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Best Weight Loss Plans For Men: A Guide
By December 7, 2022 20 views
Your Guide To Weight Loss Plans For Men
By Rachael Link Contributor
Expert Reviewed Jose Antonio, Ph.D, F.N.S.C.A., F.I.S.S.N. Exercise and Sports
Science, Sports Nutrition
Published: Nov 28, 2022, 10:56am
This article is a repost which originally appeared on Forbes HEALTH.
Edited for content. The opinions expressed in this article may not reflect the opinions of this site's editors, staff or members.
‧ There are many benefits to maintaining a healthy weight.
‧ A weight loss plan often involves changing dietary and exercise habits.
‧ Finding a sustainable, enjoyable training and diet format is necessary for success.
Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight offers many benefits beyond boosting your self confidence. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), losing just 5% to 10% of your body weight can lead to significant improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels[1].
However, with the vast number of weight loss plans for men out there, finding a program that's safe, sustainable and effective can feel challenging. This article explores a few of the top weight loss meal plans and workout regimens for men, along with which factors you should consider before getting started.
What Weight Loss Plans Are Available for Men?
There are a variety of plans out there that claim to result in weight loss for men specifically, ranging from evidence-based eating patterns to restrictive fad diets that require meticulous calorie counting and nutrient tracking. Similarly, there are a wide range of workout programs designed for weight loss as well, many of which include bodyweight exercises, gym regimens or home training routines.
However, most experts agree that a weight loss plan should include changes to both your diet and your workout routine for maximum effectiveness.
"The old saying 'you can't out-train a bad diet' is totally true," says Mike Silverman, a certified personal trainer and an editor for the workout program Living Fit, based in Bethesda, Maryland. "You can lift heavy, work hard, get sweaty and get no place if your diet is mostly beer, tacos and birthday cake."
In fact, one review in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that weight management programs that paired dietary modifications with physical activity were significantly more effective for long-term weight loss than those that focused solely on diet or exercise alone[2].
Weight Loss Meal Plans for Men
Regardless of the diet you choose to adhere to, experts note that the main driver of weight loss is via a caloric deficit (in which you burn more calories than you consume). This is why a high protein diet seems to produce such favorable changes in body composition—there is evidence to suggest that higher protein diets may indeed promote a loss of body fat through mechanisms related to the thermic effect of feeding (the amount of energy it takes to digest and process the food you eat), as well as promoting better satiety.
With that in mind, there are many expert-backed eating patterns that can promote weight loss for men. Here are a few of the top recommendations.
Julie Miller Jones, Ph.D., a board-certified nutritionist and scientific advisor for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Joint Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition for the University of Maryland, recommends the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet for men interested in weight loss.
Originally developed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute to help lower blood pressure, the DASH Diet provides general guidelines of how many servings from each food group you should aim for each day. In particular, the diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, vegetable oils, fish and poultry. While calorie counting is not required with this eating plan, it doest limit daily sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams or less. It also recommends limiting foods high in saturated fats, tropical oils and sugar-sweetened beverages.
As Dr. Miller Jones points out, the DASH diet is not overly restrictive and can be followed long-term. "I always say that you should never go on a diet that you cannot live with for the rest of your life," she says. "There are no forbidden foods, just foods that you should choose infrequently, and the DASH diet supports this mantra."
While the DASH diet is famous for its heart health benefits—such as lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol—it can be effective for weight loss, too, as it encourages nutrient-dense whole foods and physical activity. According to one review of 13 studies, a low-calorie DASH diet was found to be more effective for weight loss and fat loss than other low-calorie diets[3].
Joan Salge Blake, a registered dietitian and nutrition professor at Boston University, recommends both the DASH Diet and Mediterranean diet as her top choices for weight loss for men. "Both are backed by research and have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death among Americans, especially men," says Salge Blake.
The Mediterranean diet, in particular, includes ample amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and legumes, along with plenty of heart-healthy fats, such as olive oil. While no foods are excluded from the diet completely, red meat and sweets should be limited.
One 2020 study found that greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with two times greater likelihood of weight loss maintenance. Researchers note that this may be attributed to the increased intake of fiber and protein on the Mediterranean diet, both of which can increase feelings of fullness and satiety[4].
In addition to promoting weight loss, the Mediterranean diet has also been linked to a variety of other health benefits, including a reduced risk of high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. As Salge Blake points out, it may also help protect against heart disease, which accounts for about one out of four male deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC[5].
Intermittent fasting is a popular dietary practice that has been associated with a number of health benefits. The general idea of intermittent fasting is to cycle between periods of eating and fasting within an allotted period of time, and one of the most common variations is 16/8 fasting, which involves fasting for 16 hours and limiting food intake to an eight-hour window each day.
According to Chicago-based registered dietitian, Amber Dixon, "This helps to reduce insulin levels, which can help with fat loss." Dixon also notes that fasting can force the body into ketosis, a metabolic state in which the body burns fat for fuel instead of sugar.
Interestingly, one review of 27 studies found that intermittent fasting could be as effective as a calorie-restricted diet when it comes to weight loss, with studies reporting an average weight loss of up to 13% of body weight with no serious side effects[6].
"I recommend a whole food, plant-based diet for men for weight loss," says Dana Ellis Hunnes, Ph.D., a senior clinical dietitian at UCLA Health. "Plant-based diets are high in fiber, fruits and vegetables, which are anti-inflammatory, are satiating and fuel your muscles and brain." While there are different iterations of plant-based diets, they all emphasize nutritious plant foods while limiting animal products, such as meat, eggs and dairy, as well as refined and processed foods.
For weight management in particular, research suggests that plant-based diets can help prevent overweight and obesity, improve diet quality and promote weight loss[7].
In addition to supporting weight loss, Dr. Ellis Hunnes also notes that plant-based diets can promote muscle growth, reduce inflammation and provide a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, additional research suggests that plant-based diets may protect against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Weight Loss Workout Plans for Men
Staying active is just as important as switching up your diet when it comes to long-lasting, sustainable weight loss. Here are a few weight loss workout plans recommended by experts.
Weight-Loaded High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
"Overall, I'm a big fan of weight-loaded HIIT for weight loss," says Silverman. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) can deliver many of the benefits of other forms of exercise in a shorter amount of time, including increased fat-burning and muscle definition, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
HIIT involves alternating between periods of short-duration, high-intensity exercises and lower intensity movements to allow for active recovery. Exercises should be performed at the highest intensity possible for 10 to 45 seconds, followed by a brief active recovery, typically just long enough to catch your breath, according to NASM.
Silverman's recommended "weight-loaded" HIIT involves performing high-intensity exercises with added resistance rather than bodyweight alone by using equipment like dumbbells or weight plates.
"Interval training like Tabata using kettlebells, battle ropes and medicine balls really takes the fat off quickly for most guys," says Silverman. "Use moderate weights and definitely keep your form solid."
According to one study in BMJ, HIIT resulted in similar weight loss as moderate-intensity continuous training, which includes activities like biking or jogging. However, HIIT was more effective at improving cardiorespiratory fitness in a shorter amount of time[8].
Circuit training is a type of exercise that involves moving between eight to 10 exercises in a circuit (one right after the other, with minimal rest in between) and performing each movement for a set number of repetitions or a specific period of time. Typically, you can repeat each exercise in the circuit one to three times, according to NASM. Examples of exercises included in circuit training range from push-ups to jump squats to mountain climbers. NASM notes that since there is little rest in circuit training, it keeps the heart rate up, which burns more calories.
"I love to use circuit training for many of my clients because the sessions move quickly, and circuit training offers great results with some cardiovascular benefits," says Marisella Villano, a personal trainer based in Hampton Bays, New York. She recommends aiming for at least three sessions weekly, which may include a combination of exercises like squats, rows and deadlifts.
P90X is a 90-day at-home workout program designed to promote weight loss and muscle growth by combining strength training, yoga, plyometrics, cardio and stretching. According to certified personal trainer and founder of the fitness blog Fizzness Shizzness Rob Wagener, "P90X is still, in my opinion, one of the best workout plans for any man looking to lose weight and get a leaner, more toned body."
The company claims that the program works by introducing new moves to challenge your muscles and prevent your body from adapting to your workout routine. One very small study found that while exercise variation was as effective as performing the same workouts each in terms of improving muscle thickness and strength, it had a more positive effect on enhancing motivation to train[9].
"One of the beautiful things about P90X is that it's accessible to almost anyone at any fitness level," explains Wagener. He also notes that the program is well-rounded and targets several areas of the body while also incorporating cardio and HIIT into the regimen.
What to Consider When Selecting a Weight Loss Plan for You
There are several key factors you should consider when finding a weight loss plan that's right for you.
For starters, it's best to pick a plan that's compatible with your lifestyle, along with your personal needs and preferences. This will be much easier to stick to in the long-run and can help set you up for long-term success.
Salge Blake also emphasizes the importance of picking a sustainable weight loss plan that promotes healthy habits rather than seeking a short-term solution that promises quick results. "It shouldn't be a diet for weight loss, but an eating style for long-term health," she says.
Diets or workout programs that claim to help you lose weight very quickly should also be avoided. In fact, the CDC notes that people who lose weight at a steady rate of around one to two pounds per week are more likely to keep the weight off long-term[1].
Setting realistic goals is also key when it comes to exercise, according to Villano. "For beginners and people getting back into exercising, take your time," she says. "Sometimes, we have a tendency to make big plans that we cannot maintain, which causes us to give up altogether." Instead, she recommends starting small and working your way up gradually to reach your goals.
Losing Weight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 11/1/2022.
Johns DJJ, et al. Diet or Exercise Interventions vs Combined Behavioral Weight Management Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Comparisons. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(10):1557–1568.
Soltani S, et al. The Effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Dash) Diet on Weight and Body Composition in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Obes Rev. 2016;17(5):442-54.
Poulimeneas D, et al. Exploring the Relationship Between the Mediterranean Diet and Weight Loss Maintenance: The MedWeight Study. Br J Nutr. 2020;124(8):874–880.
Men and Heart Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed 11/1/2022.
Welton S, et al. Intermittent Fasting and Weight Loss: Systematic Review. Can Fam Physician. 2020;66(2):117-125.
Turner-McGrievy G, et al. A Plant-Based Diet for Overweight and Obesity Prevention and Treatment. J Geriatr Cardiol. 2017;14(5):369–374.
D'Amuri A, et al. Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Training for Weight Loss in Adults With Obesity: A Randomised Controlled Non-inferiority Trial. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021;7(3):e001021.
Baz-Valle E, et al. The Effects of Exercise Variation in Muscle Thickness, Maximal Strength and Motivation in Resistance Trained Men. PLoS One. 2019;14(12):e0226989.
DASH Eating Plan. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Accessed 11/1/2022.
Davis C, et al. Definition of the Mediterranean Diet: A Literature Review. Nutrients. 2015;7(11):9139–9153.
Guasch-Ferré M, Willett WC. The Mediterranean Diet and Health: A Comprehensive Overview. J Intern Med. 2021;290(3):549-566.
Mandal S, et al. Intermittent Fasting: Eating by the Clock for Health and Exercise Performance. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2022;8(1):e001206.
Tuso PJ, et al. Nutritional Update for Physicians: Plant-Based Diets. Perm J. 2013;17(2):61–66.
Craig WJ, et al. The Safe and Effective Use of Plant-Based Diets with Guidelines for Health Professionals. Nutrients. 2021;13(11):4144.
HIIT Workouts: Programming, Exercises and Benefits. National Academy of Sports Medicine. Accessed 11/1/2022.
Circuit Training Workouts – Everything You Need to Know. National Academy of Sports Medicine. Accessed 11/1/2022.
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National bus strategy get mixed reception
26/05/2021 in Government programmes
The Bus Back Better: national bus strategy for England, which the Government published in March, has been met with delight and concern in equal measure.
James Gleave, director, Mobility Lab UK, says: "The national bus strategy is very welcome, it's an extremely positive message that is basically saying that the Government is supporting buses. The main concern is the timescale. Future funding is conditional on areas having at least an enhanced partnership (EP – see below) in place, and in place quickly. Even with Government support it's an extremely ambitious timescale."
His view is echoed across the industry. There's excitement that, against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, buses have been thrust into the spotlight. The ambition to create a much simpler, more convenient, intuitive and widespread network for passengers is generally applauded. But this is set against worry that rapid change is being demanded with insufficient resources – with areas that are already largely functional able to improve vastly while underperforming areas find the learning curve too steep, the targets unattainable and will end up in disarray.
Jonathan Hampson at Via, which supplies technology enabling flexible on-demand buses, has experienced this directly already.
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Mangosteen fruit benefits are numerous although it's a functional fruit juice. This means it offers more than the ordinary fruit juice beverage. Much more. In fact, mangosteen packs so many beneficial compounds that it should not be taken by the glassful like other juice beverages. To experience the mangosteen fruit benefits, most people need only one or two ounces of mangosteen a day. Of course, the number of ounces of mangosteen that are right for you depends on your health condition and the way your body uniquely responds to mangosteen.
Dried mangosteen fruits are shipped from Singapore to Calcutta and to China for medicinal use. The sliced and dried rind is powdered and administered to overcome dysentery. When made into an ointment, it is applied on eczema and other skin disorders.
Mangosteen fruit benefits can also be found in the rind decoction as it is taken to relieve diarrhea and cystitis, gonorrhea and gleet and can be applied externally as an astringent lotion. A portion of the rind is steeped in water overnight and the infusion given as a remedy for chronic diarrhea in adults and children.
In Malaya, an infusion of the leaves, combined with unripe banana and a little benzoin is applied to the wound of circumcision. A root decoction is taken to regulate menstruation. A bark extract called "amibiasine", has been marketed for the treatment of amoebic dysentery.
There have been more than 60 independent lab studies performed on the Mangosteen ever since the 1980's and the findings from these studies have shown the following unique properties, confirming the mangosteen fruit benefits in multiple categories.
34. Pansystemic - has a synergistic effect on the whole body.
Derived from the Greek word phyto (plant) and nutrient (a constituent of food necessary for normal physiological function), phytonutrients—also known as phytochemicals—are natural, bioactive compounds found in plant foods.
Xanthones, which are unique to the mangosteen, as a class of phytonutrients are polyphenolic bioflavonoids. Over 200 xanthones are currently known to exist in nature, and approximately 40 of them are found in mangosteen. Xanthones possess documented biological activity that has drawn the interest of the medical community for several decades.
First isolated in 1855 by a German scientist studying dysentery, the yellow compound was named after the Greek word for yellow, xanthos.
Over 60 research papers show antitumor, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antihistamine, antiflammatory, antioxidant and gastrointestinal protective effects, adding to the ever growing tally of the Mangosteen fruit benefits.
In nature, xanthones are very restricted in occurrence. The majority of them are found in just two families of higher plants, Guttiferae and Gentianaceae.
More recent research has revealed that, while the xanthones appear to be the most nutritionally important elements in the mangosteen fruit, catechins, polysaccharides, proanthocyanidins and sterols also play major roles in providing the fruit with its unmatched medicinal attributes.
Bonnie Tay Yen Ping. 'Chemical constituents of Garcinia mangostana, G. Parvifolia, G. griffitti, and G. diversifolia (Guttiferae) and their biological activities.' Dissertation from Universiti Putra Malaysia, 1996.
Proanthocyanidins present in the mangosteen as in grape seeds and skins and pine bark extract, have numerous qualities considered to be valuable in both the prevention of disease and the restoration of homeostasis (healthful balance) when disease is present. Hundreds of papers document the antitumor, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antioxident and neuroprotective effects of proanthocyanidins, thus proving to be one of the pillars of Mangosteen fruit benefits.
Catechins are active ingredients in green tea as well as mangosteen. Hundreds of papers detailing the benefits of catechins exist. They document antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, many of which co-relate to the earlier mentioned Mangosteen fruit benefits.
* Jang M.S., Cai E.N., Udeani G.O., Slowing K.V., Thomas C.F., Beecher C.W.W., Fong H.H.S., Farnsworth N.R., Kinghorn A.D., Mehta R.G., Moon R.C., Pezzuto J.M., 1997. Cancer chemopreventive activity of resveratrol, a natural product derived from Grapes. Science, 275, 218-220.
Sterols are plant lipids or fats. The best known supplement in this class is omega 3 fatty acid. The sterols of the mangosteen are found in its seeds. For the moment, insufficient research exists to allow further scientific comment on the mangosteen sterols in any significant Mangosteen fruit benefit.
Fiber while not strictly a phytonutrient, is nonetheless important as a Mangosteen fruit benefit in the maintenance of gastrointestinal health. In the whole mangosteen fruit, significant amounts of fiber are obvious.
To select the best table fruits, choose those with the highest number of stigma lobes at the apex, for these have the highest number of fleshy segments and accordingly the fewest seeds. The numbers always correspond. Mangosteens are usually eaten fresh as dessert. One need only hold the fruit with the stem-end downward, take a sharp knife and cut around the middle completely through the rind, and lift off the top half, which leaves the fleshy segments exposed in the colorful "cup"– the bottom half of the rind. The segments are lifted out by fork. Although the taste of the flesh is exquisite, the focus of the Mangosteen fruit benefits are not due to the aril.
The fleshy segments are sometimes canned, but they are said to lose their delicate flavor in canning, especially if pasteurized for as much as 10 minutes. Tests have shown that it is best to use a 40% sirup and sterilize for only 5 minutes. The more acid fruits are best for preserving. To make jam, in Malaya, seedless segments are boiled with an equal amount of sugar and a few cloves for 15 to 20 minutes and then put into glass jars. In the Philippines, a preserve is made by simply boiling the segments in brown sugar, and the seeds may be included to enrich the flavor.
The seeds are sometimes eaten alone after boiling or roasting.
The rind is rich in pectin. After treatment with 6% sodium chloride to eliminate astringency, the rind is made into a purplish jelly.
*Minimum/maximum values from analyses made in the Philippines and Washington, D.C.
Mangosteen twigs are used as chewsticks in Ghana. The fruit rind contains 7 to 14% catechin tannin and rosin, and is used for tanning leather in China. It also yields a black dye.
Mangosteen fruit benefits do not limit to the fruit itself. In Thailand, all non-bearing trees are felled, so the wood is available but usually only in small dimensions. It is dark-brown, heavy, almost sinks in water, and is moderately durable. It has been used to make handles for spears, also rice pounders, and is employed in construction and cabinetwork.


