I purchased a pack of Distress Crayons last month at the Scrapbook Expo and just hadn't had a ton of time to play with them. Recently Tim Holtz (who made these crayons) did a blog post showcasing them. Typically I don't care for his style, but I do love his techniques so I thought I'd try this. Especially since I know I have a tag/card swap coming up in May.
I found that I had all the supplies to try this in my Mixed Media journal (just an old Smash Book) and with some open time on a Friday afternoon, I decided to create.
I'm pleased with my results and found the crayons really easy and fun to use! I've watched several artists work with them and the best thing about them is the way that they are packaged. I'm not one for getting terribly messy so these feel good to me.
Now I'm excited to make some tags and cards using these techniques. What new tool or technique are you excited to play with?
In case you're interested in the supplies I used here are links to find them on Amazon.
Welcome [back] to Make it Monday! Did you arrive here from Connie? Can you believe she's thinking about Christmas Cards in January? Sometimes it's just never too late!
Last week was a productive digi-scrapping week for me. Some of my layouts were for my responsibilities for the creative teams I work with and I thought you'd like to see them.
Snow Play is part of the album I'm working on that's all about my wonderful canine-child Ginger. I used Laura J Burger Designs Winter Parade digi kit. I just love the blues and purples in this kit. I also used a template from Scrapping with Liz (SwL_TemplateRevisited43).
For Jumpstart Designs I created an Art Journaling page using Sherri's Jumpstart Your January digi-kit. Again, I thought that the colors in this kit were truly wonderful. I also love the variety of papers and embellishments in this kit – check out the tabs, flair and clips! And yes, this Northern CA girl was quite cold that day in New Hampshire!
Both designers can be found in the Forever Print Shop. If you do shop there, please remember to include my name as your Ambassador at Checkout.
Have you started scrapping your winter or holiday pictures yet? Link us up in the comments so we can give you our oohs and aaahs.
Now, hop on over to Alison who's sharing 5 ways to use up ribbon.
Recently I was lucky enough to be in the studio audience at Creative Live in San Francisco supporting a local artist and friend.
Andrea Chebleu owns A Work of Heart Studio in San Jose and hosts some terrific classes! She instructed three classes a Creative Live and helped me really take my Art Journaling and Mixed Media skills to another level.
We started with How to Create Collage Paper and learning so many ways to turn plain white paper into a wonderful, colorful page! We first learned about making 'marks' into paint. We learned simple ways to make our own stamps. From there, we made pages and pages using a Gelli Plate, acrylic paints, stencils, bubble wrap and our own stamps to create layer after layer for beautiful papers.
From there, we did an Introduction to Art Journaling. We first created layers on pages in an art journal and added more layers from our handmade collage papers. We then made our pages into mini works of art using masking and collage. Can I just say that this was so much fun?
Our last class/project was Recycle your Art. Andrea taught us to take pictures of the best parts of our collage papers and then print those pictures in different sizes from our home printer. Now we can use those printouts as collage paper – yes. Reuse your collage papers. Crazy!
This project was a collage (with the photographed collage papers) on a canvas. We then put down cut letters as a mask, added some texture paste with a stencil and painted over the entire canvas. We did some highlighting and removed the masked letters to reveal the collage underneath.
Each of these classes is now available on Creative Live and totally worth it for learning these fabulous techniques on your own. And if you're in the San Jose, CA area – go visit Andrea at A Work Heart Studio – she's great!


