text:
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Side Jobs: Stories from the Dresden Files Audible Audiobook – Unabridged
Jim Butcher (Author), James Marsters (Narrator), Penguin Audio (Publisher) & 0 more
Editors' pick Best Science Fiction & Fantasy
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The first short-story collection in the number-one New York Times- best-selling series - including brand-new Harry Dresden short stories!
Here, together for the first time, are the shorter works of best-selling author Jim Butcher - a compendium of cases that Harry and his cadre of allies managed to close in record time. The tales range from the deadly serious to the absurdly hilarious. Also included is a new, never-before-published novella that takes place after the cliff-hanger ending of Changes. This is a must-have collection for every devoted Harry Dresden fan, as well as a perfect introduction for readers ready to meet Chicago's only professional wizard.
©2010 Jim Butcher (P)2010 Penguin Audio
Listening Length
13 hours and 13 minutes
Audible release date
Penguin Audio
B00498ZZ9U
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5.0 out of 5 stars Looks like a book. ;)
Looks like new and packaged appropriately.
Sneaky Burrito
4.0 out of 5 stars if you're looking for a fix between full-length novels...
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on September 4, 2014
Well, now I have officially read all the published Dresden Files books and have to wait for the next one like everyone else. That makes me kind of sad. Thankfully, Jim Butcher writes quickly!
I had an interesting perspective on this book, since I've read up through Skin Game but the stories in this book only covered up to the period between Changes and Ghost Story (don't read this if you haven't read at least through Changes, or else follow the Wikipedia guide for this book, which tells you when each of the stories takes place). I wouldn't say that any of these stories really added a lot to the overall progression of the series arc, though if you read them in chronological order along with the rest of the books in the series, you might get a few early hints about things to come (especially with regards to the Fomorians who show up after Changes). By and large, these stand outside the main sequence of the series -- probably because Butcher wrote a heck of a lot of them in response to requests for anthology pieces (many with predetermined themes).
As I was reading these stories, I realized that I like the longer format of the novels -- complete with bits and pieces of series arc -- better than shorter pieces. I like the hints of connection to something larger, the detailed investigations, the final battles. I always appreciated the funny bits in the novels, and that element was still here in the stories (and was sometimes the main focus, in fact), but I guess I want a little more depth. That's not a problem with the writing, by any means; it's a feature of the short story format in general, and probably why I tend to read more full-length fantasy novels than anything else. I'm guessing that's why my favorite one was "Aftermath," which is actually told from Murphy's point of view. She gathers allies and does an investigation and has to draw upon her resources and information she's gleaned from Dresden over years of working with him. Plus, we get a sense of what is going on in the world at large after the events of Changes. The structure of that one is a little more like the longer novels, at any rate.
That's not to say I didn't find these fun, because I did. Harry is still Harry, complete with a smart mouth (some of what he said in the story about Billy's and Georgia's wedding was going a little far, even for Harry...) and a desire to do the right thing. The writing is interesting to see. I read the first 15 books in a very short period of time. While we saw a progression in Butcher's writing skills in those books (with the series really picking up around book 3), it's perhaps even more dramatic here. The first story *is* a little rough; Butcher has hit his stride in the later pieces. There was definitely enough here to remind me of the novels I love, that I wanted to keep reading.
A couple of little things bothered me. First, two of these stories were about Georgia (a recurring character who also happens to be a werewolf) getting kidnapped from her own apartment and two involved Murphy being under the influence of a love spell or potion. Second, while I thought, overall, that the stories from Thomas's and Murphy's points of view were good, Murphy's internal thoughts were quite similar to what Dresden's would have been. Only instead of focusing on being tall like Harry is, Murphy was rather fixated on being short -- she was having the same sorts of thoughts about herself that Dresden always had about her. This may be a bias on the author's part -- he was similarly fixated on size in the Codex Alera books. I guess it was just more noticeable here because it got repeated a lot due to the short story format.
However, I will say that the action/fight scenes in "Aftermath" are some of the best ones in the books. I know nothing about martial arts, guns, etc., but the action seemed entirely reasonable based on the circumstances. I felt like Butcher had really thought through the battle mechanics beforehand.
This book is really more for Dresden Files fans than for anyone else. I would not recommend it as a starting point for the series. You'll learn a lot more about the wizards' White Council, vampires, werewolves, the Fae, recurring characters, and more through the full-length novels. But once you are familiar with those elements, if you want more and aren't patient enough to wait for novel #16, this collection should be a fun way to pass the time. While I was a little annoyed by one or two aspects, overall, I'm glad I bought this book and I'm looking forward to more novels and stories in the Dresden universe.
Karen Joan
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must For Dresden Fans
Harry came for an extra visit this year. Which makes me very happy. I miss my friend while awaiting his yearly arrival. But this year, he was able to sneak in an extra one. Andw hy not? He IS a wizard after all...
The new Harry Dresden collection of short stories, SIDE JOBS, is a must for all Dresden fans. Over the years, Jim Butcher has been sprinkling Harry shorts into various compendiums or posting them on his website, albeit less frequently than we would like. But we fans of Harry will most definitely take what we can get. SIDE JOBS pulls all these little extras together in one convenient, complete package, and adds a special treat: "Aftermath". "Aftermath" is a novella which takes place immediately following the end of the most recent Dresden novel, CHANGES. It does not answer any of the big questions, but it does show us how grim the situation actually is.
In total, SIDE JOB contains 11 stories, in the following chronological order:
"A Restoration of Faith," before the first book, Storm Front (1). The first Harry story Jim Butcher ever wrote. It isn't perfect, but it does give us some insights into Harry, and it shows us how some beloved characters first met.
"Vignette," between Death Masks (5) and Blood Rites (6). A conversation between Harry and Bob.
"Something Borrowed," between Dead Beat (7) and Proven Guilty (8). Harry is rude to an evil stepmother, but still makes sure that everyone gets to the church on time.
"It's My Birthday, Too," between White Knight (9) and Small Favor (10). It's Thomas's birthday, and Harry is determined to celebrate it with him. But vampires of the Black Court have other ideas.
"Heorot," between White Knight (9) and Small Favor (10). Mac asks for Harry's help. Harry teams with Miss Gard, and we learn more about this mysterious woman.
"Day Off," between Small Favor (10) and Turn Coat (11). This is Jim and Harry's first attempt at a comic story. All Harry wants is a day off with Anastasia. But the magical realm, from disciples of Slytherin to psychic fleas, will not leave Harry alone.
"Backup," between Small Favor (10) and Turn Coat (11). Thomas works hard to protect his little brother, without Harry ever knowing about it.
"The Warrior," between Small Favor (10) and Turn Coat (11). Michael may still be retired, but that does not mean he isn't in danger.
"Last Call," between Small Favor (10) and Turn Coat (11). Mac's beer is suddenly starting riots, and Harry must thwart the supernatural cause.
"Love Hurts," between Small Favor (10) and Turn Coat (11). Couples are literally loving each other to death. Will Harry and Murphy survive the effects?
"Aftermath," after Changes (13). With Harry gone, Karin Murphy must save the day.
I found all of the stories in SIDE JOBS to be fun and entertaining, but you must be a Dresden fan to appreciate them. This is not a book that you can pick up cold; you need to at least be familiar with the Dresden-verse to appreciate them. But if you are a die-hard Dresden fan, then this book is for you. Most of what we love about Jim and Harry is here: the great stories, the droll, acerbic wit, the fast-paced action. SIDE JOBS also gives us some one on one time with other favorite characters - Thomas, Michael, Karin, the Alphas, Mac, Miss Gard are each featured prominently in at least one of these tales. A few are even told from perspectives other than Harry's. We get to see more of what makes these characters tick, and that adds to the enjoyment.
Overall, if you love Harry Dresden and Jim Butcher, then run, don't walk, to get a copy of SIDE JOBS. It will help fill the gap while awaiting Harry's next visit in April 2011. MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
5.0 out of 5 stars Jim butcher rocks
The Dresden files are some of the few books that at my age i get excited about a new book coming out.Action,humour,adventure and the mix of every fairy tale character good and bad with Angels good and bad and other gods, demigods vampires werewolves all woven into a comprehensive storyline no wonder I can't wait for the next one
4.0 out of 5 stars An Entertaining Compendium
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on July 7, 2011
If you're a fan of Harry Dresden then chances are you'll enjoy Side Jobs, a compendium of the various Dresden short-stories and novellas Jim Butcher has penned over the years, along with a new piece that bookends Changes (Dresden Files) . If you're unfamiliar with Dresden's world or have only read a few of the novels then probably best not to tackle this collection until you've finished Changes as most of the stories are set late on in the series' time-line.
There's nothing here that will rock your world, uber-Dresden-fan or not, but the stories are generally pretty entertaining and offer a different spin on Chicago's favourite fictional wizard. Depending who your favourite supporting character is some stories will appeal more than others. Personally my favourite was 'Heorot' if only because focusing on the very minor character of Ms Gard seemed such an off the wall choice but worked so well. I hope we get to see more of her in future Dresden novels.
Now roll on Ghost Story: A Dresden Files Novel
Temple Phoenix
5.0 out of 5 stars Minor cases but major fun
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on August 6, 2011
This is a collection of Jim Butcher's short stories, all set in the (rather awesome) Dresdenverse. They vary in length from a few pages to a couple of short novels.
Several of Harry's regular cast turn up to aid him in battling malevolent fairies, renegade priests and vicious monsters. As well, Harry's brother Thomas and his oft-comrade/almost love interest Murphy get to star in tales of their own, the latter in a story set immediately after the last novel, Changes.
The standard is, as you would expect, uniformly high, and the short length of these tales means they're punchy and exciting to the last page. None of them are strictly necessary to enjoy the 'main' Dresden storyline (although some of them are mentioned tangentially), but if you're already a fan of the books, you'll need no other incentive to pick up these side jobs.
catlady66
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
This was good it told you a bit of a back story about how they coped on a job with out dresden it was a good little story and other short ones which was just as good I loved them if big fan of the series then read these as well they give u bit more of them all
Dr. Matt Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Throughly recommended for Butcher Dresden fans
Throughly recommended for Butcher Dresden fans ...
Haven't read Butcher for a while, and thought it would be good to get some short stories to read on my new Kindle.
These shorts are a great way to get your head back into the Dresden universe, and learn more about some of the characters.
Each one is self-contained, and I enjoyed them all, without remembering or worrying about which books they were set around - as long as you have read the first 6 or 7 of the Dresden files then I don't think you'll find any spoilers here (but if you're worried about that, each story is preceded by author comments, and tells you when they are set - i.e. between book X and book X + 1, so you can check you're read the back stories in the main series before reading each short story if you're worried about the 'proper' sequence for first time reading).
I'm now going back to book 1 of the Dresden files to re-read the whole series.
.. matt ..


