text:
Updated January 10, 2020 by Will Rhoda
The 10 Best Home Generators
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in October of 2015. Designed to provide you with reliable power on a job site, at a campground or during a blackout, these home generators will ensure that you don't get stuck in the dark. We've included inexpensive, portable models that are ideal for keeping essential equipment in operation, as well as some heavy-duty units that are powerful enough to supply your whole house. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best home generator on Amazon.
This wiki has been updated 22 times since it was first published in October of 2015. Designed to provide you with reliable power on a job site, at a campground or during a blackout, these home generators will ensure that you don't get stuck in the dark. We've included inexpensive, portable models that are ideal for keeping essential equipment in operation, as well as some heavy-duty units that are powerful enough to supply your whole house. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. Skip to the best home generator on Amazon.
10. Sportsman GEN4000LP
The Sportsman GEN4000LP is fueled by propane, which burns a bit more efficiently than gas, giving this model a slightly longer run time than many. It includes a fuel hose and a regulator, so all you need is a standard propane tank to get it up and running.
Overload protection on outlets
Auto-shutoff safety valve
No wheels make it difficult to move
9. Webetop Camping
The Webetop Camping can be charged by a standard wall outlet, a 12-volt DC socket in a car or a separately-purchased solar panel. It's a quiet, lightweight model that's suitable for powering lights, mobile devices and other household items with low demands.
42-amp-hour capacity
Three usb ports
Takes up to eight hours to charge up
8. DuroStar DS4400
While it won't power your whole house, the affordability of the DuroStar DS4400 makes it an attractive option to keep around for running your most important appliances. It has two standard 120-volt outlets and a dependable air-cooled engine.
Spark arrestor for safety
Easy-to-read volt meter
69-decibel exhaust
7. Sportsman GEN7500
The control panel on the Sportsman GEN7500 incorporates a variety of different outlets, giving you the ability to power most common devices. While supplying 50 percent of its maximum load, it provides an impressive nine-hour run time.
Automatic voltage regulation
Clear fuel gauge
Both recoil and electric start
6. DuroMax XP4400E
With its all-copper windings, the DuroMax XP4400E cranks out 3,500 watts of power and includes a low-oil, automatic shutoff that protects its seven-horsepower engine. It also has a built-in main breaker to help safeguard its circuitry.
Integrated surge protection
Comes with a spark plug wrench
Convenient wheelbarrow-style handles
5. Champion Power Dual
In an emergency, the more options you have, the better. The Champion Power Dual can run on liquid propane or unleaded gas, and is powerful enough to supply a TV, a refrigerator, a sump pump, a furnace fan and some lighting simultaneously.
Comes with engine oil
Six-gallon fuel tank
4. Powermate PM0601258
The formidable Powermate PM0601258 can pump out a whopping 12.5 kilowatts from its gasoline-fueled engine, which is started by a pull cord. Even if you have a sizable home, you'll be well-prepared in the event of an extended outage.
Large eight-gallon tank
Six power outlets
7000-watt model is also available
3. Ford Switch & Go FG11050PBE
The Ford Switch & Go FG11050PBE is equipped with 10-inch tires, chrome rims inspired by the company's F-150 truck, and drop-down handles to help optimize its portability. It can alternate between liquid propane and gasoline instantly, even during operation.
Powder-coated steel frame
10-hour run time at half load
Dust covers on the outlets
2. Honda EU2200i
Thanks to the company's inverter technology, the Honda EU2200i is both compact and portable, and capable of powering almost any 120-volt appliance. At just 40 pounds, it's ideal for a camping excursion or an outdoor DIY project at home that requires power tools.
Runs super quietly
Easy to change the oil
Plenty of ventilation keeps it cool
1. Rockpals R12000ED
Thanks to its upgraded four-stroke engine, the latest version of the Rockpals R12000ED features a power output that's been increased by five percent. Its equipped with five styles of outlet, so you can power everything from 12-volt accessories to 50-amp appliances.
Convenient electric starter
Runs on liquid propane or gasoline
Its solid tires can't go flat
During this round of updates, availability issues prompted us to remove the Chafon Backup, and we replaced the Rockpals Digital with its successor, the Rockpals R12000ED. We also added the Ford Switch & Go FG11050PBE to our list, as we were impressed by its smart design and long list of features, which make it a very similar option the R12000ED, in many ways, although its power output isn't quite as strong.
A few key things to keep in mind for this category:
Power Output: In many, if not most, cases, this is the single most important consideration you'll face while making this purchase. For your generator to properly backup your home, it has to have a wattage rating in excess of your home's consumption rate. In the case of some larger homes, this might not be practical, but even then, you'll need to determine what the essential loads are, that need to be backed up in case of an emergency (likely your fridge, furnace, stove and some lighting), and make a purchase according to that calculation. If you've got some basic electrical knowledge, you might be able to work that math out on your own, but if you don't know where to begin, you might want to consider investing in an electricity usage monitor.
Portability: If this generator is destined strictly for life in your garden shed, waiting for disaster to strike, then this might not be the most relevant consideration for you. But, if you plan on doing much else with it, like say transporting it to a job site or taking it camping, then you'll definitely want to give this some thought. Needless to say, lighter is better when it comes to carrying generators (or just about anything), but if faced with a choice between a heavy generator without wheels and a heavier generator with, you'll almost certainly be better off with the latter. Options like the DuroMax XP4400E and the Powermate PM0601258 feature convenient wheelbarrow-style handles to help push or drag them. As do the Ford Switch & Go FG11050PBE and the Rockpals R12000ED, which also include solid tires – which are nice if you're moving through job sites full of discarded nails, where flat tires are likely to occur.
If portability is considerably important to you, and you're only looking to power some light loads, the Honda EU2200i is a fantastic, 40-pound option that many can lug around with one arm (earning it the alias 'suitcase generator' on some construction sites). As an added bonus, it emits a bare minimum in terms of noise pollution, letting out a purr next to most generators' roar.
Versatility: What are you planning to power? While common 120-volt, 20-amp outlets seem to come standard in this category, many of our selections feature a range of outlets, allowing you to feed several types of load. The particularly-well-equipped Rockpals R12000ED features both 30-amp and 50-amp outlets, so supplying your dryer and stove won't be a problem. The smaller Webetop Camping – which isn't a true generator, but in fact a chargeable power source – is outfitted with three USB ports, which can come in handy for charging applications.
A Brief History Of The Electric Generator
The resulting generators used coils of wire rotating within a magnetic field, which produce an alternating current similar to the ones we use in our homes.
Nearly two centuries earlier, the first primitive generator was developed by German inventor Otto von Guericke.
Most generators today use the power of electromagnetism to generate a current. However, the relationship between magnets and electricity was not discovered until 1831, by British scientist Michael Faraday. Nearly two centuries earlier, the first primitive generator was developed by German inventor Otto von Guericke.
Von Guericke's initial means of generating electricity relied on the use of friction. In fact, electrostatic generators were originally called "friction machines." For the most part, these could only produce sparks of electricity, rather than a steady current. Early models worked much like the Van de Graaff generators seen in science museums and classrooms around the world. Typically, a mechanically moving belt rubs against a conductor attached to a hollow metal globe, which stores the charge generated from the friction that ensues. A conducting body that comes in close contact with the sphere can generate a spark as electrons move to neutralize the charge generated in the sphere. Often, a metal wand is used for demonstration purposes. Another popular demonstration technique is to link a group of people to the machine and watch as the static electricity causes their hair to stand on end.
While friction-based generators based on designs from the 17th and 18th centuries are still used in educational settings, they can't actually power anything. Faraday's discovery of electromagnetism made the consistent generation of a current possible. He built a machine called a disk generator which capitalized on the electric potential of magnets. It used a rotating copper disc placed between the poles of a horseshoe-style magnet, and could produce a somewhat steady, if weak, direct current voltage.
There were a variety of issues with Faraday's initial design that made it inefficient, but rapid development of the design resulted in improvements that made way for contemporary solutions. These advancements included the use of additional magnets as well as using coiled copper wires to collect the charge, which produced a much higher voltage.
The resulting generators used coils of wire rotating within a magnetic field, which produce an alternating current similar to the ones we use in our homes. In general, this type of generator is called a dynamo. These were developed throughout the 1830s and first entered industrial use in 1844.
Today's alternating current generators were built on the concepts used in the dynamo, which was increasingly streamlined over the latter half of the 19th century.
Key Features Of Modern Day Generators
Today's home generators have many convenient advantages over their predecessors. For one thing, they're highly portable. Many are built on wheels and can easily fit in the average car's trunk, making them ideal for camping. Most also feature standard electrical outlets, so you can attach your appliances and devices directly. Many even have built-in batteries that charge while the generator is running and reserve power you can use once it's switched off.
A variety of fuel types can power home generators, depending on your preference. Propane is popular, as tanks are easy to purchase and exchange at many national hardware and grocery store chains. Standard gasoline and diesel are also options, though they require you fill the tank yourself. Still, gas is available just about everywhere, so you can travel with your empty generator and buy fuel locally once you've reached your destination. Natural gas-powered generators are also available.
Home generators are increasingly fuel efficient, and many let you know how just much power they have left on a given tank. This allows you to better prepare for refuels and avoid leaving yourself without power in an emergency.
A Personal Story About the Value of Electricity
When I first graduated college, I spent a month working on a farm in the south of France. The family I lived with built their house themselves with the intention of being fully "off the grid." The property was gorgeous. The house sat on stilts midway up a large hill below a small farm-town road, with fields and livestock at the bottom. The house had no electricity; a wood burning stove provided both heat and a means of cooking, and the only light sources were candles.
They also had a wireless hotspot and an old laptop, which were the means they'd used to communicate with me before my arrival.
When I made the arrangements, I assumed the people I was going to stay with were locals to the area, and that it was a family farm some number of decades old. Upon arrival, I learned that this was not the case. My hosts were a British couple who had moved to France a few years earlier to escape the crowds and stresses of city life. Their crops and animals produced most of the food they consumed, but they didn't profit off of them. Instead, they were dog breeders. They were also metalheads, with countless facial piercings and tattoos all over their bodies, as well as posters of Slayer, Megadeth, and various metal bands I'd never heard of covering the walls of their home.
When I say that the house had no electricity, what I really mean is that it wasn't wired. In truth, they had a gasoline-powered generator outside, lovingly referred to as Jenny, which provided them with various means of 21st century entertainment via a long extension cord. For a few hours each day, a stereo blared the sounds of Marilyn Manson and the Oslo-based symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir. A Bart Simpson-shaped television glowed with scenes from old concerts and horror films on DVD. They even had a Nintendo Wii with a few games. They also had a wireless hotspot and an old laptop, which were the means they'd used to communicate with me before my arrival. They'd charge both devices while the generator was running for later use.
They could only afford to power the generator for short periods of time, so it wasn't useful for utilitarian purposes. Living there taught me that electricity is a luxury that's not actually very hard to live without. In fact, about 16 percent of the world's population lives without it entirely. For those who do have it, we should relish in the joys it can bring, and never take it for granted.
See all appliance wikis »
Last updated on January 10, 2020 by Will Rhoda
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he's learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate's a hairless cat.


