text:
Last updated: 11:37 AM ET, Sat July 28 2018
Bob Hope USO Moves to LAX's Historic Theme Building
Airlines & Airports	July 28, 2018
PHOTO: A person holding the American flag. (photo via kieferpix/iStock/Getty Images Plus)
WHY IT RATES: Members of the armed forces and their families have an amazing new space at LAX as the airport continues its remodel.—Jessica Zickefoose, TravelPulse Associate Editor
Bob Hope USO at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a new address after moving into the ground level of the iconic Theme Building on Center Way.
The World's Best Airports for Business Travelers Airlines & Airports
What's New in Los Angeles This Summer Destination & Tourism
The Perfect Fourth of July in Los Angeles Destination & Tourism
Los Angeles Sues FAA Over Plane Noise Airlines & Airports
Here's Your Survival Guide for Flying Over the... Features & Advice
The new center is about double the size of the previous USO facility located near Terminal 2, providing 7,100 square feet to serve current members of the military and their families traveling through LAX.
"The men and women of our armed forces put their lives on the line to protect us every day—they deserve a warm welcome when they come home, and when they're traveling through our airport," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "This beautiful new facility opens a new chapter in the rich history of the Bob Hope USO at LAX, and I am proud to see it open its doors today."
"We are proud to open the doors of our iconic LAX Theme Building to our service members and their families, as the new home of the Bob Hope USO," said Deborah Flint, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). "This renovated facility provides the Bob Hope USO an incredible space that reflects progress on our commitment to creating a world-class airport experience for all of our guests."
"For 77 years, the USO has been the standard bearer in service to our troops and their families," said Bob Kurkjian, President, Bob Hope USO. "Today, we continue that tradition with the newest Bob Hope USO Center, combining our tradition of hospitality with best-in-class technology and entertainment. In partnership with our major donors, this center will welcome an estimated 2.7 million troops over the next 20 years."
Part of the new center pays homage to Bob Hope and his decades-long support of the USO and the troops with a curated display area honoring the famed comedian and entertainer.
Among the amenities for visiting troops and their families are a canteen snack bar; dining room; large nap room; family zone with play area and three private family rooms with dedicated restroom; three family video connection rooms; TV lounge and movie theater; gaming lounge; selfie wall; charging stations; secure luggage storage; and an outdoor pavilion.
All services, food and beverages are provided free of charge to current members of the military and their dependent family members thanks to thousands of generous donors, large and small, and a team of over 250 USO volunteers who operate the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The move and construction of the new center are made possible through the commitment of Bob Hope USO's supporters including The Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation, Los Angeles World Airports, Delta Air Lines, Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Ahmanson Foundation, American Legion Post 283, Marilyn Cohen and Chris Malburg, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Madeline and Marvin Gussman Family Foundation, Hollywood Post 43, American Legion, The Fred and Peggy Hartley Family Foundation, California Veterans Charity and other members of the community that have pledged to sponsor and support Bob Hope USO.
Bob Hope USO provides direct service to over 250,000 service members, their families and eligible military retirees in Southern and Central California annually.
To donate, sign up for a volunteer position, or send supplies needed to stock the new USO from the wishlist, please visit bobhopeuso.org.
For more information on Los Angeles
Codie's Corner: Offering Insurance to Your Clients Codie Liermann


AVATAR is a not-for-profit association that works with government and the media to promote and protect the rights of vapers across Australia. Our membership comprises retailers, traders, and consumers of personal vapouriser devices and other smoke-free products.
We are funded entirely through member contributions and have no affiliations whatsoever with the tobacco industry or any of its representatives.
AVATAR is a registered not-for-profit headquartered in South Australia, incorporation number A43313.
AVATAR advocates for the use of vaporisers as a paradigm shift in the way people quit smoking and use nicotine, in line with the hundreds of public health bodies around the world who agree and accept that vapourisers are one of the biggest public health opportunities in the last fifty years.
While we approach this topic from an industry perspective, we also advocate on behalf of the communities in which we operate and the hundreds of thousands of Australians from all walks of life who are using vapourisers to free themselves from the shackles of tobacco addiction.