text:
Friends BOOK SALE May 2016
A huge book sale hosted by the Friends of the Holyoke Public Library on Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21, 2016, in the Library Community Room.
Helen Wyzga volunteered to help sort and set up for the booksale. We were lucky that the room became available Thursday May 19 (hours earlier than originally planned). Helen was pleased to have "finished" organizing the Mystery section... (but she didn't know how many more boxes were still stored downstairs).
Helen and Sandy relaxing after hours of set up Thursday.
Tim Damon, right, had done more of the pre-sale planning and pre-sorting of books.
A view of the basement storage and sorting room Thursday May 19 at 5:45pm -- when those of us working upstairs had hoped we were finished. Oops -- we'll still have more work to do Friday morning.
Nice surprise Friday morning. Andrew and others had helped move boxes upstairs.
Friday morning....
Signage. Balloons were later added.
We ran out of table space, and improvised. Helen did a great job (again) with this section!
The sale began at Noon (or a few minutes early, as eager shoppers had been waiting at the door.)
FICTION Section --- many tables AND boxes under these tables!
Children's section, well organized by Kate.
Peg collecting money for the first sale, to Helen who was going home to rest after hours of set-up.
This photo was taken at 12:35pm Friday, a busy time.
Reading for all ages... So glad these neighbors of mine came to the sale!
The baby recognizes me as her brother selects books.
Saturday about 10:30 am
Saturday at 2:30pm. Still many books available.
Saturday afternoon. The table with blue table cloth holds specially priced books: $5, $10, or in a few cases higher prices. All were offered at 1/2 price in last hour.
Terrence Smith and Karlene Shea at the cashier's table Saturday afternoon.
Fill-A-Bag sale (during the last hour) was popular. I think this is a great example of a FULL bag -- all for $5.
Loida Martinez, former board member of the Friends, and Tim Damon, our Books Sale Chair.
Last minute selections... This man selected several boxes of children's books to give away during after-school and summer programs at Holyoke Tae Kwon Do.
After the sale ended, we were happy to donate many books to this program.
Throughout the weekend, we continued to add books from the basement storage pile. We had hoped that these boxes could be emptied onto the tables as space became available, but this LAST batch of stored books was scarcely opened. Lessons learned: we had TOO MANY books; the Community Room was too small for adequate display of all the categories (or, we gave too much of the space to the Mystery and Fiction sections, which were huge); and in spite of newspaper and TV publicity, we did not have large crowds of shoppers. We raised about $800 and pleased many people who acquired good books at bargain rates. But we are still faced with a huge clean-up task: thousands of unsold books.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
The Stonewall Inn
The 10 Best Gay Bars in NYC: Get the Most for Your Money
Jairus Cesarz
6 second take: Don't waste your time or money on a dull night out. Whether you're celebrating Pride or just having fun, check out the best gay bars in NYC.
Narrowing down the best LGBTQ+ bars for Pride in a city the size of New York is tough. Where does the value lie: In the drink prices, the atmosphere, the eye candy, or the entertainment?
The combined buying power of the U.S. LGBTQ+ community is nearly $1 trillion a year, according to a study by Witeck Communications, a public relations firm.
Conducting my research on the best gay bars in NYC led me on a massive bar crawl — for professional purposes, of course. Of the 15 bars I patronized, I whittled my list to 10. (The other five were either redundant, less fabulous, or both.) I'll readily admit, I didn't drink at every bar so I could remember enough to write down (the things I do for love — I mean, work).
Now I realize the lowest price is not the only indicator of value. Here's my list of diverse bars, each offering something unique and distinguishable.
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1. The Stonewall Inn
53 Christopher Street, Greenwich Village
The Birthplace of Pride
Defining Feature: Historical Significance
Let's get the first and most obvious out of the way: Would there even be a gay bar list without the Stonewall Inn? The birthplace of Pride, the riot at Stonewall 50 years ago was the catalyst for Pride itself, and an air of historical import is contained within these walls.
The happy hour special — two for one — is solid when drinks average $8, but ultimately the value comes in the location itself. A significant progression of LGBTQ+ rights can be traced back to this spot, and to stand in the place where history was made is a profound experience.
The calendar at the Stonewall Inn is packed with parties, drag, karaoke, and bingo. If you're thinking of spending Pride there, consider the words of my bartender when I visited: "This is where Pride began. Where else is there to go?"
2. Marie's Crisis
59 Grove Street, Greenwich Village
Sing the Night Away
Defining Features: Best Showtunes, Cheapest Drinks
I know, I know. Marie's Crisis is not a gay bar. But let's face it: A lot of the LGBTQ+ community ends up here because what you'll find at Marie's are people passionate about show tunes. Not to mention the cheap AF drinks.
Stepping into Marie's Crisis is a trip. The rows and rows of sparkling string lights in every color are the most eye-catching aspect. The rest is … not so majestic, though it does have a banner of rainbow flags encircling the entire room that I appreciate.
For a drink, you may have to fight your way (like I did) through the shoebox-size space that is Marie's Crisis, between the tightly packed crowd of strangers belting out a song. It'll be worth it, though. Your eyes will inevitably pop out of your head when the bartender asks for just $3 for that vodka cranberry. Hoo-boy.
With those prices, you don't even need a happy hour. The space itself isn't magical, with its low ceiling, simple bar, and a lack of decoration, but the atmosphere is infectious. And I don't even like show tunes! Besides, around these people, who are so wonderfully inclusive despite my horrid singing, every hour spent here inevitably is happy.
3. Boxers
37 W 20th Street, Chelsea
Athletic Devotion
Defining Feature: Best Sports Bar
After Marie's Crisis, walking into Boxers finally gives you room to breathe. Looking around, you'll quickly realize this is not your typical gay bar.
Self-proclaimed as "America's Gay Sports Bar," there is a certain ruggedness to Boxers.
Donning the walls are giant pictures of various athletes and teams — none of whom I recognize. But the men in those pictures mesh surprisingly well with rainbow flags and ESPN.
Concrete columns in the industrialized space hold bright televisions displaying colorful advertisements and athletic men running around playing some kind of sport — perfect for LGBTQ+ sports lovers, and not to be found in any other bar I visited this night.
And I haven't even gotten to the best part. Still not understanding why it's called "Boxers"? Head to the bar to get a drink, where you'll find the answer — gorgeous bartenders wearing nothing but (you guessed it) boxers. This is how it quickly became my favorite bar.
I won't lie to you and claim Boxers is your cheapest option. However, with its various happy hour specials, it can absolutely be affordable, and let's be honest here … the bartenders in their boxers make the drinks worth the extra buck, and I suppose the rarity of watching sports in a gay bar (if you're into that kind of thing).
The specials are often two-for-one deals, but you're really in luck if you're a vodka lover, with $6 drinks on Stoli Monday, Smirnoff Wednesday, and Absolut Thursday from 8 p.m. to close. This makes Boxers much more affordable than most places at 2 a.m. when you're still there trying to — not too obviously — watch the bartenders make drinks (I'm just trying to make out what his tattoo is, I swear).
In addition to its uniquity as a gay sports bar, Boxers has top-notch themed parties. And between DJs, performers, and karaoke on Mondays, the bar has a full event list to round out your Pride celebration. And did I mention the bartenders? They're in their boxers. Yum.
4. The Monster
Dance until you Drop
Defining Feature: Best Dance Spot
What'll greet you as you enter the Monster? A group of men boisterously singing show tunes without a care in the world — whether or not they can sing. Judge not, and all that.
The bar is … distinguished, if not overly remarkable. The crowd is not so enamored with the show tunes as the clientele in Marie's Crisis. Whether or not you're sure of the place, make your way to the basement where you'll strike gold. The dark stairwell leads to — and yeah, this is in the middle of the Village — A DANCE FLOOR! Needless to say, that took up a large portion of my night.
The Village is not known for open spaces, so finding this gem made it hard to tear myself away. When you jump off the dance floor to hydrate (or dehydrate as the case may be), two-for-one drink specials greet you for happy hour (wine, beer, well liquor, and Absolut cocktails), and at an average of $8 a drink you can stay all night without breaking the bank.
But as all good things must come to an end, I eventually had to move on. I'm still not sure if I'm more disappointed to have left the cute blond I'd been dancing with or the dance floor itself.
Aside from the hidden dance floor in the basement, the Monster also boasts a long list of events including drag performances with a stellar lineup of queens (Ariel Versace and Holly Dae to name a few), go-go dancers, and its weekly Green Lips party, which is a dance party hosted by Octavia Anyae, a well-known NYC drag performer!