Will The FA Cup Win Make The Emirates Feel Like Home?
When you move homes you always lose something in the process.
Arsenal lost one of English football's unique stadiums – a tribute to art-deco architecture tucked behind a row of terraced houses in North London – the scene for many of the club's triumphs and home for 93 years.
By almost any measure the Emirates is a superior stadium to Highbury, yet doubts linger it amounts to less than the sum of its parts and the overall experience is an inferior one – like moving from a Victorian semi packed with period features to a Barratt Homes new build.
Unquestionably much of this is down to our final years at Highbury coinciding with arguably the high water mark in Arsenal's modern history, and the first years at the Emirates marked by inglorious failure.
The club's move away from its spiritual home was sold to fans as enabling it to compete with Europe's elite – the loss of Highbury will be worth it for a better tomorrow.
But there's only so long you can sell the future – success at Highbury was too fresh in the memory, and the Emirates the millstone around the club's neck as stars were sold and it struggled to compete with the Premier League's traditional heavyweights plus the nouveau riche Chelsea and Manchester City.
Winning trophies is the only way to make the Emirates feel like home, as it begins to create its own history and sense of place, rather than fans mourning what we used to have on and off the pitch in the final years at Highbury.
Perhaps the Emirates will finally feel more like home at the season opener against Crystal Palace, as eight years on, the club finally completes its move – by hanging a picture of the FA Cup on the banner inside the stadium remembering the club's triumphs.
Since the move from Highbury the empty space to the right hand side of the 2005 FA Cup win has haunted the club and provided TV cameramen with a convenient cutaway and visual reminder of the club's failure at the Emirates.
This entry was posted in NewsNow, The Bergy Blog and tagged AFC, Arsenal, Emirates, FA Cup, Gunners. Bookmark the permalink.