AVATAR is actively involved in negotiating with governments around Australia to introduce strong, sensible regulation of this industry. Our objective is to encourage the adoption of a clear set of regulations based on regulations recently introduced in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Australia remains one of the only developed countries in the world still attempting to suppress the vapouriser industry despite clear medical, scientific, and statistical evidence demonstrating that vaping is substantially safer than traditional combustible tobacco, a fact that almost no public health organisation in the world disputes.
Altering the current scheduling of liquid nicotine in concentrations 20mg/ml or less to allow for retail sales for recreational and therapeutic use, and ensuring that a standard of manufacturing is in place so that e-liquid manufacturers are held accountable for what they are putting in their bottles. 20mg/ml concentrations of nicotine currently fall within comparable international standards, specifically the European Unions Tobacco Product Directives.
Standardisation of the national online marketplace. The different rules regarding online sales between the states impact the ability of some people in rural and regional areas to access vaporisers. Unlike traditional tobacco products, vaporisers do not have broad physical market penetration. Differing regulations also unfairly benefit vendors in judiciaries with less restrictive regulations around the sale and distribution of these devices.
National licensing provisions as a proof of concept. Currently, governments at all levels are ill-equipped to deal with the online marketplace because it, the marketplace, doesn't pay attention to arbitrarily defined state or international borders. By bringing vaporiser retailers under a single national license, consistency across all States and Territories is ensured, a reality that does not currently exist within the tobacco or alcohol sales industries. Using an emerging industry such as the vaporiser industry to provide a practical proof of concept and testing ground for national regulation has benefits far beyond this industry.
Appropriate training for vapouriser industry workers. One of the major issues that AVATAR has identified internally is the proliferation of businesses with little to no expertise in the safe handling of devices and e-liquids. All AVATAR businesses know the correct calculations to provide customers with knowledge around safe use of vaporisers, including calculations on how customers can safely mix their own imported liquid nicotine and how to safely handle the high-drain batteries used in vaporisers.
That appropriate steps are undertaken to fund independent studies into the impacts of vaping on the health of consumers so that the Australian Government can make its own evidence based decisions.


text:
How The CW Could Still Turn its Hunger Games Copycat Into a Good Series
Michael Ann Dobbs
The Selection by Kiera Cass was already being called "the next Hunger Games" when The CW decided to turn it into a TV show. But then The CW put the project on hold, and has started reshooting the trouble pilot. And now that we've read the book, we can see why this is going to be a tough project to adapt for television — because there are some serious problems with this dystopian take on The Bachelor crossed with The Royal Wedding.
Here are some things The CW absolutely must change, if they want The Selection to be our choice for prime-time viewing. Spoilers ahead!
The Selection follows a young girl, America Singer, as she joins a semi-televised competition where the prize is marrying Maxon, the Crown Prince of Illea. Illea is a kingdom in North America that arose from the ashes of the United States of America / World War III / The United States of China.
Illea has an eight-tiered caste system (ones are in the royal family, eights are homeless) with vaguely meritocratic undertones. The vast majority of people are poor — but you can buy your way up into higher castes. Military service moves young men up to level two automatically, and yet they still have to have a draft (perhaps if it was a volunteer army they would be overwhelmed with volunteers?). And women, but not men, can marry into higher castes. And Illea has some fairly onerous gender and sex laws: premarital sex will land you in jail, the castle has a Women's Room where only women are allowed, and birth control is only available to the rich.
The royal family has two traditions for marrying off their offspring: girls are wed into strategic alliances, while boys find their wives via "The Selection." One girl from each province, a "True Daughter of Illea," travels to the castle to meet and date the prince. Yes, just like Hunger Games crossed with Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?.
America is a lowly five (the caste reserved for artists and musicians) who's secretly in love with an even lowlier six (the caste for servants). Her mother bribes her into applying for The Selection and her boyfriend, terrified of condemning her to a life of drudgery, dumps her. So even though she's not interested in marrying the prince, she gladly goes to the palace to nurse her broken heart. Also, because she goes to the palace, her family receives compensation which will keep them all from starving next winter.
So what should the CW to make this work better as a story, not to mention as a piece of television?