PLEASE NOTE THAT THE RECEPTION (0845 8338 188) WILL NOT BE MANNED FROM CHRISTMAS EVE UNTIL THE 4th JANUARY 2011.
ANY ENQUIRIES CAN BE FORWARDED THROUGH THE ENQUIRY LINK ON THIS WEBSITE DURING THIS PERIOD.
MAY I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR A FANTASTIC FIRST 6 MONTHS IN THE LIFE OF THE BEACH TOWEL CLIP.


Is your Building Running at it's Optimal Performance?
Below we have an accordion style listing of some of the FAQs which come our way regarding energy management. if there's something you'd like to add or if you have a Question, please feel free to let us know.
What, exactly does an EMS do?
Can I Connect to an exiting BMS/BAS?
Can I Have a Separate systems to the BMS/BAS?
How does it improve Value?
Can it be served by Multi vendors?
Who performs the analysis the data?
Can we have a Standalone Energy System?
EMS is an acronym for Energy management System. Most BMS (Building Management Systems) can deliver this functionality without a great deal of cost. Often there are programming opportunities in built into the existing BMS which allow for the additional use of the system for energy management.
My Energy Bill is huge! how can an ems fix this?
An EMS is a tool, it provides that data for you to make better choices to reduce energy consumption without effecting how the building operates, to any great extent.
My Energy Bill is huge! what about an energy audit?
An Energy Audit is recommended with or without an EMS. We would recommend, a level 1 energy Audit before the implementation of an EMS as it sets a control point, a bench mark from where to measure strategies and results. The level 1 Energy Audit will likely offer strategies, which will reduce you energy bill immediately. These strategies will vary in cost for their implementation, from nil to several thousand. the implementation of the strategy is up to you, but your eyes are now open to making better energy choices for future equipment.
My Office is too small, is there a point?
Definitely, there is a always an opportunity to improve, the improvement will pay for audit, then the savings are yours.
There are three types of energy Audit? which one should I choose?
Start with an Energy Audit Level 1, then move forward after that. Energy Audits Levels 2 and 3 provide more information however this is gathered over a time period. by starting at a Level 1 Audit then moving to Level 2 or 3 after the strategies of the level 1 have been implemented then the level 2 and 3 audits will offer greater benefit and greater depth.
Why aren't my energy Bills Providing more information?
The supply authority has their energy meter at the start of the installation only, they don't go any further,because, quite frankly, they don't need to to give you a bill of energy consumption. The EMS goes deeper to more specifics, for example, plant rooms, mechanical services, tenants distribution boards, Lighting panels, security rooms, server rooms, data centre and more. The system is customized with the the greatest concerns of the client as the greatest priority for measurement and control.
Regardless of brand, the best EMS is the system which considers the relevant and heaviest energy consuming equipment in the facility and provides visibility into the energy consumption of this equipment.
We can talk about brands and types for hours, the most important target is results that are constructive to making energy efficient choices which will return funds to the balance sheet.
What about the energy metering?
Keep it Open Protocol: This is the communications type which the metering devices within the EMS use. Open protocols such as Modbus, Bacnet and Lon Talk have been in existence for decades now and are still being supported by vendors and equipment manufacturers. New technology is constantly coming on to the market, however manufacturers install the open protocol communications chips to ensure their product sells..
Look out for "proprietary open", this is where a single vendor offers an open protocol devices but adds another "bit" to ensure it can only communicate with devices from the same vendor, yet its sold as open protocol.
Can we use our BMS as an EMS?
Yes, there are some conditions, but nearly always there is a way to use an existing or new BMS and incorporate an EMS as part of the specification. That said, some facility owners prefer a third party as it keeps the existing BMS vendor on their toes and it provides independent verification of the operation and strategies of the BMS.
Will an EMS effect my NABERS rating.
Generally, the EMS will have a positive effect on the rating for two reasons. The first, is the metering may offer the opportunity to isolate zones in the building which may not need to be included in the total energy consumption of the building, for example a car parks. There are conditions and the NABERS validation protocols should be consulted for clarification upon your particular situation.
Secondly, the EMS will provide insights into the energy use within your facility, using this data to make better choices in implementing conservation strategies will have a positive effect upon the NABERS rating as the facilities overall energy use reduces.
Can my old Field Equipment connect to a new EMS.
Possibly, yes, the Electrical energy meter typically connects to three current transformers which provide a 0-20millamp (or 4-20milliamp) signal back to the electrical energy meter. In old switchboards these current (AMP) meters were installed to drive an analogue amp meter display in the front of the switchboard. The Meter installer will need to ensure ratios and correct parameters are present to ensure correct and accurate operation of the new electrical energy meter which forms part of the EMS.
Nearly always, the BMS that can't is likely obsolete or a "bit if a toy". If it cant do energy metering, without a major upgrade, consider total replacement. Energy Meters use open protocols and can talk to most BMS without issues. A web server might be needed, but this wont be a major cost and there are additional functions and benefits which will be obtained form the web server.