text:
Police examine pursuit before crash
CHRISTINE LEGERE
State and local police are examining details of the Yarmouth police pursuit of a 24-year-old Dennis resident who was killed in a Union Street crash Monday morning.
WEST YARMOUTH — State and local police are examining details of the Yarmouth police pursuit of a 24-year-old Dennis resident who was killed in a Union Street crash Monday morning.
Although the crash reconstruction report from the state police is expected to take longer, the local police report should be completed within "a day or two," Deputy Police Chief Steven Xiarhos said Tuesday. "And we plan to get it out there."
Michael Florio was killed when the vehicle he was driving crashed as he was pursued by police.
"The sergeant reviews what happened, then he will submit a report through the chain of command," Xiarhos said. "We're doing what is called a pursuit evaluation report."
The department has a multipage policy regarding pursuits. According to the deputy police chief, two factors prompted police to pursue Florio after they were called to an unoccupied home on Winsome Road in South Yarmouth for a reported break-in.
"When officers arrived, they saw Mr. Florio running from the house," Xiarhos said. "Once he was in the vehicle, he backed up at a high rate of speed and almost struck an officer. Then he started forward and went right for the officer, who had to dive behind a police cruiser."
The seriousness of the situation determines whether police give chase, he said.
"When someone commits a felony or tries to harm or kill, it gives us the right to give pursuit," Xiarhos said.
While the information is unofficial at this point, the police officer involved in the chase radioed in that Florio was traveling at about 70 mph at one point, driving northbound on North Dennis Road to Route 6A and onto Union Street, where the car ultimately struck an oncoming vehicle and landed on its side.
An initial evaluation showed the pursuit involved two Yarmouth officers in separate vehicles and covered 2.8 miles in less than three minutes, Xiarhos said.
Pursuing police and other public safety officers tried to save Florio, who had been thrown from his car, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
"We've had some citizen feedback, and we've heard that some people thought the officers should have let him go if they knew who he was," Xiarhos said. "But no one knew who the driver was. It turned out the Jeep he was driving was stolen from a family member."
The deputy chief called Florio's death a tragedy. "It's really an example of the drug problem we're dealing with on the Cape."
Florio's father, Don Florio, told the Times on Monday that his son grappled with a serious drug problem.
"The Yarmouth police did everything they could to resolve it safely," Xiarhos said. "The officers involved in the pursuit were also the ones who tried to save Mr. Florio's life."
While the report has not yet been finalized, Xiarhos said, "Unofficially, at this point, it looks like the pursuit policy was followed perfectly."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Entries in Niue (3)
Tiny Cook Islands Holds Big Pacific Islands Forum (REPORT)
Monday, August 27, 2012 at 11:31PM
(Video: AustraliaNetworkNews)
RAROTONGA - In the Cook Islands the 43rd annual Pacific Islands Forum is about to get underway with climate change, trade and regional security expected to top the agenda as major powers vie for influence over a range of issues. The summit will run for a week.
The Forum brings together 16 small island nations from across the South Pacific, and includes Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji (which remains suspended after the latest military coup in 2006 left the military in charge, and later, court-ordered current President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau; the country then violated a promise to hold elections in 2009 to be dealt the suspension) Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, The Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
A further 41 countries are sending delegations, including China, which has sought to expand its role in the region, where Taiwan has diplomatic recognition from a handful of countries.
(PHOTO: Aerial view of Rarotonga, part of the Cook Islands/Cook Islands Tourism)The Russians have also had mixed success here in winning support. And in the past year, the United States has signaled a renewed emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, deepening economic and security ties.
Highlighting the growing importance of the forum is the much anticipated arrival of US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton later in the week.
Clinton's office has yet to confirm whether she will head the United States delegation but preparations are in place for what locals say would be the most important diplomatic visit since Britain's Queen Elizabeth came to the Cook Islands in 1974.
CLIMATE CHANGE, BOUNDARY AGREEMENTS
Derek Fox, spokesman for the Forum, says two upcoming votes for non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council will add another layer to lobbying among delegates.
"Chinese have a big interest in the Pacific and that's probably why the Americans are starting to show an interest again now. And there are other agencies like the UN and the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank and countries quite distant from here who are showing an interest," said Fox. "There's an Israeli group coming and there is a Taiwanese delegation here."
Fox says other issues include climate change and management of the Pacific Ocean, with announcements expected on a new marine park, boundary agreements and foreign aid packages.
(PHOTO: Tuvalu life/Flickr) For countries like Tuvalu, where the highest point is just 4.6 meters above sea level, aid for coping with climate change is fundamental. Many here believe climate change has also contributed to shifts in tidal patterns that have resulted in erosion of the islands.
Kora Kora, is a local politician and former Mayor of Manahiki, one of the small Cook Islands that sits just four meters above sea level and lies about 1,000 kilometers north of Rarotonga. He says climate change is the biggest single everyday issue for the people of the Cook Islands and has resulted in a significant shift in migration patterns.
"We've lost most of our little islands that is in our lagoon, there's no longer any soil or gravel on the top, now it's all submerged under water. Since 1997 when we had a big cyclone now our population back then was round 580 and up to now it's down to 260 people on the island, so yes indeed it's a big issue to talk about climate change," stated Kora.
Pacific Islanders have complained for years that their interests, particularly in regards to climate change, have been overlooked by much bigger regional powers. But many believe that the future could be different, with the so-called US "pivot" towards the region, coupled with China's growing ability to extend its diplomatic reach into the South Pacific.
--This article first appeared on VOANews, written by Luke Hunt.
HUMNEWS | Post a Comment | 9 References | Email Article Share Article
tagged Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Pacific Island Forum, Palau, Rarotonga, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Pacific Islands Forum needs to reaffirm its relevance (PERSPECTIVE)
(MAP: Member states of the Pacific Islands Forum/Wikipedia)FACT: Rarotonga is the most populous island of the Cook Islands, with a population of 14,153 (census 2006), out of the country's total population of 19,569. The Cook Islands' Parliament buildings and international airport are on Rarotonga. Because it is the most populous island, Cook Islanders may often be referred to as Rarotongan, but they may come from one of the other 14 islands in the group, such as Aitutaki or Mangaia. Rarotonga is a very popular tourist destination with many resorts, hotels and motels. The chief town, Avarua, on the north coast, is the capital of the Cook Islands. (WK)
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Summit in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands that opens today will be a watershed. It will either forge a new path for the region's pre-eminent institution or give ground to the alternative architecture that has grown since Fiji's suspension from participation.
That the stakes are high is evidenced by the unprecedented attendance of the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be joined by a large Chinese delegation, underscoring the point that the region is geopolitically important.
The summit provides an opportunity for Australia to influence how the region deals with outside powers and on what terms. In recent months Foreign Minister Bob Carr has injected a note of pragmatism into Australia's relations with Fiji and it remains to be seen what impact this will have.
The challenge for the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is twofold. First, its place at the centre of regional architecture needs to be cemented in light of the drift towards alternative forms of regional and sub-regional co-operation. Second, it needs an organizational renovation to face the challenges of globalization and development.
Australia and other donors have long identified the PIF as the key institution for implementing development policies in the Pacific. This is the orthodox function of the PIF and one Australia and New Zealand have largely bankrolled for more than 40 years. More recently, the PIF has taken on a diplomatic role. This political role was compounded by the response to the 2006 coup in Fiji as the PIF became the central vehicle for legitimizing the Australian-led sanctions regime.
(MAP: Dive the World) Six years of sanctions have not achieved their stated aims, in so far as Fiji has not returned to democracy. That said, Australia has reaffirmed its leadership to the other members of the PIF and to external powers and organizations such as the US, China, UN and the European Union. However, come 2014 when elections are held in Fiji the rationale for sanctions will end. Fiji will presumably be welcomed back into the PIF and as such Australia and its supporters will be faced with much more challenging diplomacy.
The rise of alternative forms of regionalism is a direct result of Fiji's suspension and poses the largest challenge to Australia. The Melanesian Spearhead Group, engaging with the Pacific meetings and the Pacific Small Island Developing States grouping at the UN have much in common, not the least that Australia is excluded from membership. They are largely driven by Fiji's "Look north plus" policy.
Fiji has made new friends and opened up new avenues of co-operation and as Australia chooses to re-engage it will be operating in a vastly different Pacific seascape. In this climate the continuing relevance of the PIF will need to be demonstrated rather than simply asserted. Fiji is not likely to accept the status quo and may need to be encouraged to resume its engagement with PIF.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group, etc, lack the institutional capacity of the PIF but are growing fast. As such, organizational renovation of the PIF is also a necessity.
The Pacific Islands Forum has greater capacity than other nascent forms of regional co-operation and the potential to remain the clearinghouse for aid. However, its central role is under challenge while its effectiveness is also being questioned. A recent internal review of the PIF Secretariat's operations found much to criticize and sparked a spirited defense from the Secretariat itself. The challenge will be to respond constructively to meet the diverse expectations of its members and the challenge from The Melanesian Group, etc.
Renovation must also focus on the role of the metropolitan powers (Australia and New Zealand). Their dominance of the political agenda highlights the importance of getting the balance between the interests of Pacific Small Islands Developing States and larger powers right. This dominance is relatively new as it arose in the context of former Australian Prime Minister John Howard's Pacific "arc of instability".
It is evident in current Prime Minister Julia Gillard's focus on using the PIF to renew the "Pacific Solution" (the name given to the Australian government policy of transporting asylum seekers to detention centers on small island nations in the Pacific Ocean, rather than allowing them to land on the Australian mainland).
(Video: Al Jazeera)
However, tension in the political agenda is evident in the stalemate over Fiji and is underscored by the growing regional interests of other powers, such as China, Russia and the US.
Australian policymakers have attempted to limit the influence of outside powers in their backyard. However, a failure to closely engage with Pacific interests could also make Australia appear like an outsider to some in the PIF. From this perspective it is no coincidence that sub-regionalism has grown during recent years.
The metropolitan powers have a central role to play, not least in regard to funding, but also in respect to middle-power leadership in relation to the 21st-century challenges facing the Pacific, such as those posed by climate change or illegal fishing in their extended economic zones.
It may be that the Rarotonga summit will be a turning point in the development of Pacific architecture for co-operation. Australia has major strategic interests in the region and it is an opportune time to refocus efforts and to reinforce the enduring nature of Australian support and friendship. Carr's recent leadership towards normalizing relations with Fiji is a positive development, but after six years the switch can't just be turned on. It may be that a possibility for enhanced regional co-operation exists within the PIF itself.
The Polynesian sub-group within the Pacific looks set to expand as the region's main representative body prepares to welcome Hillary Clinton as a VIP visitor.
(DRAWING: The Russian "Rurik" sets anchor near Easter Island on its way through the Pacific Ocean in 1816. Drawing by Louis Choris in early 1816./Wikipedia)Leaders of Polynesian countries are looking favorably at giving full membership to representatives of the indigenous people of New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island.
Cook Islands' Prime Minister Henry Puna and his Samoan counterpart Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi said the sub-group would address the issue of expansion in their final communiqué on Friday.
The Polynesian leaders will also discuss ways of improving their countries' access to the latest communications technology.
Two proposals to lay marine cables past the island nations have collapsed. Mrs. Clinton, the United States Secretary of State, is the forum's top-level visitor this year.
-- This article first appeared in the Australian, written by Michael O'Keefe.
tagged Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, The Marshall Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu. Fiji
Small, Vulnerable Pacific Nations Spared Worst of Tsunami (NEWS BRIEF)
Friday, March 11, 2011 at 3:05PM
(HN, March 11, 2011) - Hundreds of small Pacific nations and islands have been spared of extensive damage from the tsunami triggered by the mega-quake that hit northern Japan Friday afternoon.
The tsunami that hit Pacific island nations six years ago caused massive damage
According to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre, as of early Saturday morning local time, many of the low-lying nations feared to be in the direct path of the tsunami were struck from the threat list.
It included: Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Niue, Tonga, French Polynesia, Easter Island, Pitcairn and Antarctica.
Several other Pacific nations were on the list - including New Zealand, where the southern island was hit by a devastating quake just a few short weeks ago. Australia was also removed from the threat list, according to Radio New Zealand reports monitored by HUMNEWS.
Many of the Pacific islands feared to be in the path of the tsunami rely heavily on tourism and had many foreign guests at the time of the alert.
In addition many were victims of one of the worst natural disasters of modern times more than six years ago, when a tsunami triggered by an undersea quake off Indonesia killed more than 220,000 people around the Indian Ocean.
It is believed that many of the practices back then that led to an enormous death toll have been eradicated. For example, housing on coastlines is discouraged in countries vulnerable to tsunamis and bad weather. Aid agencies have also spent untold millions on disaster preparedness and sensitizing local populations.
"We have a lot of earthquakes here and so are getting used to tsunami warnings, however they are always scary, especially when the earthquake epicentre is nearby as there is not always high ground easily accessible," said Suzanne Bule, 26, a British national who works at the Hideaway Resort on the small Republic of Vanuatu and has been evacuating guests.
She told her hometown newspaper The Stourbridge News: "It's also nighttime here and the wave is supposed to arrive at 1am, so that makes it more difficult.
"The authorities are on the television and radio constantly at the moment trying to persuade people to take the warning seriously as we haven't had a big tsunami hit here, and so people start thinking all the warnings are false alarms.
"Some villages are moving to high ground, although there's always those that go to the beach to watch.
"Fingers crossed, all will be okay and the warnings will be lifted in a few hours, then we can get some sleep."
- HUMNEWS staff, wires
HUMNEWS | Post a Comment | Email Article Share Article
tagged Australia, French Polynesia, Japan, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, tsunami


