completed, they are moving straight on to building their plant and setting up their first plantation once completion of negotiations with the land owners are completed.
Dole Tropical Foods have invested around $1 million in plant and machinery already as a sign of commitment to the operations planned for Sierra Leone. With such a global brand, they anticipate that their operations would provide non-farm income to enhance the livelihoods for a significant number of farm families in the Southern Province as they expect to employ women and girls in their processing plants. | http://cocorioko.net/4-000-hectares-of-pineapples-to-be-cultivated-and-processed-in-sierra-leone/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/cd63150db68e321e256dfa8c61281795160515f9ebbc66cc803270c68bc2cdd5.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:48:50 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fthe-case-of-fgm-in-sierra-leone-the-case-of-fgm-in-sierra-leone-to-ban-or-not-to-ban%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BAN-FGM.jpg | en | null | The case of FGM in Sierra Leone: The case of FGM in Sierra Leone: TO BAN or NOT TO BAN? | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Mariama Dumbuya
Perusing through various fora/social media I note the hot debate regarding the banning of FGM in Sierra Leone. The unending “put under the carpet” issue of FGM reared its ugly head to gain the lime light once more because of the death of a 19 year-old lady who allegedly was initiated prior to her demise or died in the hands of the Soweis.
Upon careful reflection, I support the call for our Legislature to speedily enact a law that will clearly ban FGM for under 18 years-old.
However in the case of above 18 years let the individual’s choice prevail. I do not mean to offend but please note that I’ll try to explain clearly the reasons for my stance.
FGM BELOW 18 YEARS
Factually, majority of initiates of FGM are mostly under 18s; so banning FGM will reduce the practice to minimal level or almost nonexistent level. It will be difficult and rare for someone above 18 to willingly subject herself to FGM. In effect, the number of initiates will be drastically reduced.
I read somewhere that Islam supports FGM in order to reduce the desires of women. I wonder why anyone will like to reduce the desire of another by cutting off what God in His wisdom decided to create. There is no reference to FGM in the Qur’an (see Denny Federick Mathewson (2001) in McAuliffe, Jane Dammen, Encyclopedia of the Qur’an, 1 AD, pg 366-367). There is, however, reference to the practice in other Islamic texts. (I intend to get clarification of such references from Islamic scholars).
Every person is born different. Some people are sensitive than others, therefore cutting the clitoris to control female desires is totally unacceptable where there has been NO CONSENT. In this regard, a child initiated might grow up to want a clitoris. It is unfair, inhumane, and a violation of the rights of the child and gross abuse to deprive the initiated girl child of the right to select whether or not to have her clitoris is to be removed at the age of 18 years upwards.
Traditions are good to maintain, but harmful traditions should be discarded. Nigerians used to mark their faces by cutting/marking them with sharp objects. These days that practice or tradition is almost non-existent because Nigerians must have realised that marking/cutting their faces negatively impacts them when socialising with other nationalities.
Our Child Rights Act of 2007 is clear that any person below 18 years is regarded as a child. A child cannot give consent. Therefore, we must sensitise that initiating any child below 18 years is against the Child Rights Act. The Child Rights Act clearly lays emphasis that the duty of upbringing a child is not just left with the parents and family but the community at large.
In canvassing for banning initiation of girls below 18 years, it brings to mind circumcision of boys below 18 years for health (cleanliness) reason. In this case, should it be an exception because of the beneficial nature to keep the penis clean? I hold the view that if indeed circumcision of boys is related to health then there is a justification for continuing the practice.
Can the same be said of FGM?
However, another practice comes to my mind. The practice of piercing ears of girl/ child/ women for beauty purpose. This as we know is mostly done when the girl child is below 18 years. Is this okay to pierce the ears of a child below 18 years because it is traditional practice to most likely enhance the beauty of the girl child? Where do we stop accepting certain traditional practices? Where do we draw the line? Piercing is also painful and can mutilate if not done properly. It’s worthy to note that it is rare to see mutilated ears because of piercing. It is further worthy to note that piercing of ears is found almost all over the world.
Going back to the main subject, we should ask ourselves what is/are the advantageous benefit(s) derived from cutting the clitoris of women and girls of a particular group or culture? If the answer is to reduce sexual desire then I wonder why other women from different cultures are normal yet they have their clitoris intact. Food for thought for our dear Sowies.
The fact that the cutting is done using crude cutting implements poses serious health risk which leaves the community at large with the onus to step in to control the practice. The traditional rites of the Bondo society (excluding cutting the clitoris) should (I’d say must) be preserved because it enhances our culture. I personally love to see the “Bondo devil” masquerade. I love its unique style of dance/dress and the way the mask is carved. Beautiful and artistic. These are unique cultural aspect that we should preserve to maintain and have a unique culture. A society without culture will not stand above societies with culture. We need to preserve our unique culture that the Bondo rites (excluding the cutting) promotes. That is training young girls to be better in a cultural way. This training MUST EXCLUDE cutting of the clitoris.
18 YEARS-OLD AND ABOVE
Where a female above the age of 18 years subjects herself willingly without duress to be initiated or undergo FGM, I humbly state that it is the right and prerogative of such a woman/girl. Our Constitution is clear about freedom of Association. The Universal Declaration of human rights is also clear in that regard. I humbly state that the issue of violence against women has no basis in the context of a consenting girl/woman of 18 years and above. It is not violence where there’s consent and willingness. Some people find pleasure in pain. I need not elaborate. It is hard to face but it is the reality of a democratic society; the right to choose.
What can we say about plastic surgery? Many women undergo plastic surgery and get a botched job scarring them for life; mutilating them for life. Can we stop such a practice done by Doctors? It is not because we do not have such facilities in Sierra Leone but the fact is there’re many Sierra Leonean women who have altered their bodies by plastic surgery one way or another. I see FGM for above 18 years old the same way I see a consenting adult opting for plastic surgery or getting a tattoo. It is their business, solely their business. It is their right as a consenting adult. There’re many other examples of consenting adults exercising their rights.
THE WAY FORWARD
The way forward to control the practice is to ensure that the procedure is done in a safe and healthy way. Therefore, our lawmakers or Government should enact law or regulation that will set a standard for the procedure conducted during FGM. This will serve as a check and guidelines for Soweis to follow and adhere when carrying out the procedure on a consenting adult. There should be penalties in the event of default.
On the issue of girls below 18 years, the government should enact the ban as soon as possible. It is not fair to take away the right to have a clitoris from a girl child who cannot give consent. Let girls decide whether or not they want to have clitoris when they are old enough to make the decision. The Commission set up by virtue of the said Act empowers the Commission in section 11(a) “to keep under review legislation and customary practices relating to children with a view to advising Government, where appropriate, to adopt legislation and other measures so as to ensure their compatibility with the principles and provisions of the convention”.
The Commission is further empowered in section 11(e) to undertake “through professional training, adult education and child rights promotional activities aimed especially at…female genital mutilation…” The Commission is also empowered in the same section to render advice regarding laws relating to children in the spirit of promoting the content of the convention.
THE USE OF THE WORD MUTILATION (Food for thought)
Is it mutilation that is done during initiation? Did the word emanate because certain Sowies do mutilate the bodies of girls/women? We need to have stories/facts from girls/women in Sierra Leone in that regard. We need evidence in that regard. I thus call on Sierra Leonean women who have been mutilated by initiation, cutting of the clitoris, to speak up so that we have tangible facts/evidence to back up/support the word “mutilation”. There’re many girls/women who have had their clitoris cut off yet are highly sexual active and sensitive.
Mutilation according to Oxford Dictionary is “infliction of serious damage on something”. In the light of this definition of mutilation, can one safely say the cutting of the clitoris is mutilation for all? I note that some cutting are extreme thus leading to mutilation in the strict sense; whereas in others the cutting has not affected the women and girls in anyway. I’m personally undecided in this regard. Food for thought.
THE DEATH OF THE 19 A YEAR-OLD GIRL
I do not know whether investigation has been concluded on the death of the 19 year-old girl or case charged to court. However, I wonder if murder will hold. It is my humble opinion that even if she died at the hands of the Soweis, except “intent to kill” (mens rea) is present it will be that of manslaughter and not murder. May her soul rest in peace.
Let me end by repeating that it is high time that our lawmakers take the bold step and amend the Child Rights Act of 2007 to clearly ban FGM or cutting of the clitoris of children because cutting of the clitoris does not promote “the long and short term best interests of the child”. | http://cocorioko.net/the-case-of-fgm-in-sierra-leone-the-case-of-fgm-in-sierra-leone-to-ban-or-not-to-ban/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/2fd45ff570fd7728eeed7e285dbae5a20211ec2b87b928adc0392a5399fcb8fc.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:49 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fsierra-leone-and-brazil-advance-bilateral-relations-in-korea%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/bilateral-golley-2-e1472029090844.jpg | en | null | Sierra Leone and Brazil advance bilateral relations in Korea | null | null | cocorioko.net | The Brazilian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Ambassador Luis Fernando Serra today Wednesday 24th August 2016 paid a courtesy call on Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Ambassador Omrie Golley at the Sierra Leone Mission in Seoul, Korea’s Capital.
The meeting was attended by the Minister Plenipotentiary and Head of Chancery at the Mission, Mr. James Sawi, together with the Second Secretary Mr. Steven Levey.
Warmly receiving and welcoming his Brazilian counterpart, Ambassador Golley thanked Ambassador Serra for the honour accorded to him in visiting the Sierra Leone Mission in the Republic of Korea stating that their meeting was significant evidence of the excellent bilateral relations existing between the two countries. He congratulated the Brazilian Ambassador on the success of the recently concluded Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro. Ambassador Golley stated that the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone considered bilateral relations between the two countries as strategic, and indicated that plans were underway to establish a Mission in the Brazilian Capital in the near future. Ambassador Golley singled out agricultural development as a key sector for closer economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ambassador Serra expressed his delight in visiting his colleague and thanked the Ambassador for the courtesies extended to him on this occasion. He indicated that Sierra Leone and Brazil enjoyed warm cordial diplomatic relations, recounting his earlier diplomatic role as Brazilian Ambassador to Sierra Leone stationed in Accra.
He agreed that agriculture was an important sector for closer economic cooperation and recounted his earlier visits to the country and the potential for increased agricultural production and development. He invited Ambassador Golley to meet with the Brazilian Minister of Agriculture during his forthcoming visit to Seoul in September, maintaining that such a meeting offered a good opportunity to explore avenues for closer economic cooperation particularly in the field of agriculture between the two nations. | http://cocorioko.net/sierra-leone-and-brazil-advance-bilateral-relations-in-korea/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/e2a8bc37e3fe2dcd46bdd795ddb95de9dc22823d951f21a9246e9b094f019ff5.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T12:48:53 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fthe-united-states-supports-njala-universityuniversity-of-illinois-partnership-to-strengthen-womens-role-in-agricultural-extension-services%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/U.S.-EMBASSY-LOGO.jpg | en | null | The United States supports Njala University/University of Illinois Partnership to Strengthen Women’s Role in Agricultural Extension Services | null | null | cocorioko.net | Freetown August 29, 2016
The United States supports Njala University/University of Illinois Partnership to Strengthen Women’s Role in Agricultural Extension Services
On Tuesday, August 23, Njala University in collaboration with the University of Illinois launched the “Network for Nutrition and Gender Integration and Strengthening” to augment women’s role in farming in order to build capacity for increased family nutrition.
The event, presided over by Vice Chancellor and Principal of Njala University, Prof. Ernest T. Ndomahina, was joined by over 130 participants from local NGOs, civil society, youth, the private sector plus dignitaries from the Ministries of Agriculture Forestry and Food Security, Health and Sanitation, and Social Welfare Gender and Children’s Affairs.
The Network is supported by the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future Initiative under the “INGENEAS” (Integrating Gender and Nutrition within Agriculture Extension Services) Project implemented in several countries including Sierra Leone. In Sierra Leone, the Network will be jointly led by Njala University and the University of Illinois, building on their 50-year partnership.
The Network aims to develop the capacities of participating organizations to strengthen their extension approaches to better engage farmers and promote gender equitable production methods for improved nutrition in the community.
To participate in the Network or for more information, contact Mr. Adolphus Johnson, Njala University at 076-727-989; dibijay2003@yahoo.com. For information on “INGENEAS”, visit www.ingenaes.illinois.edu U | http://cocorioko.net/the-united-states-supports-njala-universityuniversity-of-illinois-partnership-to-strengthen-womens-role-in-agricultural-extension-services/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/06655db7a0b094f9e067eaba7445a4099613bd893d13b742ecd1d399c7a85cb0.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:49:16 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fsierra-leone-commended-in-the-aprm-pre-summit-meeting-in-nairobi-kenya%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/aprm-2-e1472233046475.jpg | en | null | SIERRA LEONE COMMENDED IN THE APRM PRE - SUMMIT MEETING IN NAIROBI, KENYA | null | null | cocorioko.net | By ODA Communication Unit
As the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) special Pre-Summit came to a successful conclusion on the 26th August 2016 in Nairobi Kenya, the Continental APRM Delegation has commended the Government of Sierra Leone for making great strides in implementing the APRM objectives that strive towards good governance.
Photo: APRM Sierra Leone Delegation
This commendation was made during the Bilateral Meeting between Sierra Leone and Liberia. Commenting on Sierra Leone achievements on the APRM initiative, the lead panellist of the APRM Panel of Eminent Persons, Fatuma Ndangiza of Rwanda described Sierra Leone as an example of continental best practice in its bid to effectively implement good governance initiatives and that Liberia, which is now preparing for its first peer review could learn a lot from Sierra Leone.
The APRM Special Summit which started on 21st August 2016 attracted National Advisors to Heads of States, APRM Panel of Eminent persons, Members of Civil Society groups, the Media, Government Ministers and also other Heads of Government institutions of Member States of the African Peer Review Mechanism. This Pre-Summit is being held against the background of revitalization of the APRM as a tool for strengthening governance in Africa. The APRM is an innovative and unprecedented governance tool for promoting good governance, and has contributed immensely in transforming the African Continent.