text:
package org.droidplanner.core.helpers.geoTools;

import java.util.ArrayList;
import java.util.List;

import org.droidplanner.core.helpers.coordinates.Coord2D;

/**
 * Based on the Ramer–Douglas–Peucker algorithm algorithm
 * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramer%E2%80%93Douglas%E2%80%93Peucker_algorithm
 */
public class Simplify {
	public static List<Coord2D> simplify(List<Coord2D> list, double tolerance) {
		int index = 0;
		double dmax = 0;
		int lastIndex = list.size() - 1;

		// Find the point with the maximum distance
		for (int i = 1; i < lastIndex; i++) {
			double d = PointTools
					.pointToLineDistance(list.get(0), list.get(lastIndex), list.get(i));
			if (d > dmax) {
				index = i;
				dmax = d;
			}
		}

		// If max distance is greater than epsilon, recursively simplify
		List<Coord2D> ResultList = new ArrayList<Coord2D>();
		if (dmax > tolerance) {
			// Recursive call
			List<Coord2D> recResults1 = simplify(list.subList(0, index + 1), tolerance);
			List<Coord2D> recResults2 = simplify(list.subList(index, lastIndex + 1), tolerance);

			// Build the result list
			recResults1.remove(recResults1.size() - 1);
			ResultList.addAll(recResults1);
			ResultList.addAll(recResults2);
		} else {
			ResultList.add(list.get(0));
			ResultList.add(list.get(lastIndex));
		}

		// Return the result
		return ResultList;
	}
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Chelsea have reportedly agreed on a temporary deal to sign Gonzalo Higuain from Juventus this month, though the formalities are slowing down the player's anticipated move to the Bridge.
Higuain has been earmarked as the club's prime target since the beginning of January and a recent report from Sky Sports News has confirmed that a loan move has been sorted to pursue the marksman.
However, it appears that Maurizio Sarri want the move to be fast-tracked with the striker being potentially eligible for the weekend Premier League game against Arsenal, Evening Standard reports.
For that, the Blues need to register the Argentine in their Premier League squad before the 12pm deadline on Friday but so far, there has been little indication to suggest that may occur.
Higuain is expected to join the Blues on a six-month loan from Juventus once his temporary deal with AC Milan is terminated. The west London side are said to have the option of extending the loan for a further 12 months with the choice to secure a permanent deal.
Arsenal's Mesut Ozil suffers serious knee injury?


text:
id: 5f3ef6e0eaa7da26e3d34d78
title: Step 54
challengeType: 0
dashedName: step-54
---

# --description--

You can give your menu some space between the content and the sides with various `padding` properties.

Give the `menu` class a `padding-left` and a `padding-right` with the same value `20px`.

# --hints--

You should set the `padding-left` property to `20px`.

```js
const hasPaddingLeft = new __helpers.CSSHelp(document).getCSSRules().some(x => x.style['padding-left'] === '20px');
assert(hasPaddingLeft);
```

You should set the `padding-right` property to `20px`.

```js
const hasPaddingRight = new __helpers.CSSHelp(document).getCSSRules().some(x => x.style['padding-right'] === '20px');
assert(hasPaddingRight);
```

Your `.menu` element should have a `padding-left` of `20px`.

```js
const menuPaddingLeft = new __helpers.CSSHelp(document).getStyle('.menu')?.getPropertyValue('padding-left');
assert(menuPaddingLeft === '20px');
```

Your `.menu` element should have a `padding-right` of `20px`.

```js
const menuPaddingRight = new __helpers.CSSHelp(document).getStyle('.menu')?.getPropertyValue('padding-right');
assert(menuPaddingRight === '20px');
```

# --seed--

## --seed-contents--

```html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <meta charset="utf-8" />
    <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" />
    <title>Camper Cafe Menu</title>
    <link href="styles.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" />
  </head>
  <body>
    <div class="menu">
      <header>
        <h1>CAMPER CAFE</h1>
        <p>Est. 2020</p>
      </header>
      <main>
        <section>
          <h2>Coffee</h2>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="flavor">French Vanilla</p><p class="price">3.00</p>
          </article>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="flavor">Caramel Macchiato</p><p class="price">3.75</p>
          </article>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="flavor">Pumpkin Spice</p><p class="price">3.50</p>
          </article>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="flavor">Hazelnut</p><p class="price">4.00</p>
          </article>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="flavor">Mocha</p><p class="price">4.50</p>
          </article>
        </section>
        <section>
          <h2>Desserts</h2>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="dessert">Donut</p><p class="price">1.50</p>
          </article>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="dessert">Cherry Pie</p><p class="price">2.75</p>
          </article>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="dessert">Cheesecake</p><p class="price">3.00</p>
          </article>
          <article class="item">
            <p class="dessert">Cinnamon Roll</p><p class="price">2.50</p>
          </article>
        </section>
      </main>
    </div>
  </body>
<html>
```

```css
body {
  background-image: url(https://cdn.freecodecamp.org/curriculum/css-cafe/beans.jpg);
}

h1, h2, p {
  text-align: center;
}

--fcc-editable-region--
.menu {
  width: 80%;
  background-color: burlywood;
  margin-left: auto;
  margin-right: auto;
}
--fcc-editable-region--

.item p {
  display: inline-block;
}

.flavor, .dessert {
  text-align: left;
  width: 75%;
}

.price {
  text-align: right;
  width: 25%
}
```


