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St. Pius X RC Church, Plainview NY
"Restore all things in Christ!"
VIDEOS - Daily Masses
VIDEOS - From the Heart
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VIDEOS - Reflections / Liturgical Services / Blessings
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Welcome to WeShare!
WeShare - How Does it Work?
The year 2015 will mark the 60th anniversary of our parish. In preparation, I have been reflecting on what makes our parish unique. One word came to mind – personal. We are small – and everyone knows the saying – "Good things come in small packages!" What some might consider a disadvantage is truly a gift for our parish of St. Pius X. Because we are small in size we can be – and ARE personal – we have the opportunity to know each other. So – who are we? There is no better way to honor this momentous occasion in the history of our parish than to pause and take the time to get to know our parishioners. Where do we start? We are privileged to have parishioners who are part of the founding families or our parish. Can you believe it! Among these parishioners is Marion Celenza who graciously compiled our parish history. I hope you have been reading the installments which have been published in our bulletin and also on our website (http://www.stpiusxrc.com/Pari). But who are the people who are part of this wonderful history? What we are in search of now is the heart of our parish – our parishioners.
As a part of our ongoing engagement efforts, we have come to realize the importance of parishioners sharing their personal stories of how they have connected with St. Pius X parish life as an important factor in their lives. As a feature twice a month, Ms Denise DeSousa will introduce us to the stories and reflections of our parishioners who are living a stewardship life of prayer, service and giving.
God Bless You -
Fr. Valentine
About Our Interviewer – Denise DeSousa
If you have stopped by the Faith Formation Office or the Parish Office on weekends, you were greeted by the warm, smiling face of Denise De Sousa. Denise has been part of our staff for over a year. She has been an asset to Michelle Mascolo, Director of Faith Formation, assisting her with the many administrative tasks necessary to serve the children, parents and catechists in our Faith Formation program. On weekends, it is Denise's pleasant voice that greets callers whether on the phone or in person.
Denise is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree at Stony Brook University. Her major is journalism with a minor in anthropology. So, when it came to deciding who should interview our parishioners, Denise was a natural selection. Denise is excited to put her journalism skills into practice as well as having the opportunity to get to know some of the parishioners on a more personal level.
In her spare time, you can find Denise volunteering for a worthy cause, like Right to Life, or engrossed in reading a meaningful book.
I am grateful to Denise for taking on this project as part of the activities planned during for our 60th Anniversary year.
~ Fr. Valentine
Meet the Faggiano Family
It's church first for the Faggiano family, active members of the St. Pius X parish, who strive to keep God centered throughout their daily lives. Full-time working parents, Dawn and Bill Faggiano, set an example for their son Luca- a third grade faith formation student- as they emphasize the importance of attending mass together and getting involved in parish life.
"We do try to make church a priority and that we do this together. It feels like family time," Dawn said and explained how blessed she feels at the fact the both she and her husband are in agreement with how to raise their son in the Catholic faith. "This is one of the most wholesome places."
For Luca, St. Pius X is a holy place where he is now able to help Father Valentine during mass since becoming an altar server.
After his initial altar serving training, Luca had jumped at the opportunity to serve at Sunday mass.
"It's such a nice job to be able to help the priest," Luca said- sharing that although he was a bit nervous at first, the other altar servers helped throughout the mass. "It's very exciting."
Like father like son, Bill Faggiano also recently became more involved in his parish with the Knights of Columbus and pointed out how he and Luca will start helping to set and clean up during and after parish events- especially in the coming Christmas season.
"We are a minority in this community," Bill said, who appreciates the family like structure of the parish. "Having a place where like-minded people can get together is easy."
Gathering their belongings, the Faggiano's headed over to 10:30 mass 15 minutes early. Luca had to prepare for mass, after all. He was scheduled to altar serve.
Meet Barbara Brown!
As the memories of former pastors, parish events, and bittersweet moments resurfaced, Barbara Brown- one of the first baptized at St. Pius X Church- didn't hesitate or stumble when it came to recounting the names of each parishioner she had encountered throughout the years.
Between her secretarial work lasting from the late 70s through the early 90s to her current role as the president of the Rosary Society, Brown has long since familiarized herself with the many aspects of the church community as well as the members of the parish.
"The community of people that gather [here] are unique in their own respect," Brown, who holds a special place in her heart for parishioners, said. "St. Pius is a family."
With dreams of writing a novel based on her knowledge of the church and the amount of heartwarming stories she's accumulated of St. Pius X over time, Brown emphasized the importance of having a strong faith and of getting involved in the parish.
"God is life. You can't have one without the other," Brown shared as she spoke of hardships she's overcome through the grace of God. "I don't know how [people] do it without God in their lives."
Focused now on continuing to enjoy life, Brown is determined to further surround herself with friends, family, and positivity.
"Life is very short," Brown said, advising against negative environments. "God has been my direction. My trust in Him guides me through every single day."
Meet Arthur & Naomi Fonesca!
Witnesses to the evolvement of St. Pius X, Arthur and Naomi Fonseca affectionately referred to their 60 year old parish as their home away from home.
"I think one of the biggest things I love about St. Pius X is that sense of community and family," Naomi shared as her husband nodded in agreement beside her. "What I love to see is all the young families."
The Fonseca's, who- in 1956- were introduced to each other through a friend of Naomi's engaged to Arthur's brother, Jim- built their marriage on a strong foundation of faith, love and family values which has helped in making "the last better than the first" with each year of married life that passes by.
"Marriage is wonderful," Naomi said, as she shared her thoughts of the sacrament for those preparing for marriage and for those already married. "But there will come moments when you have disagreements. Don't let that block you."
As a couple, not only have Arthur and Naomi-parents of three- continuously involved themselves in church ministries, such as the parish council and the St. Pius X Feast, but they have kept Christ centered in their lives by attending Sunday mass.
"The gift of being able to connect, to renew with my brother Jesus- who is unconditional love- is a gift," Arthur said. "I think that every Christian has to remember that Jesus is unconditional love and the enormity of that unconditional love."
Meet Dario Rossi!
From the very first time he received Christ in second grade, Dario Rossi - a parishioner of St. Pius X for 26 years - desired to devote his time and talent to serving God and the Catholic Church.
"I started to develop my faith from those very early years, and I never let go," Rossi said - who has now found his niche in the church as a lector. "It started with my mom and dad. They had very strong religious beliefs, and that translated into my strong religious beliefs, faith and background."
Rossi credits his deep faith in God as what gave his life direction during difficult times.
"A few years back, my sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer," Rossi said, pausing as memories of her fatal prognosis resurfaced. "I will tell you, having a deep prayer through faith and belief in miracles, I witnessed a miracle in my own sister's life."
Today, through the power of prayer and experimental medication, Rossi's sister is experiencing life in remission.
"It's all faith. I prayed to St. Jude. He's the patron of hopeless cases," Rossi shared noting that Jude is his middle name. "I would consider my sister a hopeless case at that time."
For now, Rossi looks forward to watching his family grow alongside his wife Donna and to witnessing his two adult sons deepen their own faith lives.
"I consider myself the luckiest man on the planet because of what I've been through, and where I am today," Rossi said. "God has blessed me with so many beautiful things, and that's why I give back to the church. It's not just a one way street."
Meet Millie and Mike Di Carlo!
Faithful to the 3:45 Saturday evening mass, Mike Di Carlo continues a weekly Catholic tradition instilled in him as a boy.
"The family was always very religious," Di Carlo said as he recalled how close his childhood home was in relation to the family's parish. "We lived down a block from St. Bernadette's [in Brooklyn], and they built an elementary school. My younger brother went there."
A member of St. Pius X for 15 years, Di Carlo is a sponsor to both the St. Pius X Golf Outing and Feast.
"It's a thank you for my fortune over the years," Di Carlo said as he explained his reasons for giving back and getting involved in church life. "Anything to support the church."
Recently retired after 48 years of business, both Di Carlo and his wife Millie- who he met while in elementary school- continue to support the church as a Knight of Columbus and a Columbiette.
"Being in business, [I learned] you have to be ready to stand up and do something," Di Carlo said- who is a firm believer in attending mass and living out the Catholic faith. "You gotta be involved."
Meet Suzanne Balestriere!
With faith as the underlying foundation of the Balestriere household, Suzanne Balestriere placed all of her trust in God's hands as He helped guide her along her spiritual journey.
"My parents were Buddhist, but we didn't really practice it," Suzanne said as she shared the challenges of growing up without a faith life. "Now I want to learn about the church and God."
Suzanne's husband, Louis Balestriere- who was raised in an Italian Catholic family-expressed his deep appreciation for his wife's commitment to the Catholic Church.
"This is a big deal," Louis said pointing out that a few weeks after the two started dating, Suzanne began to attend Sunday Mass alongside him. "The church has been a big part of our life together."
To Suzanne, understanding the significance of Easter and Christmas has deepened her faith and renewed in her hope, which she now desires to share with others.
"I want to make sure that after the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program (RCIA) is completed that I do make a difference," Suzanne said as her three year old son Giovanni, who has already memorized The Lord's Prayer, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, sat quietly on her lap. "I need to live by the teachings of Jesus, and I want to make sure my son is brought up that way as well."
Meet Gregory May!
To Gregory May, converting to Catholicism just confirmed everything he had already experienced.
"I've been to more Catholic ceremonies than I have Protestant," Gregory said as he spoke of his background knowledge of the Catholic faith before even entering the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults Program (RCIA). "It's not that alien to me."
Receiving full Communion with the Catholic Church on Easter Sunday, Gregory has had the support of his fiancée, Kara Guy, throughout the entire process.
"I'm his sponsor," Kara said smiling as she shared her excitement at the prospect of her soon-to-be husband receiving the Eucharist alongside her now. "When we have kids, I definitely want to take them to church as a family. I like the idea of everyone being able to get communion."
Together, Gregory and Kara labeled St. Pius X Church as awesome.
"This is the only parish that I've ever known," Kara said. "I like that I get to bring Gregory to the Church and share it together."
Meet Anne Bantleon!
Lost in a moment of emotion, Anne Bantleon, St. Pius X's minister of consolation, gently wiped a tear from her cheek as the story of her faith journey unfolded.
"Why do I cry so easily?" Bantleon asked. "I think it's because I'm witnessing love. And my faith translates that to me because I see people living God's love to each other, and they don't even realize it."
A Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Pastoral Council, Bantleon pointed out that many people today are too distracted to experience Jesus' presence.
"I think we live the life that Jesus wants us to live when we have an encounter with Jesus," Bantleon said. "And I don't think most people realize that they have encounters with Jesus all the time."
A mother of four from a previous marriage, Bantleon and her husband George constantly find themselves involved in different aspects of church life.
"I'm proud to be Catholic," Bantleon said with a smile. "St. Pius X is family."
Meet Heather & Alen Lonic!
Glancing over at her fiancé and breaking out into a wide smile, Heather Cussen, soon-to-be Mrs. Alen Lonic, jokingly denied liking anything about her future husband.
"No. I'm kidding," Cussen said as she and Lonic laughed over the playful jab. "I love his kindness. He's got a good heart."
The couple,engaged since April after Lonic proposed at Westbury Gardens on Dog Walk Weekend, is set to wed at 2pm this Valentine's Day.
"I'm nervous," Cussen said as the couple shared their final wedding preparations. "I want everything to go right that day."
As wedding arrangements started to come underway, Lonic and Cussen both found themselves making their way back into the pews of the church.
"When we started thinking about the wedding, we started coming back to church," Cussen shared. "We come every week. It should be a family thing." Lonic added that the two plan to start volunteering in different ministries of the church one way or another.
Along with attending Sunday mass, the couple also participated in Pre-Cana, a marriage preparation program intended for engaged couples marrying in the Catholic Church.
"Pre-Cana was awesome," the couple exclaimed as they noted the biggest takeaway of the course: patience. "We really learned a lot."
With the arrows of Cupid pointing us closer and closer to Valentine's Day, Father Valentine used this time to remind couples about the power of prayer in relationships.
"Prayer has the biggest impact on your marriage," Father Valentine said. "Use that as your daily tool."
Meet Rosemarie & Thomas Burke!