1) Codifying the Competition
You can imagine that the CW picked up the book for its tagline alone: "35 Girls. 1 Crown. The Competition of a Lifetime." It sounds like The Bachelor on steroids. Imagine if you offered the Mob Wives women the chance at a crown? They'd call it There Will Be Blood, From Where I Ripped Out Her Tacky Earrings.
But The Selection isn't invested in the drama or heavy symbolism that most viewers have come to expect from reality television. Many of the moments that producers pack dating shows with are missing. For instance, the television crew can be dismissed by Prince Maxon with a wave of his hand, making private conversations actually private. Also, when girls are sent home, it's done privately and with no fanfare. This makes the book more humane to its characters, sure — but without televised dismissals, cat fights and head-to-head competition what makes it reality television? The girls being interviewed on the Illea version of CSPAN? Not what teenagers want to see.
The first season will need to have something between fourteen and twenty episodes, and each and every one needs an exciting plot with a solid arc. They will probably at least televise the dismissals, just to amp up the tension. And I'm guessing the in-show producers or whoever will be given much more power. Camera confessionals will probably be out, since secrets seem very important to the plot and also saying mean things about the Prince is treason.
2) Adding Some Conflict
The lack of a clear antagonist — or really any clear conflict — hinders the book quite a bit, but it would be especially deadly on television. The vaguely bitchy girl Celeste causes minimal trouble for America, throughout most of the story, but never really poses much of a direct challenge. By making Celeste more of a direct antagonist, the CW could provide the opportunity for Celia Kate Massingham (left), who has been cast in the role, to learn the fine art of villainous scenery-chewing. Not to mention give America something to fight against every episode.
The other possible source of conflict could come from the groups of rebels who regularly attack the palace — but that part of the story needs a lot of punching up. Right now, the rebels are faceless, and their goals are unclear. Creating a particular rebel character will help sell the overall dystopian arc of the story and make the stakes beyond "marrying a prince" clear.
3) Upping the Makeover / Clothing Quotient
Surprisingly for a book about a woman competing to become a princess, there's not a lot of stuff about clothes or makeovers in the book. Do you really think that will fly on the channel behind Gossip Girl? Expect to see way more focus on makeovers, plus fancy dresses, fancy shoes, fancy hair, fancy hats and fancy jewelry. There will be veritable explosions of taffeta, silk and rhinestones. There will be so much glitter!
4) Explaining the Dystopia Better
America spends a lot of time explaining the caste system to the reader — but it still feels like a painted backdrop, more than a believable dystopia. There are no history books in this world and the rebels are looking for something — suggesting there's a dark secret at the heart of the whole society. Knowing why the rebels are so pissed off, and what they're looking for (especially since the royal family they'd like to overthrow seem awfully nice) would probably make the nature of this dystopia a lot clearer.
For instance, the rich have cell phones, but no one seems to have computers. There's a suggestion that they have some sort of super-soldier serum, but maybe this just refers to vaccinations? Is the country small, or are future planes really fast? Some of these questions will have to be answered, probably by showing the world outside of America's view.
There's also a lack of clarity regarding how some jobs or industries have been changed by the caste system. For instance, magazines, movies and television all still exist, but it's not clear what that means. If factory workers are fours and servants are sixes, what would a magazine's production assistant be? Or a writer or director? There also seems to be weird overlaps — there is a two who is a model, but models historically are lower status than the designers who dress them or the artists who paint them. The Prince is into photography, but wouldn't that be a five activity? Teachers are threes, but America's mom homeschooled her, effectively becoming a teacher.
In other words, the world-building is really unclear, and the caste system doesn't quite hold up to close examination. You can skate over a lot of stuff in a book, but when there's an actual actor standing on set holding an actual camera in a world where caste is the most important thing, somebody's going to have to decide what caste he's in.
5) Getting America Out of Her Shell
America is a professional performer and has been since she was young. She sings and plays the piano and violin. This is great for The CW and Aimee Teegarden, the actress who will play America. They can add a little Glee vibe, and she can release a CD when the whole thing is done. Too bad America only performs once in the book and it's just a casual for a friend's party sort of thing, where the Prince happens to stop by. The CW is going to make this a much bigger deal and probably work her performing into the competition somehow. They will probably build suspense by changing up her audience too: first the other girls, then the Prince, then the Royal Family, then national television! It could be very exciting, and potentially add another arc to the show.