text:
05/05/2014 09:06 am ET Updated May 05, 2014
Tori Amos On Taylor Swift, Fame And Embracing Menopause
By Noah Michelson
Amarpaul Kalirai
Tori Amos has never been one to run from controversy. If anything, over the past 25 years, she's happily courted it in the name of good old fashioned truth telling.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter has used her songs to tackle everything from rape and miscarriage to religion and cunnilingus and the honesty and ferocity with which she's done it has amassed her the kind of following most cult leaders would pay -- or kill -- to have.
Now Amos, a former child prodigy who first began playing piano at the age of two and a half, is back with a new album, "Unrepentant Geraldines," which finds her courting a new muse: aging.
The Huffington Post caught up with Amos while she was in New York City last week to promote her new album and chatted with her about Taylor Swift, the trappings of fame and her mission to make menopause not such a dirty word.
The Huffington Post: Do you read your own press?
So I can write whatever I want and you'll never see it?
I ask because there was a piece that came out a few months ago entitled "Where Would Music Be Without Tori Amos?" and in it, the author argues that many of the musicians who are working today "owe their careers" to you, including this little lady. [Pulls up video of Taylor Swift performing at the 2014 Grammys and watches it with Amos]
So now that you've seen that, let me tell you what the author had to say about it: "The Taylor Swift performance everyone is talking about is Taylor Swift imitating Tori Amos." When you see that video of Taylor, do you see Tori Amos somewhere in there?
I don't need to. I don't need to see that. I can see her being beautiful and lovely.
Right. But what about your legacy?
It'll be what it is, won't it? Meaning, as an artist, there's a force and when you work with that force and you bring it into the deepest part of your bones, the intention is very clear. I'm not the first person who's ever thrown her hair around [laughs]. But what you're getting is intention. I'm not just throwing hair around -- there's an energy that's being taken in to the core. It's not malevolent or benevolent -- it's force -- and you can put your hands on that 220 [voltage]. My mentors were Jim Morrison, Prince, [Jimi] Hendrix and I was very aware of the energy that they were possessing. That was what I was calling into my being -- that type of voltage. How other artists [today are performing] -- I could be their mom! I'm very respectful [of what they do] and hold a space for other artists to expand their expression. Wherever they get it or however they get it, that's exciting. Does that make sense?
It does. But when we talk about you having a legacy, is that something you're not interested in considering right now? When someone writes a 2,000 word article about the incredible effect you've had on popular music, does that not matter to you?
It's not that it doesn't matter -- people have talked to me about it. I can't really escape it -- from Berlin to Paris to London -- there's a journalist walking in and talking to me about it, but what I'd say to you is that I'm completely focused on the work and on the intention. That to me is where the focus has to be. And if it is, the rest will be what it is. In the past, you and I have talked a lot about how there are all kinds of moves that one can do -- you can shock the world, you can do things, but nursing a pig [as Amos did in the artwork for her 1996 album "Boys For Pele"], there was a very clear message there. It was the Madonna and Child, it was -- it wasn't just "How can I shock [my father] Rev. Ed?" He actually understood that picture -- he and my mother understand what I was going after.
You have fans who have taken the money they were going to use to go to college and instead spent it on following you around the world. You have fans who put off going to graduate school because you announced a tour. You have people who -- myself included -- have said, "I probably wouldn't be on this planet if I hadn't had your music when I was in high school. You saved my life."
No, you saved your life. You know how I feel about that.
OK, sure, but how does it make you feel to have that kind of adoration? Is it terrifying?
It's a responsibility. A huge one. There's no misunderstanding on my part but we go back to the original part of our conversation: intention. Once "Y Kant Tori Read" [Amos' critically maligned 1988 album made with a band of the same name] happened and then I [went solo and] made the commitment to serve the muses and be true to that no matter what, then that's my guiding light. That's what my commitment is. So everything else then, has to be secondary to that. Being a mom is different -- that's a different conversation. I'm talking to you about being an artist.
So when your attention is to that, to making the score for [Tori's first musical, 2013's] "The Light Princess," we're making the original cast recording while we're on [tour]. Because it's not OK to make the original cast recording in 24 hours or 48 hours. I don't care how much energy it's going to cost. It's costing so much effort from my team because it'll take weeks and weeks and weeks to do it but it has to fit in between the tour, we'll find the actors and it will take weeks to mix. But my bar is higher -- "Jesus Christ Superstar" and the impact of that record is my bar. So yes, you can tell me about the state of the music industry and the reason that no one makes records like that is because no one can afford to do it. Or they can but they don't choose to spend the money that way. But the commitment to me is to the work and the art and the responsibility to that. Because I have an opportunity to do this and to give it back to the world in a vision, does it take effort? My crew -- they love me but I work them hard. But I don't ask them to do anything I wouldn't do. And as the captain of this ship, I say, "C'mon boys. Let's go!" And they say, "If she can do it, we can do it." So, I'm focused on the work. I can't focus on the comments about the work and everything else.
There's such an emotional component of what you do, too. And much of that comes from your relationship with your fans. Is it like being a doctor in some ways? Do you have to just do your job and not let the emotional side seep in? Night after night you're hearing from people who are telling you about being raped, about wanting to kill themselves, about their eating disorders. That's heavy stuff to constantly be ingesting. Do you have to put up a wall to protect yourself?
You have to be very grounded when you're listening to these stories because they are real. They're real! This is one of the gifts of aging -- working with Native American people, working with people that have dealt with cancer -- nurses and doctors that I know and how they're able to ground themselves and hold a space while people are going through something traumatic. And I've learned from them. Therefore, I ground myself and take a moment to do that and then hold a place of neutrality. You cannot allow yourself to be confused about what that moment is. You're sharing something very intimate -- you're the listener -- and they are choosing to impart this to you. So it's not about a wall, it's the opposite. You bring the wall down. But in bringing the wall down, I'm grounded, almost in my mind I'm right there with Earth Mother. I ask for her support, her energy and I study nature sometimes and this energy that she contains. Sometimes I think, I can be calm, I can hold this for a few hours and then what you do is take these stories and this energy and you put your hands on the 220 -- that voltage we talked about -- and then whether that means, the head comes up or the leg goes back [while I'm performing], the moves aren't practiced -- not that any other artists' are -- but it's being so connected to the message that you become a container. It can't be the ego. So reading the press, thinking about my legacy -- that's Tori's ego. And that's very seductive and I've had to discipline myself because fame will win this game. Fame is the master seducer of any essence there is.
Was there a time in your career when fame seduced you? When you were in danger of falling for that seduction?
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996. You have to dance with it -- until you experience it, it's very hard to describe it. You either work with it or you don't. A certain point, that's when I started opening up to the Native American community and they were very much helpful teachers to me in the humbling, in understanding that you serve the Great Mother. The healers, the medicine women and men are really in alignment and understand what their role is. And it doesn't come from ego. We all have egos, there's a place for that, but it's understanding that it's human but it can't be driving the car. This takes conversations. It takes discipline. But if we talk about some of the master painters, they were devoted to their art. It doesn't mean they weren't competitive. Am I competitive? You bet your sweet ass I am! But competitive against what? Not necessarily against another female artist -- not now. Not at my age. I want to be in a place of compassion. No one can take anything from anyone else. I'll give it away! [mimics giving away her jacket]. Here! Take it!
Last night, before you played "Ribbons Undone," you did a short improv about menopause [see video below].
A taboo subject.
But one that you're not afraid of?
No. Not anymore. That changed in the last year.
Women have been talking to me about aging and being different ages -- and all ages have been talking to me about the stresses of their particular age. I was working with Paule Constable -- one of the great lighting designers -- and Rae Smith -- they worked on "War Horse" -- and they were talking about the fact that [menopause] isn't discussed. I had long conversations with Rae, in stairwells, and with Paule, in the theater, and they would say to me, "You have to talk about it. You have to find a way to talk about it but in a way that makes it not about victimization." Ageism is a real thing. I had to get my head around how am I going to -- in the music industry, being in front of the camera at 50, it's not as if we -- women -- are seen as Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt where we're just coming into our hotness. They're leading men! There are leading women that are around my age but it's just starting to happen. You're just starting to see that happen in the movie industry. But coming to a rock concert -- [women] can't be doing granny rock. We're singing about emotions, we're singing about sexuality, we're singing about all these things. Whereas roles for Helen Mirren, who is the hottest thing I've ever seen -- try and find her equivalent in rock and roll. We are having to carve that out for ourselves because you don't go see some of my contemporaries, you don't go see the Chilies [Red Hot Chili Peppers] and think They need to be doing grandpa rock. No! They're virile men who are sensual and they can sing about anything. Our culture doesn't see it that way [for women]. There are certain things, if you start singing about them -- if you listen to the young girls, I hear them talk, "Oh! She looks desperate! That's so desperate!" Whether you're in your 20's looking desperate or you're in your 50's looking desperate -- desperate is desperate. But you don't hear them say that about the guys! So, I needed to get my head around how I wanted to carve out the next 50 years. In order to grab it with both hands -- to grab it! -- I had to first go all the way into the projection from the culture.
It felt like a part of the trajectory of what you've been involved in your entire life. It felt natural. The way you did it didn't seem like you were doing it to shock. I was surprised by it, but it made sense to me.
There's going to be more of that.
There should be.
But, because as you said, no one else is talking about this, do you feel an added pressure to take that on? Is this organic Tori Amos doing what she's going to do or is this you saying "I'm going to lead the menopausal charge!"?
No. You have to be organic. [That improv] wasn't rehearsed. Not that something that's rehearsed can't be organic, I'm not saying that, but I think with the tour looming, I really don't know what it's going to be from night to night. There has to be a place where songs will come, conversations will happen.
The thing that I loved about it was that you were making up this little song on the spot about needing your glasses and you didn't just sing about getting older, you used that specific word -- menopause. And I think that's such a scary word for so many people and it conjures up very specific things: no longer being sexually virile, no longer being a woman -- or at least being seen as useless in some ways in our culture. The fact that you went there --
In green leather pants... [laughs]
In green leather pants, no less! We don't ever see something like that. I'm impressed by that.
It's not an easy road. Menopause is a tough road and a tough teacher. Finding your own self-acceptance and sensuality within it is, well, sometimes it's a real hunt. You have to dive in there because of the feelings that you're having. All of the songs on this new record were written to deal with this stuff. There is a quiet, silent grieving that happens through menopause. It might happen in a way where you're not aware of it but you can begin to lose memory for a minute -- you can forget things -- and you're very aware that you're going through a different process, a different phase of life. Until you feel it and you're in it, you can't imagine what it is. Trust me -- until those chemicals are happening in you, you don't know what that is. It's easy to sit and feel quite confident about yourself, thinking about how you're going to be in menopause, but that's not how it hits you.
I believe it. As a 35-year-old gay man, there are 20-something-year-old gay guys who are ready to help me pick out my casket.
Yes. So, it becomes about how do you find empowerment through [aging]? That's been the reason I'm going out as a one-woman show. It's not because I don't love [my drummer and bass player] Matt [Chamberlin] and Jon [Evans] and it's not because I don't love the Polish quartet [that I toured with on my last tour], it's because my [13-year-old daughter] Tash looked at me and said, "OK, I get it. I get the 50 thing. I get that the frontline record deals at 50 and up are given more to men than to female singer-songwriters. What are you going to do mom? Because if you don't get your head around this, you're telling me that I've got nothing to look forward to when I'm 50. What are you telling me? That that's it? Because the message is avoid this at all costs and that's what you're telling me." And she said, "That's how you're going to deal with it?" And I said, "No." She said, "Go. Rock." And the earth moved! And I looked in her eyes and it was real! There were tears in her eyes -- "You've got to get this one, mom, like you've never gotten anything else!" Because this is a demon. This is a fucking demon.
That's not just empowering for your daughter, it's empowering for all of the people who have followed your work and who look to you as someone who is creating art that they find fulfilling and in some cases life changing. And I'm guessing the thought of you giving up that work is nothing short of devastating to a lot of people.
Menopause is a struggle. And it's a pejorative. I'm not here to try and make menopause sexy -- that's not my message. My message is to feel empowered -- and feel all these feelings while you happen to be going through menopause. It isn't sexy but you can be sexy. So look it in the eye.
And don't let it defeat you.
That's right. So, OK, if I'm playing a show, whatever I'm wearing that night, I might breakout in a hot flash during the show and it's not because of the lights. And what are we going to do? We're going to have towels on the side of the stage and we're going to fucking go with it. Because that's all we're going to do -- there's no other answer. If it's going to be embarrassing, it's going to be embarrassing. But to get to that point, you can't think you're going to defeat it -- I will forget the lyrics. I will have the wrong glasses because I'm not losing my mind -- it's not early Alzheimer's -- but other people going through it will say, these are the symptoms. You find ways to get through it. I have to take 50 by the hand -- hold hands and welcome it with every cell and say, "Show me 50 like I didn't imagine." Not that other people aren't going through it, but show it to me in a way that I didn't understand. It's about asking 50 itself to open up my understanding and then it's about just being alive -- being truly alive!
Tori Amos' new album, "Unrepentant Geraldines," hits iTunes on May 13. Pre-order the album here. For more information on Amos, including upcoming tour dates, visit her official website and follow her on Twitter.
Noah Michelson
Editorial Director, The Huffington Post Voices
Tori Amos Tori Amos Fans Tori Amos Turning 50 Tori Amos Aging Tori Amos 50