Leaning forward in her chair and clasping her hands together atop her lap, Rosemarie Burke sat in wonderment of how people are able to go through life without God.
"I would never," she said as her husband Thomas nodded slowly in agreement beside her. "How do you not believe?"
A nightmare turned reality, Thomas and Rosemarie Burke faced the unimaginable after their 15 year old son, Thomas Michael Burke, passed away shortly after being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, AML .
"You bury a 15 year old child, he was a twin, and people ask me, 'Aren't you mad at God?'" Rosemarie said. "No. God gave me three beautiful, healthy grandsons. And I personally believe that my son was too good for this world. I'm going to be with him again someday."
The couple's religious convictions along with the support of the church community, pulled them through the dark times of their lives.
"We always feel that there's somebody there who really cares," Rosemarie said as she noted how fundamental priests were during their time of grief. Thomas, an original member of the Knights of Columbus and a Eucharistic Minister, added how the couple would go to mass every morning.
"I feel sorry for people who don't have any beliefs," Rosemarie, a Columbiette, said. "What do they do? Where do they go?"
The Burke's, who met at a Christmas party and married the following November, credit God with giving them the grace to push on.
"I drop everything in God's lap," Rosemarie shared as she took note of trying times that she and her husband recently experienced throughout these past few months. "I pray all the time, 'just give me the strength.'"
Meet Fran & Neil DeRosa!
As Neil DeRosa made his way into the rectory alongside his wife Frances, he was quickly greeted with the responsibilities that only a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and member of the pastoral council could be greeted with. Stopping to shuffle through mail, overlook paperwork with the parish administrator, and comment on the success of the Knights of Columbus Breakfast with Santa, DeRosa began to sketch his involvement in the church simply through his routine actions.
A parishioner of St. Pius X since 1966, Neil DeRosa attributed his involvement in the youth group to his continued involvement in ministry work. "I started up the Antioch group, which was a youth group," Neil said. "I ran that for two years. We had prayer meetings and Bible readings…it changed the course of my life for the better." Frances, treasurer of the Columbiettes, added that the Antioch is where she and Neil had met each other.
Neil, who also serves as chairman of the St. Pius X feast and as a member of the finance and golf committees, noted the significance that St. Pius X has had on his life. "I grew up here, I was married here, and my kids were baptized here…" he shared. Frances finished her husband's sentence labeling St. Pius X as home. "I don't remember anything before St. Pius," she stated.
Both Neil and Frances emphasized the importance of families coming together and sharing in church events. "The way to get involved is just to get involved," Neil said. "There are so many different organizations to participate in."
Meet Rita & Jack Hansen!
A couple that prays together, stays together is the underlying motto between the marriage of Jack and Rita Hansen. The Hansen's, who read together from the Bible regularly, have been committed to serving God throughout their 60 years of marriage.
"Praying and playing," Rita Hansen said, "keeps you close together and close to God."
Members of St. Pius X for 57 years, the Hansen's stressed the importance of incorporating the church into daily life, something that they have yet to stop doing.
"Jack was the coach and manager of the baseball team for the youth council and CYO basketball," Rita noted. "And I was in the Rosary Society. I was also involved in St. Vincent de Paul for many years."
Together, the couple used to share their time and talent within the liturgy committee and the St. Pius X feast. They now continue to serve the church as Eucharistic Ministers.
"Becoming involved is really a self-thing," Jack explained. "You can't tell somebody to do it. They have to want to do it." Rita added that volunteering in parish ministries; however, is a way of doing God's work.
But, resting his hand upon his wife's knee, Jack shared that his favorite ministry of all is the ministry of marriage.
"It's the best," Jack stated. "I've got a good lady. I love her... I have for many years."
Meet Charles Pendola!
An active member of the church since childhood, Charles Pendola, both a CPA and attorney, has served St. Pius X in different capacities for the past 40 years.
"With ministry," Pendola said, "you have to talk in terms of the three T's: time, talent, and treasure."
Both Charles and his wife, Marie, recipients of the St. Agnes Medal Award, have tried to offer the church all three.
Chairperson of the finance committee and a founding member of the Knights of Columbus, Pendola has steered clear of the limelight, and instead, has chosen to serve from behind the scenes.
"I'm not looking for recognition," Pendola noted. "I just decide what I'm going to do and how I'm going to be of assistance."
Pendola, who became a Eucharistic Minister in 1980, pointed out the resilience of the church in both good times and bad.
"There's a certain unique character to the parish," Pendola said, "which I believe emanates from its humble beginnings."
Meet Janet & Tom Reilly!
Similar to a scene pulled from a classic romance film, the story of Tom and Janet Reilly begins with a young sailor, a pretty girl, and a first dance. Tom Reilly, who was home from the Navy for a weekend leave, first laid eyes on his wife at the Lorelei dance hall in New York City.
"I asked her for a dance," Tom reminisced as he settled back comfortably into the office chair. "The rest is history."
The couple, since then, has tried to lead by example.
Recipients of the St. Agnes Medal Award and parishioners for over 50 years, Tom and Janet became increasingly involved in the church life as their family grew.
"We did a lot of volunteering," Janet, president of the senior club, said as Tom made note of their significant involvement in the parish youth council. "Tom was coach of the different teams in the youth council, and I volunteered wherever they needed me."
Along with ushering at the weekend masses, praying with the rosary society, and organizing the St. Pius X Gala Dinner Dance, Tom and Janet have coordinated the Pre-Cana program at St. Pius for approximately 40 years... a ministry they've continued to be committed to because of its spiritual and emotional fulfillments. Tom added that working with the young couples brings back memories from his and Janet's beginning years.
"We've learned a lot from the young people," Janet said as she and Tom emphasized the importance of the Pre-Cana program for engaged couples. "We love them."
Tom and Janet unanimously agreed that in St. Pius, family is what makes the church so unique. "We enjoy what we do within the parish," Janet said. "We became part of the social life of the parish. It was great for our children, and it was great for us."
Meet Steven Lesetz!
Interview by Denise De Sousa
Steven Lesetz, a man well-acquainted with struggle and sacrifice, strives to continue his mission of paying it forward. After losing his home in Hungary to Russian bombings, Lesetz relied on the kindness of strangers to help him and his family through dark times.
"When my family and I were in need, people helped us out," Lesetz said. "Now I want to give something back to the people."
Upon moving to Long Island, Lesetz, a parishioner of St. Pius for 49 years, embraced opportunities to involve himself in ministries early on.
As captain of the blood drive and member of the Lions Club, a club dedicated to helping those in need, Lesetz has devoted himself to doing good works for others. "It always was my dream to help people who are less fortunate than you and I are," he shared. "I'm just about involved in everything possible to help." Lesetz also volunteers with the food drive and helps to organize a summer camp for diabetic children.
Along with serving others in various ways, Lesetz shares his vocal talents with the church choir, something he has been doing since he was six years old. "I love music very much so," Lesetz said, noting that he had met his wife in a church choir at the Blessed Sacrament in Bayside. "She was a soprano, and I was a tenor."
Lesetz acknowledged the obstacles people face that may keep them from getting involved in church ministries, but nonetheless emphasized the importance of participating in the parish community. "St. Pius is about togetherness, family, getting involved, and knowing each other," he said. "We're all working for one goal…to be a nice, happy St. Pius family."
Meet Marion Celenza!
Interview by Denise DeSousa
A founding mother of St. Pius X, Marion Celenza helped to lay the foundations of ministry in our church from its beginning moments 60 years ago.
Marion, along with her husband John, became involved in the church community shortly after moving to Old Bethpage. "We were in the youth council," Marion, who at the time was a teacher at Bethpage High School, recalled as she noted the importance of educating the youth. "With the youth council, we had classes. I taught cooking, and my husband taught the religious education classes."
Marion continued building St. Pius' church life by helping begin and work on the church newspaper, The St. Pius X Digest, later to become the editor-in-chief for 35 years. Marion also became editor of the 25th jubilee handbook. "Besides writing," Marion added, "I was on the first school board, which was probably 1962. And very important, right off the bat, I founded the Pius Players by 1956. We put on comedies and dramas. Our first drama was called, The Little Foxes. We put that on the year before I became pregnant."
Marion went on to help renew the interior of the church in 2005 and has recently taken the position as our church's historian, although, she says that she's been doing the history for a long time.
"St. Pius is like a family," Marion said as she gathered her belongings and stood to leave for mass, "this is my family. We take care of each other."
1 St. Pius X Court
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'Next-door neighbor': 2nd exoplanet discovered 21 light-years from Earth
Published time: 31 Jul, 2015 08:21 Edited time: 1 Aug, 2015 12:00
Artist's rendition shows one possible appearance for the planet HD 219134b. © JPL-Caltech © NASA
NASA astronomers have found another exoplanet outside the solar system. It's larger than Earth and is 21 light-years from our planet.
The new planet has been dubbed HD 219134b, and can't be seen directly even with telescopes, but the star the planet orbits is visible to the human eye in the Cassiopeia constellation, near the North Star, NASA said in a statement.
But the telescope sees the dimming of the star, and can calculate the planet's size and other parameters based on it.
The planet weighs 4.5 times more than Earth, and has a fast three-day orbit around its star.
HD 219134b is also the closest example of a transiting planet, that is to say, a planet which crosses in front of its star and can be studied.
"Transiting exoplanets are worth their weight in gold because they can be extensively characterized. This exoplanet will be one of the most studied for decades to come," said Michael Werner, the project scientist for the Spitzer mission at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California.
Transiting is rare because of the different planets' orientation to Earth. The process consists of the planet's orbit situated between its star and Earth, dimming the star's light as a result.
This sky map shows the location of the star HD 219134 (circle), host to the nearest confirmed rocky planet found to date outside of our solar system. © JPL-Caltech / DSS © NASA
READ MORE: NASA promises 'definitive evidence' of alien life by 2025
An upside of HD 219134b is that it is relatively close to Earth, scientists say.
"Most of the known planets are hundreds of light-years away. This one is practically a next-door neighbor," said Lars A. Buchhave, an astronomer and study co-author at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The nearest planet that astronomers know about is GJ674b at 14.8 light-years away. However, there are no details about its composition.
READ MORE: We are not alone? NASA's Kepler telescope finds first planet similar to Earth
HD 219134b is considered a rocky planet, and is a considered a "super-Earth" with proportions bigger than those of our planet.
This artist's conception shows the silhouette of a rocky planet, dubbed HD 219134b, as it passes in front of its star. © JPL-Caltech © NASA
"Thanks to NASA's Kepler mission, we know super-Earths are ubiquitous in our galaxy, but we still know very little about them. Now we have a local specimen to study in greater detail," said study co-author Michael Gillon of the University of Liege in Belgium, lead scientist for the Spitzer space telescope detection of the transit.
Three more planets in the same star system have been discovered by astronomers: two of them are near the star.
The latest discoveries come just over a week after the first Kepler-452b exoplanet was found: it's also outside the solar system, 1,400 light years away, and may be able to sustain life.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Butler County renegotiates a lower deal for new voting machine system
Credit: DaytonDailyNews
New Butler County administrator discusses expensive voting equipment
News | May 30, 2019
By Denise Callahan
Butler County commissioners bought a $7.5 million voting machine system Thursday but the bulk of it is state-paid.
County officials have been concerned about the cost for new voting equipment for a couple years now, but the actual local cash outlay is $1.38 million. The state is picking up $3.2 million for the new iPad-like machines and it will cost the Board of Elections about $2.9 million over 10 years for software and licensing.
RELATED: County commissioners considering $8M voting machine purchase
PHOTOS: Voting technology sure has changed in Butler County
The BOE recommended an $8.2 million, direct record electronic (DRE) voting machine system to the commissioners in March. The commissioners balked at the high price. After County Administrator Judi Boyko and the BOE went back to their vendor, Dominion, the price dropped almost $700,000.
Commissioner Don Dixon said taking a hard line with the vendor paid off.
"If they want our business they're going to have to deal with us …," he said. "They always start out asking retail and then when they get down to counting the real dollars, you can usually get their attention."
Butler County negotiates a lower price for new voting machine system. FILE
The commissioners not only wanted a price drop, but also wanted guarantees future upgrades — both software and hardware — to be cost-free so they don't get caught off-guard by a vendor rendering its product obsolete after only a few years, as was the case with the recent Motorola radio issue.
The commissioners did not budget for the machines this year because exact costs have fluctuated over time.