When asked why I should spend Pride at the Monster, the manager tells me: "We're weird, we don't judge … and we have the only dance floor in the Village."
Well played, Mr. Manager. Well played.
5. 3 Dollar Bill
260 Meserole Street, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Endless Entertainment
Defining Feature: Best Venue
This place certainly is queer as a three dollar bill. Walking in for the first time is unreal, really. Even knowing it is the largest LGBTQ+ bar in Brooklyn, you won't be prepared for what you see. The space is enormous. The soft lighting and underlit bar are relaxing, but you can feel the bass bumping in the next room and anticipation building. Foreplay, anyone?
There's no disappointment to be found when four go-go dancers take to the stage gyrating their hips, their pecs and abs flexing with the beat. The bar is next to a performance and dance area, but there's also a connected outdoor area, and even an entire kitchen to make you Mexican food. They wouldn't let me in that area, but I'm sure it's massive, as well.
There is electricity in the air as people flock to the dance floor or jump off to grab another drink with a friend — or maybe someone they've just met.
I once went for a performance by Alyssa Edwards and Shangela (#JusticeForShangela) of RuPaul's Drag Race fame, and was blown away — primarily by the beautiful dancing men and the hilarious and fabulous queens, but quickly followed by the venue's sound system. It is so impressive, 3 Dollar Bill has the tech specs on its website.
Personally, I find this to be the most impressive LGBTQ+ performance space. Full stop.
With the space, the bar hosts a huge range of events including drag bingo, DJs, film festivals, and even fiesta brunch. However, 3 Dollar Bill's most notable event this month is the Song Squad Benefit. It's an opportunity for you (and some friends) to sing in an informal choir with a conductor and backup band. The benefit costs only $15, and all proceeds go to the Brooklyn Community Pride Center.
And if you aren't going to go for charity, at least go for the happy hour specials: $2 Miller High Life, $4 well drinks, and $5 wine. Everyone can find something they love here, whether it be wide open spaces, cheap drinks, great sound, or a tasty burrito. Don't miss out.
6. Rosemont
63 Montrose Avenue, East Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Friendship Facilitator
Defining Features: Best Dive, Best Vibes
Rosemont is one of my staple bars — and with a happy hour that includes $5 well drinks, draft beer, and wine, it's easy to see why. It was my first stop, so I didn't embarrass myself by drunkenly roaming around the bar's beautiful patio looking for someone to bum a smoke from … this time, anyway.
Between the laid-back vibes, jazz music, and performances, Rosemont is a solid place to park yourself for a night. When I was but a wee Gayby (newly on the gay scene) and still relatively new to Brooklyn, I didn't have any LGBTQ+ friends. Thankfully I found the Rosemont, where I was welcomed with open arms.
If you're looking to meet new people in real life, get off Grindr and get to the Rosemont. My first time there, I befriended two drag queens after their performance and drunkenly helped them count their money. If that isn't love, I don't know what is.
8 Christopher Street, Greenwich Village
Keep the Party Going
Defining Feature: Liquid Brunch
I would have a picture of a cute bartender with the company sign, but he is "choosy" about who he allows to take his picture and apparently I did not make the cut. Life goes on.
Pieces, however, made the cut for me (maybe not that bartender though). When you walk in, there's an explosion of color — paper lanterns covering the ceiling and a multitude of screens with the rainbow "Pieces" sign over the bar.
There isn't a lot of space, but the room opens up to a small performance area in the back where there's a queen beginning her performance — one of many performances during the bar's Pride-packed event list.
Vitality courses through the entire place, which is no surprise with its flashy look and dancing lights. Plus, the happy hour special is fantastic, especially considering the location. Only $5 for beer, wine, and well drinks. But the thing that really gets me about Pieces is its Liquid Brunch — $5 margaritas, mimosas, and Bloody Marys, and only $7 for a Long Island Iced Tea. If you fall out the door, don't blame me. You had fair warning.
8. Metropolitan
559 Lorimer Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Free Food, Cheap Beer
Defining Feature: BBQ Brunch
Metropolitan is an easy choice. It's my favorite dance spot in Williamsburg, but that may be because it's the first gay bar I discovered near me.
With $3 beer, $4 wine, and well drinks until 8 p.m. daily, this place is a top contender for drink value.
I've seen drag performances, dance parties, Queeraoke (every Tuesday), and trivia (every Wednesday) at this venue. I also once watched stand-up here.
But this time, I decided to attend Metropolitan's Sunday BBQ, and it did not disappoint, with a free plate of food and a place to sit and enjoy the sunny outdoors. Another treat: $3 Bud Lights and $12 Bud Light pitchers. You can grab one of the venue's $8 frozen cocktails while you enjoy your (free) food, rotating DJs, and backyard entertainment.
Pro Tip: If you're going on Saturday, get there before 10 p.m. to get in free. Otherwise, there's a $5 to $10 cover.
9. House of Yes
2 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn
I Hope He's Wearing a Harness
Defining Feature: Best Performances
Okay, okay, House of Yes was not a part of my bar crawl, and yes, it's technically not a gay bar. But despite these truths, it still makes the list. Why? House of Yes is home to parties and performances that push boundaries.
You'll never forget the shock of watching aerial performers drop from above for the first time, dancing in the air in seemingly invisible harnesses the entire way down. The athleticism and concision of these dancers, whether they be on oversize rings or lengths of silk, is incredible. They sparkle high above in brightly colored materials as they contort their bodies draped in bejeweled or feathered costumes with you beneath, watching in awe.
While it cannot boast of the sheer size of 3 Dollar Bill, or even a true outdoor space, there is a bar opposite the dance floor in a room with no roof, allowing for you to catch a breath or grab a smoke.
The building is still huge, and while the decor is interesting, the real attention-grabber is the other attendees. Each party is themed, and costumes are sometimes required, with example looks included on a Pinterest-like board on the bar's website. I highly recommend dressing in costume, whether or not it's required.
The parties come alive, not only because of the breathtaking stage and aerial performances, but also because of the creativity of the partygoers, each injecting the scene with their unique take on the theme.
House of Yes consistently nails each themed night, and for Pride, the spot is going all out.
The Glitterbox event has already sold out, but there are various Pride events all month, from Dirty Circus to drag competitions to a Pride March Afterparty.
Tickets are still on sale, in some cases for as little as $10. And while the drinks are on the more expensive end of this list at $6 to $10, they are more than worth the cost to experience this surreal venue.
10. Cubbyhole
281 W 12thStreet, Greenwich Village
No Boys Allowed (Mostly)
Defining Feature: Best Lady Bar
Cubbyhole is just that — a cubbyhole. From the outside it is utterly nondescript, with a small banner containing the name of the bar in rainbow colors. The space is compact and decidedly divey, but the ceiling is an absolute party. It's covered in seemingly random decorations: paper lanterns, fish, little guitars, ornaments, parasols, fuzzy dice, kites, and a million other things.
While the inside is quirky and fun, it isn't why Cubbyhole makes my "best gay bars in NYC" list. In every other bar that I go to, there's a lack of one thing (for the most part): women. Cubbyhole does not have this problem.
For once, I felt like a minority when I walked in. (Yes, I can feel the privilege dripping from my mouth.) It made me appreciate it all the more for catering to a group that is not as represented in many of the bars I attend tonight. The ladies are friendly and encourage singing along with the jukebox, which I was all too happy to comply with.
The appeal to women aside, the beverages are well priced, with drinks half off before 7 p.m. every day except Sunday; $3 margarita Tuesdays; and $4 cocktails and $3 beers on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Plus, on Sunday Cubbyhole has $4 Bloody Marys and mimosas, $3 beers, and $5 Kir Royales. If you're looking for a lively time and aren't too claustrophobic, you've found your spot.
The Bottom (LOL) Line on the Best Gay Bars in NYC
I usually go to the same bars week after week because until recently, I had no idea the variety of gay bars at my fingertips. Whether you want to watch performances — or bartenders — connect with people, sing, dance, or just play pool, there is a place for you.
So for Pride this year, decide on a couple of places, maybe a handful, maybe more. (Though in good conscience, I really can't recommend 15.) I haven't decided where my Pride weekend will begin. Maybe in Stonewall where it all began, dancing in the Monster, singing in Marie's Crisis, or watching a queen perform in Metropolitan. It's all waiting for us.
Stonewall Was a Riot, Not a Marketing Strategy: How to Be a Good Ally
By: Cait Howerton
Cheap Ways to Have Fun in the Atlanta Gay Scene
By: Jessica Ozar
Fun Themed Bars in NYC: The Cost of Atmosphere
RuPaul's DragCon NYC: What a Drag!
Drinking on a Budget: 5 Tips for a Cheap Night Out
By: Caroline Burke
Frugal University 101: How to Save Money at Bars
By: Jessica Rosen