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Dark chocolate started worming its way into my life about a decade ago--not really as a conscious decision ("Hey, I think I'll eat a lot of expensive chocolate!"), but just through gradual upgrades as I became aware of or gained access to better chocolate than I'd previously eaten.
I don't review chocolate. I don't take notes or keep "scores" for personal use. If it's a new chocolate or one that I'm revisiting after some time away, I'll sit down with the bar (with an unfouled palate), start into it, and--rarely with any conscious effort at evaluation--react to it. Maybe that reaction is to spit the first bite into the trash can and drop the rest of the bar in after it. Maybe I finish a bite or two, then wrap up the rest to give to a coworker or one of my kids. If it's good, I'll finish the bar. If it's great, I'll finish the bar and make arrangements to buy more. That's the goal: finding bars that I want to return to again and again (and then doing so). I can articulate, after the fact, why I reacted to a chocolate the way I did; but the root of the evaluation is always instinctual (though with instinct conditioned by a basic understanding of cacao and craftsmanship and by years of palate habituation with large quantities of extraordinary chocolate).
As a consumer, I want it all--interesting, well-fermented cacao with no off flavors, skilled roasting, textbook texture. There are enough truly great bars out there that I don't feel the need to settle for "good cacao, shoddy craftsmanship" or vice versa.
Though I'm not dogmatic about it, I'm partial to the minimalist approach exemplified by DeVries, Domori, Rogue, Ritual, et al.--cacao mass and sugar only. Vanilla, added cocoa butter, and lecithin are acceptable in fine chocolate (though all can be abused), while CBEs and artificial sweeteners are not. Natural sweeteners other than refined sugar may be acceptable, in principle. (In practice, I've only seen one such bar--the 2011 Valrhona El Pedregal, using brown sugar--that was worth half a damn.) As for salt, if there's just enough to accentuate the flavor of the cacao, I wouldn't balk; if you can taste the salt, it's a flavored bar.
I think Art Pollard said it best: "Each and every step of the chocolate-making process is the most important step." Blow it at any individual stage and the quality potential is reduced, if not completely obliterated.
An accurate ingredient list, identification of origin (as specifically as possible), and statement of percentage of cacao solids are enough for me.
There are too many to name, but here are a few. For popular chocolate education, Maricel Presilla and her "New Taste of Chocolate." For community-building, Martin Christy (Seventy Percent), Clay Gordon (The Chocolate Life), and John Nanci (Chocolate Alchemy). For running my dream chocolate shop, Aubrey Lindley and Jesse Manis of Cacao (Portland, OR). For setting the pace for chocolate geekery in America, the members of the Manhattan Chocolate Society and the C-Spot. For championing Italian chocolate and gianduia, Gigi and Clara Padovani. For being the first and best of the new wave of American small batch bean-to-bar chocolate makers, Steve DeVries.
Making chocolate is like sewing your own clothes: it's labor intensive, but doesn't mean the end result will look, fit, or wear better than something off the rack at the local department store. The sad fact is that 9 out of 10 small bean-to-bar makers are charging two to three times Valrhona or Cluizel prices for chocolate that isn't even half as good. For startups that don't have the experience, know-how, or capital to both source great cacao and make well-crafted chocolate, I think there's something to be said for specialization and division of labor--for example, just focusing on sourcing and then partnering with an established maker to manufacture the chocolate. We've seen some of that in recent years (e.g., Felchlin manufacturing for Original Beans and Idilio, Pralus for Åkesson and Chuao Chocolatier, etc.), but there's no reason it couldn't be done on a smaller scale.
Domori, Amedei, Amano, Rogue, Patric.
I'd give Rogue, DeVries, and Soma all of the resources of Hacienda San José, Chuao, and the Rizek group.