Koba Entertainment is pleased to announce Shopkins Live! (www.ShopkinsLive.com), the first live theatrical production based on Shopkins – the wildly successful brand launched in 2014. Tickets for the tour go on sale Friday, October 27, 2017. The national tour will stop in over 75 cities across the United States.
The Shoppies and Shopkins characters will take to the stage in Shopkins Live! featuring an all new storyline, original pop music and video highlights. The live show features Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint and friends as preparations get underway for Shopville's annual "Funtastic Food and Fashion Fair". The live interactive show is inspired by Shopkins and Shoppies, the international toy phenomenon created in Australia by Moose Toys.
Today, Shopkins is consistently the number one children's toy sold in the United States and is a viral YouTube sensation worldwide. Shoppies dolls have also made their mark on the toy world, consistently hitting the number one spot. With Universal Pictures' release of the first ever Shopkins movie on DVD, and a list of apps dedicated to expanding this ever-growing world, Shopkins continues to be a hot ticket item for children around the world.
"Shopkins is literally on every child's wish list. Koba Entertainment's partnership with an innovative and leading toy manufacturer like Moose Toys allows us to bring one of the most successful toy brands in history to life on stage," says Gilles Paquin, CEO and President of Koba Entertainment, and Executive Producer of Shopkins Live!
The Shopkins Live! tour in the U.S. is represented by APA.
A prominent producer of original family musicals, Koba Entertainment has been captivating audiences around the world with celebrated characters from literature, television, and pop culture since 2004. Koba Entertainment productions have enchanted people of all ages in more than 165 North American cities, 12 countries and 4 continents. Production credits for young audiences include: Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock, Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys, Toopy and Binoo: Fun and Games, The Backyardigans: Sea Deep in Adventure, and Max & Ruby in the Nutcracker Suite.
Moose Toys is a global toy company with offices in the US, UK, Hong Kong, China. The head office is in Melbourne, Australia and from there the brand is distributed into over 90 countries. Moose is known for designing, developing and distributing toy and lifestyle products across the globe for children of all ages and the young at heart. The company is the proud recipient of numerous coveted toy awards, including the 2015 and 2016 Girls Toy of the Year for global phenomenon Shopkins. Most recently, Moose took home the Collectable Toy of the Year and Craft Toy of the Year at the 2017 Australian Toy Awards. A total of nearly 120 awards since 1993 solidifying Moose as a market leader, who is consistently placed within the top toy companies in the USA and Australia. Moose has products in all toy categories including collectibles, arts and crafts, activity toys, dolls, novelty items and has recently become a market leader in developing apps, content, and entertainment.


The wonderfully contemporary Surya Athena ATH5111 Indoor Area Rug – Beige loves to flaunt its curves and impeccable curls! Hand woven in India and made from 100% wool, this rug comes in a warm combination of beige, black and chocolate keeping a neutral color palate that works with a wide range of decor. The medium pile works feels great under your feet. Choose from available sizes to customize this rug especially for your space! They are proud members of "Wools of New Zealand." From design concept through production, a Surya family member is involved, making sure that the highest standards are being met at each level. Surya works with top designers and constantly updates their designs and color palettes to match and set the trends in design and fashion for the home. Surya always means a fine choice in rugs. Beige, black and chocolate. 100% wool. Cotton canvas and latex backing. Contemporary swirling pattern. Hand woven. Medium pile. Choose from available sizes. Made in India.


A fifteen-year-old British teenager Rashid Saleem has managed to gain access to the Ledger hardware wallets, which are some of the most popular cryptocurrency wallets currently available on the market. Saleem bypassed the French company's Nano S and Nano Blue security device after rewriting a code in the device's firmware thereby showcasing the vulnerability the cryptocurrency wallet.
According to news from the UK-based Independent newspaper, Saleem gained access to the product keys and also the cryptocurrency embedded in the wallet after he uncovered a major vulnerability in the device.
This form of cyber attack is known as a "supply chain attack" and contrary to general opinion, it does not require any malware, Rashid stated. He further stated that he has sent the source code to the French hardware company to reproduce and study the attack.
The company has since developed a fix for the flaw. However, this new discovery has raised questions about the security of the cryptocurrency industry.
Most people see cold storages like hardware wallets, like the Ledgers, and paper wallets as the safest ways to store one's cryptocurrencies away from the prying eyes of hackers.
Previous articleUS Postal Service Old & Stodgy? Think Again. It Has a Blockchain Patent Application!