Can you sell Copenhagen's best vegetarian takeaway boxes?
At Simple Feast we are on a mission to change the world's eating habits towards a more sustainable future, and we're doing it by showing off the power of plants. We have gathered some of the world's greatest chefs, nutritionists, and developers to launch a new dining experience that combines innovation in technology with new discoveries in nutrition. We make the most tasty, organic and healthy vegetarian food imaginable.
Now, we want to bring it to the streets and we hope you will join to help. Are you a street savvy, smiling and outgoing individual with a salesman mindset? Please join us now and help get our new take away boxes sold around Copenhagen from our brand new sales bikes.
Salary: 120 dkk/hour plus provision.


WASHINGTON -- The Air Force announced today details related to the Quadrennial Defense Review as well as the Air Force Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Roll Out. As the Air Force continues to transform, it will have three priorities: winning the war on terror, developing and caring for its Airmen, and recapitalizing and modernizing its air and space systems.
"The Quadrennial Defense Review is a solid guidepost of the Air Force transformation in support of the combatant commanders and the president, " said Lt. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force.
In order to meet its transformation objectives, the Air Force announced changes to several of its programs. According to Maj. Gen. Frank R. Faykes, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, "Funding an agile, more capable force is accomplished through the Air Force budget. This new budget balances our resources, supports a lean, ready force, and meets current and future joint warfighting requirements through key investments in improved capabilities".
The Air Force is continuing F-22A production and restructuring the program to procure 20 aircraft per year through 2010, an increase of four aircraft throughout the life of the program.
The Air Force is funding procurement of 24 Light Cargo Aircraft in the Fiscal Year 2007-2011 Future Years Defense Program to meet intra-theater requirements and potentially enable acceleration of C-130E retirements.
It will also continue to support the operational requirements of combatant commanders by procuring 6 additional Global Hawks, 24 additional Predators, and making key investments in their space portfolio.
A Mobility Capability Study confirmed the current fleet of C-17s and modernized C-5s is sufficient to support DoD warfighting units.
It was also announced that 141 CSAR-X aircraft will replace the current fleet of HH-60G Combat Search and Rescue helicopters, retirement of the F-117 will be accelerated from Fiscal Year 2011 to Fiscal Year 2008, and U2 operations will be ramped down until its retirement by Fiscal Year 2011. The C-130E will be divested by Fiscal Year 2014. Additionally, the Air Force will retire 50 percent of the U.S.-based C-21 fleet.
Changes to the Air Force will also include manpower adjustments. The Air Force will be enhancing joint operations and interdependencies by increasing tactical air controllers by 1,064 people. It will also be reducing Total Force end strength by approximately 16,100 in Fiscal Year 2007.
For additional information contact the Air Force Press Desk at (703) 695-0640. A copy of the Air Force budget will be posted on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/budget/.


text:
Q: Fourier Transform on positive real line Suppose $f(x)$ is defined only for $x\geq 0$. Is it correct to apply Fourier Transform operator to $f(x)$? I ask because integral of the Fourier Transform operator runs from $-\infty$ to $\infty$, but $f(x)$ is not defined for $x<0$.
P.S. Searching the net reveals examples where Fourier Transform operator is applied to partial differential equations defined over a semi-infinite domain, but that doesn't answer my question (or I don't know how it answers my question). Also I am an engineer and not a mathematician.

A: You can also deal with the Fourier transform on $[0,\infty)$ through cosine and or sine transforms
$$
          \int_{0}^{\infty}f(t)\cos(st)dt,\;\; \int_{0}^{\infty}f(t)\sin(st)dt.
$$
Both of these have corresponding inverses:
$$
        \frac{2}{\pi}\int_{0}^{\infty}\left(\int_{0}^{\infty}f(t)\cos(st)dt\right) \cos(sx)ds \sim f(x), \\
        \frac{2}{\pi}\int_{0}^{\infty}\left(\int_{0}^{\infty}f(t)\sin(st)dt\right)\sin(sx)ds \sim f(x).
$$
Obviously there are problems with pointwise convergence at $x=0$ for the Fourier sine transform and its inverse sine transform. There are also issues for the cosine transform at $x=0$. But these are valid transforms in the $L^2$ sense, and the transforms are their own inverses, which is nice. There's also a Parseval $L^2$ identity for each.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