The Casual Kilt is a really nice looking kilt! If you want a nice looking kilt without spending as much money this is a great option.
Nearly identical in appearance to the more expensive formal kilts, casual kilts are machine stitched instead of hand stitched (less traditional, but in our opinion actually more durable), and made with less tartan. The average casual kilt is made from 4-5 yards of fabric compared to 8-9 yards in a formal kilt. The end result is a kilt with pleats that are shallower and wider, but still looks great. Because we work with 8 different woolen mills to bring you the largest selection, the kilts below are divided based on each supplier's price and availability. This is a special order item, so please allow 6-12 weeks for delivery.
Whether you're allergic to wool, or just want a great looking kilt for less, our 100% synthetic, poly/viscose kilts are a great way to go! To the untrained eye our poly/viscose tartan is nearly indistinguishable from expensive 100% wool. Our poly/viscose kilts are made in Scotland and are constructed just like their premium wool counterparts. They aren't woven with a kilting selvedge so the kilts will be hemmed. Available in about 60 tartans. This is a special order item, so please allow 6-12 weeks for delivery.
1) Measure your waist size in inches at the navel (belly button). This is the traditional kilt waist. Alternatively, many men prefer to wear their Casual Kilts at the pants waist. If this is what you choose, then measure comfortably around your waist where the top of your pants rest. Or, If you intend to wear your kilt mostly for formal occasions, and you have a bit more around the middle than you might like to have, you may want to measure a little higher than the navel to get over the crest of the "beer gut". The higher waist is more formal, but it will help your kilt stay up where it belongs.
2) Measure around your hips at the fullest point (usually 6-8 inches below the waist).
3) Measure from your waist (kilt waist or pants waist accordingly) to about the middle of the knee. This is usually best done with some help because if you bend over even a bit, your measurement will not be correct.
Our goal is to make the ordering of your kilt as stress free and enjoyable as possible and we look forward to handling your order. Please enjoy our extensive online catalog of Tartan Fabrics, Highland Accessories, Kilt Accessories, Kilt Jackets, Kilt Clothing, and other quality Celtic products.