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SB268: Animal disease violations; criminal and civil penalties.
SB268ER
VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER An Act to amend and reenact §§ 3.2-6023 and 3.2-6034 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 60 of Title 3.2 an article numbered 5, consisting of sections numbered 3.2-6043, 3.2-6044, and 3.2-6045; and to repeal §§ 3.2-6018 and 3.2-6042 of the Code of Virginia, relating to criminal and civil penalties for animal disease violations. [S 268] Approved
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 3.2-6023 and 3.2-6034 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 60 of Title 3.2 an article numbered 5, consisting of sections numbered 3.2-6043, 3.2-6044, and 3.2-6045, as follows:
§ 3.2-6023. Prevention and control measures; penalty.
A. The Commissioner may adopt regulations to prevent and control avian influenza in the live-bird marketing system and is authorized to participate in the federal Live Bird Marketing Program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as it may be amended from time to time. In adopting such regulations, the Commissioner shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) and from public participation guidelines adopted pursuant thereto. The State Veterinarian and his representatives are authorized and empowered to enter the premises of any entity within the live-bird marketing system to carry out the provisions of any regulations adopted pursuant to this section. Any regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall, unless a later effective date is specified, take effect upon filing with the Registrar of Regulations, who shall publish the regulations as final regulations in the Virginia Register of Regulations, except that no requirement authorized by subsection B that a person be registered or licensed may take effect any sooner than 90 days after the promulgation date of the regulations containing such requirement, the promulgation date being the date of publication in the Virginia Register of Regulations of the final regulations containing such requirement. The regulations shall contain a preamble stating that the Board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions by any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision of such regulations.
B. The Commissioner shall establish by regulation a registration or licensing system to regulate the live-bird marketing system in Virginia. As a part of such registration or licensing system, the Commissioner shall register or license all persons who participate in any component of the live-bird marketing system. Such registration or licensing system may include the granting, denial, suspension, or revocation of any registration or license, including governing: (i) the grounds for granting such registration or license; and (ii) the grounds for the denial, suspension, or revocation of such registration or license.
C. Any person violating any regulation adopted pursuant to this section may be assessed a civil penalty by the Commissioner in an amount not to exceed $2,500 per day per violation. In determining the amount of any civil penalty, the Commissioner shall give due consideration to: (i) the history of the person's previous violations; (ii) the seriousness of the violation; and (iii) the demonstrated good faith of the person charged in attempting to achieve compliance with the regulation after notification of the violation. Civil penalties assessed under this section shall be paid into a special fund in the state treasury to the credit of the Department to be used in carrying out the purposes of this section or any regulations adopted hereunder the Livestock and Poultry Disease Fund established in § 3.2-6045. The Commissioner shall prescribe procedures for payment of uncontested penalties. The procedure shall include provisions for a person to consent to abatement of the alleged violation and pay a penalty or negotiated sum in lieu of such penalty without admission of civil liability arising from such alleged violation. Final orders may be recorded, enforced, and satisfied as orders or decrees of a circuit court upon certification of such orders by the Commissioner. Such orders may be appealed in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
D. For the purposes of this section: (i) "live-bird marketing system" includes live-bird markets and the production and distribution units that supply live-bird markets with birds; (ii) "live-bird markets" includes any facility that receives live poultry to be resold or slaughtered and sold onsite, not including any producer or grower that prior to the sale of his own birds slaughters or processes them onsite or at an approved slaughter facility or any producer or grower that sells live birds grown exclusively on his premises and is not a "production unit" or "distribution unit" as defined herein; (iii) "production unit" includes a production facility or farm that is the origin of or participates in the production of poultry offered for sale in a live-bird market; and (iv) "distribution unit" includes a person or business such as a wholesaler, dealer, hauler, and auction market engaged in the transportation or sale of poultry within the live-bird market system.
§ 3.2-6034. Commissioner to enjoin violations.
Any person who violates any provision of this article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Each day upon which such violation occurs is a separate offense. In addition to the penalties herein provided, such person may be enjoined from continuing such violation The Commissioner may bring an action to enjoin the violation of any provision of this article in the circuit court of the county or city where such violation occurs.
Article 5. Violations and Penalties.
§ 3.2-6043. Violations; criminal penalties.
A. It is unlawful for any person to violate any of the (i) provisions of this chapter or (ii) regulations adopted or quarantines established under this chapter. Any person who violates such provisions or regulations is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
B. It is unlawful for any person to fail to allow the State Veterinarian or his representative to perform any duty required of him pursuant to this chapter. Any person who fails to allow the State Veterinarian or his representative to perform any duty required of him pursuant this chapter is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. In addition to the penalties provided in subsections A and B each day of violation of any provision of Article 3 (§ 3.2-6031 et seq.) shall constitute a separate offense.
§ 3.2-6044. Civil penalty.
Except as provided in § 3.2-6023, in lieu of any criminal penalty established pursuant to § 3.2-6043, the Board may assess a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per violation. In determining the amount of any civil penalty, the Board shall give due consideration to the (i) history of the person's previous violations, (ii) seriousness of the violation, and (iii) demonstrated good faith of the person charged in attempting to achieve compliance with this chapter after notification of the violation. Such civil penalties shall be deposited into the Livestock and Poultry Disease Fund established in § 3.2-6045. The provisions of this section shall not apply to § 3.2-6023.
§ 3.2-6045. Livestock and Poultry Disease Fund.
There is hereby created in the state treasury a special nonreverting fund to be known as the Livestock and Poultry Disease Fund, referred to in this section as "the Fund." The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All civil penalties assessed pursuant to this chapter shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to it. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund. Moneys in the Fund shall be used to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Expenditures and disbursements from the Fund shall be made by the State Treasurer on warrants issued by the Comptroller upon written request signed by the Commissioner.
2. That §§ 3.2-6018 and 3.2-6042 of the Code of Virginia are repealed.
SENATE BILL NO. 268 Offered January 13, 2016 Prefiled January 7, 2016 A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 3.2-6023 and 3.2-6034 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 60 of Title 3.2 an article numbered 5, consisting of sections numbered 3.2-6043, 3.2-6044, and 3.2-6045; and to repeal §§ 3.2-6018 and 3.2-6042 of the Code of Virginia, relating to criminal and civil penalties for animal disease violations.
Patron-- Chafin
Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources
B. It is unlawful for any person to fail to allow the State Veterinarian or his representative to do or to perform any duty required of him pursuant to this chapter. Any person who fails to allow the State Veterinarian or his representative to do or to perform any duty required of him pursuant this chapter is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
For a plain English description of this bill, comments, voting, tagging, etc., return to the main page for SB268.
This is the actual text of the bill—the legislation itself. Generally this is amending existing law, proposing the addition or removal of words from laws that are already on the books, but sometimes it's proposing an entirely new law.
The numbers with the § symbol before them are references to existing laws, and if you click on them they'll take you to that section of the Code of Virginia.