Also the revitalization process has full support and backing of the chairperson of the APRM Forum, H.E Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta; President of the Republic of Kenya.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone was represented by the Hon. Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Madam Nanette Thomas who led a delegation of five including some members of the reconstituted Sierra Leone National Governing Council (NGC), and also the Executive Chairman of APRM, Professor Osman Gbla. However, the Sierra Leone delegation during the summit made significant contributions to the discussions during the summit.
In her statement during the main session of the summit on Tuesday 23rd August, the Hon Minister of Political and Public Affairs, Madam Nanette Thomas elaborated on the country’s implementation of good governance policies, human rights practices; such as: the increased participation of women in Sierra Leone governance, engaging young people and persons with disabilities and so on. She called on African leaders to be committed in the future development of the African continent. She also highlighted the need for the transparent utilization of African resources for the benefit of all. “Africa is an enviable continent and we therefore need to focus and have the zeal and zest to deliver for its people; as Africans we need to dream big and think big and team work makes the dream works – there is unity in strength and we can make a difference in Africa’’ said Madam Nanette Thomas.
Other members from the Sierra Leone delegation including the Executive Chairman of APRM, Prof. Osman Gbla, Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, Hon. J. B. Mansaray Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Political and Public Affairs, and Alphonso Manley made salient contributions during the Summit. Prof. Gbla spoke on the theme of Transformative leadership on Agenda 2063; but with a focus on the role of civil societies. Dr. Abdulai Dumbuya, who is a disabled advocate in the APRM NGC, spoke on the importance of the prioritisation of disability issues in governance and development; whilst Alphonso Manley talked about how Civil Society Organisations should create space for themselves and the need to involve them in governance process. Hon Mansaray deliberated on parliamentary structures that hold leaders accountable.
Moreover, the Sierra Leone delegation is expected to return home on the 27th August, 2016. | http://cocorioko.net/sierra-leone-commended-in-the-aprm-pre-summit-meeting-in-nairobi-kenya/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/3059e3b469be6ecce20956a8840a633bf3ea230e91546c8ede3a232337217b41.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:48:53 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fapc-government-is-transparent-social-welfare-minister-sylvia-blyden%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sylvia-blyden.jpg | en | null | APC Government is transparent : Social Welfare Minister Sylvia Blyden | null | null | cocorioko.net | HONOURABLE DR. SYLVIA OLAYINKA BLYDEN, OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE ROKEL AND CABINET MINISTER, ANSWERS ENQUIRIES FROM PASTOR MOHAMED SESAY, EDITOR OF THE COMMENT NEWSPAPER AND RELEASES FOUR GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS TO HIM UNDER THE RIGHT TO ACCESS INFORMATION ACT NO. 2 OF 2013 – BEING AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION HELD BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES IN THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE.
Sunday August 28th 2016.
To Pastor Mohamed Sesay
Editor
The Comment Newspaper.
Dear Editor Sesay,
I have received your request for information directed to me under the Right to Access Information Act. First of all, I want you to know that this APC-led Government is very transparent and we do not hesitate to release documents to citizens.
Now, I am quite amused to an extent I burst out laughing when you point out that some people, (not you as you are more intelligent), want to compare leaking of that infamous ‘mammy cuss’ tape to the current case of my own official release of a recording that informs my staff and other citizens of corruption in my ministry I am heading; the Ministry of Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs (MSWGCA).
*There is a difference between leaking and officially releasing. Learn it.*
You see, I did not hide behind someone to leak that audio.
Rather, I boldly and officially released the audio using my real identity and my Cabinet Minister position as the source of the released recording. I am the official source.
Furthermore, I don’t need permission from anyone to expose corruption to the general public. Under the Zero Tolerance policy of His Excellency’s APC-led government, we announce and reveal corruption as it happens. We don’t hide it. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for corruption. That is the APC way.
We don’t hide and protect rats when we catch them. That is why, unlike during the SLPP days, we currently allow the public to immediately know the contents of Audit reports as the Auditor-General lays them in Parliament – Instantly they are laid, instantly they are released on Internet – even before His Excellency the President lays eyes on them. We are instantly transparent in the APC led government.
So, I am VERY PROUD of myself for recording the voice of disgraced Permanent Secretary Bockarie Momo Foh as he showcased his criminality live. I have absolutely no pity for him. Not even an iota of pity. This is a man who as Permanent Secretary and Head of Administration of MSWGCA, on July 28th 2016, abruptly shut his office, locked away all essential documents (he hid everything!!!), switched off his phones and went on one month ‘vacation’ without any handing-over note to his deputy (Deputy Secretary). All done just so as to frustrate my leadership of the Ministry.
Mr. Bockarie Foh and those persons backing him, thought the ministry will crumble, grind to a halt and crash so Civil Servants will use that failure to intimidate others that no APC Minister can work unless he/she succumbs to a rotten and corrupt civil service.
*But Papa God na wonderful God*. Look who has crumbled and crashed?
*NA DEN CUP FULL*
Please see the accompanying four (4) government documents which I am now officially releasing as requested by you, under the Right to Access Information act. These documents speak for themselves as to what was happening in that ministry. Quite shameful but totally true. It reached a point where I was forced to be running the ministry this August month with my personal funds.
Yes, it is unbelievable but true that in this month of August as we at MSWGCA worked towards the all-critical presentation of Sierra Leone Government Responses for Child Rights Committee in Geneva next month, and as we were poised to roll out the registration and verification of Ebola Survivors nationwide, Permanent Secretary Bockarie Foh wickedly shut down the ministry’s administrative operations. Similarly, in clear connivance with the PS, the Ministry’s Chief Accountant Mrs. Mariatu Harding, shut her office and refused to work for weeks now saying she is unwell. She handed her office keys to a junior clerk Abdul Gegbai who was already retired since March this year. Mr. Gegbai in turn was never to be seen at the office.
These civil servants all simply decided to ground the administration and finances of MSWCGA. It has been an interesting experience for me.
However, I calmly kept my cool, forwarded the seriousness of the matter to relevant higher authorities and continued to keep my ministry operational with my personal funds.
Yes, over 50 million leones (I repeat, 50 million leones) from my personal funds is what has kept critical activities at MSWGCA operating as the Permanent Secretary and the Chief Accountant just refused to cooperate even in the midst of afore-mentioned very critical needs. Imagine if I was a Cabinet Minister who did not have such amounts in my personal account? The ministry would have simply grounded to a halt.
The relevant authorities all know this that I am revealing to you today upon your request.
On 16th August 2016, the Government’s Accountant-General Mr. Kebbe Korouma, who was on holidays in London, upon receiving my highly distressed call on him to step in, was shell-shocked over the phone at what I was explaining to him.
Right there from London, the Accountant General had to order a fact-finding mission the next morning at 8am led by a senior deputy accountant general Mr. Kainwo to go and confirm the amazing facts that it was indeed the Minister Hon. Dr. Sylvia Blyden, who was now forced to be singlehandedly running a whole government ministry from her personal funds to the tune of millions and millions of leones.
The confirmed report with documentary evidence is on the desk of the Accountant General who has now returned to Freetown and has promised to be at the ministry first thing tomorrow.
However, despite the Accountant General’s intervention, the remote control to frustrate me to resign my position, continued unabated. This, you can see, from one of the attached documents dated 17th August 2016, which was given to me in the same evening of the day Mr. Kainwo led the fact finding exercise. This document is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many, many more evidence of the frustrating obstacles that continued to be thrown in my way. It was clear, very clear, that what certain powerful persons needed was for me to be frustrated to extent of tendering my resignation from the ministry.
It all sounds amazing but it is all true. In the last two months since I reported the AFCOM conspiracy, I have seriously been subjected to very humiliating and frustrating exercises to molest me and subdue my enthusiasm to serve this country and the President. To my mind, it was all being done so that I will give up and resign. But I decided to stand my ground – even in the face of lack of support from where I needed it the most.
So on this Sunday, I have nothing but Thanks & Praises to my God Almighty for the wonderful display of his assurance in Psalm 46:10 of the Holy Bible.
*Be Still and Know that I am God.*
I am also SUPER PROUD of myself for letting the World know of the corruption by releasing the audio in my official capacity as the Cabinet Minister – after I had first informed both His Excellency the President and the Honourable Attorney General.
I don’t see anything that I have done wrong. People are just angry that indeed the APC is proving to be a transparent regime – at least in the Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs sector under my patriotic and selfless leadership of that sector.
I am a very proud patriot with no skeleton in my cupboard. I have always, always, always served my country with great and passionate devotion and dedication which is why I have been severally identified for high honour by two Heads of States in person of late President Alhaji Dr. Ahmad Tejan Kabbah who gave me an high National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Rokel at tender age of 35 years and now by my President His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma who has honoured me now twice by twice appointing me to high offices; for which HONOUR I will remain grateful to him forever.
I am a patriot. A very proud one too.
As we say in our local parlance, Tiffman na for catch am en expose am.
When you ketch arata, na for wap am.
If anyone knows I am involved in any corrupt practise in my duties as a Cabinet Minister, na for go report me na Anti Corruption or to Police or record me in corruption and release it! Until then, any arata run before me na social welfare, ar day wap am.
Yes, I do note that some have pointed out that the arrested Permanent Secretary is the younger brother of the Honourable Vice President. I can here confirm that the VP has personally told me of his displeasure with the way his younger brother was behaving when I verbally reported to the VP; not once, not twice but three times now! To an extent it was the Hon. VP who first made me be aware of what are ‘flimsy files’ when the VP expressed disappointment to learn the PS had never been following the flimsy file system that is so important in civil service administration. The Honourable VP is fully aware of my frustrations with his brother’s administration of MSWGCA and I have not found our Honourable VP to be wanting at all in that direction. Infact, to my personal knowledge, the VP one time even asked the number two man in civil service (Secretary to VP Dr. Julius Sandy), to caution his brother one day when I made a serious verbal complaint to the VP. I therefore urge people to totally separate the two men in this saga. Mr. Momo Bockarie Foh was arrested by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) in his capacity as an errant Permanent Secretary caught in corrupt acts. He was not arrested as the brother of the Vice President. Let’s maintain the clear distinction please.
I want to end with a reiteration that last week’s miraculous events of such a divine intervention in exposure of Bockarie Foh, Mariatu Harding and Abdul Gegbai, have only strengthened my Christian Faith. I cannot stop praising my God. Even though I got malaria flu on Thursday and I had to rest, I am still singing praises of my God from my sick bed. Oh what a wonderful God I serve!
What a mighty God we serve
What a mighty God we serve
Angels bow before Him
Heaven and earth adore Him
What a mighty God we serve!!!!!
So Editor Sesay of The Comment newspaper, you can quote me and re-share this message alongside the four government documents I am releasing to you upon your request. They are being given to you under your constitutional rights as a citizen in this our democratic republic.
Sincerely,
© Hon. Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden.
Minister of Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs. | http://cocorioko.net/apc-government-is-transparent-social-welfare-minister-sylvia-blyden/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/ac47eb0a2336a5d70c02a0045fbe2243568ce8b08353064cb0e6e7e36a944158.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:54:16 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fmaternal-infant-child-mortality-in-sierra-leone%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BREASTFEEDING-e1471943432734.jpg | en | null | Maternal, infant, child mortality in Sierra Leone | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Aruna Turay
Sierra Leone’s decade long civil war has been mapped out as being
responsible for the country’s low standards in the reduction of
maternal, infant and child mortality and also its insufficient
infrastructure and healthcare which has ranked the country 183 out of
187 on the Human Development Index of 2002.
Investigating on how to reduce maternal, infant and child mortality in
Sierra Leone, this reporter between June and July 2016 spoke with
Sierra Leone’s senior Obstetrician/Gynecologists, Dr. Alimamy Philip
Koroma who is currently a Senior Medical Superintendent at the
country’s only existing maternity hospital, Princess Christian
Maternity Hospital.
Dr. Koroma said despite the Government of Sierra Leone’s tremendous
effort to reduce maternal, infant and child mortality and above all
transform the country’s healthcare delivery system, it is still
recorded that maternal mortality ratio is 1,165 per 100,000 live
births (Demographic Health Survey 2013).
He said the country has the highest infant mortality rate in the world
at 117 per 1,000 live births and a total fertility rate of 4.8 with a
contraceptive prevalence of only 11% with 25% of married women having
an unmet need for family planning (2013 DHS).
He said an estimated 20,000 women live with obstetric fistula,
cervical cancer: over 500 new cases diagnosed annually with nearly 400
deaths.
Despite the free government maternal healthcare, Dr. Koroma informed,
levels of service delivery for basic and comprehensive obstetric care
remains inadequate due to the low numbers of healthcare providers in
the country.
He said access to specialized women’s healthcare is extremely limited
largely due to a lack of trained providers, and there is no in-country
OBGYN postgraduate training program.
The doctor furthered that Sierra Leone has only 2 full-time OBGYNs
practicing, and that they are both located at the national maternity
referral hospital (PCMH) in the capital of Freetown.
He said the lack of women’s reproductive health providers, including
physicians, clinical health officers, midwives and nurses is a major
reason for increased maternal and infant mortality in the region.
On reducing maternal, infant and child mortality in the country, Dr.
Koroma recommended that government increase structure by having more
equipped national referral centres and Peripheral Health Units taking
care of maternal mortality and comprehensive maternal cases.
He recommended an increase in skill workers to manage emergency cases,
deploy more doctors countrywide to respond to emergency care and
sensitize the public on the need to attend antenatal clinic among
other things.