A plan of the Alton Towers Resort, showing the area occupied by the proposed roller coaster.
The mini-beach for hotel guests is at the back of the Alton Towers Hotel.
Meanwhile, over at the Alton Towers Hotel, the main entrance is also decorated for the occasion.
Another giant egg adorns the entrance to the Alton Towers Hotel.
A close-up of the Alton Towers logo surrounded by Smarties.
The modified Alton Towers logo, for the Scarefest event.
Some great decoration next to the Alton Towers Hotel reception, representing the fallen branch from the Hex storyline.
The 2008 Scarefest version of the Alton Towers logo.
A skeleton wearing an Alton Towers staff fleece, outside one of the office windows.
27th June 2009Alton Towers' Long Term Development Plan, highlighting areas for redevelopment, new accommodation, relocation of car parks, and more.
October 2009A new promo image has appeared on the Alton Towers website, strongly suggesting that "Surrender" will be the ride name.
A train comes hurtling round the bend.
Staff on board the Alton Beast.
A train in the station. Note the Alton Mouse supports in the background.
The space left when the Alton Beast was removed.
An article from the launch of the Alton Beast, starring Eddie The Eagle.
Alan Moore and Ray King standing next to the Alton Beast during construction.
A great view of the Alton Mouse. To the top left you'll notice the famous Flag Tower.
The distinctive Alton Mouse trains.
The space left after the Alton Mouse was removed.
Onboard the Alton Mouse. You can see the Alton Beast in the background.
Guests riding the Alton Mouse.
View of the Towers from across the gardens in the mid to late 1800's, about where the Forbidden Valley Sky-Ride station now stands.
View of the Towers from across the lake in 1880.
A little different from the coach parties of today.
1:06pmHeading through some heavy gates towards the old Coaster Corner, where the Alton Beast and the Alton Mouse used to live.
24th June 2005A piece on the new ride in Alton Towers' staff newsletter, "The Source".
In the shop in the Alton Towers Hotel, there is now quite a range of CCF merchandise available. Expect to see the same items in Towers Trading when the park reopens.
June 10th 2005A general overview of the ground owned by Alton Towers. The area for redevelopment is highlighted (bottom-left of the image).
Alton Towers' first roller coaster, Corkscrew, being constructed in 1979.
The 2007 Alton Towers Customer CouncilAlton Towers representatives are in italics.
Back Row: Dan Cooke, Kevin Ellis-Baxter, Matt Martin, Neil Wilson, Beth Gibson.
Front row: James Paulding, Dan Ketteringham, Kaycee McMahon, Dan Hindhaugh, Mike Jeavons, Wayne Burton.
The reception area at the Alton Towers Hotel, decorated for the event. And for some reason, Christmas too.
The girls all gather round for a group photo, with Alana Cunningham having been crowned Miss Alton Towers 2006.
The ship is being built at Tussauds Studios North, which resides at Alton Towers.
Some of the track is also being stored in the car parks outside the Alton Towers hotels.
A distant perspective of the newest roller coaster to be added to Alton Towers.
These bottles are filled with anti-freeze. They are more detailed in terms of shape than the usual dummies used by Alton Towers for testing.
Of all the roller coasters at Alton Towers, Rita must have the most decorative trains!
A stunning photograph of Rita during testing, with one of Alton Towers' most famous icons, Corkscrew, in the foreground.
March 2005This is an advert that appeared in Heat Magazine in the final week of March. The text says, "0-100 in 2.5 seconds. The new ride at Alton Towers. Launches 1st April", and also, "Make some great memories. You might need them some day".
From The Alton Towers Hotel car park an open gate revealed something resembling a building site, scaffolding surrounding parts of the new Splash Landings Hotel.
January 23rd 2006Looking towards the famous double corkscrew on Alton Towers' oldest roller coaster.
March 15th 2006Some new 'Alton Towers' flags for the entrance plaza.
February 10th 2007A very chilly February morning at Alton Towers!


"We employed Terzo Digital to assist in writing a report on issues with a client system. Terzo Digital planned the project, visited the client to run through the on site issues, collected and analysed system data and then produced the report which explained the issues and possible resolutions to the client. I was very impressed by the professional manner in which they conducted the work and the quality of the report they produced, as was the client."


Welcome to the website of the Markham Berczy Settlers Association. Are you a descendant of one of the families that arrived in Upper Canada (now Ontario) in 1794 with William Berczy and settled in Markham Township? Are you interested in the early history of the people who settled in the Township?
Explore our website to discover some of the family names who were part of that group and to learn our story. We would love to hear from you if you connect to one of the families.


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Moody Blues' John Lodge Solo Tour
By Paul H Birch
The Moody Blues' John Lodge: The 10,000 Light Years Tour will see the legendary bass player, songwriter and vocalist John Lodge perform select solo dates through the UK this April.
A recent inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and recipient of numerous awards including an Ivor Novello, Birmingham born Lodge has sold more than 70 million records as a member of The Moody Blues.
"Music is my life and I can't wait to get on the road with my 10,000 Light Years Band" the bass player said recently of the forthcoming UK dates. "The venues are smaller and more intimate, but I love live concerts 'Have bass will travel' that's the gypsy in me. I'll always be a Moody Blue, but I love getting the chance to perform songs that I have never performed before, and of course classic Moody Blues songs. The fans and I have travelled this road a long time and I also hope new fans will discover and explore along with us'.
Featuring long term collaborator Alan Hewitt (Music Director and Keyboards) and Billy Ashbaugh (Drums) from The Moody Blues' touring band, together with Duffy King (Guitars) and Jason Charboneau (Cello), the tour will support Lodge's recent Live from Birmingham album and DVD, he will be performing classic Moody Blues hits, songs from studio album 10,000 Light Years Ago and some unique airings of 'Saved by the Music' by The Blue Jays (the offshoot band he formed with Justin Heywood in the 70s) and 'Legend of a Mind' a song dedicated to the recently deceased Ray Thomas.
Only two dates have been confirmed so far: Milton Keynes Stables on April 12th and London Cadogan Hall on April 13th, but more are too follow.
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Paul H Birch
RAMzine Senior Writer - Writer of fiction, faction and fact, has edited several newsstand magazines. He declares himself a hack for hire but refuses to compromise on the subject of music.