text:
Q: Difficulty in understanding a recursive decorated function I have the below code where I am decorating a recursive function, but i am unable to understand some portions of the code.
def deco_func(f):
    def wrapper(*args):
        print('Decorating', args)
        res = f(*args)
        print(res)

    return wrapper

@deco_func
def fact(n):
    if n == 0:
        return 1
    else:
        return n * fact(n - 1)

fact(4)

Note :
1. f inside the wrapper function actually points to original version of fact function since it comes from enclosing scope and its value is closed by wrapper.
2. Recursive calls inside the fact function calls the decorated version of fact which is wrapper.
So as per my understanding the stack trace would look like this.
res = f(4)
    = 4 * wrapper(3) = 4 * f(3)
    = 4 * 3 * wrapper(2) = 4 * 3 * f(2)
    = 4 * 3 * 2 * wrapper(1) = 4 * 3 * 2 * f(1)
    = 4 * 3 * 2 * 1 * wrapper(0) = 4 * 3 * 2 * 1 * f(0)

At this point n will be 0 and hence f(0) will return 1 so that stack would look like below
res    = 4 * 3 * 2 * 1 * 1
So res should be 24, but its value is 1 which i am not able to understand. Also at this point i get an exception
TypeError: unsupported operand type(s) for *: 'int' and 'NoneType'
But as soon as I add a return statement at the bottom of the wrapper function like return res, everything works fine.
I do not understand why not having a return is creating a problem here, because inside the wrapper function control never goes beyond res = f(*args) till recursion is complete. So a final call like f(0) would result in res = 5*4*3*2*1 and as above illustrated res should be evaluated to 24 and then  the control should go to next statement. So why NOT having the return statement in wrapper is creating problem when the return would only execute once res has been calculated
I know i am missing something major here but i am not able to figure it out conceptually what goes wrong if we remove the return statement.

A: A decorator replaces the function, so when you refer to fact inside the fact function, you're actually referring to the decorated function, which is wrapper. Therefore, wrapper is called once for each level of recursion, and when unwinding the return value is the value returned by wrapper, which is None when you do not have an explicit return statement.
To work correctly, wrapper must return the res value, so that the recursion unwinds correctly.
def deco_func(f):
    def wrapper(*args):
        print('Decorating', args)
        res = f(*args) # calls undecorated 'fact'
        print(res)
        return res # !!! so None is not returned implicitly

    return wrapper

@deco_func
def fact(n):
    if n == 0:
        return 1
    else:
        return n * fact(n - 1) # calls 'wrapper' (aka decorated 'fact')

fact(4)

A: Your original function f returns a numeric value.
Your decorated function does not, which means that it returns None. This is why a recursive call tries to multiply n by None, hence the error.
The missing piece is return res.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Preheat an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan.
Line the bottom of a roasting pan with aluminum foil. Put the salmon in the roasting pan and drizzle both sides with olive oil, about 1 teaspoon on each side. On both sides of the salmon, sprinkle about 5 pinches each of salt, black pepper and seafood seasoning.
Put the salmon directly on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You'll know it's done when the natural fat of the salmon starts to seep out. Put the salmon back in the roasting pan and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine all of the vegetables and apricots and drizzle with olive oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon each sea salt and black pepper and mix until incorporated.
Line a second roasting pan or baking sheet with aluminum foil. Pour the vegetable mixture in 1 layer into the roasting pan. Put the pan on the grill for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally.
Put the vegetable mixture on a serving platter and sprinkle with the chopped tarragon. Top with the salmon and serve.