—
Aruna Turay | http://cocorioko.net/maternal-infant-child-mortality-in-sierra-leone/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/397aa43d6da8259d855f310d8a14dfa23cb9f92f4c0a1447efeaeb0b0d28c0bb.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:55:37 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Ftragic-death-of-a-sierra-leonean-in-the-netherlands%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AB-e1472120236312.jpg | en | null | Tragic death of a Sierra Leonean in the Netherlands | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Ernest Mason : Our Correspondent
There is still unclear information after an incident in which a Sierra Leonean, Umaru Sesay, died Saturday afternoon in Goes, The Netherlands.
Both locals and friends have given different version of events that took place prior to his death.
Umaru Sesay died in the presence of the police after they tried to keep him at bay with pepper spray.
Little Theatre
A local resident who wishes to remain anonymous saw Umaru Sesay for the first time in a park around the corner. It would have looked like he staged a sort of charade. He took his clothes a few times on and off, folded them neatly and put his clothes in a trash can.
According to police, the man was unresponsive and therefore they used pepper spray to keep him under control. Then he would have become unconscious. Agents tried to resuscitate him, but to no avail. He died on the spot.
Absolutely harmless
The neighbor expressed surprise that the police used so many vehicles in the operation. “In no time, Umaru was surrounded by five police cars. “The man was simply approachable and looked absolutely harmless.” Another local resident heard him talk even while cops pushed him to the ground. He asked the officers if he could stand up.
Children witnessed the incident happened at the house of a Syrian refugee family. Two of the children saw the man ran naked through the streets. They also found his phone on a lawn around the corner and gave it to the police. The whole event has made a negative impression on the boys.
Psychological problems
Umaru lived temporarily with a friend in Goes in the Beech Street. Umaru lived with his friend because he had psychological problems. Why pepper spray , the two met once in the refugee center in Middelburg. They are originally from Sierra Leone. Ibrahim wants to wait for the police investigation, but he has big doubts about the performance. So he wonders why it was necessary to use pepper spray on someone who had no weapon and was harmless, according to him. | http://cocorioko.net/tragic-death-of-a-sierra-leonean-in-the-netherlands/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/3bcdfa60b1ee0b04c4ecde164ff0fd43fbf3c1cba6dbb6ac73b048040f74afda.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:48:30 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fstrive-a-great-success-madam-zuliatu-cooper%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/cooper.jpg | en | null | STRIVE! A great success - Madam Zuliatu Cooper | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Kadrie Koroma
The Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation II, Madam Zuliatu Cooper has disclosed that the Sierra Leone Trial to Introduce a Vaccine against Ebola (STRIVE) has been a great success.
Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation II, Madam Zuliatu Cooper
Addressing her audience on the Final Update and Celebration of the STRIVE Ebola Prevention Marklate Clinical Trial on Tuesday August 23, 2016 at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, Madam Zuliatu Cooper noted that without the participation of 8, 000 Sierra Leoneans health care and frontline workers and the communities they would not have achieved a positive result. She recalled some two years ago when the Ebola Virus Disease epidemic struck the sub-region, it exposes the fragile health systems and the absence of clinical research capacity particularly with regards to therapeutic and vaccine trials.
Madam Cooper described the event as a big achievement noting that Sierra Leoneans with support from partners within a short period were able to plan and successfully implement and manage a big clinical trial of the highest standard.
She reiterated that the partnership between the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) would serve as a model to achieve the core mandate to maintain and improve the health of the people of Sierra Leone, and the availability of an Ebola prevention vaccine control.
The Deputy Minister said that they are proud as a nation, that they rose to the challenge and worked together to develop and implement a world class clinical trial that has the potential to help prevent another Ebola epidemic from happening. The lessons learned from STRIVE she added would help cope with future clinical trials and other research work that would help improve the health status of Sierra Leoneans.
Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy, Ms. Laurie Meininger described STRIVE as a truly public health victory they all can be proud of, adding that it is the first vaccine clinical trial in Sierra Leone and more remarkable is the fact that STRIVE was planned and conducted in the midst of the largest Ebola outbreak in history.
She stated that the clinical trial is truly an outstanding example of what can be done in the spirit of collaboration and partnership, noting that through the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other agencies, the United States government supported the trial with significant resources and equipment.
Laurie Meininger informed her audience that they are here to celebrate the clinical trial and thanked the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences for being outstanding partners.
The Deputy Chief of Mission said the United States is very proud to stand besides Sierra Leone and celebrate the success, and looks forward to many more years of continued partnership and collaboration.
Principal Deputy Director, Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Anne Schuchat described STRIVE as a groundbreaking partnership between the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences and the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
She said the largest Ebola epidemic to date and the partnership successfully developed and implements Sierra Leone’s first marklate clinical trial including training staff, building infrastructure, and developing partnership across sectors and regions.
Other speakers include the Acting Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of Sierra Leone, Prof. Sahr Gbamanja, and an overview of the Ebola epidemic outbreak in West Africa by STRIVE Principal Investigator, Dr. Mohamed Samai.
The programme was chaired by the Director of Policy, Planning and Information, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Samuel Kargbo. | http://cocorioko.net/strive-a-great-success-madam-zuliatu-cooper/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/4529295378eced56d77abf5a6fa5e9dc944bd89293f94c3e5edb92b7879207ae.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:53:48 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fogp-award-csos-and-partners%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/KHADIJA-SESAY.jpg | en | null | OGP Award CSOs and Partners | null | null | cocorioko.net | The Open Government Partnership (OGP) Secretariat in the Office of the President on Friday 19th August, 2016 presented certificates to Civil Society Organizations, the media and other partners at State House in Freetown, as part of government’s acknowledgement of the outstanding role being played by the OGP Steering Committee comprised of government, CSOs and the fourth estate.
Vice President Ambassador Dr Victor Bockarie Foh thanked President Ernest Bai Koroma for the establishment of the Open Government Initiative (OGI), and observed that the OGI platform has demonstrated government’s maximum level of commitment towards strengthening transparency and accountability. He said there is nothing to hide from the public hence encouraged the OGP directorate to capture in its annual work plan more than the obvious.
Director OGP/OGI Khadija Sesay said the OGI/OPG process has closed communication gaps between government and the people through transparency, accountability and firm partnership with CSOs as well as the participations of the Steering Committee. She recalled that eight years ago President Koroma created the space to share government’s activities in areas of socio-economic development, by bringing the people closer to government, and the government closer to the people through facilitated discussions and dynamic participatory secessions.
Madam Sesay disclosed that with support of the Steering Committee Sierra Leone has been able to master the OGP practices and exchange ideas with other countries, noting that the OGP process is being driven by the Steering Committee. She said the process has entered a stage where OGP now incorporate governance’s core practices to meet international best practices. Presidential Spokesman Abdulai Bayratay in an overview of OGP said President Koroma subjected himself to public scrutiny of civil society and the media close to the 2012 elections through peer reviews, to ensure public accountability and transparency in governance as recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.
United States Embassy Economic and Commercial Officer, Scott Risner congratulated government for the first National Action Plan and for the country’s consistency in pushing transparency and accountability in the OGP process.
Special Adviser to the President and Coordinator Sierra Leone International Benchmarks (SLIBS), Dr Joseph Sam Sesay emphasized transparency and accountability in the management of donor funds allocated to local and international Non-Governmental Organization.
Dr Sesay said donor funds are being received by NGOs for and on behalf of the country thus the people deserve rights to know how such funds are being spent on national development programmes as transparency and accountability are major commitments of the National Action Plan. Budget Advocacy Network Coordinator Abu Bakarr Kamara said the OGP process will continue to make progress.
Marcella Samba Sesay of Campaign for Good Governance in a vote of thanks highly acclaimed President Koroma for signing the OGP letter of intent in 2013, saying that the OGP is here to stay. She commended Ministries Department and Agencies for their cooperation with the secretariat.
The certification ceremony was climaxed with the presentation of trophies to awardees by the Hon. Vice President Ambassador Dr Victory Bockarie Foh.
OGI/OGP Media and Communications Unit
For further information, please contact: +232 76 470 400 | http://cocorioko.net/ogp-award-csos-and-partners/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/1528ea4b6f882a8860d15c9b75139cd44c6651745f8dcbeba105de8b7a827ed5.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:48:13 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fembassy-chengdu-aidi-eye-hospital-sign-china-sierra-leone-africa-brightness-for-free-project%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/embassy-chengdu-aidi-eye-hospital-sign-china-sierra-leone-africa-brightness-for-free-project/ | en | null | Embassy, Chengdu Aidi Eye Hospital sign ‘China-Sierra Leone Africa Brightness for Free Project’ | null | null | cocorioko.net | Ambassador Koroma spoke on Friday, 26th August, 2016 in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, at the signing ceremony of ‘China-Sierra Leone Africa Brightness For Free Project” with Aidi Eye Hospital.
It would be recalled that two weeks ago, the Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone and the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Minister of Health and Sanitation signed an agreement on behalf of their governments for Chinese Ophthalmologist team to carry out Cataract Surgery in Sierra Leone.
The ‘China-Sierra Leone Africa Brightness For Free’ agreement with Aidi Eye Hospital is spearheaded by the Embassy in China and is expected to be implemented after the initial signed MoU Between health ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone.
The programme also works towards strengthening cooperation through blindness prevention and treatment, with the Aidi Eye Hospital sending a medical team to Sierra Leone to perform free cataract surgery.
Speaking, Ambassador Koroma said, he was happy that the programme was revived by Dr. Yao Xiaoming (Professor and Chief Physician in ophthalmology and post graduate tutor of Jinan University) and Mariatu Kargbo, a Sierra Leonean celebrity in China, since it was started three years ago, but could not make progress due to some challenges at the time, amongst them the ebola outbreak. “So we have to thank Dr. Yao and Mariatu for their cooperation with the Embassy in reviving the programme and for their support”, he said.
The Embassy, he assured, would work closely with the hospital for the arrival of the team of doctors to Sierra Leone, to perform the free cataract surgery, at a date to be determined. “We stand ready to cooperate, collaborate and facilitate efforts that could see this cooperation grow.”
Though this is the first phase of the partnership, he called for “exchange visits by specialists from Aidi Hospital to Sierra Leone and short term trainings for Ophthalmic Nurses and Health Professionals from Sierra Leone.”
Ambassador Koroma also thanked the hospital management for facilitating the donation of 1pac of C30 Emergency/Transport Monitor and 2pcs of CM600 6-channal Electrocardiograph machines to by Shenzhen Comen Medical Instruments Co. Ltd, Sierra Leone, through the Embassy.
In her statement, Chief Executive Officer of Aidi Eye Hospital, Zhang You said, she was happy that they have been invited by the Embassy to conduct the free cataract surgery in Sierra Leone, assuring of the departure of the medical team, when a date shall have been agreed on.
She pledged their continued commitment to work closely with the Embassy for better cooperation, assuring of their dedication to performing their duties diligently.
The appointment of Mariatu Kargbo as Aidi Eye Hospital’s Goodwill Ambassador climaxed the signing ceremony.
Aidi Eye Hospital, according to a released official brochure, is a large-scale international hospital that is specialized in ophthalmology, with a RMB 150 million and in possession of 200 planned beds and over 160 professional medical, technical and nursing staff.
The hospital’s programme in Sierra Leone shall be the first in Africa.
John Baimba Sesay
Information/Press Attaché
Sierra Leone Embassy-China | http://cocorioko.net/embassy-chengdu-aidi-eye-hospital-sign-china-sierra-leone-africa-brightness-for-free-project/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/6715bf9d3a133aa112b2452a99bd76c65c0d3ddf56bf1482dab026fd74fa5a2d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:29 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Farmed-robbery-on-the-increase-in-bo-town%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ARMED-ROBBERS-1.jpg | en | null | ARMED ROBBERY ON THE INCREASE IN BO TOWN | null | null | cocorioko.net | **
Incidence of armed robbery attacks is on an alarming increase in the Bo municipality.
Speculations of these are evident in the statements and interviews conducted by our reporters with the victims after robbery in Bo.
Some of the victims whose names and locations remain sealed for editorial justifications revealed seen gigantic men with full military wear, armed to the teeth with guns and cutlasses and with torch lights on their foreheads.
Alarming spate of armed robbery has become a serious concern for residents in Bo especially when the robbers have resorted to not only carting away properties worth over millions of Leones in a split of a second, rather they rape the helpless and vulnerable female victims with flagrant disregard for age or size.
Made worse, they now amputate male victims who pose resistance to them.
Reports say Durbar ground and Queen of the Rosary School were recently ransacked.
About a stone throw to the Bo East Police Station, armed robbers have on countless occasions raided the Mesima community *leaving untold, irreparable, unimaginable and irreconcilable havoc on their victims*.
A day ago, one pregnant woman was raped whilst his legally wedded husband was forced against his wish despite several plea to watch and make commentary of the ignominious scene. Houses of notable personalities in Bo have not been spared either. One of the victims who preferred anonymity said he was severely beaten and hit with a matchet by the armed robbers and threatened to kill him if he attempted alerting police personnel.
A female victim alleged recognising two of the robbers whom she identified as regular officers…
While Bo residents ponder in vain as to the source of the arsenal and military wears used by these robbers, much is not being done by the police to curb this appalling trend of insecurity.
Youths whom I ran into said if the police who are known for protecting lives and properties have so far proven inept in addressing armed robbery menace in the Bo municipality, the Police hierarchy should instead grant them permission to arm themselves; apparently as a self defence strategy.
No official release has been made by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, South on the alarming rate of armed robbery attacks on defenceless citizens in Bo town.
Conspiracy theories are rife that residents in Bo and the country as a whole are sceptical about the protectors of lives and properties, *one wonders WHY AND HOW*
*© JONATHAN HINDOLO KURABU, D Catalyst*
jhindolokurabu@gmail.com | http://cocorioko.net/armed-robbery-on-the-increase-in-bo-town/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/445acd874bb528e53d7e76dd493e48ca4d421e64d30fec33eea7fd6ce8b918bb.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:50:45 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fminister-of-tourism-thrills-students-of-limkokwing-university%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AMBLUK-2-e1472027311675.jpg | en | null | Minister of Tourism thrills students of Limkokwing University | null | null | cocorioko.net | The excitement that followed the visit of the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Sidie Yahya Tunis at the Limkokwing University in Sierra Leone was phenomenal. From the administration to the students everyone appreciated the visit by the team from the tourism and cultural division of government. The visit which took place on Tuesday 23rd August, 2016 at their Hill Station campus was the first of its kind since the establishment of Limkokwing in the country.