Today, on 26 October 2018, Al-Haq, Al Mezan Center for Human Rights and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) submitted a 500-page file on alleged crimes committed by Israelis, in particular high-level Israeli officials, and individuals associated with corporations that are extracting and destroying Palestinian natural resources.
The organisations provide a reasonable basis to believe that Israelis and private actors have committed the war crimes of extensive destruction and appropriation of property, pillage, and destruction and seizure of property.
The confidential communication provides factual information and legal analysis on the exploitation and destruction of Palestinian water, agricultural land, minerals, mud, stone, and oil.
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Every drop of water counts
Our journey toward more sustainable operationsGoing full circleMore than a pieces of fabricMaking a difference – one day at a time Too precious to wasteCommitted to combating climate changeInvolving suppliers in our sustainability agendaEvery drop of water counts
Electrolux is committed to control and reduce the use of water across factories worldwide and to enhance water efficiency in products that naturally help save water in homes and businesses.
Water availability is one of the greatest challenges of our time. Globally, the demand for water is expected to increase by 55% between 2000 and 20501).
In the end of August 2018, the World Water Week conference took place in Stockholm, shedding light on issues related to water. At a session hosted at our headquarters, Electrolux representatives took the chance to present how we are working with water management and engage in a dialogue with numerous international water experts. The goal was to get their feedback on how we can continue to take the lead in this area.
"We have ambitious goals on how we will limit the use of water consumption in our own manufacturing and also on how our products should be as water-efficient as possible," says Henrik Sundström, VP Sustainability Affairs.
Reducing water consumption in our manufacturing
Electrolux has 53 factories all over the world, consuming around 3 million cubic meters of water every year; 20 of these factories are located in water-risk areas.
Tomas Dahlman, Director Global Energy, says, "On the manufacturing side, our strategy is to reduce water consumption by 5% every year in areas of water risks. In 2018, we achieved an overall improved water efficiency in operations of 35% compared to 2015."
One example of how we are reducing water is the "Stop the Drop" program in the EMEA region factories and offices. Launched in 2017, the program has saved over one million cubic meters of water so far.
Each EMEA-based factory has implemented a water-saving action plan including activities to monitor water usage, recycle and reuse waste water, automate irrigation, prevent water leaks, and raise awareness among employees about how they can reduce water consumption.
Improving the water efficiency of appliances
Electrolux analyzes the lifecycle impact – including that on water source – of its appliances, from cradle to grave. For all appliances, the biggest impact on water comes from the use phase, with the washing machine having the biggest water footprint.
Our appliances can make a positive impact on water consumption in a number of ways. Energy efficiency is another focus area for Electrolux, and by helping to save energy, we help to save water, as water is needed to produce electricity.
Having washing machines that take gentle care of clothes helps to save water as, on average, 2,700 liters of water going into making a single T-shirt2). Our refrigerators, such as our UltraFresh+ fridges, help keep food fresh for longer – thereby reducing food waste and the water needed to produce that food.
Dishwashers can also help save water. Washing dishes by hand uses much more water than washing them in the dishwasher. On average, washing dishes by hand consumes 100 liters of water compared to less than 10 liters if they are cleaned in a dishwasher3).
"A washing machine uses on average almost 50% less water today than 15 years ago and a dishwasher uses 22% less water, ," explains Stefano Zuin, Electrolux Innovation Expert, Global Connectivity & Technology Organization (see related study4) for more details). Electrolux is constantly looking into ways to further reduce these numbers.
Water-saving hero
The Green & Clean rack dishwasher uses only 0.4 liters of water to clean and sanitize an entire rack of dishes.
The dishwasher uses less water, energy, detergent and rinse aid, which translates into lower running costs and less impact on the environment.
This case study is related to our promises: Achieve more with less and Improve product performance and efficiency.
1) http://www.globalwaterforum.org/2012/05/21/water-outlook-to-2050-the-oecd-calls-for-early-and-strategic-action/
2) https://bettercotton.org/about-bci/cottons-water-footprint-how-one-t-shirt-makes-a-huge-impact-on-the-environment/
3) Richter C.P. 2011. Usage of dishwashers: observation of consumer habits in the domestic environment. Int. J. of Consumers Studies, 35(2):180-186.
4) Boyano A., Espinosa, N., Villanueva A., Follow-up of the preparatory study for Ecodesign and Energy Label for household washing machines and household washer dryers, EUR 28807 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2017, ISBN 978-92-79-73894-4, doi:10.2760/954441, JRC108583.


text:
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: Select columns from numpy based on values in another array I have a dataset, X with shape (1000,1024) and an array, rank with shape (1024,). The rank array holds a value for each column with 1 appearing 823 times. I'd like to select columns from X that have a rank of 1. The expected output should have a shape of (1000,823). I tried this:
Aa = np.where(X[:,rank ==1])

but the output is wrong. Kindly assist!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


There are a lot of drivers on the road that really shouldn't be. There are also a lot of trucks on the road that are not safe. Thankfully on Wednesday we experienced a truck that was safe – but that was being driven by a driver that wasn't. This happened just outside our residence and thankfully no one was hurt – and evidence even suggests that no pants were soiled in this mishap.
I'd like to make sure to give credit to Tia and William Heide for taking some of these photos as well. It was a crazy day that could have been avoided if the guy actually made a wide turn. It was that simple. It was also very expensive as they spent over 6 hours doing recovery and cleanup – and the truck and trailer are probably a write-off.


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"I wanted to be frank about uncertainty…": An Interview with 2015 Pulitzer Prize Winner Elizabeth Fenn
In August, Erstwhile conducted an interview with 2015 History Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth A. Fenn on her book Encounters at the Heart of the World: A History of the Mandan People. We are republishing the interview today in honor of her well-deserved news yesterday. Congratulations, Lil! Elizabeth Fenn (Ph.D., Yale University) is an associate professor of history…
April 21, 2015 in All Posts, Erstwhile Interviews.
From Dissertation to Book Contract in Seven Steps
This week, Erstwhile presents a guest post from Kara McCormack, a Thinking Matters Fellow at Stanford University. Kara recently completed the process of getting her dissertation under contract with the University Press of Kansas, and shares her experiences about the process with us. Hard Work, Humility, and Luck: From Dissertation to Book Contract in Seven…
April 18, 2015 in All Posts, Historical Research.
March Links Round-Up
Erstwhile blogger Caroline Grego compiles a short list of history-related news links from the past month, which may or may not be exactly from March. Trans Atlantic Slave Trade Visualization by Matthew Burdumy and Professor Adam Rothman This website is not an article, but it is a valuable teaching tool and, technically, a "link." Matt…
April 9, 2015 in All Posts, Current Events.
California's Response to Historic Drought: Too Little Too Late?
Erstwhile's Sara Porterfield gives her thoughts on California's new water restrictions and the prescient historians who anticipated the West's current drought. This past Wednesday California Governor Jerry Brown announced the state's first-ever mandatory water restrictions in response to the severe drought gripping the state. While snowpack throughout the American West is at a record low, snowpack in…