Background/Info: Future Lied To Us is a project driven by Krischan Jan-Eric Wesenberg (Rotersand), Vasi Vallis (NamNamBulu, Reaper, Frozen Plasma) and Thomas Lesczenski (SITD). After 2 digital singles released in 2017, here comes the debut album of this trio.
Content: When you bring talented and visionary artists together you can only expect something 'amazing'. Future Lied To Us isn't reinventing future-pop music, but "Presence" clearly sounds as they bring this music style back on the map of electronic music. "Presence" is a well-crafted album carried by impressive production skills. Some songs might remind Rotersand, but globally speaking the work is not a cheapo copy from one of the member's bands they're involved with. The songs are powerful, melodic, and emotional and a real lust for all lovers of professional electronic music.
+ + + : I'm not that surprised the album gets a great response in their homeland. It's an intelligent and sophisticated electro-pop production, which sometimes evoke a sonic hybrid between Rotersand and Haujobb. Let's not forget Wesenberg and Vallis both are recognized electro-pop artists. The originality is maybe far to find, but the elaboration of the songs is absolutely phenomenal. The production stands for a high-tech approach. The first- and last songs are more emotional pieces and still beautiful songs.
– – – : I maybe expected more originality from this trio, but in the end they simply composed a meaningful piece of music where there's no real single song to throw away.
Conclusion: Future Lied To us doesn't sound at all as a beginning band. I'm just wondering if they'll go on composing new songs or if "Presence" is just a one-shot experience.
Best songs: "Suffocate", "Embrace A World", "Faded Faces", "Falling", "Drops Of Silver", "Born In Silence".


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Gaz keeps cards close to his chest
Gareth Ainsworth was coy when asked about his team selection for Saturday's visit of Cheltenham Town.
.here Fancy Blooms to break the deadlock against the Robins? Back the midfielder at 22/1
"It'll be a tough game but, as always, one I believe we can win."
"I'm hoping whoever I pick will be part of a winning team and that there will be more jumping around on the sidelines rather than collapsing!
"Those who aren't in the squad, they'll have to get behind the boys who are and that's the way we are here.
The 40-year-old added: "Everyone who has played in the last few games will definitely have a chance of being in the 18.
"Now it's a blank canvas. Everyone is fit apart from Jon-Paul Pittman who might be struggling, while Matty McClure and Paris will be assessed."
He told Chairboys Player: "On Tuesday in the JPT I had to play the majority of the starting XI from last Saturday – there's rules.
The 40-year-old is also boosted by the return of all-action midfielder Matt Bloomfield, who has served a three-game ban for his red card against Bury.
Ainsworth has a virtually fully-fit squad to choose from with Matt McClure (head), Paris Cowan-Hall (calf) and Jon-Paul Pittman (rolled ankle) his only injury concerns.
, call 01494 441118 or visit the Information Centre at Adams Park. online Tickets start from just £5 for juniors, £9 for young adults, £11 for seniors and £15 for adults. U7s go FREE! Buy