text:
INTERVIEWS >
HIDDEN HAND, THE
THE HIDDEN HAND: MAMA'S BOYS
(Or: The Secrets of Creation)
Interview by Dr. Abner Mality
There is the world we see and know...and then there is the world beyond. In this cloaked and shadowy world dwell the forces that guide our destinies and control our minds. Few are those who have pierced the veil of the world beyond to reveal...the Hidden Hand.
Well, if any musical force is qualified to interpret the symbolism of power that surrounds our lives, it is the Hidden Hand. This trio of modern day hierophants consists of the legendary Scott "Wino" Weinrich, who needs no introduction to those who follow the doom metal scene, drummer Dave Hennessy and bassist Bruce Falkinburg. Their first text of revelation, "Divine Propaganda", made a lot of humanoids sit up and take notice. Their newest effort, "Mother-Teacher-Destroyer", reveals a whole new facet to the Hidden Hand...and thereby, the world beyond. It is doom metal with soul, hard rock coupled with mystery and grandeur, a progression both musically and mentally.
I recently completed my initiation into the world of the Hidden Hand by speaking to Bruce Falkinburg about the intensely creative band he is a part of...
WORMWOOD CHRONICLES: "Divine Propaganda" was a very strong debut for the Hidden Hand. How much pressure did that put on you to equal or surpass it with "Mother-Teacher-Destroyer"?
BRUCE FALKINBURG: Most of DP was written very quickly, some of it actually in the studio in the weeks previous to the invasion of Iraq, So obviously a great deal of the lyrical content was driven by the current events of the period (i,e. "Tranquility Base" and "Divine Propaganda.") We actually received a lot of heat for the so-called "political" nature of the album, when in fact only a handful of songs were blatantly so. We also received some serious criticism for the lyrics. I think it was a review in Alternative Press that said our lyrics sounded like they were straight out of 9th Grade English Lit class! That one hurt. The riffology on DP was heavy, and decent, but not fully developed. Indeed, the album was just a hint of what we were capable of. So, yes, we felt like we needed to really deliver on MTD both musically and lyrically, and as it turns out, thematically. The whole thing came together quite logically, even though at the time it seemed chaotic. We took two months prior to our scheduled studio start date and just jammed, taping everything. I would go back through the hours of recordings and pick out the best parts, making ruff CDs for Dave and Wino. We would then try to develop some of these ideas, and tape them again, until literally days before J. Robbins showed up, when we were able to give him a batch of twelve ideas. We tempo mapped them, and gave them working titles, and started to really organize them in the studio. While I was cutting bass tracks, Wino would be at home with the kids scribbling lyrics, and when he was doing leads I would be at home writing my lyrics. We would pick the songs - "I want this one." "I already have some stuff for this." "Oh, really? Lets hear it." "No, no. Its not ready yet." "Ok." And so on. Both Wino and Dave expressed their doubts about our progress and what was going on, but I was confidant and so was J. It was not until we had the final sequence and spacing determined that we realised something special had occurrred.
WC: "Mother-Teacher-Destroyer" didn't sound quite as aggressive as "Divine Propaganda". Is the anger that fueled the debut still there or has it changed into something else?
BF: It has definitely changed into something else. DP was almost a punk record in its anger and its tongue-in-cheek attitude. We were all quite honest with the music and lyrics on MTD, and put a lot of hard work into it. There were countless late-nite discussions, books flying around, various photocopies of weird art, etc. I know I personally decided to write what I wanted to, instead of trying to fit a particular niche as we did a bit on DP.
WC: The title of the album intrigues me. Are Mother, Teacher and Destroyer all separate entities or do they represent different aspects of the same thing? I thought there was kind of a Hindu or Eastern tone to the name...
BF: This is a long story. But to answer your question succinctly, yes, they are all different aspects of the same thing. It is not really based on Hindu or any other classical theology, but more a general Goddess worship thing that crosses mutliple cultures and has deep relevance to all of us. Read the lyrics to "Five Points" on our split EP Night Letters with Wooly Mammoth and make your own conclusions. Some of you will get it, some won't. The main reason: it ties all of our work together to date, opens up the door for our new material, and sounds heavy as shit. Dig.
WC: Symbolism seems to play a big part with The Hidden Hand. What do the images on the cover mean, if anything?
BF: It is art, done by an artist named John Baumann who has his own background and deeper reasons for creating. He drew it for us out of the blue, and we were totally impressed, enough to commission him to do two more pieces to round out the art for the whole record, including the "alchemsists bottle' and the upside-down sphere. All of the images mean something. It is up to the listener to find these meanings. We know what they are, but we're not telling.
WC: The vocal approach on this record is a lot more diverse than what I've heard Wino do before. I liked the multi-tracked vocals on "The Crossing" and the quiet, ominous approach on "Black Ribbon". A lot of releases today have the same vocal approach through a whole album and this avoids that? How much work went into the different types of singing here?
BF: First of all, check your lyric sheet (I never got one!--Dr. Mality). I sing both The Crossing and Black Ribbon, as well as Sons of Kings, and most of the background vocals on Wino's tunes (where there are any.) As a studio guy, and a music fan, I understand the importance of vocal production, and the ways it can be done. J Robbins is also a master of this, and loves to mix things up. Most of the production approaches were either mine or Wino's idea, and nurtured by J in the mix. I always stack my vocals almost in a R&B kind of way - two low, and two high. Wino usually does one track, with a few doubles thrown in, or my harmonies. Some songs needed to be dry and crisp (Travesty) others lush and psychedelic (Currents.) It all depended on what we thought worked best for the song and the mood we were trying to create. We worked really hard on the singing, because we feel it is one of our strongest suits. I would drag the C12 $4000.00 tube mic in front of the computer in the control room and tell everyone to go home, including J, and sit there punching myself in and out until I had my vocals for that song finished. Wino would be out in the studio on the opposite side of the glass from J and I would be napping on the couch, until something good started to happen. J was excellent in coaxing a stellar performance out of Wino.
WC: "The Deprogramming of Tom Delay" is a pretty strange title for an instrumental. How did that come about?
BF: We got asked to do a song for the Doom Capital comp on Crucial Blast records, along with all the other local doomsters, and we wanted to do something really different, so I suggested a weird orchestral noise jam with tons of feedback, ebows, etc. Wino loved the idea, picked up the ball and ran with it. He wrote out these elaborate charts of what sound would happen where, for how long, etc. He started calling it "The Assasination of Tom Delay," who is the Republican House majority leader. I thought the title was too strong, so we chilled it out to "The Deprogramming of Tom Delay." Well, we wrote "Rebellion" right arond this time and used that for the comp instead. "Tom Delay" made its appearance in the closing days of tracking for MTD, and was basically the fruition of Wino's plan with J's assistance and a little riffage from Dave and myself. Sounds and editing are top secret.
WC: Are you guys more cynical than ever before about the way things are headed in America? "Travesty As Usual" seems to sum up some pretty bleak thoughts on the current political/social scene.
BF: Yes. Enough said. This is whole different interview.
WC: Bruce, you and drummer Dave Hennessy have a great chemistry. It reminds me of Ginger Baker/Jack Bruce in Cream in some ways. Can you explain about how you guys work with each other?
BF: I am thrilled that you have put us in the same paragraph with Baker/Bruce. It has always been my goal to perform like these guys in those days, and we still have a long way to go, but we manage to trick folks every now and then. Dave and I run hot and cold. If one of us or both are tired and dragged out, not much exciting happens, but if we are rested, and focused, then watch out. I would argue that 85% of The Hidden Hand's music is a direct product of Dave and I chasing each other around until we find the pattern and structure. We constantly try to play off each other, and count the same, etc. We argue and scream and yell, and finally suss it out until we have something we both like. Usually, it is off the cuff, a subtle pattern that grows, a change thrown in by Wino. No, that sucks. Go back. How many times do you want to do that? No, thats too many. Boring. Go down a half-step there. Try it again. And so on. This usually happens at the beginning of rehearsal, and instead of rehearsing the songs we need to perform the following week, we spend the whole rehearsal chasing some idea or two until we have a song. Some songs survive until the next rehearsal and grow legs, most die on the table. People who see us doing this, especially Wino, think we should be taping everything, but, as on the pre-production of MTD, I rather save this tool until we really need it. If the song is strong enough, it will survive regardless. I don't think there is anything really new about this approach - its what happens in every good band. Even the tunes we individually bring to the table go through this fiery entry into the world.
WC: A cool thing about "Mother-Teacher-Destroyer" is that each song has its own identity. Even Wino's old band The Obsessed didn't necessarily have that quality. Do you guys fit the album together very carefully like a jigsaw puzzle or does it come together a lot more intuitively?
BF: The sequence to this album, in my opinion, really makes it work on a higher level. Why? Not quite sure. I could probably sit down and study it, but the sequence seemed natural and purposeful when we decided on it. Once we had it assembled in its final form, there was no turning back. The sequence was like the period at the end of the sentence, or the lack thereof. along the riverrun...
WC: All of you guys in the Hidden Hand have been in the music scene for quite a while now. How would you characterize the market for heavy music these days?
BF: I would like to think that the over-produced grid-rock* we have been force-fed for the past five years will leave the listening audience hungry for something more organic, and hopefully, we might be just the ticket. I would also like to think that heavy music with this organic vibe and strong melodic vocals will assert itself. I use Queens or Audioslave as popular examples. The trick is to also be able to perform the material and sing it live as well if not better than on tape. We can do that. (*hyper-produced, auto tuned, super-edited, computer based recordings - see POD or whatever happens to be playing on the local alternative rock station as an example.-Bruce)
WC: Bruce, you did a great job producing the Shepherd album. Do you have any more production assignments coming up?
BF: Not really. I never really thought of myself as a producer, like J Robbins, or Brian McTirnan, or Matt Squire. I don't have the patience for it. Give me a good band with good songs and a great drummer, and I will give you a great recording, no doubt.
Sure, I always have ideas, but I have always seen myself, like Albini, as a "recordist." This may sound cheesy, but I view a recording as a document, like a photograph, of a slice in time. Sure, there are ways to mess with the photograph to make it more interesting or pleasing to a broader audience, but I prefer to let the band do its thing, unless they are totally sucking, then I send them home to practice. I prefer to record classical music and jazz for this reason - pure recording, no tricks. Can I make a great record if someone wants me to with all the bells and whistles? Absolutely. I also prefer to work with younger or newer bands. I like to be the guy who gives a good band its first really good recording.
WC: Are there any touring plans for the Hidden Hand?
BF: We are just a studio band, like Steely Dan. No, not true. Sorry. Big tours are hard to do when you are over 30 (or 40!) and you have significant others, children, jobs, and regualr business to attend to. Not very sexy, but true. Its easier to do when you are 20 and don't mind living in a cargo van with five other dudes for six weeks at a stretch. We are trying, and successfully so far, to do monthly or periodic jaunts of three to ten days where we go and hit a portion of the world, like the West Coast. We intend to continue this pattern. Of course, if Grohl called and said he wanted us to go out with the Foo Fighters for a year, then we would figure it out and do it. There are rumors floating around of us doing some epic jaunt with Mastodon in the spring of '05.
WC: What was the last CD you listened to for your own enjoyment?
BF: Mother Teacher Destroyer, The Hidden Hand. Heh. No, actually it was Roxy Music "For Your Pleasure." Go figure.
WC: What was the last show you checked out for your own enjoyment?
BF: Probably Medic, Flowers In the Attic, and Baroness at the Warehouse Next Door in DC back in early Oct. I think. Awesome hardcore with a great crowd.
WC: What's the most memorable "Spinal Tap" moment you've experienced in your career?
BF: Playing with Wino is like being IN Spinal Tap. Lets see. One quick tale from the edge. We are finishing our set on some deserted island in the Baltic Sea, and we all go backstage with the crowd screaming for more. Dave and I grab fresh towels and beers, and start to share a cigarette. Wino comes charging in. "All right. Lets go. You ready?" "Yeah, we're ready. Give us a minute." "Allright. I'm going," says Wino and charges back up the stairs onto the stage. Dave hands me the cigarette, and before I can take a quick drag Wino is back and he is furious. "What the fuck? What the hell are you guys doing? Don't let me go up there by myself and leave me hanging? Are we going to play or what!?" "Whoa, dude. Its only been like 30 seconds. We're coming." "Well, lets go, what the fuck?" "Calm down, we're coming." "Calm down!? Are we gong to play or not?" Wino is furious at this point. "Allright, allright, you grumpy fuck." I was so pissed that I played the encore with my back to Wino for the duration. Afterwards, we are each on our separate sides of the stage angrily and noisily throwing our cables into our boxes when Wino comes charging across the stage and gets right in my face. Yelling. Screaming. Uh oh. I'm going to get hit, I was thinking. Then it was over, and we decided to be nice to each other for the rest of the tour regardless of the circumstances.
Download "The Hidden Hand - Magdalene" MP3 sample here


Those in the agriculture industry have to combat many things in order to succeed. Whether it's dealing with pests eating their crops; disease infecting their livestock or the extremes of the Australian weather running from drought to flood in a matter of months. While those situations may be out of their control, their agriculture equipment is another story altogether.
Leussink understands the importance of keeping the agricultural industry going. Through our services we are able to make old parts new again; breathe life back in to dormant machines and replace parts that are no longer in production. We can create specialist equipment that solves decades old problems once thought impossible. Through our decades of experience and skilled workforce, there is no problem Leussink will not tackle.