Facilitated by the National Tourist Board, the session rejuvenated the hope of students offering tourism studies whilst simultaneously bringing the students closer to the world of work.
In an open show of devotion to duty, Minister Tunis renewed his commitment to rebrand Sierra Leone through the tourism industry. The students listened patiently but anxiously as the Minister expounded on the countless benefits that are associated with the development of tourism and culture in Sierra Leone. The students could not conceal their admiration for the Minister as evident in their unending applause following his speech to them.
Rebranding Sierra Leone through tourism is a project that the students have embarked upon with direct supervision of lecturers. The Minister, Sidie Yahya Tunis encouraged students of Limkokwing University to concentrate on their studies since employers are looking forward to employing professionals.
The General Manager, National Tourist Board, Yassin Kargbo challenged the students to do more not least because they were fortunate to attend a university that focuses on industrial approach to education. With his ‘young professionals’ slogan, he ignited a feeling of excitement in the students, an excitement to learn and be the change that they want in society. He concluded that the National Tourist Board was prepared to partner with Limkokwing for the future development of tourism education in the country.
Chairperson of the Monuments and Relics Commission, Isatu Smith stated that the doors of the Commission and the museums are open to students for research purposes. The remarks by the Chairperson were directly proportional to the assertion by the Tourism Minister “that most tourists do not come to Sierra Leone to sleep in 5 star hotels but to learn and enjoy our rich cultural heritage.”
Director of Culture in the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mohamed Jalloh underscored the fact that over the years, there was an acute lack of thinking on the part of students noting that students were not thinking ‘out of the box.’ He lamented that the industry lacks the pre-requisite capacity to forge ahead hence the need for creative thinking in rebranding the country.
The University authorities were delighted to host the tourism professionals in their campus and used the opportunity to thank them for the visit.
Limkokwing University of Creative Technology is a private international university with a presence across Africa, Europe and Asia. With its main campus in Malaysia, the university has over 30,000 students from more than 150 countries, studying in its 12 other campuses in Botswana, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Swaziland and the United Kingdom.
Mohamed Faray Kargbo
Education and Outreach Officer
Monuments and Relics Commission
23 Pultney St
www.mrcsl.org | http://cocorioko.net/minister-of-tourism-thrills-students-of-limkokwing-university/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/a2ef6d7ff30d0f99cc9ff3256493fb875dac34963a766f9e03bb351a825fc79d.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:49:51 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fsierra-leones-vp-meets-zimbabwe-president-robert-mugabe%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/sierra-leones-vp-meets-zimbabwe-president-robert-mugabe/ | en | null | Sierra Leone’s VP meets Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe | null | null | cocorioko.net | Sierra Leone Vice President Victor Bockarie Foh arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday evening to officially open the 106th edition of the Harare Agricultural Show today.
VP Foh, who is standing in for President Ernest Bai Koroma, was welcomed at the Harare Internal Airport by Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko, Ministers Christopher Mushohwe (Information, Media and Broadcasting Services), Joseph Made (Acting Foreign Affairs) and senior Government officials.
He immediately proceeded to State House where he paid a courtesy call on President Mugabe.
Speaking after meeting President Mugabe, VP Foh hailed the Zimbabwean Government for a warm reception.
“We have been well-received, and my delegation is very comfortable here.
“This is my first time to be here and I am impressed. That is what I can say now,” he said.
VP Foh’s delegation comprises Minister of Information and Communication Mohammed Bangura, Minister of Agriculture Professor Monty Jones, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperations Isata Kabia, and five other officials of the Sierra Leone Government.
The show, which began on Monday will end on Saturday under the theme “Climate Resilience: The New Agricultural Frontier.”
Last year, Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, officially opened the 105th edition of the show.
THE HERALD NEWSPAPER | http://cocorioko.net/sierra-leones-vp-meets-zimbabwe-president-robert-mugabe/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/583e9d40aef26c1d65197a16d7ee555a64866420a31331f6ca84e35dc5eea5d8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:04 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fpolice-engage-national-youth-council-on-strategic-matters%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/FRANCIS-MUNU.jpg | en | null | POLICE ENGAGE NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL ON STRATEGIC MATTERS | null | null | cocorioko.net | Titus Boye-Thompson, Communications Expert
Inspector General of Police Francis Alieu Munu held a high level meeting with the National Youth Council to discuss pertinent issues on youth engagement, community participation and the need for young people to develop themselves in readiness for leadership for the future. In speaking at a closed door meeting with some members of the Executive of the National Youth Council, The Police boss admonished them to be law abiding citizens, cautioned them that when someone gets convicted of a criminal offence, that puts the future of that person in jeopardy as the prospect for public elective office, high public positions and even Presidential appointments would be denied them. He demonstrated this to the youth leaders by saying that even the prospect of visas to travel will be denied because of a criminal record. A crime is a crime, even the lowest of crimes are all criminal and any contravention in the law that results in a police and criminal record puts your future at risk, the IG advised.
FRANCIS MUNU
The National Youth Council is a national organization with representative networks in every Chiefdom, District and Province of Sierra Leone. Replying to the instructive comments by the Head of Sierra Leone’s Police, Mr Ibrahim Tholley, President of the NYC thanked the Police supremo for what he described as a pep talk to them, offering them the opportunity to enjoin the Police at that strategic level. Mr Tholley informed the Inspector General of Police that the strength of the NYC is based on the fact that they are everywhere in the country. He stated that there are Youth Leaders in every Chiefdom in the country and in some areas, young people are truly engaged in local governance. He told the IGP that the NYC ifs fully decentralised and they are empowering youth leaders to engage with governance authorities including the Chiefdom, District and Provincial Secretaries and their secretariats. He welcomed the Inspector General’s invitation to operationalize a national framework for collaborative working between the NYC and the Police so that young people can be given access to lines of communication at local, regional and national levels.
The NYC President informed the Inspector General that while they condemn excessive force, they are aware as young people that whatever they demand as of right is accompanied as responsibilities and therefore, they are working to educate young people to be more patient and reasonable in the way they conduct themselves and react to issues that could possibly be resolved without such mindless violence and the rampage of youths in an unlawful demonstration.
Speaking about youth lawlessness, the Inspector General addressed the NYC Executive about the rights of others, stating that young people should be mindful that their actions do not impinge on the right to free enjoyment of others, that they do not cause panic and rampage and that when foreigners witness these lawless behaviour, they report bad things about the country and it may be the very young people themselves with the most to loose as investors would be afraid to come here to set up businesses. The IGP stated that it is the duty of the police to ensure that the security of the state is maintained and that there is a conducive environment for freedoms to be maintained. That is why government is serious about providing the right infrastructure of good roads and energy to attract investors. The Police and the Security Agencies ensure that the state is secure and that law and order prevails and the primary responsibility for that lies with the Police. The IG also touched on the perception that Sierra Leoneans are generally seen as not being honest, people bring in investment and open up businesses but our people would steal from these investors and run down the business. Employees go on strike for needless causes and they misuse property belonging to the companies.
On the whole, the meeting was very cordial and several avenues were explored for actualizing a strategic arrangement between the Police and young people. The NYC informed the IGP of their close working with the Ministry of Youth, recounting several mutual engagements wherein the Executive members have had a chance to interact with the IGP and other stakeholders.
In closing, Inspector General Francis Munu informed the youth leaders that they should use their good offices to ensure that those who were at the forefront of the incident in Kabala report to assist the police in the ongoing investigations of damage to life and property. That they should ensure that this matter is resolved to the satisfaction of all and in keeping with the tenets of the law in Sierra Leone. He informed the Youth Leaders that no one would be unduly incarcerated and that the investigation is progressing swiftly but it would be helpful if those who were strategically placed to identify the culprits and those who damaged property to come forward and assist the process. He told the Youth Leaders that all the Police wants is their cooperation. The Police welcomes their willingness to engage and to set up proper structures for future engagements and deliberations on such issues before they are turned into such conflagrated mischief. | http://cocorioko.net/police-engage-national-youth-council-on-strategic-matters/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/2005add8fea686874588ebaf0bee71e400973e2beea57e3e165aa9010f464f18.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:48:51 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Faddressing-graft-should-be-a-bottom-top-approach%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/corruption-e1472550621867.jpg | en | null | Addressing Graft Should Be A Bottom Top Approach | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Anthony M. Bangura
It was three years after independence, during the regime of Albert Margai, when corruption reared its ugly face in some areas in the public and private sectors of the country’s economy. I see corruption as the number one enemy of Sierra Leone. It is like cancer that spreads like a wildfire in the hermattan. It is time that all patriotic citizens declare war against this enemy which eating deep into the fabric of the nation.
The enemy has to be destroyed. If we fail to do that, then it will continue to destroy our society. To be able to destroy the enemy we have to be able to fight this particular war collectively. Individually, we can be helpful, but collectively, our actions would be more effective, and it would be easier to destroy the enemy. The war has to be fought on all levels such as the presidential level, the senior ministerial level, the junior ministerial level, senior official level, and the subordinates
It is a war that has to be fought with zest and all should cooperate and be ready to disclose whatever information we have to the designated authorities. It is a war in which the churches, the mosques, the schools, and the local organizations should get involved. If the war is fought as outlined, the enemy is sure to be destroyed, which will make all Sierra Leoneans live decent lives as is the case in the rest of the civilized world.
We all have seen how the enemy has influenced the minds of politicians, military and rebel leaders who ruled Sierra Leone. Their minds were completely taken over by the enemy that they became monsters and treated their fellow Sierra Leoneans like substandard human beings
To be exact, Albert Margai was the Prime Minister when the economy started going bad because of corruption. People were dissatisfied with his leadership; they did not like where the country was heading.
But now if we as Sierra Leoneans work together we can fight corruption and win the battle.
First of all, Sierra Leone has a very bright future as long as we keep doing the right thing. President Koroma is doing a marvelous job. The problem is that people want all the changes to take place over night, and it does not work that way. There is no magic wand when it comes to government bureaucracy. To get things done takes a while.
One positive way to stop corruption in this country is to give the people reasonable wages. The salary scale is terrible compared to the cost of living in Sierra Leone. Agreeably this government has made laudable efforts to increase minimum wage in both the public and private sectors but much still needs to be done to raise the people above poverty and corruption which many say are inseparable bedfellows.
The health sector is also a corrupt place to look at. As we commence post Ebola recovery, the government should take an introspective look at the health sector to stamp out graft as it has over the years led to lose of lives. Some patients die because they do not have money to pay hospital bills, some doctors have a private clinic and they mandate the patient to go to their clinic and they charged them huge amount of money, some doctors do their operations on patient at night in their private clinics.
President Koroma and his government are in a tight fight against corruption and we as Sierra Leoneans should also help in the fight to eradicate corruption as we have done to fight against Ebola.
President Koroma cannot fight corruption alone. As the government is a government of the people, for the people and by the people, we should all join hands to fight corruption and win the fight against this war which started in the sixties under the leadership of the SLPP?s Albert Margai. | http://cocorioko.net/addressing-graft-should-be-a-bottom-top-approach/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/8f0fa1b3bd2255cdefa026a4a58185cd1a6098cbdfef20dd510f8af613b6990a.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:50:22 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fambassador-alimamy-p-koroma-calls-on-shandong-iron-steel-group-to-start-processing-raw-iron-sierra-leone%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/DENKU.jpg | en | null | Ambassador Alimamy P. Koroma calls on Shandong Iron/ Steel Group to Start Processing Raw Iron Sierra Leone. | null | null | cocorioko.net | Sierra Leone’s envoy to China has called on Shandong Iron and Steel Group Co. Ltd in Shandong Province, North of China to strongly consider processing raw ore in Sierra Leone into finished product given the company’s huge presence in the country through its operations in the Tonkolili District.
Ambassador Alimamy P. Koroma made the call on Tuesday 23rd August, 2016 in Jinan City, during an official visit to the company’s headquarters following which, was a conducted tour on the company’s Iron/Steel Processing Plant, which now employs 15,000 personnel, with an annual production capacity of 6.6 million tons.
Ambassador Koroma said, processing raw ore into finished product in the country will not only help in building the country’s economy as well as in creating job opportunities, it will also eventually see a boom in the production level of the company as well as expanding their presence in the country.
Shandong Steel, he said, is the largest single investor and employer in Sierra Leone and as such the country shall continue to give premium to her relationship with the company, emphasizing “we shall continue to treat our relationship with you very seriously”, further committing government’s support to the company’s operations.
He said, he was pleased to learn of the company’s full operations in the country though with challenges “which will surely be overcome, with the good news that price of iron ore is now improving.”
Ambassador Koroma, during his meeting with the Group, also paid tribute to the late Moseray Gibriel Fadika, commending his initial role in African Minerals and later in its transition to Shandong Steel.
His death, he said was a great shock to the country and called for a minute of silent prayers for his departed soul.
Shandong Steel’s Vice President, Tao Dengkui briefed Ambassador Koroma and entourage on the company’s operations, highlighting the challenges they have been going through so far in Sierra Leone.
In an optimistic mood, the Vice President said, with price of Iron Ore now improving in the global market, they have started operations again in Sierra Leone, also assuring of their commitment to sustain their operations in the country in diverse ways.
Shandong Iron and Steel Group Co. Ltd is a Chinese state-owned enterprise, established in March, 2008 with its Jinan based Iron & Steel Company Ltd engaging in smelting, processing and sale of steel products.