For a long time, we have been familiar with the name of Roland which is reputed for producing some awesome electronic and dance music making equipment. All through the past 30 years or so, we have come across some fantastic machines ranging from powerful analog synthesizers to popular TR style drum machines to some creative digital synth technological innovations of our time.
The color scheme is red and black featuring a sleek front panel; however, the Roland JDXI can also boast of outstanding metallic plastic sides.
The front panel consists of as many as 15 robust knobs which are able to send or receive MIDI, along with translucent rubber buttons which make it appear really sturdy. You won't feel any difficulty in reading the red LCD which transmits lots of onboard parameters perfectly well in spite of its compact size.
Nevertheless, given that there are so many parameters and functions concealed in the menus, there is undoubtedly a lot of cursor or button pressing by the user.
Fortunately, it is feasible to scroll in tens and directly go to the editing sections while pressing shift along with the incremental buttons; however, it is expected that Ronald makes an update by adding an alternate value dial mode for the knob.
Firstly, it is essential to visualize the Roland JDXI as a compact keyboard which is definitely impressive when it comes to its price. In fact, it is much more formidable than it can be thought initially and you will get a fair amount of features for less than €500, which is undoubtedly astounding.
The Roland JDXI is a robust synthesizer in spite of the über-plastic casing and the inexpensive-looking buttons and encoders. As a matter of fact, there are as many as 128 digital voices which are shared in between a couple of PCM-based digital synths and a drum part as well as one analog voice that makes a total of 129 voices across 4 parts.
The users can make use of the Menu button for having accessibility to lots of editing options in order to dial in intricate sound creations.
The Roland JDXI actually behaves like an audio or MIDI interface by means of only one USB 2 connection. It is required to go to the company's website and download the required driver to make it run. However, do not forget to download the most recent firmware update since it will be able to fix the bugs and also provide you with quite a few useful enhancements.
In case you want to connect the Roland JDXI with your audio interface, it is possible to do so by means of a couple of 1/4-inch output jacks. Apart from this, you will also come across an extra headphone output. It is quite gratifying to see that Roland did not go for any 1/8-inch connection.
When it comes to the input side, such as the Novation MiniNova or the MicroKorg, the Roland JDXI features an XLR microphone for the onboard vocoder. There is also an extra 1/4-inch mono input which switches in between guitar settings and line. It is also feasible to use the Auto Note function or the Vocoder on either the guitar or the line in or mic input.
Next, we will talk about the sound engines. The Roland JDXI is actually a 4-part multitimbral – a drum part, a couple of digital parts and also a monophonic analog part which is receiving or outputting on different MIDI channels and every single part comes with a corresponding sequencer track.
You will come across as many as 64 analog presets, 256 digital presets along with 32 drum kits with 256 user spaces. Although the analog engine might seem quite contemporary and stylish, yet it is definitely Roland-y.
Each of the digital components happens to be 64-note polyphonic and the Roland JDXI surprisingly accommodates a complete Ronald synth engine having an editing depth of almost the same as that of the FA series and this is definitely a good news at this affordable price!
The quality of sound is quite okay and comparable with the other more expensive products of the company while the character is hi-fi as well as engaging.
Every single digital component is quite robust and within a program which enables you to have a tone with 3 partials so that you're able to layer a PCM piano together with Supernatural brass and strings for each digital component.
However, we need to admit the fact that there isn't any complex multi-sampled piano sound or even any keyboard split sound which is usually found on the FA series; yet the integrated sounds or sequences are quite decent (extremely Dance oriented) and also the PCM samples are quite usable. Moreover, you can also add a few more from the Axial library.
The programmers will be gratified since there is adequate tweakability such as an A/D pitch envelope, editable amp/filter envelopes, a separate modulation, some remarkable digital filters, and also general purpose LFO for every partial along with key trigger, fade and so forth. It is hard to believe that all these features are available for a £500 synth.
Because of its small size, only several real-time knobs are found in this product; however, the company has selected them smartly with controls for pulse width, filter, effect/amp levels, LFO (with as many as 3 destinations), and an intelligent amp envelope dial which provides you with long releases or short delays to the left, slow attacks or longer releases to the right and punchy sounds at the center. Besides this, the envelopes are also quite snappy.
Kits with 2 sounds for every key is allowed by the versatile drum part which comes with labels for the drum type on top of every key. The interesting thing here is that it is possible for you to have a different envelope, filter, effect, volume, pan and pitch level for each key.
The preset kits come with some reliable samples of classic drum machines from the company and even more, such as different percussion sounds, noises, and vocal samples, while there is no question about the quality of the 453 onboard drum waves.
Next, we'll talk about the analog part. We have been informed by the company that there is 1 TVF analog filter, 1 DCO analog oscillator (along with Sub Osc), and 1 TVA analog amplifier, while the LFOs and envelopes are digital.
The more important thing is that the analog engine sounds rather contemporary and stylish that promises a great deal for the forthcoming JD-XA poly.
Thus it can be easily asserted that the versatility, features and sound quality of the awesome Roland JDXI is truly unrivaled at its present cost.
It is possible to listen to some stepping while you slowly turn the filter cut-off (although only at a very high resonance configuration); however, the triangle, saw, and the pulse waves are punchy, rich and full and the character, in general, is warm, precise and present which can even compete with the quality of other costly analog monos out there. The Roland JDXI definitely reminds us of an outdated Juno-106 sonically, which is also a nice thing.
Besides this, although it is not possible to detune the primary analog osc against the sub-oscillator, there is the PWM available to you that can help to add movement or detuning.
The analog LPF sounds which are ladder-based are definitely awesome and can generate refined lows, speaker-shaking subs, blistering highs, and sensational squelches. Just like the drum parts, you can route the analog part through the effects and it is really a gift of God having such great features with this product.
However, there is one drawback and that is the fact that it is not possible to route the digital components by the analog filter or even layer them together with the analog synth excepting while sequencing; nevertheless, while adding in the audio/MIDI interface and the sequencer, you still realize the fact that the Roland JDXI is definitely a worthwhile synthesizer having virtually all the required features at such a low price.
This revolutionary Roland JDXI has, in fact, made a huge impact in the synth world! It has got virtually everything which can be desired by the live performers, studio producers and analog heads for an extremely small outlay in a robust and portable form.
In spite of having a few minor drawbacks, most of them are quite tweakable in the OS updates and the main thing is that the versatility, features and sound quality of the product are definitely outstanding.
While it is absolutely inspiring to compose and perform with the Roland JDXI, all of the controls which you require for live or studio tweaking are present onboard and the concept of "crossover" is undoubtedly creative.
There is a saying that you should not judge a book by looking at its cover. Similarly, it is quite natural for you to think about this product to be quite simple by looking at its controls. It can be mentioned here that the controls which are offered by the front panel are quite simple. For instance, there is only one knob which has to control a perimeter labeled envelope and the same can be said about the other four onboard effects.
However, if you inspect further by looking at the menus and the submenus of the plethora of the editable parameters, your idea will soon change. The users will gain access to lots of editing options by simply pressing the Menu button which will help them to dial in intricate sound creations. Right here you will come across a huge number of programming options including effects, tone, pattern scale and much more.
The user interface of the Roland JD XI is surprisingly understaffed for such a comprehensive synth engine. It reminds us of programming any outdated FM gear having a few features such as a small window, some menu buttons, and cursor control. In order to transform itself into an awesome dance production powerhouse, this synthesizer requires a software editor along with an inbuilt graphics interface.
The powerful drum section happens to be one of the most important features of the Roland JDXI. In fact, they sound rather punchy and great. It is possible to select between any of the reputed TR machines plus an abundance of genera-specific kits. Every single voice has as much as 4 wave generators along with an extra 453 wave generators to pick from. This is really awesome!
Every single drum voice is accessible to its own filter as well as effects configurations. This implies that the users are able to shape every single drum voice separately.
This amazing synthesizer comes with a couple of outstanding digital synth sections. You may select between any one of the 256 presets which are based on categories like Strings/Pads, Brass, FX/Other, Bass, Keyboard, Seq, Lead, and Vocoder. Besides the rather simple Filter, LFO, Envelope and 1 knob effect adjustments, you have to press some navigation buttons for having access to the vast programming features.
Both these synth sections consist of as many as 3 layered tones which can be individually edited. It is also possible to sculpt these sections even further by any of the 7 different filters and/or amp, pitch or filter envelopes.
Outstanding synth/drum equipment at a very inexpensive cost.
Advanced idea sketchpad and hybrid instrument which is more powerful than they appear.
Real-time recording, parameter automation, and step sequencing.
Helpful components, patches and presets for EDM production.
It is not battery-operated and also there is no aftertouch.
The product is in need of a software editor.
The analog synth gets disabled by the usage of the vocoder.
It is difficult to distinguish red on black text in low light.
As you go deeper, you will learn to appreciate this compact unit much more. In fact, there are plenty of things going on under the hood and this product is really worth your money considering the fact that you will get so many features at such a low cost. Thus, it can be rightly asserted that the amazing Roland JDXI is a perfect companion for live performance because of its straightforward connectivity, versatility as well as abundant sound variety.