text:
Home Pepperpot Lead Stories The Art of Dudley Charles at Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC
The Art of Dudley Charles at Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC
Veteran Prize-Winning Guyanese Artist Dudley Charles
By Francis Quamina Farrier
There is an on-going Art Exhibition by veteran Guyanese artist, Dudley Charles, at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC, specially mounted for the observance of Guyana's 47th Republic Anniversary. Some of the classic paintings of the talented Charles were put on display at a special ceremony on February 24, 2017.
In his address to the gathering, Guyana's Ambassador to the United States and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States, Dr Riyad Insanally, expressed his delight as he welcomed those who attended the Launch Ceremony.
"The Embassy is truly honoured that this great Guyanese artist has graciously agreed to display a small selection of his extensive portfolio, to help us mark this anniversary," the ambassador stated. Dr. Insanally further said that although "the space available at the embassy was inadequate to play full justice to Charles' pulsating talent, we cannot help but be grateful that he has chosen to enhance and brighten our modest home away from home, with his mastery of colour and his exploration of time and space."
Born in Plaisance on the East Coast Demerara in 1945, Dudley Charles is a contemporary of fellow villager, International songwriter and entertainer, Eddy Grant. He received formal training as an artist from famous Guyanese artist Donald Locke. A former staffer at the Ministry of Culture, Dudley Charles, also developed his God-given talent, working with Denis Williams, Director of Art at the Department of Culture, during the early years of Guyana's Independence.
One of the early Art Exhibitions by Dudley Charles was in 1967, at the Chase Manhattan Bank, which was located on the ground floor of the Bank of Guyana in downtown Georgetown. Along with art colleagues Ron Savory and Cletus Hendriques, Dudley was also very active in the mounting of the Art Exhibitions for (the first) CARIFESTA 72, here in Guyana. That first CARIFESTA is still regarded by many as the greatest, with thousands of cultural workers and enablers, including the Guyana government of the day. Dudley Charles, as a staffer at the Department of Culture was one of those who contributed to its success.
In 1977 while still a Staffer at the Department of Culture, he represented Guyana at FESTAC77 – The Second World Black and African Festival of the Arts and Culture. Held in Lagos, Nigeria, FESTAC77 attracted 17,000 artists from 57 countries around the world. In those early years of Guyana's nationhood, when there was a strong patriotic surge in every facet of nation-building, Dudley Charles was one of the young rising stars in the art world.
A year later, in 1978, after FESTAC77, he mounted a very attractive one-man Exhibition at the Public Service Union (PSU) Hall on Regent Road, Bourda in Georgetown. One of the popular paintings at that Exhibition was "Image Old House" which celebrated Guyana's wooden heritage. Dudley Charles has also won First Prize back to back of the National Visual Arts Competition in 1986, 1987 and 1988.
Since migrating to the United States in 1989, Dudley Charles has returned to Guyana twice "to check out things" in his homeland. However, in answering my question with his usual charming chuckle, he said that he has never been officially invited to any national event or celebration in Guyana or to impart his knowledge to young up-coming artists.
Meanwhile, as his current Exhibition at the Guyana Embassy in Washington, DC, is approaching its conclusion, he has expressed the view that the paintings which he has selected, gives the viewers, especially those Guyanese who have not been home for some years, that they "would recognize certain images which they grew up with."
Previous articleCONSUMERISM SUPPORTS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Next articleShenese Bobb is the first female local kick boxing champion at age 20
It's okay to wear your art pieces on your skin
Land going like 'hot cakes'
A passion for fashion


Selection: Should look fresh and be dry.
Preparation: Wash thoroughly and cut to even size.
And Tastes So Good: These make an interesting potato salad with mayonnaise and chives and/or boiled eggs, lightly cooked peas or whatever takes your fancy.
Storage: Why store – just eat!


Home / Blog / How is sitting really affecting your health?
How is sitting really affecting your health?
It's a new year. A time for positive change. Although it's tempting to slip back into old habits, we should be mindful of the harmful effects of our seated lives. Unfortunately, for many of us, sitting in front of a computer is the reality for much of the time we spend at work, but a growing body of research is showing that sitting really is a serious risk to our health.
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.
As well as incorporating structured exercises into your working week, don't underestimate the importance of incidental exercise. Choices such as taking the stairs rather than the lift or walking to deliver a message to a colleague at work rather than emailing them, can all contribute to a healthier work life. A sit-to-stand desk is an excellent option to vary your posture throughout the times during your working day you need to be in front of your computer.


Corndel is a rapidly‐growing education business, which is disrupting and transforming the way organisations develop their people.
We work with some of the UK's largest, most exciting and innovative organisations, helping them pursue their strategic objectives by upskilling their employees.
The quality of our programmes rests entirely on the quality of our people. Corndel recruits exceptional individuals to lead our training and coaching programmes and to manage our key accounts.
We promise a fun, entrepreneurial and supportive environment, fulfilling work, and an open, informal culture. We are also extremely flexible with options to work part‐time or from home.
We are always looking for people who are enthusiastic, committed self‐starters who are seeking a new professional challenge. If this is you, please get in touch.
If you would like to talk to us about joining the Corndel team, please enter your details below and we will get in touch, or call us on 020 8102 9040.


Eyeglasses Make Your Life Better!
Glasses, Spectacles, Eye Glasses, Prescription EyeGlasses, Designer Glasses or Eyewear.
No matter what you call them you probably can't live without them!
Quality eyeglasses should not only look good but should be constructed properly and with quality materials. Hinges should be solidly secured to ensure smooth opening and closing. A hinge that comes loose from the front of the frame usually cannot be repaired. The frame should be soldered together properly at the bridge and temples. The frame material should be corrosion and heat resistant.
Be sure to purchase your eyewear from a reputable optical store with a satisfaction guaranteed policy. It also helps to buy your glasses from a store that will provide free adjustments and cleanings for the life of the frame.
Spring Hinges – These allow for greater comfort and lessen the frequency of needed adjustments. They will help the hinges survive everyday wear and tear and the occasional bump to the head.
Silicone Nose Pads – They are much softer than other nose pads and are slip resistant so they help prevent eyewear from sliding down your nose.
Memory metal – These frames are made of a flexible titanium alloy for the greatest durability possible in an eyewear frame.
Hypoallergenic frames – If necessary due to skin reactions look for stainless steel, titanium or plastic frames.


It's time for winter, the trees to be barren, and within themselves. Before that, one last moment for Autumn, when the leaves true colors shine bright.
Beautiful place. I don't really think of wilderness when thinking of Michigan but maybe I should!
That Upper Peninsula is really something!
beautiful photos of a beautiful place. I especially like the leaves in the water.
This is so stunning Russ! I've never been to the Michigan side of Lake Superior but desperately want to go. Ive seen so many parts of this majestic lake!
I've not spent much time up that way, and it made me want to spend more!
Stunning images (as always) of a beautiful landscape. I, also, like the leaves in the water, but the reflections of the fall colour is really amazing.
Thanks Vicki, sometimes I overlook the details in favor of the broader shots, but I really liked that scene.


text:
Purge-victim businessman Kavala: It has been one year and I am still waiting for an indictiment
by TurkeyPurge | Nov 30, 2018 | Today in Crackdown
Activist and businessman Osman Kavala, who has been in pretrial detention for over a year without the start of any trial proceedings, said in a statement on Monday that he is waiting for an indictment to appear to disprove accusations that he was a financier of the...
Karabük deputy governor sent to prison over Gulen links: report
Abdulhalim C., the deputy governor of the northwestern province of Karabük, has been put in pre trial detention over his alleged links to Turkey's Gülen group, the Cumhuriyet daily reported on Sunday. Turkey experienced a military coup attempt on July 15 that killed...
NBC news: Wife of NASA scientist jailed in Turkey frustrated by Trump's focus on pastor's case
"When I read the newspapers, I sometimes feel frustrated like they're only trying to save Pastor Andrew Brunson, but not us." These words reportedly uttered by Kubra Gölge, the wife of Serkan Gölge, a 37-year-old physicist and research scientist at the National...
Turkish lawyer put in pre-trial detention on terror charges: report
by TurkeyPurge | Aug 6, 2018 | Today in Crackdown
Can Tombul, a Turkish lawyer and a member of the Law Bureau of the Oppressed (EHB) has been put in pre-trial detention "for being a member of a terror organization". According to a statement released by the Law Bureau of the Oppressed on August 3, 2018, after...
73-year old human rights advocate detained for opposing Turkey's Afrin operation: son
Mithat Can, a 73-year old human rights advocate and the head of Antakya branch of the Human Rights Association, has been detained by Turkish police due to his public statement critical of Turkish military operations in the Kurdish-controlled Afrin region of Syria....


Star Wars Porgs Sing the Star Wars Theme!
The Last Jedi's cutest additions to the Star Wars universe have done a great job of the best piece of movie music ever!
We're all excited about Porgs, the adorable puffin-like creatures from Star Wars: The Last Jedi!
But have you ever wondered what they might sound like performing the Star Wars theme?
A musician named Volpe wondered, so took what Porg sounds he'd heard and manipulated them into the famous tune!