In 2015, it acquired African Minerals Ltd’s 75 per cent stake in the Tonkolili Iron Ore mine in Sierra Leone eventually giving it 100 percent ownership of the equity of Tonkolili Iron Ore (SL) Limited.
John Baimba Sesay
Information/Press Attaché
Sierra Leone Embassy-China | http://cocorioko.net/ambassador-alimamy-p-koroma-calls-on-shandong-iron-steel-group-to-start-processing-raw-iron-sierra-leone/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/a7ca9e79511907295a29fd53a0eee48a2daaf2ee5ba9c1d6701ece8457a7ec7c.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:51:18 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fsierra-leoneans-beware-of-the-work-of-the-devil-and-his-agents%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Tony-Bee3-1.jpg | en | null | SIERRA LEONEANS BEWARE OF THE WORK OF THE DEVIL AND HIS AGENTS | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Tony Bee, Sydney, Australia
As I used to say, not because I am currently living in a relatively peaceful country with my family, therefore, I should forget about the wellbeing of my brothers and sisters’ Sierra Leoneans in the country. In view of that as a true and honest concerned Sierra Leonean living thousands of miles away from my small but rich country call Sierra Leone, I am always concerned about its peace, security, progress and development.
The fact is I have no two countries of birth. I only have one, which is Sierra Leone. Even when I am filling some documents, in many cases some forms asked for place of birth. Which is an indication that if you are a foreigner you should not forget about where you came from. Therefore, as a foreigner in Australia, I always want my country, Sierra Leone to be safe and developed.
I also believe that there is no Sierra Leonean who was born in Sierra Leone and travelled to other country that have two original birth certificate of his or her citizenship. Whether good or bad Sierra Leoneans have no two countries of birth certificates. If he or she has, is a fake one. Even the children we are giving birth to some of the foreign countries we live, they only have one country of birth certificate, which is Australia if he or she is being born in Australia, American birth certificate, if he or she is born in America etc. Therefore, home is home. There is no place or country sweeter than one’s his or her own home country.
In view of that we that live abroad, we should always have the thinking that we only have paper citizenships of other countries. Which we normally call “citizen-by paper” not by birth. Such citizenships are of no guarantee. Because, sometimes they could be easily taken from us at any point in time, especially for certain reasons, including when committing heinous crime. There are some Sierra Leoneans who have been in America but now, for one reason or another they cannot go there.
So if you failed or deliberately refusing to give peace and development a chance in the country and it happens that for any reason, your citizenship by paper is taken away from you, where will you go or run to? You will have nowhere to go because you have been inciting violence and war in the country. Therefore, you will be afraid or fear to return home because of lack of patriotism and nationalism as a true Sierra Leonean because of self-destructive interest. Therefore, you will end up exiling yourself forever without anybody exiling you.
But if you allow peace and development to take place in the country and things are good for you and you want to go home and rest or help the country in its development or things seem to be a bit difficult for you, like any other Sierra Leoneans living outside the country, he or she will easily have a safe place call Sierra Leone to return and help to develop the country or rest.
In view of that we should give peace and development a chance in the country. Let us don’t allow our political ambitions, political hatred, grudges, tribalism or regionalism to overcome us at the expense of the hard earned peace that our poor people are currently enjoying. Look at what is currently happening in South Sudan. How poor innocent people are suffering in their own country. I will not even talk about what is taking place in the Middle-East because many of us know the satanic activities that is presently going on there. Peace loving citizens of those countries are crying for peace every day.
In view of that peace is a very precious commodity. Therefore, by all costs we should not allow it to slip from us. Due to the fact that, lives are always valuable and useful where there is peace. But where there is no peace, lives are valueless or useless, as such they are completely meaningless, because individual or group can easily take your life and property no one to question him or her. In view of that, wicked and unpatriotic politicians should stop manipulating the intelligence of the vulnerable people, especially the youths in the country.
As I said, if you make the country ungovernable or unsafe, if you are booted out of Australia, Asia, Canada, Europe or America, where will you go to, especially now that Europe and America are becoming difficult places to live? In fact now it is not easy for one to go to those countries to settle or to seek refuge, many of us know about that very well.
So if you make Sierra Leone become unsafe, by creating all sorts of inciting violence and war political mushroom groups to promote such ungodly and unpatriotic attitudes and behaviour in the media, especially social media, do not think you will have a hiding place in Europe or America. As for Australia, that is completely impossible. Therefore, you are doing yourself more harm than good. Because you will not be allowed to seek refuge there or if you are living there you will surely be kicked out from that country because you cannot destroy your own country and hope to go and live on another country’s tax payers’ money.
It is an open secret that many of our brothers and sisters living in Europe and America their minds are shaking every day because they do not know their faith because of the current political situation in those countries. Their faiths are currently in limbo, especially those that living there unlawfully, without proper papers. Some of us we are presently in sympathy with them because of their unknown dark future in America, especially if Donald Trump wins the elections and he is to implement his draconian internal and international policies, especially against foreigners.
Therefore, you Sierra Leoneans that writing all sorts of direct or indirect inciting violence, war and unpatriotic comments because of political hatred, individual differences, grudges, tribalism and regionalism in the country at the expense of the poor masses, where will you go to tomorrow, father for bid it if Sierra Leone is to go on fire again? You will have no place in Australia, Asia, Europe and America to stay as I already stated
Please let us always put Sierra Leone first in whatever we do, particularly in terms of its peace, safety, security and development. NO country in this world can develop without peace and the safety of its citizens. The fact is NO genuine businessman or woman or investor will like to go to unstable country to invest his or her hard earned money that will bring job opportunities for the people of that country.
Therefore, patriotic and nationalistic Sierra Leoneans should always be alert for the security of the country. The fact is enemies of peace, progress and development are not sleeping. They are always working 24/7 round the clock to find ways and means of implementing their diabolical evil plans against the country, especially the political power hungry hunters. They are always looking for a loophole so that they will go to the top of Mount Everest to make unpatriotic comments at the expense of the nation’s peace.
They do not want to know about the suffering of the poor and powerless people they will cause in the country. Their concern is to have power by all costs. That is why some of them for any small skirmishes of violence in the country they will go to the peak of the hills and mounts to misinterpret the situation to suite their hidden agendas.
In view of that Sierra Leoneans both in and out of the country should always beware of Satan and his agents of self-destruction. Therefore, we should not take any piece of information lightly. Let us don’t forget how Foday Sankoh and his Libyan Green-Book Sierra Leonean lieutenants’ war started in the country. It’s started by rumours, but by then such rumours were taken with a pinch of salt. Many times those who were the evil planners of such unforgettable suffering in the country were the first to dismiss the rumours to April-fool the people in order to hide their satanic devil incarnation plans against the country.
Therefore, wherever there is smoke, in many cases there is always fire underneath. As a result, I would like to urge all peace loving and development oriented Sierra Leoneans not to neglect or easily dismiss the alleged audio clip that was said to have been made by a woman in the internet. Who was allegedly informing Sierra Leoneans in the internet that, there is a diabolical plan to attach the country from Liberia the border. It could be by the Liberia border or elsewhere. Whether it is true or not, such news should not be neglected. Such threats should not be just dismiss so easily and go to our beds and sleep if we do not want history to repeat itself. All tough security measures should be put in place in order to always be on-top of things, especially in case of unexpected event/s in the country.
Therefore, our patriotic and nationalistic dynamic security men and women should always be alter to treat accordingly any trouble maker/s in the country. No one is above the laws of the state. In view of that they should not easily dismiss any rumour of pending violence or attract in the country and go into their rooms to sleep, particularly now that the elections fever is in the corner. They should work on such information with all seriousness it deserves.
One thing with white people, no piece of information is useless to them. Any information they received, they will trace the source of such information. Even if it will take them a number of years to prove that tips they will do that. Like the said audio clip they will trace it origin or source and also like the alleged guns that were said to be used by the youths in Moyamba during their fracas in that place, they will leave no stone unturned in tracing the source of those guns.
When the devil, Satan and his agents wanted to confuse Sierra Leoneans about the rumour of Liberia been attacked by unknown people using camouflage military uniforms and a Sierra Leonean woman in an audio clip in the internet was alleged to have informed the nation that unknown people were planning to attack the country from the Liberia border, that was the time we lost one of the most outstanding patriotic Sierra Leoneans in the country, Moseray Fadicka. His untimely death was completely over shadowed the entire rumours about the alleged pending attack in the country.
The fact is, the agents of destructions want us to forget about the rumour so that they will continue their ungodly plans against the country.
What happened recently in Kabala and Moyamba, makes me think to be a tip from the iceberg, if we don’t stand firm as Sierra Leoneans to say no to enemies of peace. Despite it was alleged to be youths versus state security – police. If the gallant securities would not have been on-top of the two ugly events in the country, what would have happened? Was it going to be like another South-East of the country in the early 90s?
However, I really felt sad when I heard the loss of precious lives during the satanic situations in the country. Therefore, I will like to extend my sincere condolence to the bereaved families of the lost souls and to the entire country.
Nonetheless, considering some of the evil things that are currently happening in the world, especially in West Africa. Particularly the devil, Satan and his agents of destruction that are roaming in the region, there should be NO chance taking. In view of that the current suspension of the two (2) senior police officers should Not be used as a yardstick by enemies of peace and development to continue manipulating the poor and uneducated suffering Sierra Leoneans, especially the youths in the country. It should NOT also be used as a means to demoralise the high spirit of the hard working patriotic police in the country, because they have a sacred duty to perform as security men and women of the state, which is to maintain law and order.
In view of that, any demonstration or a so-called peaceful demonstration in the country, especially any demonstration that loots properties and burns houses or buildings should not be treated lightly because it is no longer a demonstration.
All over the world a peaceful demonstration does not loots properties and burn houses or offices. Therefore, no reasonable patriotic Sierra Leonean will call a barbaric and vandalism demonstration peaceful demonstration. Only those who believe in violence or war will call it peaceful demonstration.
Therefore, our able professional security men and women should use their professionalism skills within the law to put under control any forms of barbaric or vandalism attitudes and behaviour in the country. They are charged with the responsibility of protecting the lives and properties of their fellow citizens in the country, and to maintain law and order.
Therefore, peace, progress and development oriented Sierra Leoneans please, always pass on any relevant information, particularly concerning the country’s safety and security to the appropriate authorities. In view of that, as peace, progress and development loving Sierra Leoneans, we should always be watch men and women for the safety of the nation. We have tasted war, therefore we need NO more war, enough, is enough for us now.
Therefore, I am encouraging all patriotic peace and development loving Sierra Leoneans to fervently pray day in day out for the safety of the country and the nation as a whole. We should also pray for some of our brothers and sisters who think and feel that violence or war is the only tool to use for their political success in the country to stop such unpatriotic satanic negative thinking against the country. | http://cocorioko.net/sierra-leoneans-beware-of-the-work-of-the-devil-and-his-agents/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/b30164fcfc98a9f1fe649b659a051f5779a7de74f6f58f5d2a4ae6a83b355ed8.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:49:04 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fflashback-four-things-nobody-can-deny-about-president-ernest-koroma%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/EBOLA-FREE-3-e1446863451490.jpg | en | null | FLASHBACK : FOUR THINGS NOBODY CAN DENY ABOUT PRESIDENT ERNEST KOROMA | null | null | cocorioko.net | First written DECEMBER 1, 2015
By KABS KANU :
1. He is a very hard working President who even takes his work home. In his waking moments, he is always working hard to bring desired changes to the country. He went all over the country to provide needed education and social mobilization to our people to help bring the EBOLA outbreak to an end. No sooner had the outbreak ended than he was on the road again , travelling to all parts of the country to thank the people. This is what people mean when they say he is a hands-on President. He is always at the helm of things. Sierra Leoneans are blessed to have such a President. In some countries, you do not feel the presence of a President. The citizens are all on their own, even in the West. Una deny me, ba ? But in Sierra Leone, the President is visible and his work is seen, not just heard about.
2. President Koroma always has a good vision for his country. When it is not the Agenda For Change, it is the Agenda For Prosperity and the many flagship projects he has going on presently in the country . Where there is no vision, my people perish, the Good Book says. President Koroma is not only a visionary. He is a man of action, fighting to put his vision to work. If we had such a visionary leader in all our trials since Independence, Sierra Leone would have been a far better country today than she is presently. That is why the opposition cannot put their acts in order. They are mesmerized by the colossus that is President Koroma and until they begin to work under his shadows, the APC will always win elections in Sierra Leone.
3. President Koroma delivers. Since he came to power, he has delivered infrastructural and other development projects. A woman living here in Somerset, NJ, danced herself almost to death when she heard that apart from the roads that have been paved in her native Moyamba, now the town will soon have pipe-borne water again. This Harfordian is so happy because she loves her Moyamba. And she is a proud Mende woman who also said when she visited Sierra Leone two years ago, her perspective changed when she saw the development projects President Koroma has accomplished. She said she decided to dump the partisan politics craze because it has been rendered foolish and whoever develops her country is the person she will support.
4. President Koroma is the toast of the UN and the international world. Whenever he comes to Washington DC or New York or London etc . for international meetings, world leaders scramble to praise him and try to acquaint themselves with him. They know that he is the glue that has held together a once strife-torn, dangerous and unprogressive country. The Western media are mischievous and petulant but their leaders are smarter than them and they are more honest and understand national development more than these unschooled zombies who called themselves media petsonnel. I trust and respect Western leaders more than their negative media that only want to stereotype Africa whole day
Sierra Leone is blessed to have a leader like President Ernest Koroma. These facts above are four things no honest person can deny about him. | http://cocorioko.net/flashback-four-things-nobody-can-deny-about-president-ernest-koroma/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/6adcd61e6a857250ce4d07b27c630c7f3a33e3f4303b060bc80c5af444e5311b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:57:15 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fremembering-pa-shaki%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PA-SHAKI.png | en | null | REMEMBERING PA SHAKI | null | null | cocorioko.net | TODAY is THE BIRTHDAY of Late President Siaka Probyn Stevens, the founder of our party and the third post-Independence leader of our country and our first Republican President.