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function g = gammaPriorGradient(prior, x)

% GAMMAPRIORGRADIENT Gradient wrt x of the gamma prior.
%
%	Description:
%	g = gammaPriorGradient(prior, x)
%

% Compute gradient of prior
g = (prior.a-1)./x-prior.b;

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Having an old stump sit in your yard for years can be unsightly and reduce the value of your home. Many tree removal companies only offer services for cutting the tree down and then leave you to take care of the large ugly stump and roots yourself. That's where stump grinding companies come into play. Stump grinding is the only way to totally remove a stump and roots from your yard.
Stump grinding isn't a new service by any means, but it is surprising how many people are unaware that it exists. When someone has a tree that they want removed, all too often they call up one of those dang tree removal services. People that already have a stump in their yards are worse off – they usually don't think that there is any possible way to remove it. And if they do, they assume that it is incredibly expensive.
While our stump grinding service isn't free, it's not incredibly expensive either. We grind any and all old stumps for a very reasonable price. Hiring us, a stump grinding company, is a whole lot easier than trying to grind your stump down yourself.
It's true that many home improvement stores rent out stump grinders for a day, but if you've ever seen anyone using one of these tools, then you know that it is not the best way to go. Rented stump grinders are usually not the best machines for the job (ours are bigger and better maintained) and you have to fill them up with gas as you go (trust us, they guzzle it). Worst of all, using a stump grinder yourself is time-consuming. For most people it is better just to have a professional come out and remove their stump.
Safety is also a concern when stump grinding by yourself. If you knick a piece of metal or asphalt that is in or around the tree, the machine can break and injure you. Professional stump grinding companies have been removing stumps for years and know the ins and outs of all of these safety concerns.
If you have an old stump in your yard, you owe it to yourself to have it removed. For one thing they are ugly and take up space, and for another thing, they reduce the value of your home. Having a company come in and grind down your stump will only benefit you and your family.
lawn maintenance charlotte nc Knowing which plants thrive in your climate, as well as which come back year after year and which have to be replanted annually is an important part of your planning. Seasonal variations are an important consideration as well. It is imperative that you think about these things before planting so that your landscape is successful.
Choosing native plants can save you time, money and frustration. Be sure to use shrubs, trees, and flowers native to your region when landscaping. Native plants tend to be hardy species, able to thrive in less-than-ideal soil and with less water in even the poorest weather conditions.
Have your garden's soil tested before beginning your project. Testing the soil will determine if anything should be eliminated or added to the soil to make it more healthy. You will have much better plants and a very successful garden.
Carefully select your greenery, because your whole landscaping project depends on it. Don't plant things in shady areas if they require much sunlight. For example, don't place a tree into a tiny spot where it can't grow. By carefully considering plant-specific factors such as these you can practically guarantee your landscaping success.
lawn service charlotte nc If you want to add much color to your landscape, but you have a smaller budget, consider using wildflowers. Wildflowers can be bought cheaply and planted easily. You will end up with a lush garden, full of flowering plants in a rainbow of colors! They make wonderful bouquets!
If you're designing your landscape on your own, then try out mulch for your flowerbeds. Mulch provides a protective layer that retains moisture and can provide nutrients. The moisture that is locked in the mulch will provide your plants with water when they need it.
You should know that the type of soil you have is an important factor for your landscape design. When you don't have the right type of soil, plants won't grow. If you do not have good soil, you may want to use purchased soil to create beds for the greenery.
Plan out your yard before making a single purchase. Create a sketch of your finished landscape so you know precisely which materials you need. Buying things impulsively may be a lot of fun, but it can take a serious toll on your wallet.
Create a softer look in your yard with curved borders. Round shaped areas of your yard look more visually appealing than square borders. These curved lines can add to your curb appeal by softening the defined lines of your home, garage and driveway.
Now, armed with this information, your yard will be greener and more beautiful than ever. Remember these techniques and start using them right away. The neighbors will be talking about your fantastic new yard in no time.


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old:gendel
Gendle
Back in the Karfelon days it was a small fishing village with a seperatist population that talked funny. At the breaking of the seawall it became an obvious place of trade for Lojem isle (way easier to get to than Karfelon was, it already has docks, etc…). The native population quickly sucumbed to capitalism.
Native Gelnds
The old-style Gendels (now called Gelnds as a group) are still around and still stick to their way of life and traditions. Most stay out of town except to buy or sell stuff. They still have weirdly accented Paroli (hard to understand if your not paying attention) and their own way of doing things. The Charter of Gendel guarentees that the Gelnds way of life cannot be infringed upon and that Gendel can make no laws that do so and that citizens doing so will be punished to the maximum extent of the law. The Gelnds are also not subject to normal taxation but are still, in theory, protected by the courts and the Watch of Gendel. The Gelnds are devout followers of Neptune, Osirus and Isis. There are around 500 Gelnds believed to live in and around Gendel. The number could be off as there isn't a regular census and they stereotypicaly have large families.
The current population (10044) of Gendel township is 8500. The surrounding area that makes up the whole Greater Gendle tax base probably has 15K (those outside town are farmers, fishermen, hunters, tanners, some small bit of copper mining, etc…).
A lot of trade comes in by ship. Way easier to land in the north than to circle around to the south and dodge reefs, sea walls and small islands. That many people can actually be self supporting. A lot of what they make is used internally. Foreign trade is just to get hard currency to buy foreign made stuff. The portal farm is pretty close and has definately had an impact on trade. The mayor, Selic, is in negotiation with Terminal-3 to get a good rate for goods exchange with at least one off world civilization.
The Road - A large scale improvments project was conducted and completed mid-10044. A path 20 feet wide spanning the entire distance from Gendel to Portal Farm was cleared and graded. Several bridges were built and some hills dug down. The road started out dirt but has since been mostly cobbled. Work continues. There is a low-intensity project ongoing to put rails in the center of the road. Gendel is working with neighboring villages to ramp up iron and steel production. Until then the center 5' of the road is being re-dug and more stable foundation laid to support heavier weight traffic.
A second road is being constructed between Gendel and New Alimar. The leadership and peoples of these two towns have also agreed on borders and mutual protection treaties.
The current mayor of gendle is a human by the name of 'Selic'. He's been in that position for at least 5 years. Elections are free and democratic. He usually wins on personality and because he is very fair with the settling of disputes. He has a staff of three working for him (a pretty young woman that the public books call his "assistant" and he calls "wife" and who calls hersem "Shari", a somber, middle aged man called "Scote" who is a wiz with numbers and negotiation and a young, flashy bond man called "Bezil" who is clearly of Nomadic birth).
There is a volunteer court system. The judge position is rotated among the leaders of the trade guild. They are not paid for their time and, of course, some are better and more fair than others. However things are held in balance. Make a blatantly bad or self interested ruling and you will suffer elsewhere (probably in your pocket where it hurts). Any citizen may appeal to the court (actually to the judges staff of two that sits permanently at the courthouse. These two usually elderly or inferm and take a small stipend for their time.). Actual court sessions occur every Dran at noon and are usually done by 2-3PM. The crime rate is pretty low.
Speaking of crime. The city employes a civilian watch consisting of 7 persons who cover the city 24×6. There is also a reserve watch that can be called upon in times of emergency. Reservists are required to serve 1 day per month when not activated. Most crime is theft or crimes of passion. The leader of the watch is an ex-adventurer who calls himself 'Cab'. He's quiet but has good leadership and sword skills. He is also responsibile for training the watch and reservists. Rumor says he fought bravely in the 2nd Bastadorian War and was given meddles by some foreign government before returning to his home in Gendle.
Gendel also maintains 2 "war" type vessels and the crew to staff them. The Gendel "Navy" is mainly to discourage pirates and to serve as a coast guard.
Fishing has always been a staple industry in Gendle and continues to be so today. The calm northern waters are ideal breading ground for several varieties of large and tasty fish. Several thousand feet of shoreline near the city have been reserved to raise Grakken and the ever popular 'sea buffalo'. Their import treaties with the great rice paddy are solid and they serve as the major distribution point on northern Lojem for goods from the GRP. They export Grakken (in the shell, salted or pickled (Good eats) and buffalo meat as well as the ubiquitous fish. Grakken shells (which turn translucent when properly treated) are decorated and exported.
Bizarrely I thought this staple meet product was in the book but I guess not. It looks much like a hippo but without the attitude and with hooves more adapted to swimming, mud and sand. It likely has an Inferior INT and PER and is a ready target for any predator if it can't make it to land (and some would get it even then). Movement about 50 on land and maybe 30 in the water.
The best place to eat breakfast in town (according to the watch) is Maxies. They serve pancakes that are to die for and provide free refills on java.
old/gendel.txt · Last modified: 2016/06/01 16:30 (external edit)