Nothing But Smiles Modeling Magazine! Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day! From Nothing But Smiles Modeling! We want to wish all mothers a very happy day! This magazine has not only models, but it has the mommies!


text:
James Meredith-1st A.A. admitted to University of Mississippi
James Howard Meredith is an American civil rights movement figure, writer, and political adviser. In 1962, he was an Air Force veteran and the 1st African-American student admitted to the segregated University of Mississippi, an event that was a flashpoint in the African American civil rights movement. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's inaugural address, Meredith decided to exercise his constitutional rights and apply to the University of Mississippi. His goal was to put pressure on the Kennedy administration to enforce civil rights for African Americans.
In 1966 Meredith planned a solo 220-mile March Against Fear from Memphis, Tennessee to Jackson, Mississippi; he wanted to highlight continuing racism in the South and encourage voter registration. He did not want major civil rights organizations involved. The second day, he was shot by a white gunman and suffered numerous wounds. Leaders of major organizations vowed to complete the march in his name after he was taken to the hospital. While he was recovering, more people became involved as marchers. When Meredith and other leaders entered Jackson on June 26, marchers were an estimated 15,000 strong, in what was the largest civil rights march in Mississippi. During the course of it, more than 4,000 African Americans had registered to vote, and the march was a catalyst to continued community organizing and additional registration.
Clocks Go Back 1 Hour...
I Believe in Love at First Sight...
Water Shut-Offs are Officially Over. Congratulatio...
Go Out and Vote November 4, 2014. Take 10 People w...
Norbert Rillieux invented a Sugar Processing Evapo...
The Tree of Life. The boabab tree.
John Thompson invented lingo programming
John W. Thompson- Chairman of Microsoft Corporation
Proscovia Alengot Oromait-Youngest member of parli...
Paul Revere Williams-Certified African-American Ar...
A A inventor Paul E. Williams Patented a Helicopter
Awwwww....Pup Cakes
Hey You....
Every Single Republican....
President Dwight Eisenhower says....
Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Marjorie Stewart Joyner invented a permanent wave ...
President Obama-Before and After
Sen. Bernie Sander's Says....
Pat Robertson says....
Ruth J Miro- inventor of personalized paper rings
Mother Earth has been abused-Russell Means
George Grant patents improved golf tee & oblate pa...
Michael Moore Says.....
A. A. John Christian patents lubricants in NASA sp...
Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez. 1st Latin American and the ...
Halle Johnson-1st female A.A Doctor in Alabama
Gabrielle Turnquest-Youngest Person Ever to Pass T...
Dr. Charles Richard Drew- The American Red Cross
Emmett W. Chappelle invented Lyophilized Reaction ...
Happy Birthday Mahalia Jackson
Colin Powell-1st. A.A. Chairman of the Joint Chief...
Hedy Lamarr co-invented "frequency hopping."
Dr. Guion (Guy) Bluford, Jr. 1st A.A. Astronaut in...
Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner murders
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu-Founder of soleRebels Foot...
The 19th Amendment-Women's Right to Vote
James Meredith-1st A.A. admitted to University of ...
National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali
Sidney Jacoby-Combination smoke and heat detector ...
Gachao Kiuna- CEO Transcentury Group
Elijah McCoy- "The real McCoy"
Lolita Lebrón- Puerto Rican nationalist
Marie Brown-1st home-security inventions
Dolores Clara Fernandez Huerta-co-founded the Nati...
Nelson Mandela, freedom fighter
They Are Not Grey Hairs!
Serena Clinches Year-End No.1
Every Day is a New Beginning-Treat it that Way
Jedidah Isler, PhD-1st A.A. Woman to Graduate w/ a...
Sacagawea- interpreter and guide for the Lewis and...
Dr. Stanley E Woodard- inventor of the SanSec Wire...
Jupiter Hammon-1st African-American writer to be p...
GOD is Good All the Time...
Bruce Lee-Hong Kong American martial artist
In Demark, 89% of the People voted in their Last E...
Cesar Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers ...
Doctor Daniel Hale Williams 1st person to successf...
Geronimo-Leader of the Bedonkohe Apache
For Those of You That Can't Get to the Great Black...
Granville T Woods-The Black Edison
Africa's Most Successful Women: Khanyi Dhlomo
Crispus Attuck 1st casualty of the Boston Massacre
Jacob Zuma, GCB- President of South Africa
1.3 million homeless students in the U.S.
Joseph Kabila- President of the Democratic Republi...
Phuti Malabie -- South African. CEO, Shanduka Group
Benjamin Banneker-Invented America's First Clock
Frederick J. Loudin, Fisk Jubilee Singer, Teacher,...
DORTICUS, CLATONIA JOAQUIN patents a device that h...
Henry Jackson Invents Lady's Work Table
Garrett Augustus Morgan, Sr.- Traffic Control Signal
African American, Sarah Boone, patents the ironing...
Charles Brooks - Street Sweeper Truck
The Lincoln University (LU) is the United States' ...
The Great Blacks in Wax Museum's Nelson Mandela Ex...
Bill Pickett-Inventor of Bulldogging
Joseph R. Winters Patents Fire escape ladder
Henry O. Flipper 1st Black Graduate of West Point
Violette Anderson-1st Woman Lawyer before Supreme ...
Thomas J. Martin Patents Improved Fire Extinguisher
Debra Janine Thomas is an American figure skater a...
Mr. P. Johnson, an African American, invented the ...
Arthur Ashe- World No. 1 Professional Tennis Player.
The curtain rod support was invented by William S....
Alexander Miles of Duluth, Minnesota patented an e...
The New Orleans Tribune, the first black-owned dai...
African American inventor O.B. Clare patents rail ...
Joseph H. Smith invents Lawn Sprinkler
George Washington Carver was an American scientist...
Fred Swaniker is a Ghanaian serial entrepreneur an...
Dr. Shirley JacksonBorn: Washington, D.C. Inven...
North Carolina Mutual Life Ins. Co. Largest Black ...
Sarah S. Goode-1st African American woman to recei...
David Fisher, a Black Inventor, created the Joiner...
Chicago-Style Stepping
Paul Leroy Robeson-Actor, Singer, Football Star & ...


Teaching by Hand, Learning by Heart is a collection of illuminating stories drawn from Bruce Fertman's teaching of the Alexander Technique over many years. They show how people from around the world, beginners or experienced pupils and teachers, have learned from Bruce's explorative questioning, his suggestions and his use of touch.
Bruce's multi-layered approach to teaching the Technique includes anatomy, imagination, sensory guidance, movement, thinking rather than doing, change of intention, and even the recreation of a difficult situation so as to meet and deal with them differently, consciously, and with clear intent.
The stories in this book illustrate the many aspects of the Alexander Technique as it deals with the whole human being. Thinking, feeling, sensing, reacting, wishing, breathing and moving are all simultaneoud processes, both singly and in combination, facilitating a fundamental change: a change in the response to a stimulus.
Such a change creates a more unified individual. These stories exemplify the indivisibility of the self. They enlarge our understanding of the many layers through which the Alexander Technique works.