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The Black Prince
The Black Prince, a historical drama, is being directed by Kaviraj. The film follows the story of the last Sikh Maharaja — the son of the powerful ruler Ranjit Singh — who was placed on the throne at the age of five, after the death of his father. In 1849, Punjab was annexed to British India and the young prince was removed from the throne and eventually sent off to England. His attempts to return to India and reclaim his kingdom were thwarted by the British. The Black Prince will be acting debut of Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaaj, who is well know for his Sufi style of singing.
Actor: Alexa Morden, Amanda Root, Ameet Chana, David Essex, Jason Flemyng, Joe Egan, Kavi Raz, Satinder Sartaaj, Shabana Azmi
Director: Kavi Raz
Country: India, UK, USA
Amanda Root
Kavi Raz
Satinder Sartaaj
Home with a View of the Monster
Trailer: The Black Prince


Khloe Kardashian is reeling after multiple reports on Tuesday that her boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, cheated on her with several women, a source close to the Kardashians tells ET.
The source says Khloe's mom, Kris Jenner, has flown to Cleveland, Ohio, to support her 33-year-old pregnant daughter, and that the rest of the Kardashian family has also been in communication with Khloe and are working on seeing her as soon as possible.
"Khloe is completely devastated," the source says. "Tristan is a man Khloe built a life with and saw as her forever. Khloe's mother, Kris, flew to Cleveland to be with her and support her in whatever she needs."
As for Khloe and Tristan, the source says their future is up in the air.
"The most important thing is Khloe having a healthy pregnancy," the source notes.
A source also tells ET that Khloe's sister Kim is flying from Los Angeles to Cleveland on either Thursday or Friday to be by Khloe's side.
Meanwhile, Keeping Up With the Kardashians is currently in production, with the Kardashian family in the middle of filming while Khloe prepares to give birth to her and Tristan's first child together, ET has learned. Multiple sources close to the E! production tell ET that the show's producers will determine how the scandal plays out on TV in the coming days, and whether it becomes a storyline on future episodes of the show.
Photos and videos were published by multiple outlets on Tuesday that allegedly show Tristan being intimate with unknown women. A source who knows Tristan tells ET that the scandal looks bad for the 27-year-old NBA star.
Khloe and Tristan have yet to comment on the reports. However, that hasn't stopped others from weighing in. On Tuesday, the 27-year-old NBA star's ex, Jordan Craig, appeared to comment on the reports. Tristan shares a 1-year-old son, Prince, with Jordan.
"If you respect yourself and you respect others, you would never make light of the misfortune of anyone, nor would you feel indemnified when it comes at the expense of others," she wrote on Instagram Stories. "Wishing peace for everyone."
Amber Rose -- who's feuded with Khloe in the past -- also reached out to Khloe on Tuesday.
"I know we've had our differences in the past but my heart is broken for you sis," Amber wrote on Instagram Stories. "Smh no one deserves to feel that pain especially during such a sensitive time."


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George Papassavas Online Gallery
On Exhibit: Acrylics Cements Drawings Earth Day Dedications Newspapers Oils Painted Steels Plaster Casts Polyester Cuts Watercolors
Also See: Contact Information Reviews Shows
ONE-MAN SHOWS
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1951, 1956)
Caracas, Venezuela (1958, 1965, 1967)
Montevideo, Uruguay (1963)
Papassavas Studio, Dedham, MA (1968,1971)
Dedham Public Library, Dedham, MA (1968)
Westwood Gallery, Westwood, MA (1969)
Chelsea Public Library, Chelsea, MA (1971,1973)
Maharaj Gallery, Newbury St., Boston, MA (1972)
"Parnassos", Athens, Greece (1973)
Gallerie Vallombreuse, Biarritz, France (1975)
Art Museum of Hollywood, Hollywood, FL (1976)
Washington Federal Bank Gallery, Hollywood, FL (1976)
Maliotis Cultural Center, Boston, MA (1980)
Studio 74, Punta Gorda, FL (1988)
Art&Humanities Center of Port Charlotte, FL (2000)
Military's House, Athens, Greece (1949)
Museum of Valencia, Venezuela (1965)
Reveron's International, Caracas, Venezuela (1966)
Lawrence Cultural Institute Art Festival, Lawrence MA (1968)
De Gordova Museum, Lincoln, MA (1969)
The First New York International Art Show, Coliseum, NY (1970)
Eleventh International Exhibition, Gallery International, NY (1970)
Hilles Library, Radcliffe College, Cambridge, MA (1970)
Twelfth International Exhibition, Gallery International, NY (1971)
Art & Cultural Center of Hollywood, Hollywood, FL (1976,1977,1978,1981,1983)
The Sarasota Visual Art Center, Sarasota, FL (1993,1995)
Sculptors Unlimited, Golff Gallery, Punta Gorda, FL (2001)
The Visual Art Center, Charlotte County, FL (2001)
Art Center of Punta Gorda, FL (2001)
Art Around Town, Punta Gorda, FL (2000,2001,2004)
Visual Art Center, Punta Gorda, FL (2008)
© George Papassavas, 2019.