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Category: Zilker Park
From the photo vault: Summer fun at parks in old Austin
Here at Austin Found, we've given you summer snapshot fun at Austin lakes and at Austin pools. Now it's time to remember the good old summertime at Austin parks.
Kiddieland Park. Neal Douglass took this picture June, 20, 1950. Contributed by Austin History Center ND-50-217B-01
Hang around social media dedicated to Old Austin and it won't take long to stumble on references to Kiddieland amusement park on Barton Springs Road, not to be confused Kiddie Acres on Howard Lane (they are easily scrambled in the minds of grown-ups). Yet another such family business could be found out on Airport Boulevard. "Yes, Kiddieland was at the corner of Barton Springs and Lamar," writes BJ Perkins on Facebook public page. "The ponies were the big draw for me. Found my love of horses there."
RELATED: Austin man buys Kiddie Acres carousel.
Jesse DeLeon holds on to the play structure while brother and sister Michael and Angie wait to slide down in Zilker Park. This photo originally ran in the Austin Citizen during the 1970s or '80s. Contributed by Austin History Center PICA 11632.
This is a photo we love. The kids are having such a good time on something no more complicated than a slide at Zilker Park. Not a digital device in sight. We haven not tried to track down the DeLeon siblings, but surely, if they are aware of this image, they treasure it as much as others do.
RELATED: Strike out into hidden Zilker Park.
A large tree provide ample shade for a picnic in historic Zaragoza Park, named after Ignacio Zaragoza, the hero of Cinco de Mayo. From the length of the dresses, we are guessing early 1950s. Contributed by Austin History Center PICA 20326.
According to living memory, Zaragoza Park, located just north of East Seventh Street in Central East Austin, always lit up during holidays, including fiestas patrias, or Mexican holidays. It's important to remember, too, that in the days before widespread air-conditioning, the shade offered by parks beckoned to picnicking families on any hot weekend. It's sad to see these picnic areas in parks all over Texas, including Zaragoza, underutilized these days.
RELATED: The Limóns and Estradas are among the city's founders.
The photographer — uncredited on the Portal to Texas History site — from the Austin Citizen took some top-notch photos in Zilker Park sometime in the 1970s or '80s.
This is another playground photo from Zilker Park that we adore. This mother and child seems supremely happy with a simple swing set. If I remember correctly, the mother contacted me the last time that I dug this image out of the archives a few years ago. Hope she does so again.
Jim Dougherty was the excellent photographer behind this 1971 publicity photo for "Peter Pan" as staged by the Zilker Hillside Musical. Austin History Center PICA 01043
One last photo that we published years ago. Zilker Hillside Musical has been a summer tradition since the late 1950s. (This year it is Shakespeare-by-way-of-Elvis in "All Shook Up.") This is "Peter Pan." The Lost Boys seem very much into it, although the one up front seems to ask the camera: "Is this really what I'm supposed to be doing?" They didn't have to go far to stage this scene on the low bluff above the Sheffield Hillside Theater.
Author Michael BarnesPosted on August 2, 2018 August 2, 2018 Categories 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, Arts, Austin History Center, Barton Springs, East Austin, Entertainment, Food, Photos, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags news, parks, summer fun, zaragoza, ZilkerLeave a comment on From the photo vault: Summer fun at parks in old Austin
Honoring Austin patron saint Roberta Reed Crenshaw
Roberta Reed Crenshaw was an Austin patron saint with a double halo. She permanently blessed both the environment and the arts.
On Friday, city leaders honored Crenshaw, who died in 2005, with the dedication of the Roberta Reed Crenshaw Overlook, an arced terrace above Lady Bird Lake near the southwest corner of West Cesar Chavez and Congress Avenue.
Phoebe Allen and Mary Arnold, motivated by Shudde Fath, pushed for the Roberta Reed Crenshaw Overlook. Michael Barnes/American-Statesman
The most revered among the present dignitaries was Shudde Fath, 102, herself a framer of Austin's culture in the areas of ecology, affordability, transparency and social justice. And of course Fath stole the show with her personal memories of "Bobbie" Crenshaw.
RELATED: Activist Shudde Fath at 100.
Others present on or off the dais under a giant cedar elm were Mayor Steve Adler, Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo, historian Phoebe Allen, open-space activist Mary Arnold, architects Evan Taniguchi and Sinclair Black, parks historian Kim McKnight, Paramount leaders past and present John Bernadoni and Jim Ritts, Austin Parks Foundation captain Colin Wallis and many others.
So you are new to town and you didn't know Crenshaw? Thrice married, she was one of those charismatic civic leaders that didn't take "no" for an answer. If she wanted it done, it got done almost every time.
She was crucial in the founding of Ballet Austin and the nonprofit chapter of the Paramount Theatre's 100+ year history. An early appointee to the Parks and Recreation board, she led the way for Pease Park, Roy Guererro Park, Reed Park and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Almost always, she rolled up her sleeves, forged ahead, and let the city staff and politicians follow in line. On more than one occasion, she gifted the land for the parks.
RELATED: How Roberta Crenshaw became the Paramount's patron saint.
But the reason why the Overlook sits high above the lake and the trail below: Crenshaw was among the first to promote the idea of a trail soon after the body of water was impounded in 1960. She fought off a commercial amusement park and motorboat races on the lake.
And she discovered that, by state law, anything below the high water mark on Texas rivers was deemed public. So she had both sides of the lake declared parkland and, by doing so, prevented an expressway that would have severed the lakefront from downtown. For that alone, she deserves our eternal praise.
At the ceremony, Fath recalled what she had said about Crenshaw at her funeral.
"She was responsible for starting more good things in this city than almost anyone else," Fath said. "She was my hero. She never gave up."
Author Michael BarnesPosted on April 7, 2018 May 24, 2018 Categories 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, Barton Springs, Colorado River, Congress Avenue, Downtown, East Austin, Floods, LBJ & Lady Bird, Paramount Theatre, Politics, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags Arts, news, parksLeave a comment on Honoring Austin patron saint Roberta Reed Crenshaw
Austin Answered: Why all those names on dedication plaques?
A reader asks our Austin Answered project: "Why do politicians and construction companies place their names on public property? These places are for people. They are not billboards."
We asked for a clarification: "Do you mean the cornerstones and dedication plaques that go onto structures honoring the folks who authorized them, or paid for them, or built them? Or are you talking about sidewalks, curbs, manhole covers, etc., that usually indicate the company that constructed them?"
The reader sent a prompt and thoughtful response.
Dedication plaque attached to the Pfluger Bridge Extension. Contributed
"See the plaque attached," he writes about the 2010 dedication plaque attached to the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge Extension. "This is the one that makes me question why all those names on this plaque. Architect, I understand. Even builder or one or two people who played a key role in the project."
The reader put his finger on an old practice. Dedication plaques and cornerstones with similar extensive credits go back to the ancient world. Memorial or historical markers survive in the thousands from the medieval period.
"It would have been much more meaningful to say that this bridge was built for the people to keep them safe from the traffic on Lamar Boulevard," he continues. "Followed by a simple thanks to those involved for designing a wonderful bridge. I've been in Austin 20 years and heard there was a guy that was even killed in traffic on Lamar. I believe his name has been painted on the pillar under the train bridge to memorialize him, but I doubt many people know that."
Indeed, the narrow sidewalk on the Lamar Boulevard Bridge, completed in 1942, was — and remains — extraordinarily dangerous. A pedestrian was killed when a car jumped the curb in 200o. A drunken driver struck and killed a cyclist on the sidewalk in 1991.
The James D. Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge, named for a notable architect who helped design the city's trail system, was completed in 2001, but was avoided by many until the extension spanned West Cesar Chavez Street and linked cyclists, walkers and joggers to the Lance Armstrong Bikeway and North Lamar, completed in 2011.
UPDATE: The reader who made this Austin Answered request did not want his name published with the response.
Author Michael BarnesPosted on April 6, 2018 May 24, 2018 Categories 1940s, 1990s, city of austin, South Austin, trails, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags bikes, bridges, newsLeave a comment on Austin Answered: Why all those names on dedication plaques?
Old Austin Christmas photos: See how much the kids were having fun
We're almost there on Day 22 of 25 days of old Austin Christmas photos. Today we look back at childhood reactions to holiday treats.
John Albert Degollado, 2, reaches out for a mechanical reindeer at Barton Creek Square Mall in 1984. He was shopping with his father Fred Degollado.
Tom Lankes/American-Statesman
Irene Gonzales with newborn Victoria Ann, who goes home in a stocking for Christmas from Brackenridge Hospital. Stockings were given out by Brack, South Austin and Seton hospitals as well.
David Kennedy/American-Statesman
Austin Found loves this undated image of "Laurie-Ann" under the Zilker Tree. We published it back in the early days of this blog, but it doesn't hurt to see the joy in her eyes as she pulls the switch.
American/Statesman
The back of this print reveals the world "Children" crossed out and replaced with "Christmas." Hmmm. Why? It was filed Nov. 15, 1994. We can't identify the toy, but maybe you were more into cars than Austin Found.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Look what Santa left us.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: When angels wore fire as a crown.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Fabulous nearby holiday parades.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: The cheery recent past.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Sending out the cards.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Trimming the tree.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: It's all about the kids, right?
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Light up the lights.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Santa takes off!
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Trees in the raw.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Before Season for Caring.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: A third day of snow, snow, snow.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: More fun in the snow.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Snowy winter wonderland.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Out to the smaller towns.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Oh, those holiday parties!
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Santa makes local stops.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Setting up the trees.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Go into sugar shock over these Austin sweets.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: When Texans dressed up for Nativity roles.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: In Austin of yore, trees had legs and faces.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Austin holiday lights across the ages.
MORE AUSTIN CHRISTMAS PHOTOS: Vintage photos of Christmas in Austin.
Author Michael BarnesPosted on December 22, 2017 December 22, 2017 Categories 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, Brackenridge, Christmas, holidays, Moonlight tower, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags Christmas, holidays, news, sp-holidayguide, spcontentLeave a comment on Old Austin Christmas photos: See how much the kids were having fun
Old Austin Christmas photos: The cheery recent past
We didn't want to ignore some of the recent and very popular Statesman photography as we bump into Day 18 of 25 days of old Austin Christmas photos.
The Trail of Lights has been damp and muddy the past two days. We're hoping it dries out soon.
Ralph Barrera/American-Statesman
A Christmas Affair from the Junior League is one of the local season's high points.
Jay Janner/American-Statesman
Tammi Schissler pours a seasonal drink at Donn's Depot in Austin.
Nick Wagner/American-Statesman
How can you resist this picture taken at the annual Capitol Christmas tree lighting, sing-along and downtown stroll?
And of course, Santa charming the little ones, this time on the H-E-B Terrace at the Long Center.
Author Michael BarnesPosted on December 18, 2017 Categories Christmas, Congress Avenue, Downtown, H-E-B, holidays, Photos, Texas Capitol, Zilker ParkTags Christmas, holidays, news, sp-holidayguide, spcontentLeave a comment on Old Austin Christmas photos: The cheery recent past
Old Austin Christmas photos: Light up the lights
Day 14 and we have not given up on our 25 days of old Austin Christmas photos. We branched out today to include Christmas lights in neighboring towns as well as some favored old Austin traditions.
This one is sweet: Christmas lights and decorations in Thorndale during the 1950s. No traffic jams here.
Taylor Public Library
Leslie and Russell Harlien of Georgetown created this Christmas wonderland for charity in recent years.
Remember this? The old 37th Street lights between Guadalupe Street and Home Lane?
We ran into this display in Johnson City last year and were enchanted.
It just wouldn't be a collection of holiday lights without the Zilker Tree, photographed in 2016.
Stephen Spillman for American-Statesman
Author Michael BarnesPosted on December 14, 2017 December 16, 2017 Categories 1950s, 1990s, Christmas, holidays, Moonlight tower, Photos, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags Christmas, holidays, news, sp-holidayguide, spcontentLeave a comment on Old Austin Christmas photos: Light up the lights
Old Austin Christmas photos: Holiday holiday lights in days gone by
We can't help it. We follow the holiday sparkle. We're headed to the Trail of Lights preview party on Friday. Time to pause for some old images of twinkling wonder. Some of thee have appeared in Austin Found before (thank you Jackie Stone, who created this blog in 2015).
Christmas scene looking up Congress Avenue to the Capitol, taken by Neal Douglass on Jan. 1, 1947. Contributed by Austin History Center ND-47-122-01
"World's tallest man-made tree." 1970s. Contributed by Austin History Center PICA 23908
Festive Christmas garlands and lights over Congress Avenue fram the Capitol in a Chritmas card setting at night. Karen Warren/American-Statesman. Undated – likely 1980s
"Laurie-Ann" lights the Zilker Park Christmas tree. Date unknown. Photographer unknown.
"Shoppers blur as they hurry hither and yon at Highland Mall." Dec. 18, 1975. Dougherty/American-Statesman
Author Michael BarnesPosted on December 5, 2016 December 4, 2017 Categories 1940s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, Christmas, Congress Avenue, Downtown, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags austin, holidays, newsLeave a comment on Old Austin Christmas photos: Holiday holiday lights in days gone by
Video: The truth about Austin's moonlight towers
Well, as much truth as possible. History evolves. Just this week, we learned more fresh news about the moonlight tower — or rather the three moonlight towers — that have undergirded the Zilker Holiday Tree. (More on that soon.)
This excellent documentary does a lot to tell the full story of the moonlight towers and dispenses with some of the admittedly amusing Austin myths. Find out the latest on "The Last of the Moonlight Towers" at this website.
Author Michael BarnesPosted on November 13, 2016 Categories 1890s, 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, city of austin, Entertainment, Movies, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags austin, Movies, newsLeave a comment on Video: The truth about Austin's moonlight towers
More revealing pictures of Zilker Park taken long before the ACL Music Festival era
Our first set of Zilker Park images — all dated way pre-ACL — was such a hit, we decided to share another batch.
Caption reads: "Lily Ponds built w/relief labor 1935 Annual Report." Contributed by Austin History Center, PICA 01003.
I believe this lily pond was at the base of the hill opposite the Barton Springs Pool parking lot. I'm fairly certain it's no longer there.
Children and adults ride the Zilker Zephyr, as taken by E.P. Haddon. Contributed by Austin History Center, PICA 23420.
The Zephyr still makes its rounds, but not during the ACL Music Festival.
Barton Springs dredger, taken May 26, 1926 by the Jordan Company. Contributed by Austin History Center, C01818.
We've always loved this gritty shot of the pristine pool being dug out by a steam dredging machine.
Caption reads: "This old grist mill was built and operated by G. T. Rabb in 1871 and here the first ice in Austin was manufactured. Rabb sent to France for the ice-making machinery. The mill was located near the old Scout hut at Barton Springs and a spring and dam furnished the power for the plant." Contributed by Austin History Center, C00079.
The date on this one is unknown. The mill, of course, is long gone. But who did that boy grow up to be?
The Zilker Summer Musical's production of "Peter Pan," taken by Jim Dougherty in 1971. Courtesy of the Austin History Center, PICA 01043.
We published this image a long time ago and readers identified some of the players, who would be in their 50s now, right?
Author Michael BarnesPosted on October 1, 2016 October 3, 2016 Categories 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, Barton Springs, Trains, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags austin, news, Trains, zilker parkLeave a comment on More revealing pictures of Zilker Park taken long before the ACL Music Festival era
Zilker Park before anyone heard of the ACL Music Festival
If the ACL Music Festival was a city, it would would rank No. 7 in Texas, far behind El Paso but well ahead of Arlington.
Zilker Park with Barton Springs in the foreground and the Colorado River in the background. The current Barton Springs Road bridge is there, so I'm guessing 1940s.
That's if you count the total attendance of 450,000 in 2015, although obviously a lot of those are repeat customers.
Flowers at the entrance to Zilker Park in 1937. Austin History Center.
It's hard, then, to recall that as late as the 1930s, much of the 350-acre park — donated, in a complicated deal, by Andrew Zilker beginning in 1917 — was stubbornly rural.
RELATED: MORE PRE-ACL PICTURES OF ZILKER PARK.
Zilker Park with Barton Springs in foreground in 1938.
In fact, the Great Lawn was used to feed Austin's poor in the Great Depression. Workers harvested the vegetables grown there and delivered them for free at the City Market, an open-sided concrete structure that stood at East Seventh Street and East Avenue (now Interstate 35).
Barton Springs with one of the old bathhouses in 1926.
The heart of the park, of course, is Barton Springs, named for William "Billy" Barton, who staked out his cattle ranch there in the 1830s. Zilker later used the springs for his ice-making enterprise.
The old bridge above Barton Springs. Traces of the abutments remain. Austin History Center.
Much of the work on the park that ones sees today was done during the Great Depression by Civil Works Administration, one of those New Deal jobs programs. And you can detect the 1930s and '40s in the art-deco and modern-influenced gateway, bridges and bathhouse.
Author Michael BarnesPosted on September 29, 2016 October 3, 2016 Categories 1830s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, Barton Springs, Colorado River, Texas, Uncategorized, Zilker ParkTags austin, Austin History, barton springs, news, Texas, zilker parkLeave a comment on Zilker Park before anyone heard of the ACL Music Festival