text:
Gene Blevins/Reuters
L.A.'s Incentive for Urban Farming Fails to Take Root
Ludwig Hurtado
Hardly any lots have received a tax break so far under the Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones program.
In Southern California, an effort to turn vacant lots into urban farms is struggling to take root.
In 2014, the California legislature approved the Urban Agriculture Incentive Zones (UAIZ) Act. Three years later, the policy was implemented in the City of Los Angeles and unincorporated cities in L.A. County.
Supporters of the policy were optimistic that many owners of more than 8,000 eligible lots in the city would jump at the tax break. It would be a compelling incentive for them to turn unused parcels of land into something productive for the community.
The reality has been different: So far, only four lots have received a tax break under the program.
"We assumed that by having this policy on the books, all of a sudden, all these vacant property owners would come out of the woodwork and say, 'Yeah, I'll take this $5,000 tax break to have my property used [for agriculture],'" said Breanna Hawkins, policy director at the nonprofit Los Angeles Food Policy Council (LAFPC), which championed the legislation.
The UAIZ program allows owners of plots of up to three acres to claim a property-tax reduction if they use or lease the land for agricultural purposes for a minimum of five years. The land is reassessed at a lower rate, based on the average per-acre value of irrigated cropland in California.
But Hawkins and other urban-farming advocates believe property owners are apprehensive about giving up their vacant land, likely because many are holding it for future development. Or owners might be concerned that if they convert the properties to small farms, they'll get pushback from neighbors when they replace the farms with something else.
Florence/Firestone Community Garden, in the unincorporated community of Florence-Firestone in L.A. County. (Courtesy of From Lot to Spot)
Cyndi Hubach was one of the first recipients of the UAIZ tax break. She converted a parking lot to the Elysian Valley Community Garden, which is home to a beehive and serves as a compost hub. Hubach is also a co-chair of the urban agriculture working group at the LAFPC.
As the policy is written currently, owners who receive the tax assessment must continue lending their vacant property for a minimum of five consecutive years, with the option to renew for another five years at the end. "It seems like a long time," Hubach said, "but a lot of these lots have been vacant for decades, so five years shouldn't be that much of a deterrent."
While she doesn't plan on developing her garden into anything else, she does see why other property owners may be disincentivized by having their land tied up for five years at a time. Landowners have the option of ending their contract whenever they wish, but state law requires them to pay back the amount they've received in tax benefits, unless their municipality determines that the cancellation was "caused by extenuating circumstances despite the good faith effort by the landowner," as the code states. Hubach said the process may seem like an unwarranted headache for owners who don't understand it well enough, especially if their taxes just aren't that high.
The process may seem like an unwarranted headache for owners who don't understand it well enough, especially if their taxes just aren't that high.
Despite its relatively fruitless first run, the state legislature voted last year to extend the UAIZ beyond its original sunset provision. The ordinance will expire in 2029 rather than 2019.
Advocates claim the city was insufficiently prepared to implement the program.* "In order to really make the UAIZ successful, you have to invest in it," Hawkins said.
In an email to CityLab, staff members in the office of L.A. Councilmember Curren Price, who introduced the local legislation, said that the planning department continues to promote the UAIZ on social media and at local events. Price's staff said the office has "encouraged many local property owners, including faith-based organizations and business owners, to verify whether their lots can qualify for the UAIZ program."
Elliott Kuhn is a property owner and grower in the San Fernando Valley. His urban garden has been approved for the UAIZ, but he says he has not yet received a tax assessment and does not know when or how that process will unfold.
Doritt Ragosine has multiple beehives on the green vacant space next to her property. She was one of the first two people to apply for the UAIZ in Los Angeles, but even after multiple trips back and forth from local governing offices, she wouldn't learn that she did not qualify for the program until she got to the very last step of the application process.
The state's UAIZ policy supports a tax break for various agriculture-supporting activities, including composting, animal husbandry, and beekeeping. In the city of L.A., however, there must be at least some food-growing on a parcel for it to qualify for the tax break.
"That was a huge blow for folks who really envisioned using the policy for [supporting] uses," Hawkins said, adding that broadening the definition of "urban agriculture" under the city's legislation could potentially help the effectiveness of the UAIZ.
Jessica McBride, a land-use and zoning consultant, noted that growers and eligible property owners simply aren't connecting. There are no formal means of linking growers to people whose land they might be able to use. Growers have to seek out landowners themselves, first by locating vacant lots throughout the city, and then by using public records to obtain owners' contact information.
Advocates have suggested tweaks to make the city ordinance more effective. In addition to offering a tax break for property owners who do lend their land, L.A. could penalize property owners who don't. The City of Long Beach, for example, fines owners $53 a month to encourage them to convert their vacant lots into urban gardens or farms.
Price, the council member, said in an email that he is proud of the work done so far and hopeful for the future: "As we all know, implementing a new program comes with challenges and opportunities for growth."
One UAIZ project is a micro-farm in Price's district, on a formerly vacant lot in the area of a new affordable housing development. The project will likely help dozens of families in the area grow their own food. But advocates wish the impact could be measured in the hundreds or thousands, instead.
*CORRECTION: This article previously stated that there is no city staffer tasked with handling UAIZ applications. As of May, L.A.'s planning department has assigned two people to handling the applications.
@ludwighurtado
Ludwig Hurtado is a journalist from Los Angeles.


The rural 'tunas' are popular music groups of a rural context present throughout the country, appearing most of them in the beginning of the 20th century. In this early period, they helped to spread the use of flutes and stringed instruments in popular expression, where loud instruments like the drums were prevalent.
Nowadays, three rural 'tunas' are active in Amarante: the Associação Cultural e Recreativa da Tuna de Gondar, the Tuna de São Faustino de Fridão and the Tuna de São Paio de Ansiães.
Created in 1981 the Tuna of São Faustino de Fridão is a Tuna of reference of Amarante, with performances inside and outside the country, where we can highlight the one undertaken during the "Expo-98".
Among the work carried out by the group we can highlight also the Tâmega Children's and Youth Festival (which already counts with 12 editions) and the work done since 1988 by their own music school, providing free classes to about fifty children and young people of the local parish.
The Tuna de Gondar was founded in 2000, at June 10, during the celebration tribute to Armando Teixeira Mota e Costa. Four years later a new Tuna de Gondar debuted with students formed by its own school.
Nowadays the group has 83 elements, directly or indirectly involved: 31 formed the Tuna, 4 students of the music school, 14 are children (aged between 4 and 11), 19 are 'cavaquinhos' (ukulele) (belonging to the School of Cavaquinhos) and 15 elements belong also to the Grupo de Bombos de Sta. Maria de Gondar.


Legionness Jaygo has been defeated in the graveyard by Dekion's Birthday Cake.
Legionness Jaygo boldly declared, "Dekion's Birthday Cake couldn't hit an elephant at this dist. . . ."
Elder Grimaldo has defeated his master, EauSalee to advance to level 3 after 7 days!!
Elder Grimaldo was hunted down by their master, EauSalee, for being truant.
Legionness Jaygo has been slain while attacking Warlock Krutov in the fields of Glorfindal.
"Any last requests Legionness Jaygo?" asked Warlock Krutov. "Why yes, a Clarabelle's Claymoreproof vest!"
Soldier Drestakil has defeated his master, Sensei Noetha to advance to level 11 after 24 days!!
Soldier Drestakil was hunted down by their master, Sensei Noetha, for being truant.
Cavalier Jaymie has been slain in the forest by Pirate.
Cavalier Jaymie has been slain in the forest by Midget Minotaur.
"My ego can't take much more of this bruising!" exclaims Cavalier Jaymie.
LeoLawlight has earned the title Cavalier for having slain the Green Dragon 9 times!
Legionnaire LeoLawlight has slain the hideous creature known as The Green Dragon. All across the land, people rejoice!
Legionnaire LeoLawlight has defeated his master, Yoresh to advance to level 15 after 12 days!!
Centurion TheNarx has defeated his master, Mireraband to advance to level 2 after 2 days!!
Centurion TheNarx was hunted down by their master, Mireraband, for being truant.
Soldier Kroz has challenged their master, Gerrard and lost!
"I see London, I see France, I see Soldier Kroz's underpants!" reveals Gerrard.
Soldier Kroz has defeated his master, Adwares to advance to level 7 after 9 days!!
Peasant Snarloth defeated Stablehand Draxdestroyer in fair combat in the fields of Romar.
Villager Pirra has been slain while attacking Stablehand Darkstalker in the fields of Glorfindal.
Villager Pirra boldly declared, "Stablehand Darkstalker couldn't hit an elephant at this dist. . . ."
Page Moofy has been slain in the forest by Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt.
"Aah, so that's what Winged Stags is for!" exclaimed Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt.
Moofy has earned the title Page for having slain the Green Dragon 5 times!
Soldier Moofy has slain the hideous creature known as The Green Dragon. All across the land, people rejoice!
Soldier Moofy has been slain while attacking Warlock Krutov in the fields of Glorfindal.
Warlock Krutov admonishes, "Go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Dragon Master CELLryuu has been slain in the forest by Pygmy Marmoset.
"Oh man! I didn't think you had it in you, Pygmy Marmoset," Dragon Master CELLryuu exclaims.
Gladiator AbdominalBroman has been defeated in the graveyard by Will O' the Wisp.
"You should have just stayed in bed," Will O' the Wisp suggests.
Gladiator AbdominalBroman has been slain when he encountered The Green Dragon!!! His bones now litter the cave entrance, just like the bones of those who came before.
Gladiator AbdominalBroman was heard to say, "Please, sir, may I have some more?"
CELLryuu has earned the title Dragon Master for having slain the Green Dragon 456 times!
Dragon Master CELLryuu has slain the hideous creature known as The Green Dragon. All across the land, people rejoice!
Gladiator AbdominalBroman has defeated his master, Yoresh to advance to level 15 after 33 days!!
Dragon Master CELLryuu has defeated his master, Yoresh to advance to level 15 after 8 days!!
Dragon Master CELLryuu has defeated his master, Adoawyr to advance to level 14 after 8 days!!
Soldier Moofy has been slain when she encountered The Green Dragon!!! Her bones now litter the cave entrance, just like the bones of those who came before.
The Green Dragon admonishes, "Go away, or I shall taunt you a second time!"
Dragon Master CELLryuu has defeated his master, Gadriel the Elven Ranger to advance to level 13 after 8 days!!
Dragon Master CELLryuu has defeated his master, Celith to advance to level 12 after 8 days!!
Dragon Master CELLryuu has defeated his master, Sensei Noetha to advance to level 11 after 8 days!!