Earth Justice Ministries is working with the Union of Concerned Scientists and people across the state to educate voters about climate change and advocate for the defeat of Proposition 23, the "dirty energy proposition." We invite you to come to a gathering of local people who want to limit climate change. Learn more about how Texas oil companies are trying to overturn California's landmark clean energy standards with Proposition 23, and what we can do to stop them.
On September 23 at 7 p.m. we'll premiere a new mini-documentary, which will shed light on our state's cutting-edge global warming and clean energy policies and the oil companies' efforts to derail them. On that night, concerned Californians like you will gather at parties all over the state to view the documentary and team up with like-minded friends and allies to take action to defeat Prop 23.
The party agenda will include: registration, introductions, viewing the mini-documentary, a conference call for a real-time update on the campaign and how you can make a difference, discussion, a wrap-up and planning "No on 23" outreach. We'll end promptly at 8:30.
Let's create a coalition that can take future actions. Together we can do far more than we can alone.
Please feel free to forward this invitation to everyone you feel is concerned about or may be interested in doing something about climate change.
For more information, go to Earth Justice Ministries.


text:
Tegula verdispira is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Tegulidae.

Distribution
This species occurs in the Pacific Ocean off Islas Tres Marias, Mexico

References

External links
 To World Register of Marine Species

verdispira
Gastropods described in 1970

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


The facts of the Berlin terror attack appear well-known: a Muslim, likely inspired (or sent) by ISIS, ran a truck into a Christmas market crowd in Berlin. Killing 11, with the murdered driver of the truck making an even dozen dead victims of Islamist terror.
There were other attacks in the past few days, including the assassination by an Islamist murderer of the Russian ambassador to Turkey. How do we know that the murderer is an Islamist? Perhaps the obligatory shout of "allahu akhbar!" Kind of a giveaway, don't you think?
It remains to be seen whether President Elect Donald Trump's strong words will be put into some effect. One may only hope that the United States has gone past the obligatory "we're so sorry for the victims" response.
Like Obama, our response to so many of these terrorist attacks has been puerile and gutless. Once again, I'll hold judgment on Trump until we see what, exactly, he can do to these jihadis.
Words are cheap; tweets even cheaper than actual policy statements.


when we aren't at the salon or at a show our newest thing is gardening. its perfect, we get to be outside, hang out, have a new shared hobby, and we get to watch our plants grow and bloom. im not really good with gardening but my mom is so she can come over and give me pointers, and jacob is good with everything so i guess this is all a learning process for me.
remember these cans? they were from my project last year.
even ryder (our nephew) loves helping with yard work, we have to change his clothes a few times a day but thats ok!
he loves helping out so much i love the face he makes when he knows he has done something good. a proud look. and you know we are right there going overboard with the "high five" "good boy!"
awe ryder loves his daddy(my lil brother) so much!
any tips on a successful garden?
im really bad at watering. i either over water or forget.


This case study concerns the calculation of lost profits that the plaintiff alleges were caused by the tortious acts of the company's general manager. After soliciting its customers and employees, the general manager left the employ of Precision Machine Works, L.P. at the end of March 2007, which the plaintiff alleges resulted in it suffering operating losses for a two-year period.
An issue we had to deal with early on was that forecasting incremental sales was made problematical by the company's completed contract accounting method that produced monthly sales figures that showed no trend or pattern. We were able to deal with this in two ways. First, monthly sales were converted to quarterly sales, which removed much of the randomness from the data; and second, we discovered that the company's machine shop sales in the oil patch section of Houston, TX are highly correlated with the spot price of crude oil. Because of this, we were able to use a multiple regression model that included the predictor variables seasonal indexes and the spot price of oil to calculate incremental sales. Incremental cost of sales and operating expenses were developed for the interruption and recovery periods by regressing these variables against sales.


text:
"Real blow against ISIS oil fields" claims British MoD
Thursday December 3rd, 2015 / 1045 views
RAF bombing raids against Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in Syria have dealt "a real blow" to the financing of the terror group, said Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, after MPs voted overwhelmingly for war on Wednesday night.
The raids, which took place early on Thursday morning, targeted oil fields in the north of the country. Analysis indicates "the strikes were successful," the Ministry of Defence (MoD) claimed.
Fallon stated that airstrikes against extremists are likely to continue for years.
The Tornado jets are based at Britain's Akrotiri base in Cyprus, from which they flew to Syria to conduct the raids shortly after the result of the vote was known.
Some 397 MPs voted in favor of airstrikes, while 223 voted against, giving them a majority of 174. A total of 67 Labour MPs rebelled against party boss Jeremy Corbyn to back the Conservative government's motion.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "the right decision to keep the UK safe."
isis oil fields RAF raids Tornados
EU Internet Forum: Bringing together governments, Europol and technology companies to counter terrorist content and hate speech online
Saudi Arabia proposes cut to oil production!


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David Ronald Publicover
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Obituary of David Ronald Publicover
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Publicover, David Ronald- 70, Dartmouth, passed away Thursday September 8, 2022 in Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in Sheet Harbour July 25, 1952 he was a son of the late Ronald & Helen (Dingle) Publicover. David went to vocational school in 1970 where he acquired his plumbing trade. He worked with several plumbing companies over the years until his health forced him to retire. David was involved with Scouting for 6 years as well as coaching baseball for 16 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and taking photos at weddings and baptisms. Survived by his wife of 46 years Diane (Lawlor), sons Ryan, Scott (Jennifer Shaw), both of Dartmouth, grandchildren Jayleigh, and Abigail, brothers; Darrell (Rhonda), Cape Breton, Douglas (Rose), Shubenacadie, Wade (Kathy), Nine Mile River, sister Karen (Ronnie). Predeceased by brother Weldon. A graveside committal will be held Friday September16 at 11 a.m. in St. Peters Roman Catholic Cemetery, Sheet Harbour. Online condolences may be directed to www.crowellsfuneralhome.ca
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St. Peters Roman Catholic Cemetery
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David Publicover