This innovative vertical brings nature indoors in a completely new way. A flexible layer of stone is paper-backed to create an amazing material that retains all the varied color and texture of the rock but affords the same ease of installation as paper. The 2' x 4' sheets can be adhered full size or cut down to hang in any configuration. Stratum features a dramatic web of mineral traces.
Piece size: 24" x 48"
Variations in color and/or texture are inherent.
This product is sold unsealed. Sealing this product after installation is highly recommended. Sealant should be applied at least 24 hours after completing installation to ensure the wallcovering has properly cured. Sealants may darken the color of this material.
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Place Press Entertainment
Fresh document with banks deterioration
dandifications190
Spcmsc Scientists Publish New Paper On Shoreline Erosion And Sediment Deposition
For example, in desert areas the ratio of dry to wet deposition is higher than an area that receives several inches of rain each year. Though deposition means the end of erosion, it does not necessarily mean that the newly settled particles are now safe. Though the particles have resettled, they are likely to be picked up another day and moved somewhere else. Legendary Corning inventor Dr. Frank Hyde began the work in the 1930s that would eventually develop into vapor deposition. Corning revolutionized the process in the 1970s in creating the world's first low-loss optical fiber. With optical fiber, the vapor is meticulously deposited around a long ceramic bait rod.
Increasing the wetland HRT and maximizing vegetation density help optimize wetland performance. However, there exists a need for more research quantifying the relationship between CW size, HRT, flow, vegetation density, and pesticide removal with chemicals of varying physiochemical properties. This information will be vital to managers for optimizing the performance of CWs within the confines of each system. When acid deposition is washed into lakes and streams, it can cause some to turn acidic. The Long-Term Monitoring Network measures and monitors surface water chemistry at over 280 sites to provide valuable information on aquatic ecosystem health and how water bodies respond to changes in acid-causing emissions and acid deposition.
While a few undersea volcanoes grow big enough to become islands, most become mountain ranges on the seafloor where the tectonic plates that make up the earth's crust spread apart and/or crash together. Magma from beneath the ocean floor oozes up to form new land in the spaces where tectonic plates pull apart through a process called seafloor spreading. Usually, the only people present at a deposition are the deponent, attorneys for all interested parties, and a person qualified to administer oaths. Sometimes depositions are recorded by a stenographer, although electronic recordings are increasingly common. Lawyers may not coach their clients' testimony, and the lawyers' ability to object to deposition questions is usually limited. By their reasoning, Castor's successors were breaking that promise, however informal, and undermining his due process rights by using his deposition against Cosby.
Smaller particles penetrated faster and deeper resulting in higher particle number concentration of deposited particles but higher mass was transported by larger particles. The results showed that the average concentrations of size fraction 100 nm – 1 μm of the indoor PM was of the order 103 particles/cm3. The IC analyses revealed that the major water-soluble norganic component of this fraction was ammonium sulfate with maximum concentration centred at about 300 nm . Percent change of aerosol number concentration for various size ranges at the surface for GEOS-Chem-TOMAS simulations using the revised dry deposition parameterization relative to simulations with the default parameterization.
The acidic particles and gases may deposit to surfaces quickly or may react during atmospheric transport to form larger particles that can be harmful to human health. When the accumulated acids are washed off a surface by the next rain, this acidic water flows over and through the ground, and can harm plants and wildlife, such as insects and fish. Deposition is the geological process whereby rocks, soil, and silt are naturally deposited in such a way that new land masses are created or old landforms are added to or changed.
The penetration and deposition of particles was also modelled as Brownian diffusion between two parallel filters. The model prediction demonstrated that fine particles penetrate between filters, with the depth of penetration limited by parallel diffusional deposition on filter surfaces. The changes in particle concentrations due to updating from the Zhang scheme to our revised scheme increases the aerosol direct effect cooling tendency by −0.09 W m−2 globally . However, this globally averaged negative effect is driven by predicted changes in particle concentrations over the oceans with the new deposition parameterizations. In contrast, land surfaces show a slight positive effect (change of +0.02 W m−2), which is most pronounced over sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Australia, Greenland, and scattered parts of North America and Eurasia.
Ultrafine atmospheric particles, penetrating indoors from the outdoor environment, contain soot and organic matter from traffic that are hygroscopic and effective for transport of acids. Fine particles consist of secondary organic matter and ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and sometimes sulfuric acid. Coarse particles, formed predominantly by resuspended dust contain crustal elements and in the indoor environment sometimes alkaline particles emitted from concrete structures . The objectives of this white paper are to describe the state of the science with respect to total Nr deposition budgets in the United States and the research needed to improve these budgets from both measurement and modeling perspectives. They evaluated sediment deposition and erosion by measuring how much sediment accumulated using experimental tiles and sediment cores near the marsh shoreline, and measured shoreline erosion rates by using Global Positioning System and historic maps. They were also able to compare accumulation and erosion before and after a tropical storm made landfall in October 2017 during the study, providing an episodic perspective to the project.
Water in the form of rivers, waves, and ice has the power to move sediment, sometimes hundreds of miles. Rivers move sediment great distances, emptying it into oceans, lakes, and even other rivers. Sometimes the deposits get washed and sometimes, as is the case with the slow-moving Mississippi River, the sediment steadily builds up and creates deltas.
Innovative cardstock about coast deterioration »
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With the 2018 midterm elections in the rearview mirror, the business of healthcare continues its journey toward becoming 20% of the U.S. economy.
However, the past two years of "politics over policy" bluster coming out of Washington's healthcare scene isn't going to come to a sudden stop. As Democrats take control of the House of Representatives, the next two years may be no less volatile, but the healthcare agenda will shift focus. Let's not forget, over 40% of midterm voters said healthcare was the top issue facing the country far ahead of immigration and the economy.
Proclamations that "repeal & replace is dead" are likely true, but don't underestimate the Trump administration's continued sabotage and neglect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA—aka Obamacare), either through Executive Order or Tweet. In spite of 70 failed Republican-led attempts to repeal the ACA, we've seen the individual mandate eliminated, funding drastically slashed for consumer outreach and enrollment support, and Trumpcare's push for low-benefit "junk" insurance plans. So far, the only result of this political vandalism has been an uptick in the number of uninsured Americans. Expect Democrat and Republican jockeying to continue in Congress, in the courts, and in the media—a lot of noise with little progress.
On a shorter horizon, two issues will gain traction inside both parties. 1) Resolving the fight around the election's most high-profile healthcare issue: Protections for people with pre-existing medical conditions. 2) Guarding patients from surprise "shock & awe" medical bills, such as extreme charges from using out-of-network providers.
For government entitlement programs covering approximately 60 million Medicare beneficiaries and 70 million Medicaid recipients, large-scale reforms are not likely in a Democrat-led House—even as Federal budget deficits circle $1 trillion.
Medicare: With more than 3.5 million Americans turning age-65 every year, popularity of Medicare Advantage, Part D Prescription Drug Coverage, and Medicare Supplement will continue. Democrats won't risk igniting a Boomer revolution by tampering with Medicare (or Social Security).
Medicaid: The midterm election saw voters in three states approve Medicaid expansion, opening-up program eligibility to cover more than 300,000 additional low-income people. Additionally, with the election flipping at least seven Governorships from Republican to Democrat, expect to see even more Medicaid expansion in 2019.
Another healthcare issue to surface during the midterm election cycle is the emergence of "Medicare For All" as the new hot potato of the single-payer debate. Brought to the forefront in the last few years by political progressives, "Medicare For All" still lacks consensus around a definition. For some, its pure government-run healthcare, for others it's a public-private partnership, and for yet others, it means simply letting those under age-65 buy-in to the current Medicare program. Leading up to the 2020 presidential election we'll see robust debate around healthcare policy issues and reform options including "Medicare For All," but don't expect legislative movement any time soon.
Maybe the closest thing to a bipartisan healthcare issue is finding a fix for the rising cost of prescription drugs, a high-visibility issue in Washington. Under the veil of "transparency," the administration recently proposed price disclosure advertising requirements for prescription drug manufacturers. Additionally, in a controversial move, Trump has proposed reducing the price of certain costly drugs in the Medicare program by linking payments to what other industrialized countries pay. Expect Democrats to push for more aggressive drug price controls as well as direct price negotiations on Medicare Part D drugs.
For healthcare payers and providers, it's far from business as usual. Markets such as ACA, Medicare, and Medicaid are changing rapidly. Traditional product-lines are being commoditized, competitors are consolidating for efficiency and scale, and healthcare consumers are hyper-focused on access to care and cost—the annual price of health insurance has topped $28,000 for a family of four. In today's out-of-pocket healthcare ecosystem, one-in-three Americans claim healthcare is their biggest financial burden, leaving 29 million Americans uninsured. Combine this with an increasing number of healthcare delivery choices and it's no surprise that navigating complexities of the healthcare system's maze of bureaucracy is more onerous than ever. Creative marketers can play a critical role by designing reliable, relevant, and practical information bolstered by consumer-centric decision support tools.
In the $500 billion prescription drug sector where consumer "trustability" is at an all-time low, pharmaceutical pricing issues loom large. Whether price transparency, negotiated deals, PBM rebates, or new Medicare reimbursement rules, something's gotta give. The challenge for marketers is that communication, education, and advertising will get even more complicated than it has been—and more scrutinized. Consumers are confused and uncertain about the future of their healthcare, particularly drug price variations and inconsistencies. Accuracy and clarity will be paramount, especially since price is a direct hit to the family budget. With drug prices in everyone's political crosshairs, finding the "right" middle-ground will be key to moving the needle in improving big-pharma's healthcare consumerism image.
As healthcare consumer expectations align with their retail experiences, they are taking a more active, engaged role in their health. The retailization of healthcare is here to stay. Marketers must recognize that to influence the healthcare customer lifecycle—awareness, shopping, engagement, experience, and loyalty—takes a different, more diverse mix of brand, direct, and content marketing. Personalization will separate winners from losers.
In today's contentious political landscape, healthcare brands have an opportunity to emerge as trusted community resources helping customers take ownership of their health by supporting value-based financial and clinical choices. Motivating and empowering people to manage their health is a place where the industry has traditionally fallen short, and is an area we research in our annual Health Inertia Study. When done well, brands can replace consumer insecurity with healthcare confidence. It's up to savvy marketers to turn healthcare consumers into savvy customers.