From what I have learnt of Sierra Leone politics in the twilight years of my life, I have profound respect for him and I believe , with all his mistakes ( We all make mistakes ) , he deserves love from us because he made a lot of socio-economic and political developments which are still visible and also he helped unite the country. | http://cocorioko.net/remembering-pa-shaki/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/1c8937ecaf22627f7272d6de2f2d57342ed56c2d70adda0a1dc1a28e9c2352af.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:56:48 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fwe-have-come-out-with-a-renewed-determination-on-c-10-president-koroma%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/agendasec1-e1472032596783.jpg | en | null | We have come out with a renewed determination on C 10 - President Koroma | null | null | cocorioko.net | We have come out with a renewed determination on C 10 – President Koroma
By State House Communication Unit
President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has said that the African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10) on United Nations Security Council Reform had come out with a renewed mandate and determination on the reform of the United Nations Security Council after a successful meeting in Kigali about two months ago. He made this statement during a courtesy call on him by the ambassador and Special Envoy for the United Nations Affairs, Mr Seiichi Kondo, at State House today Tuesday August 23, 2016.
Mr Kondo is in the country to not only strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, but also extend an invite from the Japanese premier to President Koroma to attend the sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-VI) to be held in Nairobi from August 27 – 29, 2016.
The president noted that the African position is a simple request, adding that considering the number of issues discussed at the United Nations on Africa, the continent is asking for a fair representation on a permanent as well as temporal basis. While noting the use of the veto and other issues in trying to understand the African position, President Koroma underscored the need for a specialized meeting between the C-10 and the G4 nations to further address the African Common Position. He also expressed similar sentiments with the Japanese Envoy on growing and strengthening the economies of African countries that lessens the dependence on international donors, and thanked the Japanese government for its continued support particularly during the unprecedented Ebola outbreak.
In his statement, Mr Kondo said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was impressed with the transformative leadership of President Koroma and recounted the successful outcome of the meeting on the African Common Position three years ago in Yokohama. He pointed out that the African Common Position on the reform of the UN Security Council is a top priority as well as strengthening African economies.
In another development, the Special Envoy from Venezuela, Ambassador Eduardo Median Rubio, formally presented an invite to President Koroma to attend the revival of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) conference slated to take place from September 17 – 18, 2016. The Non-Aligned Movement is a group of states which were not formally aligned with or against any major bloc during the cold war. | http://cocorioko.net/we-have-come-out-with-a-renewed-determination-on-c-10-president-koroma/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/12c52ae7a1f381f267a9973d5d3ee79569222e9e0f979758756fa515debda176.json |
[] | 2016-08-28T14:48:12 | null | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fcongratulations-to-new-honorary-consul-general-isatu-timbo-nwokedi%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/TIMBO.jpg | en | null | Congratulations to new Honorary Consul General Isatu Timbo-Nwokedi | null | null | cocorioko.net | Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Isatu Timbo-Nwokedi received another glorious feather to her cap on Friday as she was inducted as Sierra Leone’s new Honorary Consul General for Los Angeles , California , by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Nations , His Excellency Mr. Bockarie Stevens, in Washington , DC. FULL REPORT COMING FROM PRESS ATTACHE, PASCO TEMPLE.
Meanwhile, we at COCORIOKO congratulate you, Mrs. Timbo-Nwokedi, on her latest promotion in the cause of our nation. We are confident that you will excel in your new position as you have done in other capacities.
We also thank His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma for another vital appointment in which he has once again put the right person in the right place. We congratulate the President for continuing promoting the principles of female empowerment in governance in our beloved nation.
God bless you, sir . | http://cocorioko.net/congratulations-to-new-honorary-consul-general-isatu-timbo-nwokedi/ | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/0f7ae5f7e2446cf57bd6fb5d5421b7b9302a97b6fc6e734fae63c63785a1d68b.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:52:21 | null | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fspeedboat-capsized-2-dead-8-survived%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/SPEEDBOAT-ACCIDENT.jpg | en | null | Speedboat Capsized -2 Dead, 8 Survived | null | null | cocorioko.net | By Sheik Sesay
==================
A speedboat, called Paper Tracer that ply between Kissy and Lungi Terminals is reported to have involved in an accident in the early hours of Wednesday, 24th August, 2016.
According to report, the boat was on it first trip to Lungi at around 7:30am when it had the accident. It had onboard 9 passengers and the captain. Two reportedly died while eight survived. The passengers, sources say, had safety jackets on.
The accident was attributed to the shortage of Ferry as for the past one month only one ferry has been operational.
According to LUC CSP Amara Sesay of the Lungi Division he had instructed his support officer to conduct a daily checkup on the operations of the boats but noted that the unavailability of ferries poses a big challenge.
He said, he has on several occasions instructed boat owners to cease operation whenever there is bad weather forecast but that they have failed to adhere.
The LUC maintained that ferry problem must be solved before pilgrimage to Mecca or the situation will be compounded. | http://cocorioko.net/speedboat-capsized-2-dead-8-survived/ | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/f1390938730dd1d5a7602c76160268837ea3800dbf3a86e032c9d33ef7377957.json |
[] | 2016-08-30T10:48:48 | null | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fkabala-youths-show-remorse%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/EXTRA-EXTRA.png | en | null | KABALA YOUTHS SHOW REMORSE | null | null | cocorioko.net | Titus Boye-Thompson, Communications Expert
Young people in Kabala have shown remorse, regretting the unseemly incident in the last weeks when they went on rampage in the District Headquarter Town, burning down public property and a fracas that resulted in some deaths by shooting. In a packed meeting at the Council Offices on Saturday 27th August 2016, Youth Chairman of Kasongo Youth Council and vice Chair of Koinadugu District Youth Council made a passionate plea for clemency on behalf of all young people in the District and particularly so for the District Youth Executive, some of whose members have fled the District to avoid criminal investigation and prosecution.
Yapoh Sesay informed the gathering of stakeholders, the Police and other members of the community that the youths are now regretful for their impulsive action and stressed that Kabala Youths have always been peaceful and law abiding. He commented on the leadership style of the erstwhile District Youth Chairman as one of inclusiveness, having brought in measures to engage young people across the District through establishment of local youth councils and networks to ensure that the voice of young people are heard and that their actions are more coordinated. He lamented the incident that have caused lives of young people to be lost and the burning of public buildings as an issue that was not properly handled and that for the wanton destruction that has been caused, the young people are now very regretful for their actions.
Yapoh Sesay was quick to stress that he was absent when the incident started due to an issue that demanded his attention at Kasongo, alongside the chief and other elders of that community. He praised the District Youth Chairman as a person who had love for Koinadugu District citing that his first achievement upon taking up office was to solve an outstanding issue between the Paramount Chief of Komboya and the Youths. He however reiterated a point made by a previous speaker who raised issue about Police Officers who have served for a long time in the community, indicating that when that happens, they tend to act with some degree of impunity and disregard for local traditions and customs.
He raised particular issue about a certain Inspector of Police who he said was known to have a bad relationship with youths and was in effect in constant conflict with them. “I want also to appeal to the authorities in saying that that the demonstration was not intended to be violent or aggressive.” He said. He recounted reasons why in his own opinion, demonstrations are not reasonable ways of venting disaffection in African countries because of the way errant, disgruntled and misguided youths would drag such activities to lawlessness and mayhem.
The second in command of the Youth Council apologized for what happened. “I only wished that the youths had waited until the President returned to seek his counsel on the matter of the Youth Village before going to such extent to bring violence and lawlessness in this District,” he concluded.
The Inspector General of Police Francis Alieu Munu responded to Yapoh Sesay’s impassioned plea that he would request that inventory be taken of the items at the Youth Centre and for the young people to continue to enjoy that facility but observing the curfew that is still in place. IG Munu also promised to state the position of the Police to the presiding Magistrate on account of those held in custody that subject to the proper guarantees and sureties in place, there would be no objection to them being granted bail.
IG Munu also acquiesced to a request from the Minister of State, North for the release of bikes owned by young people that have been held at Kabala Town and Mongoh. He also promised to act on the request by Femi Mansaray, MP for a Police Post at Bafordia. The meeting which was attended by luminaries in Kabala was agreed that the youth action to demonstrate that resulted in such wanton loss of life and property was ill advised and impulsive.
The stakeholders however pleaded on their behalf for some consideration that Kabala has always been a peaceful society and that they are committed to strengthening the local institutions and networks, especially the Chiefs to be empowered so that they can exercise more control and authority over the people. | http://cocorioko.net/kabala-youths-show-remorse/ | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/bd482fbf2c8a80ce8378c957f78c06d2894e121615ce69004f7a8ea0ae0a9474.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T18:49:34 | null | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fcocorioko.net%2Fwe-will-work-diligently-with-the-eiti-president-assures%2F.json | http://cocorioko.net/we-will-work-diligently-with-the-eiti-president-assures/ | en | null | We will work diligently with the EITI - President assures | null | null | cocorioko.net | By State House Communication Unit
President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has registered firm commitment that his administration will work diligently with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process. He made this commitment when receiving the EITI Chair, Fredrick Reinfeldt and Head of the EITI Secretariat, Jonas Moberg at State House on Thursday August 25, 2016. According to the State House Chief of Staff, Saidu Conton Sesay, who led the delegation, the purpose of the visit was to follow up on domestic development and chart the road map on the EITI process.
President Koroma noted the importance of the EITI as a world agency in the management and use of natural resources adding, that Sierra Leone being a participant of the EITI process will significantly be beneficial to national development. Welcoming the new measures of the process, he informed that his administration has introduced processes and measures which will increase revenue generation and propel national development. | http://cocorioko.net/we-will-work-diligently-with-the-eiti-president-assures/ | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | cocorioko.net/4fdcecacd5a22c20dcc55a53dc1a2e790a634eaa3f48f46c16bfd1836e5db6df.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:50 | null | 2016-08-05T00:00:00 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tlc-online.co.uk%2Freviews%2F.json | http://www.tlc-online.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/adobe-logos.jpg | en | null | TLC Online | null | null | www.tlc-online.co.uk | null | http://www.tlc-online.co.uk/reviews/ | en | 2016-08-05T00:00:00 | www.tlc-online.co.uk/f23b69dfd39a80a5e401db60e9c293fce1e1e53cb2f80414761acc83359ec877.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:03:29 | null | 2016-06-22T10:14:41 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tlc-online.co.uk%2Ffuture-internet-risk-say-global-web-experts%2F.json | http://www.tlc-online.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Wendy-Hall.jpg | en | null | The future of the Internet is at risk say global web experts | null | null | www.tlc-online.co.uk | Global web experts, including Professor Dame Wendy Hall from the University of Southampton, have warned that the future of the Internet is at a crossroads and we must act quickly to safeguard its future.
That is a central message of the Global Commission on Internet Governance’s One Internet final report and recommendations, released today at the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Digital Economy in Cancún, Mexico. Chaired by former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, the Commission’s report contains a wide range of concrete recommendations that will contribute to improved Internet governance and help to secure a positive digital future.
Taken together these recommendations will secure the openness, transparency, security, and inclusivity of the Internet. The Commission is calling on policy makers to implement these recommendations and ensure the Internet remains the world’s most important infrastructure.
Professor Hall, who is Executive Director of the University’s Web Science Institute, said: “The action outlined by the report must be taken soon so that we can create an environment of broad, unprecedented progress where everyone can benefit from the power of the Internet.
“The choice of not making a choice is, in itself, a choice – one that could lead to harsh consequences. We risk a world where the Internet is closed, insecure, and untrustworthy – a world of digital haves and have-nots. The action outlined by the report must be taken soon – if so, we will build a world of broad, unprecedented progress where everyone can benefit from the power of the Internet.”
The Commission’s report contains recommendations that address a range of issues. It recommends, among other things, that:
Governments should only intercept communications and collect and analyse data over the Internet for legitimate, open and legal purposes, which does not include gaining domestic political advantage, industrial espionage, or repression.
States should coordinate and provide mutual assistance to limit damage and deter cyber-attacks, and never shelter those linked to the commission of cybercrimes.
To support innovation, new technologies must remain compatible and based on open standards, openly developed. Innovators should ensure that their creations conform to these principles of openness to ensure that the technology remains a platform for future innovation.
Refugees should be provided with access to the Internet by host governments or as part of an aid package from international donors.
Professor Hall added: “The Internet is the most important infrastructure in the world. It is the world’s most powerful engine for social and economic growth. To realise its full potential, the Internet of the future must be open, secure, trustworthy, and accessible to all.
“The Commission has built a roadmap towards ensuring the future of the Internet. If the roadmap is adopted, the Internet will continue to be civilisation’s most important infrastructure. If the roadmap is ignored, the Internet’s power to build a better world will erode. The time to choose is now.”
The Commission is a two-year initiative of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and Chatham House, two independent think tanks who convened 29 commissioners and 45 research advisers – a diverse group of academics, cyber-security and human rights experts, leaders in the worlds of business and government, and technical experts to articulate and advance a strategic vision for Internet governance.
For more information on the Commission, and to see the report and all of its recommendations, please visit: www.ourinternet.org. Follow the commission on Twitter @OurInternetGCIG. | http://www.tlc-online.co.uk/future-internet-risk-say-global-web-experts/ | en | 2016-06-22T00:00:00 | www.tlc-online.co.uk/20bb34cb18b5ce415e58ef568e51e4163f6508981b2077ca7773fe3274160614.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:54 | null | 2016-07-27T03:05:52 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fwill-a-scheduling-software-be-valuable-to-small-businesses-76630.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/calendar.jpg | en | null | Will a Scheduling Software Be Valuable to Small Businesses? | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Scheduling employees can be very daunting, especially for an entrepreneur who has just started out a business. Automatic staff scheduling is a cost-effective solution to the usual HR nightmare issues. Scheduling should not be that hard for a corporate business that opens 9am to 5pm. But things are different with restaurants, retailers and hotels where business hours extend beyond 8 hours’ workday. With these kinds of businesses, no one really knows when a rush would hit and when there will be a lull. Hence, an Automatic Scheduling Software is a God-sent tool for all small business entrepreneurs.