3 steps to convert a gin "hater" into a "gin lover" - What's Katie Doing?
What I really struggle with are people who say they "hate" gin. I mean hate is a strong word! Plus in these days with such a vast selection of gin available – not just your grannies Gordon and tonic – I truly believe there is something for everyone!
So how do you convert a 'gin hater' into a 'gin lover'?
Assess what they don't like about gin and tonic.
By this I mean try to work out if it's the juniper flavour they don't like, or the bitterness of the tonic?
Most people associate gin with tonic, so if you don't like a G&T then one or the other might be the cause.
In general I can categorise 'gin haters' into :those that would actually like gin if it's with another mixer, or those that would like it if they try something that isn't a juniper heavy style, and there are many more of those out there to try now!
Those who don't like tonic (you can tell this if they don't drink vodka and tonic, which is as neutral as it gets!), could mix their gin with ginger beer or ale; (I'm more a ginger ale girl), or lemonade – I like a cloudy style like FeverTree Sicilian lemonade, or even juice!
Find out what flavours they actually like.
For example do they like citrus led flavours? Or the flavour that comes from ageing like a whisky; or perhaps herbal, sweet, or fruit flavours?
This can be indicated by their favourite drinks – for example my flattie loves whisky, particularly those with a peaty style, another friend prefers the sweeter bourbon. Both of which suggest cask aged gins as something they might appreciate, either over ice or with a mixer.
A lot of gin has citrus in it, as its one of the usual botanicals. Also there are plenty of gins out there with lots more fruit flavour, like Brockmans with its berry flavours or Hoxton with its heavy coconut, perfect for those who like Malibu.
Sweet drink lovers would also like trying sloe gin and other fruit infused gins. With these the sweetness can be offset by mixing with bitter lemon or tonic, or you can drink them neat – great for a winter hip flask!
For those that prefer herbal flavours there are gins where the herbal botanicals are the focus. Like gin Mare from Spain, which uses Mediterranean rosemary, thyme and even olives! St George Terroir uses Douglas fir and sage, for a savoury pine flavour. Tanqueray Rangpur combines its citrus flavours with the Eastern aromatic kick of kafir lime.
How do they drink it?
In general people see gin as gin and tonic, but some people prefer to drink their spirits long, others just over ice and others are cocktails only.
Well there are gins to suit all styles!
As mentioned earlier cask aged gin has the similar taste profile to a whisky – note that it won't have the depth of flavour as a whisky (gin is normally aged for months, whisky has to be aged for a minimum of 3 years to be classed as a whisky).
Good ones to try are Zuidam 5 year old Zeer Oude Genever or Professor Cornelius Ampleforth'sCask Aged Bathtub gin.
Or for a sweeter after dinner drink try sloe gin over ice, or Edinburgh Gin's Rhubarb and Ginger.
As mentioned above there are plenty of ways to mix gin with things other than tonic! Ginger ale, lemonade, as well as one of the non traditional flavoured tonics can liven things up.
Another selection on the bar at the Pint Shop Cambridge.
Like something spicy? Try Opihr gin with ginger ale, the gin has its own natural spice flavours to stand up to the ginger ale.
In fact mix your gin with something different and garnish and you have a whole new cocktail. Try Brockmans with Fentimans Rose lemonade garnished with rose petals – simply gorgeous. Or Hoxton with pineapple juice for a ginacolada!
There are loads of classic cocktails that can be made (better) with the addition of gin.
The one that should spring to everyone's mind is the classic gin martini (not vodka!!) I like mine dry, which means ice cold gin served with a very small amount of vermouth and garnished with a twist of citrus, so that's the flavour that hits your nose first.
Others may prefer a sweeter martini (more vermouth) or dirty with the addition of olive brine out of the jar. But don't get this confused with cocktails called martinis that aren't all spirits – anything with juice in it doesn't make the cut for me!
Looks lush! The Clover Club is a raspberry gin and egg white cocktail.
See there are endless ways to drink gin!
When you know what they like, what they don't and how they like their drinks, you can suggest a fabulous gin for them and voila: Gin lovers?
So now you know what your gin hater actually likes, you can find a gin drink for them to try that they'll have a better chance of liking, or even loving!
This method isn't 100% foolproof but I've certainly managed to get a lot of 'gin haters' to relent and try gin, and even 'love' it….
Where do you get the gin from?
Try Ocado, Waitrose, Gin Foundry, Gerry's Wine and Spirits in Soho, or Master of Malt.
Where can I try different gins?
Don't want to invest in a whole bottle of gin before you know you'll like it? Then head to a gin bar that stocks a whole heap that you can try! My favourite is The Oliver Conquest in Aldgate East, London (with over 260 gins!), but outside of London there are plenty of places to try it, like the Canary in Bath or one that's still on my hit list – The Old Bell Inn in Saddleworth, which holds the World Record for stocking the most commercially available gins.
Not sure whether any of my suggestions above will work for you? Let me know the answers to 1, 2 & 3 in the comments or on Twitter and I'll suggest something for you to try!
A really great gin from Vancouver is Longtable – they do a fabulous cucumber summer gin and a very smooth aged gin too!


text:
"When It's Just You and Me" is a written by Kenny O'Dell, and recorded by American country music artist Dottie West.  It was released in October 1976 as the first single and title track from the album When It's Just You and Me.

This song is important because it marked the first single released by West under her new record company, United Artists. Her material was now more sexual and riskier material, and this was her first single that proved this. her material now was more aimed towards country pop sounding material. The song was released in late 1976, and brought West back as a Country singer, after a rapid downfall of chart success between the years of 1975 and 1976 under RCA (which eventually dropped her from their label because of it). This song brought West back into the Top 20, at No. 19 on Billboard's list. On Cashbox's list, the single hit the Top 10, peaking at No. 10, her first Top 10 hit since 1974.

In 1977 and album of the same name was released, which featured three other singles, two of which became Top 40 Country hits, "Every Word I Write" (1977), and "Tonight You Belong to Me" (1977). This song set the stage for a string of Country/Pop-styled hits West would have until 1985.

Chart performance

References

1977 singles
Dottie West songs
Songs written by Kenny O'Dell
United Artists Records singles
1976 songs

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Bitcoin Payment - Get 10% discount!
Tioman Ferry Tickets started accepting payment for ferry tickets in Bitcoin in 2014.
By enabling our passengers to pay for ferry tickets with Bitcoin, we further show our commitment to not only remaining the most customer-friendly Tioman ferry ticket provider, but the most forward-looking Tioman ferry ticket provider as well.
If you'd like to get a 10% discount on your tickekt price by paying for your ferry tickets in with Bitcoin, just let us know by clicking here. NOTE: Please let us know the number of passengers in your party and whether you need one-way tickets or round-trip tickets.
We'll send you our Bitcoin payment link for the amount representing the number of ferry tickets you require. Once your Bitcoin payment has arrived, we'll send our confirmation email to the email address used in your Bitcoin payment.
In this confirmation email you'll find all details required for your ferry trip, including your ticket collection details, ferry schedule, as well as our Mersing Harbour Centre Hotline number that you can call for any ferry timing updates, or any for any advice you may need.
Our confirmation email also includes a great deal of other useful information related to Tioman, as well as to Mersing.
Lastly, please print out the Bitcoin receipt email that you are sent to you upon sending your Bitcoin payment to us. Our ferry ticket counter staff use this print-out to validate your ferry booking, after which you'll be handed your actual ferry tickets and your boarding passes.