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HomeEditorial & OpinionGuest Editorial: Mayoral Candidate Lisa Holmes
Guest Editorial: Mayoral Candidate Lisa Holmes
Sep 30, 2013 Editorial & Opinion 13
The Morinville News is opening its next two print editions to guest editorials from all four mayoral candidates. Yesterday's online edition editorial was from Sheldon Fingler. Today is a a guest editorial from Lisa Holmes. Next week's print edition will offer spots to Carrie Foss and Christa Naughton.
In 2010 I ran for Town Council because I love this community. As residents, you put your trust in me and elected me to represent you on Council. Now, three years later, I know that you have seen that I am a committed, passionate and strong elected official who proudly represents Morinville with integrity and openness. I am asking you to give me a new mandate, to take the experience and education that I have, to become Morinville's next Mayor.
Throughout my three years on Council, I've shown my dedication to our community by attending every single Council meeting, being visible and accessible, and supporting every community event that I could. I know that people trust that I have done my job, read the information presented to me, prepared in every way possible to make what I know to be the right decisions for our community. This is the sort of trust that you can't just give an Elected Official – they have to earn it. I've earned it.
The last Council spent a lot of time and effort to build the solid foundation on which our vision for Morinville will be built – but there is so much work yet to do. In order for Morinville to be the strong, successful, complete community that we all want, we need to do things better and we need to get them done faster. Let's start with getting more open with our decision making and more focused on feeling like we all get value for the tax dollars that we pay. Let's have the hard conversations about how we are going to pay for a recreation facility, how we can use photo radar as more of a safety tool, how we can offer the youth of our town the best possible springboard to become successful and responsible citizens. Let's see some of these long term plans and discussions actually come to fruition with a Council that is effective and decisive.
I know that my style of leadership is what we need right now. We need a Mayor who is open, collaborative and puts the needs of residents first. Many members of our next elected Council will be new to their roles and it is critical that someone with experience on Council provides the leadership Morinville resident's demand and deserve. We need a leader who will help Morinville to maintain the unique character, progressive identity and traditions that we have as we continue to grow.
I love our community. Like many of you, Thomas and I chose Morinville as the home we wanted to raise our family in. I want to see this town that we love protected and nurtured because it is that love of community that set us apart from everywhere else. Please take a moment to read through my ideas on how we can work together to make our town stronger and more successful at www.lisaholmes.ca. Once you do, I'm confident that on October 21st, you will vote Holmes for Mayor.
Mrs. Holmes, it is refreshing to read such candor and honesty in your editorial today. I see you made the statement that; "The last Council spent a lot of time and effort to build the solid foundation on which our vision for Morinville will be built" This statement is factually and grammatically correct. The use of the adjective "our" in this statement refers to the "last council" NOT the people of Morinville. The issue I and from what I have heard around town a lot of Morinville residents have is they do not want to continue to be force fed the vision embraced by the "last council". This hypothesis can be proven by another of your statements'; "Many members of our next elected Council will be new to their roles" . Previous to this statement you say; "I know that my style of leadership is what we need right now". After the clear statement earlier in your editorial to wanting to continue the "last councils" work I can only summize that the "we" in this statement also refers to that group. You also reference "your style of leadership" I believe the residents of Morinville were exposed to your style of leadership earlier this summer, when due the unfortunate death of the town Mayor a situation requiring true leadership. was created. NONE of our existing town council member stepped forward to LEAD the community and steer the town through the not always calm waters of the capital region. Waiting to see what direction the crowd is moving in and then running to the front of the group is indeed a style so I must again praise you for you candor, although similar to skinny ties and sweater vests it is not a style I or many others would embrace.
In conclusion I must commend Mrs. Holmes for such an open and revealing editorial. Morinville we have been informed of the vision that Lisa Holmes has for this community it is now OUR decision if it is what WE want.
Holmes for this house says:
I feel given the opportunity, Lisa Holmes would lead this town into a community I am proud to be part of. Not only is she a Mom, she is a leader and mentor. Other than Stephen Dafoe ( owner of paper), Lisa is the only council member to boast 100% attendance at meetings. She is diplomatic, strong, active, educated, fair and the RIGHT choice for our town. I don't want more of the same, but rather, a council who walks the walk and doesn't roll their eyes at one another. I have sat in town meetings and as far as I am concerned, Mrs. Holmes was the only one with class and tact. You are what we need in this town Lisa, I know you have the brains, passion, and social accountability we deserve. Best wishes!
Don Summers says:
As a former member of the Library Board, I've had the opportunity to see Lisa in action. She is intelligent, personable, speaks sparingly, is always listening and contemplative. She works in a co-operative manner and is open to new ideas, points of view and applies critical thinking skills (far too rare a trait IMHO) to issues. These are qualities I find to be very desirable in a mayoral candidate.
As for the specific issue of the vote regarding the potential appointment of a new Mayor after the passing of His Worship Paul Krauskopf, it is clear that some information and clarification is needed by the general public. I attended that meeting and like many residents of Morinville I was disappointed at the outcome, that being to delay the matter. However, the Deputy Mayor, Lisa Holmes sat as the Chair of the meeting. The Council consisted of five people, Councillors Boddez, Boutestien, Fingler and Pattison as well as the Deputy Mayor, Lisa Holmes sitting as the Chair. The motion to delay the appointment of a new Mayor had two Councillors in support and two opposed. In accordance with Robert's Rules and tradition the Chair generally casts a ballot only to show unanimity on a motion or to break a tie. The rule of thumb in breaking a tie is to vote for the status quo, that is to maintain things as they are unless an exceptionally strong, compelling and urgent reason to change circumstances can be demonstrated. Hence, Lisa made the correct vote, albeit it resulted in an outcome I was disappointed in.
So, while the outcome of the vote was disappointing, Lisa acted in good faith and in accordance with established procedure and tradition.
Amber. L. says:
Go Lisa Holmes!! You have proven yourself over the last 4 years. You are the ONLY worthy canidate! We cant wait to have a smart woman as our Mayor!! Go Lisa Holmes!!GO LISA HOLMES!!!!
Don, if the death of a sitting Mayor is not a compelling reason for a leadership showing vote. Then what would you consider to be one?
BR says:
Personally I found Miss Holmes not stepping up after our mayors death very noble as she'd already publicly made it clear that she intended to run for this post in the election. Her stepping up at that point would have given her an unfair edge on the competition for this election and her not stepping into that role that should go to the deputy mayor showed me her integrity and desire for a fair race during Regis coming election. I for one was impressed. Less so with the rest if council who bickered like schoolgirls over it and would prefer out town be left in limbo.
Joe Gosselin says:
Don, NOT so!!!
The Municipal government act, does not allow any member of council to abstain on a vote. If present, you MUST vote.
Maurice St. Denis says:
"Dave"–your anonymous letter serves as nothing more than a reminder that ACTIONS speak louder then WORDS. You sit behind your computer screen and critique the hard work of others. You so eloquently identify the shortcomings of our current leadership, yet fail to mention how YOU will contribute to this underlying vision (you reference) moving forward. The problem with your approach "Dave" is it's grounded in a false reality.
My guess is "Dave" received an A- in an undergraduate creative writing class a couple years ago and has enjoyed reading his words ever since. "Dave" subscribes to the Wallstreet Journal and The Times on his IPhone and is therefore entitled to speak on all things worldly. The reality is, "Dave" isn't interested in contributing to his community–rather, he enjoys critisizing those who do. When "Dave" isn't listening to vinyl in his parent's basement, he's sitting at Starbucks drinking $5 frappuccinos while telling anyone who will listen that he recycles. The thing is, it's easy to be "Dave". If you're reading this "Dave" and are looking to align yourself with the public sentiment, power off your computer, take off your slippers, and get involved!
In the real world "Dave", you're either part of the problem or part of the solution. Pick a lane!
I take a different angle on what happened this summer. Our town lost a mayor and long time citizen. There was absolutely no reason to select a Mayor during the special council meeting that was called. The summer had arrived and with it little immediate council business. Let a family and community grieve without jumping up to replace Paul immediately. That is what happened and I am grateful for it. As Deputy Mayor, Lisa fulfilled the duties required without replacing our deceased Mayor and a role that I am sure was difficult.
Hey Moe, well said!
I don't think I've ever heard you vent like that before… pending parenthood seems to agree with you!
Just make sure that you and Momma get out to vote on the 21st!
MorinvilleResident says:
Funny that "Dave" seems to think that immediate action should have been taken after the death of our Mayor. Why? What was happening that was relevant within the 3 weeks of next council?? NOTHING. Goes to show how insensitive and greedy some people are. Those are the type of BABIES I do not want representing this town. There was absoulutly NO reason that a special meeting needed to be called or forced into happening. These demands came from people who only care about themselves and thier egos(the billboards around town show perfect examples). Lisa did what any level headed, mature and respectable human would do. She didnt rush into wanting the spot light like some extremely childish council members did. Greedy "buisnessmen" do not need to run this town ……the experienced and educated do and will. Thank You Lisa Holmes for continuing to show cuth and leadership. You have my vote. People are catching on to the greed. Keep your head up high lady!
There are too many "Dave"'s in our community and not enough Lisa's.