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Q: Data structure for fast bi-directional SHA-1 to SHA-3 mapping What data structure would be best choice for fast and performant bidirectional SHA-1 to SHA-3 mapping?  Or in other words fixed-length string to fixed-length string mapping?
To be more precise:

*

*There exists a set of data (which might count in mega-objects), over each of which SHA-1 and SHA-3 hash of is taken

*For given SHA-1 we want to know if object (data) exists, and its SHA-3 hash function

*For given SHA-3 we want to know if object (data) exists, and its SHA-1 hash function

The set of data is not immutable, but one can assume that only new data would be added.
Most important is fast query and low overhead; the modification may perform slower.  It would be good if it could perform lock-less updates.  Updates (append only) are much rare than queries, and only need to perform below human reaction time.

Background: one of proposals of moving Git away from SHA-1 requires fast SHA-1 to SHA-3 (or to whatever hash is chosen to replace broken SHA-1).
See it here: RFC: Another proposed hash function transition plan


The objective of the Committee is to help assure that the town plans for and plants trees in the town's public spaces and right of ways and that public trees are properly maintained. The Committee advises the Select Board on matters relating to public trees in Shelburne.
L to R: Tod Warner, Jan Gannon, David Hall (tree warden), Gail Henderson-King, Ann Milovsoroff, Hope Johnson.
This photo was taken at the Vermont Arbor Day Conference in Montpelier, Vermont. The Town of Shelburne received the Tree City USA award. This award is given annually to communities that meet the four criteria that the National Arbor Day Foundation established for designation as a Tree City USA.


This questionnaire seeks to collect data on the annual activities of parliament for the period 2013-2017. The data will be published on the IPU's New Parline database on national parliaments.
Please provide data for the calendar year (1 January to 31 December). If it is not possible to provide data for the calendar, please specify the period in the Notes field at the end of the questionnaire. Any other relevant information can also be provided in this Notes field.
For bicameral parliaments, please provide data for both chambers in this questionnaire, where applicable.
The questionnaire is available in English, French and Spanish. Use the language selector in the top-right corner to change the language.
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For all questions, please contact parline@ipu.org.
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"Only the Good Die Young"
Chris Marie Green is the author of Only the Good Die Young, the first book in the Jensen Murphy, Ghost for Hire series from Penguin/Roc, which features a fun-loving spirit from the '80s. She also wrote the urban fantasy Vampire Babylon series from Ace Books as well as The She Code, a "geek lit"/chick lit/new adult hybrid with comic book art work by Billy Martinez of Neko Press Comics.
Green applied the Page 69 Test to Only the Good Die Young and reported the following:
My page 69 focuses on an amateur detective doing some Internet investigation for a murder she's trying to solve. The thing is, this detective, Jensen Murphy, happens to be a ghost from the 1980s. She was pulled out of a "time loop" by a psychic/medium in order to haunt a confession out of Gavin Edgett, a man who was suspected of murdering his fiancée, Elizabeth Dalton, three years ago.
And another thing? Jensen was murdered, too, and her death was such a shock that she went into that time loop, which numbed her to such a degree that she put up a mental wall, blocking the identity of her killer.
On page 69, Jensen is looking at newspaper articles and starting to become more and more fascinated with her human person of interest in the crime. But at the same time, she's desperately trying to trigger a memory in her own case so she can solve her killing.
The murder case is the "framework" is this story, but a lot of the book also focuses on "Boo World"—the ghost dimension that Jensen is just getting used to. She's a 1980s fish out of water in this new world as well as a spirit who is discovering ways to interact with the humans she misses. There are also many fun-loving ghosts populating Boo World, making the book's tone something that I hope resembles vintage Supernatural.
There were pictures that I could barely look at: blond, tanned, beautiful Elizabeth on Gavin's arm at society functions. He seemed rougher than she was in some way that I couldn't quite put my finger on, because there he was, wearing a tux and seeming polished.
It was his eyes, really. A tough man who held everything in except when he was looking at the woman he loved.
And in these photos, he was looking down at Elizabeth as if she were the most precious thing in creation and he would do anything for her.
Was there an air of possession there, too?
My chest area went tight. Was this the way a killer watched his future prey? Had my murderer been tracking me in the same way, hiding his bloodlust from anyone who might've been looking?
I didn't want to think that, maybe, it'd been one of my party friends who'd found me alone in the woods that night.
God, no way.
Visit Chris Marie Green's website, Facebook page, and Twitter perch.
Writers Read: Chris Marie Green.
"Don't Wear Polka-Dot Underwear with White Pants"
"7 Grams of Lead"
"The Murmurings"
"The Tyrant's Daughter"
"Feral Curse"
"Known Devil"
"You Disappear"
"Bread and Butter"
"Miss Dimple Picks a Peck of Trouble"
"Half as Happy"
"Year of Mistaken Discoveries"
"The Dismal Science"
"Love Water Memory"
"Fallout"
"Cruel Beauty"
"Hang Wire"
"Elysian Fields"
"Murder Strikes a Pose"
"Lake of Tears"
"Iron Night"
"Under The Jewelled Sky"
"Worthy Brown's Daughter"