A software that customize the staff’s availability and do automated scheduling of employees can be really handy, on top of doing your other needs like online customer booking for 24/7. However, just make sure that this would not mean passing the toll to your employees. Janette Navarro who worked at Starbucks related how a scheduling software left her with so little time for her family and even for her sleep. She was scheduled to go home almost midnight and asked to report early morning the next day. However, none of this can happen if the employer or supervisors are sensitive enough to their employee’s needs.
The biggest advantage one can get from an automated scheduling software is saving time and money. “Staring at an excel sheet to organize the employees’ schedules can be such a headache”, Deborah Sweeney, CEO of MyCorporation.com said. “However, employing a scheduling software that analyzes different factors and suggest the most practical schedule will save all your effort”, she added.
The use of an automated scheduling tool will relieve the pressure you have on your back. However, Deborah warned that this tool can never be used as a replacement of entrepreneurial institution. After all, you can’t just simply rely on the algorithms of automated scheduling programs; otherwise you will end up facing some troubles.
The mental stability of your employees counts a lot. And if they feel that their employer cares enough to maintain their good quality of life, they tend to be more productive and happier. And this can never happen if you schedule them in such a way that will stop them from spending time with their family and friends. And this is a very crucial part to look into when using an automated scheduling software.
Lastly, choose a scheduling software that would still give control to your employees. This is when they need to be away for a scheduled doctor’s appointment or a planned vacation. Just make sure that they also find someone who will fill in their absence. Be open to them too when they want to discuss some issues. This way, you will be creating a better working environment that will not only benefit your business but the lives of your employees as well. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/will-a-scheduling-software-be-valuable-to-small-businesses-76630 | en | 2016-07-27T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/ab7496df5847355ad6513e4ef124660f0b3541da70d64da3421f8f70eab09879.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:32 | null | 2016-07-26T09:30:55 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fhydro-dripping-the-easiest-way-to-print-complicated-colors-to-3d-printed-objects-40949.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/hydro-dripping-at-home.jpg | en | null | Hydro Dripping: The Easiest Way to Print Complicated Colors to 3D Printed Objects | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Over the years, there were many innovations done to improve printing techniques. This comes along with the increased fabrication speed and improved raw materials used. But one amazing breakthrough is the discovery of 3D printing that allows 3D printing to objects even with the use of complicated colors and patterns. On top of all these, this can be done at a low cost. Such method is called “hydro dripping”.
Printers that can print variety of colors and designs have been with us for some time now. However, it is a fact that not many of us can afford these expensive industrial machines. But recent development called hydro dripping allows consumers to color objects using standard 3D prints from a 3D printer.
Another term for hydro dripping is “hydrographic printing” or “water transfer printing” where manufactured objects can be added with patterns and colors speedily on any manufactured object. This is done with the use of a transparent thin sheet film which bears the pattern and colors. This is dipped on a tub of chemically added water. It has to be laid flat and allow to stay for 60 seconds. Once done, the object will be dipped slowly to the film on the water. And designs and color on the film will bond to the object as it wraps around it.
Hydro dripping has been employed for decades now on many different products. However, this has its own sets of flaws as well. It is hard to use this process for printing that requires precision placement. This is because the dunking process can be unpredictable. It is hard to determine at what specific points of the film will stick with the object. If you are working on a car model’s scaled Formula for example, you have in no way know where the decals, sponsor logos and other featured decals will end up.
However, Zheijiang University and Columbia University are now working to perfect the flaws of the process through creation of stretching simulation during the transfer process and the application of such changes to the film. With the use of computational hydrographic printing, more accurate designs can be possible. This can be done by using precise control of the object’s orientation as well as its dipping location. And ordinary users need not fret about this since the entire system was made on an off-the shelf hardware. Hence, this can be set up with ease even by ordinary users. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/hydro-dripping-the-easiest-way-to-print-complicated-colors-to-3d-printed-objects-40949 | en | 2016-07-26T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/25cc2e5d40c67ece93eb7c52f2c4acb616ff2fd5cb07ef3922ff98d03f3eaa97.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:38 | null | 2016-07-13T12:07:16 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Freputed-wall-street-personality-committed-100-million-fraud-due-to-gambling-addiction-16219.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mr-caspersen.jpg | en | null | Reputed Wall Street Personality Committed $100 Million Fraud Due to Gambling Addiction | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Gambling has taken a toll on many people’s lives. This gave birth to an organization named as “safer gaming” which was launched this year in Malta. This is to promote awareness about the awful condition that gambling addiction can cause to mankind. The best example is Andrew Caspersen. He is a Wall Street golden boy who followed his father’s footstep as a financier. In a private equity world, he makes more than $3.68 million dollar income in a year.
In 2015, Mr. Caspersen offered his family and friends an investment opportunity which received positive response. At the age of 39, he was able to gather tens of millions of dollars from people who are close to him, including his immediate family and Wall Street insiders. However, to everybody’s dismay, Mr. Caspersen came out to be a living lie. It was discovered that all the money he collected were transferred to his own personal brokerage accounts. And majority of the amount was lost in bad stock bets.
“Mr. Caspersen ended up with a shameful charade”, Preet Bharara; South District of New York attorney said. But to Mr. Caspersen’s attorney, there is only one explanation why his client committed a million dollar fraud and this is because of his gambling addiction.
Mr. Caspersen was hooked on Casino games as well as sports betting. “Such compulsive addiction on a stock market betting caused him to end up where he is right now”, stated Paul Schechtman; Mr. Caspersen’s attorney. He lost all his fortune because of gambling and this even includes his $20 million dollar inheritance.
“It is such a tragic case. It is a story of a good individual who had a ferocious addiction which caused damage to those he cared most”, said Attorney Schechtman.
In the federal court, Mr. Caspersen admitted he is guilty and said in a shaky voice that he was ashamed for what he has done. “I have deceived a lot of people, majority of them are my close friends and family. It was not my intention to use this as an investment opportunity. I just needed the money to give in to my gambling addiction”, Mr. Caspersen said.
The case of Mr. Caspersen caused fear through Wall Street where it is very common for billion dollar deals are made among people who rely on relationship and trust. But how can you distinguish the thin line that separates trading and gambling? Traders performance coach Alden Cass answered this when he said; “when the person is no longer using emotional discipline, this makes the big shift of trading to gambling. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/reputed-wall-street-personality-committed-100-million-fraud-due-to-gambling-addiction-16219 | en | 2016-07-13T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/27dcb48f747513a7c1533f2b357e6ba5f58827ab344f540005d417c7d293d32d.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:50:35 | null | 2016-07-18T05:32:52 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fextreme-fat-loss-how-a-crash-diet-worked-for-me-92583.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Favicon.jpg | en | null | Extreme Fat Loss: How a "Crash Diet" Worked for Me | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Life has gone pretty much as I had planned. I got my high school diploma and studied really hard so I could get my college degree. I enjoyed the party life at my university, but only in moderation. I decided I would go ahead and pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer after acquiring my bachelor’s degree. It was really challenging, but I was able to accomplish that goal. I even went on to pass the bar exam and soon after landed my first job. I worked with a district attorney with the long-term goal of having my own law firm some day.
Sounds like my life was going great so far, right? It was, but there was just one problem–I had progressively gained weight since high school.
Here’s a little more background one me. I used to be very lean and athletic in high school. I played several sports and even had the opportunity to make the state playoffs a few times. Participating in sports was a big part of my life.
But I stopped exercising once I enrolled at the university. I put on the “freshman fifteen” during my first year of college. I put on another pound or two each following year, including my law studies. These bad eating habits continued even after I started my career.
The wake-up call for me came as our ten-year high school reunion approached. I looked in the mirror and realized I looked like I was much older than 28. I didn’t want my former classmates to see me this way. But I didn’t have months or years to lose weight. I wondered if I could find a way to lose 20 or more pounds within a couple of months.
That’s when I ran across this Xtreme Fat Loss Diet review. The blogger said it was possible to lose 25 pounds in 25 days if you followed the diet exactly as prescribed. He also warned that it wouldn’t be easy and it isn’t for everyone.
I decided to give it a shot. It was unlike anything I’d ever done, but it worked. My weight started going down immediately, which motivated me to stay with it. I was able to lose 20 pounds in just five weeks.
I decided to go with a less extreme approach to diet and exercise after the class reunion. I have managed to keep the weight off and have even dropped a few more pounds.
People argue that crash diets are terrible for your health. Maybe some are, but this approached help me jump-start my fitness journey. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/extreme-fat-loss-how-a-crash-diet-worked-for-me-92583 | en | 2016-07-18T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/233d25a4f0d0a6dd9cce4740f4e28346c4c05957c3481cb699041f8c6c09177e.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:57:29 | null | 2016-08-06T00:17:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Freforms-to-increase-popularity-of-pro-cyclists-and-serious-athletes-37989.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/cycling.jpg | en | null | Reforms to Increase Popularity of Pro Cyclists and Serious Athletes | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | It has been a year since CIRC (Cycling Independent Reform Commission) reported the professional cycling governance failure to the Union Cyclist International (cycling governing body). This is to bring up the long era of scandal and address past issues so this sport could start for a stronger and hopeful future.
Over the years, cycling faced great challenge which includes cheating scandals and doping strings. This has significantly affected its reputation which scared potential sponsors, turned off fans and tarnished its public reputation. This can be attributed to the absence of the sport’s powerful central organizing body, leading to its uncoordinated governance, erratic changes in team structure and overlapping events.
However, all these challenges did not stopped cycling’s resilient popularity. And spin bikes are still very useful for pro-cyclists and serious athletes alike in maintaining their peak fitness during off season. In fact, this sport has around 3 billion spectators worldwide watching Tour de France. This has made cycling ranked as the third most watched sport which is next to soccer and the Olympics in popularity. If properly marketed and organized, its international fan can expand significantly. According to CIRC, it only needs experienced business management and structural changes for pro-cycling to flourish. This will give birth to greater growth as well as profitability to athletes, organizers and teams.
Among the planned reforms include:
Addressing cheating and doping issues through ethics training program.
New professional certification model.
Creation of new global sponsorship model having exclusive rights.
Conduct more important but fewer events.
Making of a new league structure which consists of 15 to level professional teams.
Giving significant amount of money for the prize, refocusing the fan’s attention to individual championship and season long team.
Exploring modern technologies for a more engaging television content for the fans.
The opportunity to tap true entertainment which will increase cycling’s financial potential is huge. And restructuring this sport’s governance as well addressing its key action terms will be a good way to start its reform.
The best example for such reform is China’s Wanda Group. With the purchase of Ironman Triathron in 2015, a huge step was taken into endurance athletics in 2015. Currently, it owned Lagardere Sports Holdings which includes Hamburg Classics World Tour and amateur sport rides series which are UCI- affiliated. Today, it is known as Wanda Group and has approached Giro d”Italia and ASO owner RCS Sports. Wanda Group has great potential to take the helm as well as point to a new direction. It does not hope to replace UCI as well as its Olympic charter but it runs as a free organization, focusing on all the needed sport disciplines and governance issues. And this is what all cycling organizations which to become. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/reforms-to-increase-popularity-of-pro-cyclists-and-serious-athletes-37989 | en | 2016-08-06T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/1d417a6d6cefc6fffcab959dc3840eadcb8179ed84e7210c1bb625755823f496.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:53:35 | null | 2016-07-14T23:17:43 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fceo-of-marijuana-business-denied-of-a-life-insurance-coverage-60973.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Favicon.jpg | en | null | CEO of Marijuana Business Denied of a Life Insurance Coverage | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Terra Tech is California and Nevada’s grower and seller of cannabis. And this is known to be the largest burgeoning pot industry of the country. Everything has been going well in this business only until its CEO; Derek Peterson got denied for a life insurance coverage, simply because of the nature of his work. This is somewhat surprising considering that even marijuana users today enjoy the privilege of a life insurance coverage, what difference would this be for an ordinary cannabis plantation employee?
Mr. Peterson choose the best life insurance policy by comparing offers and ended up applying to a Fortune 500 insurance company; Mutual of Omaha. But they sent him a letter instead informing him that his application was denied. On the letter it says; “We do not offer premiums to any applicant who have association to marijuana industry”. This is despite the fact that they are willing to insure applicants who are marijuana users. In fact, they have been reputed to offer good rates to them.
Cannabis users are often classified on the same level of category with that of cigarette smokers, regardless in the degree of harm they inflict to the person. Meanwhile of Mutual of Omaha even offer a non-tobacco smoker rate to marijuana users considering that their cannabis consumption is only limited to once per week. When a spokesman of Mutual of Ohawa was asked about applicants who smoke marijuana, he only stated that the act of using marijuana is not enough ground for the applicants’ automatic exclusion.
To Mr. Peterson, he expressed frustration over his situation when he said; if the insurance company will insure a marijuana user, what is the problem with an applicant who operates a business following the state laws?”
On the letter of Mutual of Omaha, the company tried to justify their rejection when it stated; “We are regulated by the agencies of the”, sounding like they have arrived with such decision due to federal prohibition.
But for Mr. Peterson, the decision of the insurance company is hard to understand since he claimed that they are paying federal taxes and follow SEC rules.