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How are you feeling and what is the extent of your injury?
Talk me through exactly what happened, did you know straight away that you caused yourself an injury?
Yeah I knew straight away but from what happened last year with a broken collar bone and not being able to race – I was so disappointed. It was another error on my part, but we have to look into it because it was one of those things – there were three guys who crashed on exactly the same lap and we all had the used tyre from the afternoon before, we saved the tyre overnight. I was actually coming into the pits on that lap so wasn't pushing very hard at all and then suddenly high-sided the bike but I managed to shut the throttle fast enough where I actually fell off the side of the bike in the end but it was still a very big crash, and I hit my head quite hard as well which was one of the worst things so I was a little bit dazed at the side of the track so I couldn't get up anyway because of my ankle but it was a painful experience but I knew straight away I had done something to my ankle because of the pain. But, if someone would have asked me when I was lying on the gravel was I racing the next day, I would've said no but it was thanks to a lot of people, the medical staff helped us out great at the circuit and we managed to make the grid on the Sunday.
If it wasn't your home track, and it wasn't in front of a home crowd, do you think you would you have raced with the injury?
I don't know, a few people have asked me that same question and it's hard to say. Obviously my passion is to race a motorcycle and you'd do anything to be on the grid, but no, probably I would have sat it out. But I felt I had a big loyalty to the British fans, the people who turn up, there were so many people there with flags and with t-shirts that they'd bought and they still came out on the Sunday knowing that I may not be riding, so I felt I owed it to them as well as my team for doing such a good job. I never made last year's race so I had to get out there on the grid!
Is Silverstone feeling a bit jinxed for you?
I don't know, I think next year I'm just going to cruise around or maybe sit the practice and qualifying out and just try to do the race. Third time lucky I might have a decent race weekend!
Off the track, do you actually ride on a motorbike?
I do; I have a motorcycle licence and luckily enough Yamaha manage to provide us with a fantastic bike all the time but there's also one thing - you've got to be careful having a motorcycle on the road and with the campaign I'm supporting – www.bikerpetition.co.uk – at the minute we're trying to get a compulsory question in the UK driving test because we want to make drivers aware of motorcyclists on the road. On Saturday at 2pm we need to get 100,000 signatures. We've now got 68,000 so hopefully we can have a big push in these next few days to get that up to 100,000 and it will then hopefully be mandatory that there's a question in every driving test in the UK on motorcycles.
Matt Whittaker has asked; So, when is Cal Crutchlow looking to be Cal Crutch-less? How long do you think you'll take to heal?
I don't know, the doctors said 8-10 weeks of no weight-bearing at all but I've come back and seen my own doctor and already I'm weight bearing on it so, I have to be very careful because I don't want to make the injury worse but I am a motorcycle racer and I have to push the boundaries. I'm an athlete so I want to get back out, training as much as possible, as soon as possible so the way that I look at it is that if I can race a motorcycle the day after then I can push the boundaries a little bit! I did a bit of cycling today in a gym under a controlled environment but by the end of the week I hope to be cycling outside. But that's me – I don't like to leave anything to settle, if it settles, it just seizes up or locks up so hopefully I'll get rid of the crutches very very soon. Walking on it is probably the most painful thing actually. At night it's quite hard going as it swells up a lot but we have to control it with the ice and compression but also do stuff with the physios and the doctors so hopefully I can get rid of the crutches very soon.
You've got three races consecutively coming up now, are you hoping to be on track for this weekend?
I've got until next Tuesday so I've got a good week of really recovering and making sure the ankle is right. Obviously it's going to be months before it's perfect but I think if we can go into these next races a lot more comfortable, then that would be a lot more helpful.
Dave Catling would like to know; If you had been on the front row of the grid, would you have come first place on Sunday!?
I don't know, it's hard to say because looking at my race pace we could have been definitely on the podium 100%. Now, if you're battling at the front, the way I look at it, there's always two carrots – if there's someone in front of you, then you've got to go and chase that carrot. If not, there's a carrot pushing you from behind, if you're leading. So I think that would have made it a little bit faster but I think my pace over the last ten laps was definitely faster than Jorge on a few laps, but a lot faster than the other guys on the podium so it would've been nice to say I would've been on the podium but it never happened, maybe next time!
You moved an incredibly impressive amount of places up starting from the back of the grid to sixth so you must've been very proud, are you happy with that result?
Yes. Its bittersweet - for me it's great that I came through and it was emotional weekend, I missed out so much track time after the crash that to be able to come sixth after that, I think is a good result, but you're always thinking what could have been. If you were riding a normal weekend and would have qualified on the front two rows, could I have challenged for the win? Potentially yes. Would I have challenged for a podium? Definitely. But it's easier said than done. We finishd sixth and that was it – the positive as I look at it: we went into the race fifth in the Championship and came out fourth in the Championship so there is a good positive there. I think we did a good job.
Next question is from Anne-Marie; What age did your passion for motorbikes start and what was your first motorbike?
My dad used to race and I used to go to all the races as a youngster and I used to ride around in a little Yamaha PW50 but I was never mad into racing – I didn't want to race as such at that age, which in all honesty I look at as a big disadvantage as the guys I race against now were riding when they were tiny – they were racing - so I always feel actually at a bit of a disadvantage. They're a lot more natural than me in that sense. But I just played football. All I wanted to do was play football and be a footballer so all the way up until 12, I was playing football and then I decided I wanted to race a motorcycle and then I did three years of them clashing and that was a disaster! I was turning up at one with a broken arm and had the team manager going mad from that, then going to the other one with a dislocated knee from the other sport and then the other team manager going mad! So, I decided my heart was set in being a motorcycle racer and I just grew to love it even more. I would never have changed my decision although I still enjoy watching football - it's so difficult I don't get time to go to the games anymore but a few of the guys I played against or with are now decent players, but I wouldn't change what I do for anything.
Paul and Stella would like to know; Did you catch the mouse yet?
It was actually a rat in the motor home and it was big! I was not overly impressed to be honest, I don't like anything that moves too fast, so I was scared! I was pushing Lucy out, she had a stick and was trying to get it but in the end we had to move out of the motor home for the Jerez weekend and in the end we found it dead at Le Mans. We put poison down and it ate it so it must have died and we found it outside the motor home. That's that one done and hopefully there's no more!
Claire Kimble has asked; Do you have a nickname or pet name for your bike?
No not at all. I don't know what it is, some riders have a liking to one bike and not the other and they'll have a 'number 1' and a 'number 2' on it. I know my team mate Andrea, he names his bikes and it's fine for people to do that, but I don't care which one I get on and I don't care what number it says on it - I just try and make them feel the same. Unless you're looking for a different set up on one or the other, it doesn't matter. But I don't have any pet names for it. If you have a bond with a motorcycle when you're naming them, when you crash them...what do you think? That's the way I always look at it – I'd have to rename another one. I don't have a bond with it like that!
Michael has asked; Why do you use the race number 35?
I get asked this quite a lot and it really is a good story! I was number 5 for many years and I couldn't have 5, so I just stuck a 3 in front of it a year after – that's it! There's not a link to it – I always loved number 5 and I even thought about going back to it this year but Colin Edwards is number 5 and at the end of last year we thought he was retiring so I said to him, 'I'm having your number next year' and he said he wasn't retiring and anyway kept number 35! But a few people like it now so I'll stick to 35 as it's a good number for me.
Your father being a huge fan of the sport before, must've been thrilled really when you went through, did he hold back putting too much pressure on you?
In all honesty, he went to a track, bought a bike the week before and I learnt how to ride it with gears. I went to a track and crashed on my first ever lap – he said, 'this is not for you' and I asked him to give me one more go and it worked out well.
There was no pressure from him at all to ride a motorcycle and in all honesty he probably never wanted me to at the start - but obviously now things have changed and it's now my life day in day out!
Simon has asked; Can you tell us a little bit about the jump from Superbikes to MotoGP?
A: It's a massive jump and in all honesty, I struggled with it - it was a big big jump, and one that I thought I wasn't going to struggle with and I had the conversation with James Toseland who was my teammate at the time. He'd been to the MotoGP, he'd been in the same team and he said they're really tough and I said 'yeah, yeah, yeah, I understand', never took his advice that much but can completely sympathise with what he was saying about how tough it was, because last year was a really tough year – I ended up having six operations in six months from racing. If it wasn't for the support of Lucy and the people who got me through last year, I was a really tough time. I just wanted to go back to what I knew which was Superbikes but in the end I started learn the MotoGP bike a lot more, changed my riding style and enjoy riding it. The gap between the factory bikes and our bikes got a lot bigger so it looked like we weren't improving but we were – week on week making big strides. There are so many differences, the chassis are different, the electronics are different, the tyres, the whole environment of being in GP; there are 18 races instead of 12 - it was a long year! But last year was character building. We had a really tough year but Yamaha stuck behind me and a lot of people stuck by me now look at where we - we've made such a big jump from last year to this year, so hopefully we'll continue on that jump next year as well!
Michelle Goddard has asked; If you could race any bike, past or present, in any class which would it be?
I've always wanted to ride an old 500 two stroke, I don't know why I think it's because they were aggressive, they were difficult to ride and I always feel like I'm a rider who would try to ride something with square wheels! If the wheel won't turn around, I'll carry on trying to ride it! I do the best job possible on a weekend and if you can't find a set-up, you have to race with what you've got. I've always thought that those bikes were difficult to ride and always used to watch them being raced by Valentino as a kid, and think they're animals and I would've loved to have raced that and have a go on them. I got the privilege of going up Goodwood Hill a few years ago on a Yamaha 500 – only up a hill so I was disappointed I didn't get to race one but it would be a Yamaha 500 two-stroke.
A question from John Hookway; Would you prefer to win your home GP or a MotoGP crown with no home win?
A MotoGP crown with no home win! I know that sounds bad and all the British fans that come – I would love to be on the podium with the best race ever but still win the Championship, but everyone wants that! I'll have my home win at some point, but I don't know when it will be so hopefully I'll have many over my career and then the crown at some point too.
When you win at the British MotoGP, will you be close to tears when they play the national anthem?
Yes definitely- racing make me quite an emotional person whether being overjoyed or angry with myself or angry that I couldn't get something done but I'd definitely be emotional – it's something that you're passionate about. I dedicate my life to it and others around me dedicate their life to it for me to go and race a motorcycle. Yeah, 365 days a year spent thinking about that and motorcycle racing, it's what I do for a living but I love it – I'd probably be crying!
Katherine has asked; James Toseland is about to get married and settle down, are there any plans for a Mrs Crutchlow?
Yes definitely, I am very comfortable in my relationship with Lucy (Heron) who has stuck by through thick and thin over the years. I had a great Supersport Championship and then Superbike went really well but then last year was a really tough year, but she always reminds me that I was only fast when I started going out with her which is quite funny! She's probably right so I'll have to marry her so then I'll go even faster!
Mark Bailey has asked; In your opinion, how much hairspray does Matt Roberts have to use to keep his quiff in perfect order for the camera?
A lot. A lot! It's become a bit of a running joke between me and Matt and he stands at the grid now with the microphone really far back so he can yank it away as soon as I say something bad because I think the first time I swore, I didn't realise and then I started telling him about his hair because he does really spend hours doing his hair! Then his whole attire that he wears, he wears silk bottoms to one race, something else to the next - it's good, Matt's a great guy and we get on well as friends as well as working colleagues as such.
Mark Yewell would like to know; Do you think Jorge plucks his unibrow??
I know he grew some hair very recently but how he grew it I don't know! He's quite meticulous about that but Jorge is one of the nicest MotoGP riders you can meet, one of the real nice, genuine guys and he has the best talent on the grid – how he's so consistent, how he comes across to people, he is a true champion.
None whatsoever! I never shave, I don't know, I'm just me. I always say the truth and I always want to be honest and my character is a bit rough and ready and just get on with the racing a motorcycle!
Now we've got a question from Vinny Gascoigne and I want your honest truthful opinion on this now, would you rather be attacked by a dozen duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?
Erm, I would say one horse-sized duck because I'm not saying I don't particularly like horses but I've not had the best experiences with them – not that I've had a bad experience just I don't really get on with them. Normally if I'm cycling or something or I'm coming in the car, I don't know, it must just be me - a bit on edge that they jump so I think I'd probably prefer the duck.
David Powell has asked, what are you goals for the next ten years?
In ten years time I will be 36 so I would say, you're at the sort of age of coming out of your career and maybe thinking of retiring by then if I've done everything I want to have done in my life, hopefully in the ten years - sitting drinking a Pina Colada on the beach BUT I hope to have achieved my goal of being a MotoGP World Champion then, so it may look a farfetched thing at the moment but that's what we're building towards and hopefully we'll be still living my dream in the next coming years in Moto Grand Prix and I'll get a shot at that title soon.
What do you make of Casey Stoner's decision to retire?
Yeah, it was very disappointing. It was more disappointing for everybody else than it was for him. I think his whole approach to racing has been fantastic over the years – people don't really give him credit for how fast he is, he is by far the fastest guy on the planet. Maybe just over the years he hasn't put the Championships together, whether that be machinery or himself sometimes but he is by far the fastest guy and when he did get the machinery, he went and won last year. And when he won the time before, maybe he didn't have the best machinery but he was the best guy – it's disappointing because he's leaving the sport for reasons that, in all honesty he's correct in some ways...I think that him leaving is a wakeup call for a lot of people but I think if his passion's not there for the sport anymore, I think he's right to retire. He's definitely done a great job and left a legacy on the sport as well.
Bit different when you start to win though, do you think if he has another good season, then he might change his mind?
I don't think so, I think he'll stop and I think that will be it. He said that he's going to retire and why not, he's done everything in motorcycle racing. The pinnacle is Moto Grand Prix and if you can win Moto Grand Prix, you've done everything you sort of need to do. Now obviously other people want to win it more and more times, he's won it twice and that's enough for him. Hopefully for his sake, he wins it this year and then he can say he's got three and he can leave on a high note but Casey's one of the best there's no doubt.
Karen Willford would like to know, why are you doing this webchat when you should be getting ready for the pub to watch the England match?
That's a good question. I don't go down the pub, because I can't drink so I'm useless at it. I'm not saying I don't drink alcohol – maybe twice a year or something like that but I am really bad at it and if I have two pints I feel it for a week so there's no point me going to the pub. I do obviously enjoy the football so it's on record and I'll watch it when I get back so hopefully England will win!
Another question from Colin Moore, will you ever race the IOM TT?
I love the TT and I'm a massive supporter of it. Obviously I live on the IOM and John McGuinness is a great friend of mine, racing it is a different thing. I did my parade lap this year and it was fantastic and did the one last year and I have a massive passion for racing on the roads but I don't know. It's a not a question I can answer yes or no, because I would never say no, but I would also not at the minute say yes because I race MotoGP and that's where my racing lies – on the circuit not on the roads.
Gary on Facebook: If you were a better man, would you put money on getting the spare Yamaha seat for the next season – how about you?
If I was a betting man...I really don't know. I think I've got a good shout at it but it's down to the Yamaha bosses, I think at the minute we've proved what we can do. Andrea has been in the factory team for three years already, he's come back to a satellite team and is one of the best riders around but he's already been in a factory team and maybe that will swing in my favour but my priority is to stay with Yamaha – they've been very loyal to me over the last four years and hopefully I can repay them this year and do a good job with them so I'll wait to see what they want to do first and foremost but if not we'll look at other options that are on the table.