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What Will September's Accelerating Wage Growth Mean for Canadian Mortgage Rates?
By David Larock
Dave Larock in Interest Rate Update, Mortgages and Finances
Editor's Note: The Interest Rate Update appears weekly on this blog - check back every Monday morning for analysis that is always ahead of the pack.
We received the September Canadian employment report last Friday and while it showed that our rate of job creation slowed, it also confirmed that average wages increased by 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. The average wage has been slow to rise over the past several years, even as our economy has created jobs at a robust rate. That hasn't come as a total surprise because wage growth typically lags job growth, but the lag in our current cycle has persisted for longer than expected. This has led to speculation that other factors such as globalization, automation, and the increased prevalence of just-in-time manufacturing are conspiring to keep wages down.
With year-over-year average wage growth peeking its head over the 2% threshold for the first time since last June, investors are increasing their bets that the Bank of Canada (BoC) will raise its policy rate again before the end of this year.
The Bank has recently emphasized that it will be very data dependent when determining future monetary policy and accelerating wage growth raises the odds that it might raise rates pre-emptively to stave off a sharp acceleration in overall inflation (because labour costs have a big impact on the prices of most of what we buy).
Before I offer my take on what this latest development means for our near-term mortgage rates, let's look at the other highlights from the September employment report:
Our economy added an estimated 10,000 new jobs last month, less than the average of about 25,000 new jobs per month over the past year.
Our unemployment rate held steady at 6.2% for the second straight month, marking its lowest level since October, 2008.
Our average wage growth accelerated to 2.2% last month but that rise followed an extended period when wage growth hovered at a little more than 1% and barely kept pace with inflation.
Our economy has traded lots of higher-paying full-time jobs for lower-paying part-time jobs since the start of the Great Recession but that trend reversed last month. In September, we added 112,000 new full-time positions and shed 102,000 part-time positions.
Our participation rate, which measures the percentage of working-age citizens who are either employed or actively looking for work, fell from 65.7% in August to 65.6% in September, marking its lowest level in more than a year. Those market watchers who are less worried about rising inflation risks point to our below-average participation rate and argue that disenfranchised workers will come off the sidelines as the demand for labour rises, thereby helping to keep labour costs down for longer than our unemployment rate would otherwise indicate.
Also of note: all of last month's newly created jobs were in the public sector (which added 29,000 new positions); the biggest employment gains were for people aged 55 and older; and men aged 25 to 54 lost 29,000 jobs in September.
The chart below shows the five-year fixed and variable rates that are currently available for different down payment amounts and transaction types. (This chart replaces my usual two paragraphs outlining current rate conditions.) It should also be noted that lender terms and conditions vary, and can significantly impact the total cost of a mortgage over time.
The Bottom Line: The accelerating wage growth we saw in September increases the odds that the BoC will raise its policy rate again in 2017. But one month does not a trend make and other recent data show that our overall economic momentum has already started to slow.
Bluntly put, while the BoC will be encouraged that average wage growth picked up last month, I expect that it will want to see this nascent trend confirmed in October and November before deciding whether to raise rates again in December. Until then, talk about wage-growth-fueled rises in our mortgage rates seems premature.
David Larock is an independent mortgage broker and industry insider specializing in helping clients purchase, refinance or renew their mortgages. David's posts appear weekly on this blog, Move Smartly, and on his own blog: integratedmortgageplanners.com/blog Email Dave
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Sew stylish shoulder bags, totes, clutches, and drawstring bags! Learn how choosing the right materials can make all the difference for your project, and turn flat fabric into handbags of any shape when you learn the basics of construction. Whether you're a total beginner or a confident sewist who loves to finish a project in one sitting, you'll love this modern collection of thirteen bags you can truly make your own!


Shares an important case study of best practices of grantmaking and organizational effectiveness. Contains lessons about leadership, governance, management and accountability.
Copyright 2003 W.K. Kellogg Foundation.


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GDPR: €10,000 Fine on a Newspaper for Publishing the Names and Photos of Police-Officers
A financial penalty of €10,000 was imposed on a local newspaper by the Office of the Cyprus Data Protection Commissioner for unlawful disclosure of the names and photos of police officers.
On June 17, 2018 the publication of the newspaper, both in paper and online version, allegedly stated inconvenience, unnecessary and unlawful detention of a citizen, and revealed the names and photos of the two police investigators involved, as well as, the photo of a third police investigator. According to the Commissioner, in this case the aim pursued could have been achieved by mentioning only the initials of the police investigators' names and/or by showing their faces blurred and/or by publishing photos taken from a long distance so that it would be impossible to identify the persons.
After having taken into consideration relevant judgments of the EU Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights, as well as, decisions of other Data Protection Authorities, the Commissioner decided to impose a €10,000 fine on the newspaper for violating the principles of articles 5 §1c and 6 of the GDPR. As far the article 5 §1c of the GDPR is concerned, it provides that personal data shall be adequate, relevant and limited to what is necessary in relation to the purposes for which they are processed ('data minimization') while article 6 of the GDPR refers to the lawfulness of processing.
All in all, the main issue that the Commissioner had to handle in this case was the balance between the freedom of expression and the right to privacy.
Our Managing Partner, Maria Raphael, speaks at the 2nd CPD Webinar ''Fundamentals on Data Protection'' by UCLan Cyprus
The European Data Protection Board addresses Dark Patterns in Social Media Platforms
The managing partner of Privacy Minders, Maria Raphael, is appointed to ENISA Ad Hoc Working Group
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More than 500 attendees helped Clear Path for Veterans raise in excess of $75,000 at its seventh annual Red, White & Blue Barbecue, well surpassing its goal of $30,000.
That financial support and generosity by the community was evident as more than 35 Veterans attended as special guests via "Sponsor a Vet" tickets that were purchased on their behalf. Additional guests included former Syracuse University's head football coach and current Jacksonville Jaguars' Head Coach Doug Marrone and wife Helen; Author and TV Personality Adam Richman; and Myers Jackson, star of DIY Network's Texas Flip N Move.
Also in attendance was Mark Vigil, father of the late Miles Vigil. Mark "Miles" Vigil was stationed at Fort Drum with the 10th Mountain Division before deployment to Afghanistan on a combat tour as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. After returning home and struggling with severe post-traumatic stress, Miles took his life in late 2010. Since his son's death, Mark has been on a crusade to raise both money and awareness for military-induced PTSD, suicide and Veterans in general.
Clear Path for Veterans' annual Miles & Maddy Award recognition is named after Miles Vigil and Maddy Spicer. Maddy was Melissa Spicer's certified therapy dog, who "healed the souls of many," Melissa said; Maddy passed away in April 2013. Each year, a civilian and a Veteran are honored for their impactful service above self.
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Nels Youngstrom, who served during the Vietnam War, has been a volunteer dating back to 2013 as one of Clear Path's original wingmen. He also played a role in mentoring Melissa about "warrior culture." Youngstrom also spends countless hours volunteering for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing – which is a high-quality, full-spectrum fly fishing program offered to disabled active military service personnel that meets twice a month at Clear Path – and the Marine Corps League Emerald City Detachment.
Accepting the Miles & Maddy Award on Youngstrom's behalf – as he was in Sweden on a Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing expedition – was his wife, Kari.
David Spicer was the recipient of the civilian side of the Miles & Maddy Award. David, husband to Melissa, has quietly volunteered thousands of hours to ensure that Clear Path's grounds stay beautiful and kept to the highest standard.
This year's barbecue would not have been possible without the support of the following event sponsors: China Towne Furniture and Mattress, SRC Inc., Sun Auto, Hospitality Concepts Group, Johnson Estate Winery, Hancock Estabrook LLP, Erie Canal Brewing Co., 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Co., Cross Creek Nursery and Sno Top Ice Cream of Manlius, Brewery Ommegang, Four Roses Bourbon, and Blitman & King LLP.
Next year's barbecue will be held on June 15, 2019. To sign up for Clear Path's monthly electronic newsletter to stay informed about upcoming events, visit www.TinyURL.com/CPNewsletterSignup.