The book version of America is also an introvert who seldom takes the initiative. She mostly wants to hang out with her maids and play cards. Maybe chat with the prince. This does not a TV show make. A TV show needs someone who will fight the antagonist, maybe go snooping around, be caught in humorous embarrassing situations and cause trouble. The main character has to drive the plot, rather than sit around waiting for the plot to happen to her. For the show to work, America is going to have to quit being a wallflower and start being a go-getter.
6) Opening Up the World
TV shows are usually about ensembles, because you can get multiple plots and lots of different pairings from a group of people. The Selection, like a lot of YA books, is written in first person. If the bad guy is plotting, we don't see it. If someone else is on a date with the Prince, we don't see it. And in general, the book's supporting cast is kept at the level of one-dimensional ciphers, while only America feels fleshed out.
That means The CW is going to have to figure out which of the characters in the book are worth turning into regulars and expanding them. America's maids, Nancy, Anne and Mary, might be a good place to start — but we don't know a whole lot about them (except Nancy, who has PTSD symptoms and a sad backstory). Following the Prince is an option too, but we really don't know what he does all day beyond the vague "running the country."
But they may just invent some new characters. Since it seems likely that the reality show aspect will be increased in the screen version, we'll probably have people like producers and announcers to follow. Increasing the clothing and makeup craziness would help too — maybe America will end up with a team of stylists like Katniss has in The Hunger Games. The CW will also probably follow at least one of American's competitors more closely.
7) Raising the Stakes
And finally, there's the crux of the problem — America's not risking a whole lot here. The first check she receives for joining The Selection is enough to feed her family for a year. As soon as she's selected, she's turned into a three in the caste system. All the girls who go home from The Selection get marriage proposals on the spot. The book makes it clear that America's staying to wait out her broken heart, but that's not necessarily enough stakes to drive a story forward for an entire season.
Which means the CW is probably looking for all sorts of ways to raise the stakes of the competition. It'll make the country of Illea seem less pleasant than in the book, but that's dystopias for you. One easy way to raise the stake would be to… Major Spoiler Alert!
8) Get to the Love Triangle Sooner
It's a YA novel, of course there's a love triangle! Let's be blunt, in a world where people go to jail for pre-marital sex, there isn't the opportunity for lots of steamy make-outs. And steamy make-outs are a basic building block of angsty teen television. America and the Prince are not up to the level of steamy make-outs in their relationship. But America and her ex are. And if a girl cheats on the Prince, she can be executed for treason.
By getting America's ex Aspen on the scene before the final couple of chapters of the book, the CW can automatically raise the stakes, and exponentially increase the number of steamy make-outs. While America wears awesome dresses.
At this point, we can only speculate about what The CW can do to turn The Selection into a story that can fly on television — but it's clear there's going to have to be some punching up of the conflict, a more proactive heroine, and some better world-building. Not to mention more makeovers, and better outfits.
io9Television

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Arnold®, Brownberry® And Oroweat® Organic Breads Collaborate with Disney to Debut New Organic Bread for Kids
Leading bread brand collaborates with Disney, Big Green to bring good-for-you taste and at-home nutrition education to families nationwide
Bimbo Bakeries USA
HORSHAM, Pa., Oct. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Arnold®, Brownberry® and Oroweat® Organic Breads, makers of nutritious and delicious USDA Organic and plant-based breads, are proud to announce the launch of their new Kids Organic White made with Whole Wheat Bread featuring Disney's Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Together with Disney, Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Organic Breads are bringing these classic family favorites to shelves at major grocery stores and food retailers nationwide to introduce the only nationally-available organic bread for kids.
"The focus of this launch is bringing parents and children a nutritious bread with great taste and texture," said Jessica Grane, Marketing Director of Premium Brands at Bimbo Bakeries USA. "In teaming up with Disney, we have found a partner that aligns with our vision of delivering delicious and balanced nutrition, and we are proud to provide families with a bread that fits their wholesome lifestyles."