The developer of the popular mobile and web browser—Opera, has recently made it known that its newly launched browser now has a built-in crypto wallet. This feature is restricted to the desktop version of the browser.
The newly launched browser, also known as "Reborn 3," is officially available on various app platforms dedicated to the Mac, Windows and Linux operating systems.
According to Opera's announcement, the browser will make it possible for its users to interact with Dapps and explore the blockchain world. The in-built wallet will allow users to transact without making use of extensions like Metamask.
In its bid to ensure maximum security, and maximum efficiency, the newly launched Reborn 3 browser's in-built wallet will syncs with that of Opera's mobile Android browser. An app which has been launched since last year.
The Firm also said that it has plans to add the built-in crypto wallet feature to some of its other platform, such as its Opera Touch (the iOS browser).
The development of the Web 3 Android browser was revealed almost a year ago. As of now, this browser reportedly supports ether and other tokens using ethereum's ERC-20 standard. Furthermore, Crypto collectibles minted under the ERC-721 standard, such as CryptoKitties, are also supported.
Earlier this year, Opera partnered with a regulate crypto exchange, Safello, to allow its users to buy ether directly from its browser-based wallet.


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PRSA changes rules on APR accreditation
NEW YORK: The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) international conference saw an end to the controversial rule that mandated that only accredited members could serve as representatives to the national assembly.
by Beth Herskovits / November 01, 2004
The assembly is the voting body of the PRSA.
The amendment now requires that assembly members must either be accredited, or be serving as a board member in their chapter, district, or section in order to be a delegate to the assembly.
"This opens up our governance to a broader base of leadership," said PRSA president and CEO Del Galloway. "What we've seen in years past is a dwindling of participation because of the requirement. The assembly needs to be about full representation."
The board also voted to allow individuals to apply for the APR designation after five to seven years of experience and a coursework in PR. It voted against mandatory accreditation and a full-time employment requirement for APR eligibility.
Carol Scott, chair of the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), noted that the organization, which oversees testing, does not take a position on universal accreditation.
Instead, the UAB has launched a branding campaign to increase its visibility.
The assembly meeting took place on the eve of last week's international convention in New York City. Organizers said that attendance topped 3,600. The conference's guest chair was PR legend Howard Rubenstein. Thomas Hoog, chairman of Hill & Knowlton, was the recipient of the Gold Anvil, the PRSA's highest honor.
Celebrity headliners populated the agenda, including famed real-estate mogul and star of NBC's The Apprentice, Donald Trump.
Ken Auletta, media critic for The New Yorker, criticized the way newsrooms are increasingly run like corporations. "[Corporate media owners] look upon journalists as aliens," he said.
Auletta added that the press is on the lookout for conflict "for sizzle, for wow, for keeping the audience entertained, for scoops."
CNN talk-show host Larry King stressed the value of working with PR people. "I think they're valuable to broadcasters," King said. "Some of my best moments have come from
a guest pitched by a PR person."
Additional reporting by Erica Iacono, Hamilton Nolan, and Keith O'Brien.
Aflac debuts first short film as part of its Close the Gap initiative


The Violet Queen room is located in the northwest corner of the second floor. This tranquil room offers a queen bed, a restored Bergere chair, a writing desk, WiFi, a flat screen television with Apple TV, and a private bath with a rain shower.
On the second floor, in the north wing and overlooking the Argos courtyard, this room offers a queen bed, a writing desk, WiFi, a flat screen television with Apple TV, restored turn of the century furniture, and a private bath with a rain shower. There is also a sofa which can be made up into a bed for an extra fee.
On the first floor, this light and airy room has a queen sized bed, an enclosed west facing sun room creating the perfect writer's retreat or sitting room (room for a cot), a private bath, a walk in rain shower, floor to ceiling velvet drapes, restored turn of the century bergere chairs with custom colorful velvet upholstery, and WiFi. This room also has the option for a cot or air bed.
This first floor room has west facing windows, a queen bed, WiFi, a flat screen television with Apple TV, a writing desk with two refurbished vintage chairs, and a private bath with a rain shower. The vintage wallpaper and modern amenities create a contemporary retreat.


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Deployment Plan for the Philippines: 1 – 31 December
Dec52013
Deployment NewsDomestic News
In addition to the immediate relief provided by Disaster Aid International, the group is now well into its main deployment plan.
After careful assessment of need and operational issues, DAI is deploying in two areas on Panay Island; Estancia and President Roxas. Estancia is a coastal municipality which has not only been badly hit by the typhoon and also by a major oil spill that resulted. It also includes a number of islands which have been particularly badly hit. President Roxas is in the North of Panay and has been very badly hit.
DAI will continue to work with Balay Mindanaw and Johanniter, which means that it will be working within a partnership which will provide a wider set of aid and services, including psychosocial services, distribution, manpower and food packs. While Christine Cassar returned to the UK on 1 December, she is being replaced by two other members of the Disaster Aid Response Team to join Ed Cox who has remained on site. The Team will also be working with volunteers from the local Rotary Club of Iloilo Metro
As a result of the assessment, it emerged that the Family Survival Kits were not appropriate in all circumstances. An important factor was the fact that most families refused to leave their demolished or damaged homes because they knew that, if they were relocated, they would loose their claim on their land. Given the compact nature of their villages, there was often no physical space to put up tents in close proximity to their original homes. Given the mission of DIA to rebuild communities sustainably, the decision has been taken to replace some of the Family Survival Kits with 500 Shelter Repair Kits (made up of roofing palm, lumber, marine plywood, nails, hammer and bamboo rope). A further 500 kits are being sourced at this time and it is hoped that DAI will be in a position to pay for a further 1000 kits during this deployment. These kits will be resourced locally under the supervision of DAI. The current kits will be complemented with 10,000 tarpaulin sheets.
It is anticipated that the current deployment will be completed by the end of December. However, five other areas on Panay have been identified as being in need of support. A decision will be made on 15 December to what extent the deployment can be extended depending upon the availability of funds.
DAUK&I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of so many who have come forward to support this deployment and enabled us to be responsive to the real needs of those affected. From DAI's previous three deployments in the Philippines, it is known that the Philippinos are incredibly resilient and can work wonders in rebuilding their communities. However, no one has had experience of the level of devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.
Categories: Deployment News, Domestic News December 5, 2013 2 Comments
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The Assessment Visit to Haiti