“I believe that the decision of Mutual of Omaha boils down to the old archaic beliefs on marijuana. However, things have already changed these days and cannabis has gotten so much better. I have the feeling the this company has made an internal decision when it opted to deny my application”, Mr. Peterson said. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/ceo-of-marijuana-business-denied-of-a-life-insurance-coverage-60973 | en | 2016-07-14T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/73b673417ec6be76db98a0584e647e318208657ff93fd9f25ceac39a41aff14e.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:58:18 | null | 2016-07-26T09:36:09 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fnine-year-old-girl-from-scotland-now-an-in-demand-wedding-photographer-74762.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/regina-2.jpg | en | null | Nine Year Old Girl from Scotland Now an In-Demand Wedding Photographer | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Meet Regina Wyllie; a 9 year old girl from Scotland whose passion in photography led her to a profession that she didn’t expect she can have at her young age. After her first official wedding photo shoots, she has been receiving requests from couples who are planning to tie the knot soon. This youngster maybe too young but her age doesn’t show in her works. And many are now interested for her to document their weddings as well.
“Regina has photography experience for 6 years now”, her father Mr. Kevin Wyllie said. “She was three when she discovered how it felt to be behind the lens. I took her to a mountain bike race photo-shoot and she had her plastic toy camera in a tow”, Mr. Wyllie added.
While Mr. Wyllie was busy shooting for the event, Regina pulled out a compact, small camera and started taking shots. After that experience, she never stopped asking her dad on how to use the camera which even makes photography more interesting to her.
There are many great wedding photographers these days like Raleigh Wedding Photographer and many others. And the best way to identify the best among them is by looking at their work. This is where you can see the passion of the man or woman behind the lens. That’s how Regina’s work turned out to be. On her first wedding photo-shoot, her father took care of the formal photographs while handled the candid shots. Since her works look natural and simply adorable, it made the newly wedded couple and their family very happy. This made her and her father a great team.
When asked by CTV News during her live interview if she was scared while taking wedding pictures, she confidently replied “no” to the anchor. There is just one thing that she finds hard and that is bearing the pain on her feet while standing the entire time as she looks for moments worth capturing for.
Meanwhile, when asked what her father taught her about photography, this was her reply; “Daddy taught me how to adjust the aperture light and how to maneuver the exposure triangle”. This means that the work is no longer foreign to this child after playing with the camera for more than 6 years now.
Regina’s again experienced becoming an official wedding photographer last July 1. And considering her age and talent, everyone can only expect more wedding photography appointments in the following days to come. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/nine-year-old-girl-from-scotland-now-an-in-demand-wedding-photographer-74762 | en | 2016-07-26T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/4f4867dfa1f8a5a88430edf57932524f16c4ebb34443ff4e9fa444ddb6edaadf.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:59 | null | 2016-07-19T05:11:23 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fauto-insurance-rates-are-now-on-the-rise-74186.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/insurance.jpg | en | null | Auto Insurance Rates are Now on the Rise | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Now that the country’s economy is improving, it resulted to job growth and reduced gas prices. And all these factors led to Americans driving more. In fact, the most travelled year in history is 2015 with 3 trillion miles increase compared to 2014. This is around 3.5% increase as per U.S. Department of Transportation. With increased miles, more accidents will also follow. Everything has a domino effect which includes increased insurance claim cost.
“Everything will be more costly. This includes the amount of claim settlements, medical costs, litigation cost and even auto repair”, Jean Salvatore; Insurance Information Institute vice president said.
Joan Schmit; University of Wisconsin-Madison chair of risk management said; “All the expenses will be passed by insurance companies to you as their consumer. This results to increased auto insurance premium as well”.
The said auto insurance increase was validated by the Auto Insurance Consumer Price Index of the federal government when it revealed that there were price increases every month this year. And if you have not felt any change on the rate of your auto insurance yet, Schmit cautioned that it will be coming soon, so be prepared. “Insurance companies are only allowed rate change every 6 months. On top of that, the increase must be approved by the state regulators. Hence, the increase may take a while”, Schmit said.
The said hike can be significant and you will know this on your next renewal. Hence, car owners are encouraged to save and prepare for such change.
One way to save is to shop around for the best offer. According to Salvatorre, getting the best offer may allow you to save several hundreds of dollars in a year. Hence, to be able to choose well, it is your duty to know the company’s type of coverage as well as the exact amount that you will need to pay. Without this information, you won’t be able to compare one insurance company to another.
But according to Schmit, you must not decide basing on the price alone. “The company’s reputation showing that they are financially solvent will assure you that they can pay your claims whenever you need it”, she said. Hence, she suggested that it will be best to include the company’s financial standing in your research.
Also, don’t forget to ask for discounts. If you have taken a defensive course, have paid your auto insurance in full and have installed an anti-theft device to your vehicle, you have more chances of paying lesser for your premium. Moreover, you may also save in your premium if you have been with the same insurance company for many years.
The increase of car insurance rate is something that can be beyond your control but there will always be some ways for you to save a little bit more. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/auto-insurance-rates-are-now-on-the-rise-74186 | en | 2016-07-19T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/78f8045e7f73a6f11a1899421cacff5ce5bb64644cfbea57573ad867026c4487.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:05 | null | 2016-07-28T06:04:55 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fcommon-dilemma-in-finding-adequate-elder-care-85925.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Lura-and-mom.jpg | en | null | Common Dilemma in Finding Adequate Elder Care | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | Laura Katz Olson studied elder care for more than 4 decades now. Her specialization focuses on how social welfare policies relate to long term care. However, the greatest lesson she learned was not at the four corners of her classroom but when she assumed a caregiving role to her own mother; Dottie. She’s old, alone and struggling with her cognitive impairment due to Parkinson’s disease.
“Who would ever think that my mom used to be an athlete and has been very active her entire life?”, Laura related. In her adult years, Dottie won in the Olympic Games held at Florida and received medals in basketball, swimming and bicycle racing competitions. When she retired, she relied on her small Social Security pension to get by. However, she didn’t have other assets or savings that will serve as a cushion at her times of financial needs. In a public housing apartment, she lived a simple life but things changed when she aged 83. She lost her independence due to her Parkinson’s disease. She started having loss of vision too. And because she was 1,200 miles away from Laura, caregiving became a grueling task.
“I thought that the Medicaid program will suffice for my mom to have the care that she need in her own home. However, I was wrong since truth is; there is not enough help for low income elderlies with multiple chronic conditions”, Laura stated.
Under Florida’s Medicaid plan, Dottie only qualified for 10 hours in home care assistance. So, Laura decided to move her mom to Pennsylvania where she lives. She learned that in such condition, children need to fill in the huge gaps and this has definitely created significant effect on her physical, financial and emotional well-being. Laura felt such responsibility to be very overwhelming.
“The social system of the country is stingy and punitive”, Laura declared. Many times, she struggled to contest to prove that her mother is eligible for all the services she needs. She found out that nursing homes in Florida have appalling and negligent treatment for her mother’s post-acute care. She witnessed their indifference to her mom’s cognitive needs on top of the disdain regulation of the government, unpalatable meal and slapdash patient care. This terribly shook her. Her mom ended in a nursing home after she had a bad fall in 2012. Though their goal is to help her recover so she can go home, she never regained the ability to walk again with very limited therapy and negligent care. Hence, Laura decided to transfer her mom to a county nursing home near her where she is receiving decent care. This allows Laura to visit her mom daily too.
Getting old is inevitable but surprisingly, not everyone is prepared enough when this comes. Nothing can be better than getting the assistance that you need without going away from your own home. But the expenses it requires will need long years of savings.
Some people who wanted to increase the quality of senior care and earn income at the same time invest on a senior care franchise. This did not only help them increase their savings but it paved the way to a better elderly care for people like Dottie. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/common-dilemma-in-finding-adequate-elder-care-85925 | en | 2016-07-28T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/c12fdbcf4d67d97786043a9c8588448f02e8a8ed72cd99c368ce96e1c8d74c86.json |
[
"Newswatchngr Staff"
] | 2016-08-26T12:51:06 | null | 2016-07-28T07:15:07 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newswatchngr.com%2Fare-growing-molds-in-your-flooded-basement-something-you-need-to-be-worried-about-41851.json | http://www.newswatchngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/mold-growth.jpg | en | null | Are Growing Molds in Your Flooded Basement Something You Need to Be Worried About? | null | null | www.newswatchngr.com | All households with flooded basements share the same concern and that is on how to pump the water out. However, there are other problems that they need to be more anxious about and these are the growing molds that seem to inhabit on their basement’s walls. This is a common problem if basement waterproofing was not done. If the problem lingers, it will cause so much hassle and this does not only limit on the wall’s aesthetics. Molds will cause problems to your family’s health as well.
“The presence of humidity, regardless of the amount causes mold spores to attach to the wall’s surface and grow”, Philadephia’s Director of Environmental Protection Agency Christina Schulingkamo said. They are the ones dealing with Sandy’s aftereffects this October, totaling to billions of dollars damages on the East Coast.
Anyone who is allergic to molds will manifest symptoms when exposed to mold spores. The person may experience irritation of the nose, eyes, airways and skin. It will start with a mold growth on a damp corner which will ultimately release tiny spores that float on the air. Once this will be inhaled by someone who is allergic to it, the person will start rubbing one’s eyes and sneeze. It can even trigger asthma attack.
For individuals with cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or compromised immune systems, severe symptoms can be experienced like pneumonia-like lung inflammation.
“Interestingly, 10%-20% of the country’s population has mold allergy. Hence, symptoms that accompanies the presence of mold can be very common”, declared Robert Wood; John Hopkin’s Center’s chief of pediatric allergy and immunology. Some families even move out from their homes because of the molds’ toxic effects.
Effects of molds can be fatal, especially when it is ingested. This is because they produce mycotoxins. This comprises large group of chemicals like penicillin as well as mushroom poisons. If these toxins are taken in, they can be life threatening and can create fatal effects just like eating poisonous mushroom or moldy foods. Fortunately, there are no reports telling that same fatal effect can happen when molds are touched or inhaled.
However, in 1990, there were cases of infants whose lungs bleed and this was linked to the housing’s toxin producing molds. However, no one can prove this as the causal agent. But regardless of the degree of their effects, it is important to find ways to do away with molds. Besides, it is still best to keep your home safe. That is why homes with basements must conduct basement waterproofing right from the start. | http://www.newswatchngr.com/are-growing-molds-in-your-flooded-basement-something-you-need-to-be-worried-about-41851 | en | 2016-07-28T00:00:00 | www.newswatchngr.com/8ab4a31a115ffd550919762a4633039ad9611577d1d7ab92bd9ce0a1c8d2e425.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T13:13:21 | null | null | Langley United receives money under B.C. government's community gaming grant program | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fsports%2F391054461.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/BlackNewsMedia-CLR.png?t=12345? | en | null | Soccer club receives $100,000 grant | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | The Langley United Soccer Association has received a $100,000 grant.
The soccer association was announced as one of the recipients under the B.C. government’s community gaming grant program.
“Langley United Youth Soccer does a fantastic job of offering our young people this experience and I couldn’t be happier with the announcement of this grant," said Langley MLA Mary Polak.
The announcement was made last week.
“Soccer is a game that all kids enjoy playing. It is a great way to keep a healthy and active lifestyle while helping kids meet new friends and develop a good support network.”
These grants are awarded under the Sport and Arts and Culture category of the community gaming grant program, which allows non-profit organizations to apply for provincial gaming revenues from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Gaming grants are also awarded in the categories of Public Safety, Human and Social Services, Parent Advisory Councils and District Parent Advisory Councils, and Environment.
Every year, the provincial government approves $135 million in gaming grants that benefit more than 5,000 local non-profit organizations that serve communities throughout British Columbia.
Coaches joining LUSA
The soccer association also recently announced the appointment of two new technical leads in Chelsey Hannesson and Nick Soolsma.
With the club experiencing its highest growth in terms of registration, LUSA first vice-president Arnout Stams said the club needed to create these two new full-time positions to support technical director Mark Parker.
Hannesson, who is from Langley, returns to where she began playing soccer.
She attended Eastern Washington University on scholarship and was the Eagles’ captain for her final three seasons.
Hannesson most recently worked as a staff coach with Richmond Hill Soccer Club in Toronto and prior to that, she was a senior staff coach with Surrey United.
“Having a female coach in the club with such vast experience locally as well as at the collegiate level was an easy decision for us to make,” Stams said.
“Our girls program is growing at the same rate as our boys program and we needed to ensure that all areas were covered. Chelsey’s enthusiasm and passion for coaching will be a benefit to both our girls and boys programs and her experience from the university level in the NCAA will be one that we will be looking to share with our players.”
Soolsma played professionally in both the Netherlands and Australia, as well as spending some time with Toronto FC of MLS.
Both Hannesson and Soolsma begin their new roles on Sept. 1. | http://www.langleytimes.com/sports/391054461.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/f950eb8277211cc56e16e5ea5a0d8a7efab1ddebf6133f6b32c0abe3da35e567.json |
[] | 2016-08-26T12:58:51 | null | null | Carver Xwalacktun and a group of community youth chiseled away at a 500-year-old block of yellow cedar at the Langley Centennial Museum | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.langleytimes.com%2Fentertainment%2F390248501.html.json | http://media.bclocalnews.com/images/71688langley0815-FNCarverweb.jpg?t=12345? | en | null | Photo: Many hands make light work | null | null | www.langleytimes.com | A block of yellow cedar, estimated at more than 516 years old, was transformed by renowned carver Xwalacktun (born Rick Harry), a member of the Squamish Nation, and a group of community youth into a beautiful piece of First Nations art. The group was working on the lawn of the Langley Centennial Museum on Monday and Tuesday to etch in the images of an eagle, a bear, a wolf and the Earth. At almost two metres tall, a carving of this size can take anywhere from three to five weeks to complete, depending on the design complexity. Once it is done, this piece will represent “feeling grateful for all the things we have received,” Harry said. A final location for the carving has yet to be determined. | http://www.langleytimes.com/entertainment/390248501.html | en | 2016-08-01T00:00:00 | www.langleytimes.com/d1a7c9ef19dfc31a08317f1bc2ce3125aa686babc74079d47ba1e09cf0ed6301.json |
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