Developed for picky eaters to love and parents to feel good about, this USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and plant-based bread is a good source of Vitamins A, D & E and is baked with organic whole grains as the first ingredient. With a taste that is just as delicious as it is nutritious, each slice has a soft and smooth texture that kids will love. Freshly baked using renewable wind energy, the brand's new kid-friendly bread brings consumers a great taste that's sustainably baked.
Alongside the launch of their new organic kids bread, Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Organic Breads are also proud to announce their collaboration with Big Green, a Colorado-based nonprofit committed to building a healthier future for kids by connecting them to real food through a nationwide network of outdoor learning gardens and food literacy programs.
In continuation of the brand's partnership with 1% for the Planet, Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Organic Breads sponsored Big Green at Home's October "Great for Growing" series of educational content. Big Green at Home is an online hub providing children, families and teachers with the resources they need to keep their minds and bodies engaged and active this school year. Each month, visitors can discover a themed series of activity bundles, lessons, videos and more to make teaching and engaging with kids at home easy and fun.
"In a year in which family and food have become even more important, we are grateful to partner with Big Green to bring families the tools they need to develop a strong, healthy relationship with food in the comfort of their homes," said Diana Kattan, Brand Manager for Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Organic Breads. "Not only will the recipe challenges and lessons create a fun distraction for everyone, but they'll also help families maximize their food resources and learn to prepare nutritious and delicious meals they can feel good about."
Arnold, Brownberry and Oroweat Organic varieties are available at major retailers across the U.S. All of their sliced breads are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and plant-based. For more information about the brand, please visit: www.arnoldbread.com/organic, www.brownberry.com/organic or www.oroweat.com/organic.
About Bimbo Bakeries USA
Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates more than 50 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold®, Artesano®, Ball Park®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann's®, Little Bites®, Marinela®, Mrs Baird's®, Oroweat®, Sara Lee®, Stroehmann® and Thomas'®. BBU is owned by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world's largest baking company with operations in 33 countries.
About 1% for the Planet
1% for the Planet is a global organization that exists to ensure our planet and future generations thrive. We inspire businesses and individuals to support environmental nonprofits through membership and everyday actions. We make environmental giving easy and effective through partnership advising, impact storytelling and third-party certification.
Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, our members have given more than $265 million to our approved nonprofit partners to date. Today, 1% for the Planet's global network consists of thousands of businesses, individuals and environmental nonprofits working toward a better future for all.
Look for our logo to purchase for the planet and learn more at onepercentfortheplanet.org.
About Big Green
Big Green is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating healthy places where kids can learn and grow. Through outdoor learning environments and programs, they forge connections between education and health, and offer learning experiences that engage the whole child. Founded in Colorado in 2011, Big Green has since developed a network of nearly 650 Learning Gardens in schools across the country, ensuring that kids have the chance to learn, play, and grow in a healthy community.
In response to COVID-19, Big Green launched Big Green at Home, an online platform that connects kids, families, and teachers to engaging resources that bridge school-based and at-home learning. Delivered directly to subscribers' inboxes each month completely free of charge, Big Green at Home provides lessons and activities that foster intellectual exploration and encourage hands-on learning both inside and out of the home.
SOURCE Bimbo Bakeries USA
Stroehmann Bread® and Philadelphia 76ers Team Up for Second...
Sara Lee® Bread Delights Fans with $10K Giveaway in Honor of NEW...


This is a .18 acre park located at 719 Shelby Street. The park was built by the Corp of Engineers as part of the Beaver Creek Flood Prevention Plan.
There are 3 outdoor musical instruments installed in the park. These include: a set of 7 chimes of various lengths, Pegasus (a hefty metallophone made with 23 resonated aluminum bars in the key of C Major and A Minor), and a set of 5 tuned drums that are played by hand.
There are 6 - 6 foot metal benches, 2 - 30 gallon metal trash can holders and 2 metal flower pot holders. The area is illuminated by 3 single globe lights. The creek side is bordered by a black wrought iron fence and by split rail fence on the east side. The area of use is concrete while the rest of the park is landscaped in low growing monkey grass, shrubs, and trees.
Where is Jerry Goodpasture Plaza located?
What musical instruments are there for children to play with?
Is there a playground at Jerry Goodpasture Plaza?