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Home » Wizkid Wins Best African Music Act at #MOBOAwards 2021
Wizkid Wins Best African Music Act at #MOBOAwards 2021
By uncensoredgh December 6, 2021 1 Min Read
Highly decorated Nigerian Afrobeat star, Wizkid on the 5th of December 2021 was awarded the Best African Music act at the just ended 2021 MOBO Awards which was held in the United Kingdom.
Wizkid was in contention with CKay, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Tems, NSG, King Promise and Ayra Starr for this enviable award.
The MOBO Awards is an annual British awards ceremony that celebrates achievements in "music of black origin". The show honors the best of the best in Hip-Hop, Grime, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel, and African Music. The 2021 edition of the MOBO Awards was held at Coventry's CBS Arena on Sunday, the 5th of December 2021.
The show also saw Afrobeat powerhouses, Tiwa Savage present an award while Tems also performed on stage.
MOBO Awards Wizkid
Wizkid crowned MOBO Awards 2021 Best International Artist
Wizkid and Tems peak Number 10 in Billboard Hot 100 with 'Essence'
Watch Justin Bieber's Visual Effect For Wizkid's Essence Remix
Wizkid Essence Remix Clocks Over A Million Views In 24 Hours, Makes US Top 30
Wizkid features Justin Bieber on 'Essence' Remix – Listen


Trafic is both the best and worst way Jacques Tati could've concluded the adventures of Monsieur Hulot. Considering the path Tati set ahead for his beloved character, it's only logical that where this film goes be the next (or, as it turned out, last) stop on his journey. But for anyone who's seen one of the previous Hulot pictures, you'll know that logic is the man's worst enemy. Unfortunately, in the case of Trafic, it's a formidable foe that does a good job of vanquishing most of the charm, fun, and wry social commentary the series had held dear beforehand.
Picking up after the eventful day he experienced in Playtime, Trafic begins with Monsieur Hulot (once again played by Tati), once depicted as a seemingly eternal wanderer, now gainfully employed. He has his hands full serving as a designer for Altra, a French automaker preparing for a big car show in Amsterdam. They plan to show off their latest creation, one actually borne of Hulot's mind: a recreational vehicle decked out with all sorts of gadgets, leaving campers with all sorts of modern conveniences at their fingertips. But Hulot and the crew accompanying the car have hardly set foot out the door when trouble strikes their little trek. Vehicle malfunctions run rampant, and the group's attempts to fix things usually end up with them wandering off on some unforeseen detour. It soons becomes doubtful that Hulot and company will even make it to Amsterdam, if they don't pull off of their road to nowhere in time.
I really hate that I'm as disappointed with Trafic as I am. I sort of feel like one of the fans in Woody Allen's Stardust Memories, griping about how much I prefer Tati's earlier, funnier films. While this is part of how I feel about Trafic, it's not the end of the story. Sure, when you get down to basics, the film quite simply isn't as funny as Mon Oncle or M. Hulot's Holiday. It's lacking in the sort of physical comedy that Tati specialized in and perfected, the sort of gags that required great precision to pull off and left you amazed as well as amused. Instead, Tati seems to dance around the humor, conveying it in a way that's either too downplayed or virtually nonexistent. The characters just wander around for most of the movie, and when a set piece does arrive, it doesn't feel right, as if Tati tried too hard to get to that point instead of letting it flow with the story. There's also the possibility that Trafic could be Tati's own private joke; he wanted to move away from Hulot with Playtime, but when that film bombed, he had to conjure up this flick to pay the bills. If it was Tati's intent to voice his displeasure at having to rehash Hulot over and over again, he succeeded — but he forgot to include the audience in on the joke.
But what I missed most while watching Trafic was Tati's satirical flair. The first three Hulot pictures presented jovial jabs at modern society that increased in punch and severity with each film. Such themes reached a fever pitch with Playtime, but there's next to no such attitude existent within Trafic. If anything, Tati feels like he's been defeated, so instead of Hulot's eccentric ways fighting against the tide of a conformist society, the character has long since succumbed to it as the film begins. There's just no message to back the story up, so the flick is left alone to flounder around in a sea of its own missed opportunities. Hulot is even given more dialogue than in the last three films combined (albeit hushed and in the background), in addition to actively participating in gags instead of serving as a mere catalyst. Tati's aim isn't entirely off, for there are a few subtle touches that earn a chuckle or two. A correlation between barking dogs and drivers screaming at one another after a fender bender was a nice touch, as was a scene in which windshield wipers mimic the personalities of certain folks at the wheel. But while such moments inspire a smirk here and there, they're far from the satirical home runs Tati nailed in the last three films.
Trafic is worth seeing, though pretty much only as a Tati or Criterion Collection completist. As a film on its own, it's occasionally diverting but hardly consistent; when compared to its brothers, it's even worse off. Trafic has its moments, but it's a much more sad send-off than Monsieur Hulot deserved.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 1st, 2008 at 7:57 pm	and is filed under Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.


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Google Walks A Fine Line – What Is Real And What Is Spam?
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Punch Brothers, a band that inserts bluegrass instrumentation and spontaneity into the constructions of modern classical music, will carry out a free concert Tuesday, Sept. 28, at eight p.m. in the College of Wyoming School of Arts and Sciences auditorium.
Remember though, even the very best bar or cafe can have a bad day. The server you have might be getting a poor day, the bartender you have might even make the wrong consume. The trick to having fun when you go out on the city is to make the very best of any scenario. Life is too short to be irritated by typical things that go incorrect.
To start with, let's look at why many people select to purchase electrical fire suites. It's undoubtedly the situation that many of us like the thought of having a managed fire in the house. They appear to offer a lot more Escorts in Hyderabad than a central heating system.
Wow, it appears as if there is so much excitement and fantastic performing in this movie that I will probably not be in a position to include myself. FYI, I will lease the DVD when it comes out simply because I am a glutton for punishment.
Read a journey book: Particularly a journey manual to the place you are going or much better however a novel established there. There are numerous great travel writers out there whose creating will get you pumped for your journey as soon as you're off the aircraft. For instance: if heading to Australia, read "In a Sunburned Country" by Bill Bryson. I am studying it right now and it's not only educational, but completely intriguing.
Anyway, this new sequel got me thinking about sequels and how they exist because we, the viewers, can't get enough of the same plot or characters. Allow's appear at Jaws. To this working day, this movie scares the crap out of me. I adore the Jersey Shore, (the seashores – not the display), but I will confess that there is not one second when I am riding the waves that I am not looking around for fins. As it turns out, this yr was a great yr to appear for fins. Sharks had been noticed everywhere up and down the japanese shoreline of the United States, so perhaps the original Jaws was not as unbelievable as we thought.
If you understand why things are the way they are between you, then there is no require to feel sad and lonely abou it. It might be tough occasionally to deal with issues, but you have to maintain rationalizing the purpose powering issues. It is the only way to keep a clear thoughts, and not get over psychological about the whole scenario.
When you buy any electric fire suite your decision will be primarily based on a quantity of elements. It's essential that you think about costs, simplicity of installation and the fashion of fire that will fit your space.


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« Number of Signatures Incorrect
March 17, 2014: Council Live Updates »
Dascola to Assert Right to Run in Ward 3
Federal judge in 1971: "In our opinion a candidate is not like a fine vintage wine. His years of residency in a particular community do not necessarily make him a better candidate."
By Dave Askins
March 15, 2014 at 5 pm
Earlier this year, longtime downtown barbershop owner Bob Dascola announced his intent to compete for the Democratic nomination to represent Ward 3 on the Ann Arbor city council. And on March 12, 2014, Dascola took out nominating petitions from the city clerk's office.
Bob Dascola sitting in the audience of the April 19, 2011 Ann Arbor city council meeting. On that occasion, he addressed the council during public commentary on the topic of panhandling in the State Street area, where his downtown barbershop is located. (Image links to Chronicle report of that council meeting.)
But Dascola was subsequently notified by the city clerk that he did not meet city charter eligibility requirements to represent Ward 3 on city council for this election cycle.
Dascola will be challenging the city clerk's conclusion based on court cases from the early 1970s.
The Ann Arbor city charter includes two time-based eligibility requirements for city office: (1) a requirement that any local elected official must have been registered to vote in the city for a year before election to office; and (2) a requirement that a city councilmember must have been a resident of the ward they're elected to represent for at least a year before being elected.
Dascola has lived on Baldwin Avenue in Ward 3 for about a year and a half, he told The Chronicle, but he did not register to vote in the city until Jan. 15, 2014. So he appears to meet the residency requirement, but not the voter registration requirement.
However, both of those Ann Arbor city charter provisions were explicitly ruled unconstitutional in federal court cases dating from the early 1970s.
So Dascola will be asserting his right to compete in the Ward 3 primary. He is represented in the matter by attorney Tom Wieder.
In a telephone interview on March 15, Wieder indicated that if "friendly persuasion" does not result in a change to the city's position, then he's prepared to move forward to file a lawsuit to ensure that Dascola can run.
And in the meantime, Wieder told The Chronicle, Dascola will be collecting signatures and submitting them to the city clerk as soon as possible. Dascola confirmed by phone that he was collecting signatures on the afternoon of March 15 – a change from an earlier strategy of waiting until the matter is sorted out.
Wieder ventured it is possible that based only on the charter language, someone might in good faith think that Dascola would not be eligible to represent Ward 3 if he were elected this year. But two separate federal court orders – one from Jan. 12, 1972 and the other from March 29, 1972 – struck down as unconstitutional the Ann Arbor city charter residency requirement and voter registration requirement, respectively.
It does not appear likely that a July 30, 2002 ruling by 22nd circuit court judge Timothy Connors might play any role in the resolution to Dascola's case. The Wojack case – also handled by Wieder – involved the 2001 candidacy of Republican Scott Wojack to run in Ward 1. Wojack was told he could not run based on the in-ward residency requirement. He was allowed to run. But after the 2001 election, Connors issued an opinion upholding the charter residency requirement.
However, according to Wieder: "A state court cannot overturn an existing, binding decision of a federal court on the same subject." Further, the Wojack case involved the residency requirement, not the voter registration requirement. And it is the voter registration requirement that appears to be the basis of the city's conclusion on Dascola's ineligibility.
Ann Arbor City Charter: Two Requirements
The charter provisions on eligibility for office come from Chapter 12: "Officers." Two one-year requirements are included – the first on voter registration and the other on in-ward residency.
The phrase "registered elector of the city" can be glossed as "registered to vote in the city." From the charter [emphasis added]:
Eligibility for City Office – General Qualifications
Section 12.2. Except as otherwise provided in this charter, a person is eligible to hold a City office if the person has been a registered elector of the City, or of territory annexed to the City or both, and, in the case of a Council Member, a resident of the ward from which elected, for at least one year immediately preceding election or appointment. This requirement may be waived as to appointive officers by resolution concurred in by not less than seven members of the Council.
According to Dascola, he moved to his Ward 3 address on Baldwin Avenue from Grass Lake, Mich., about a year and a half ago. So Dascola appears to meet the requirement that he be a resident of Ward 3 for at least a year immediately preceding election.
However, Dascola indicated that he did not register to vote in the city until Jan. 15, 2014. That would put him outside the charter requirement for voter registration in the city – by about two months.
City's Position: Residency or Voter Registration?
It's not completely clear if the city's position is that Dascola doesn't meet the residency requirement or that he doesn't meet the voter registration requirement, or both. The document maintained by the city clerk's office to track petitions includes an asterisk by Dascola's name with the notation: "Not eligible doesn't meet one year residency requirement."
City clerk staff provided that document to The Chronicle – with its asterisk and note – on March 13, the day after Dascola took out petitions to run. That came in the course of a regular in-person visit by The Chronicle to the clerk's office to check on recent petition activity. At the office counter, city clerk Jackie Beaudry indicated that her conclusion that Dascola was not eligible was based on his voter registration date, which is public information that can easily be verified.
Wieder described the language in a letter Dascola received from the clerk's office as somewhat unclear on the question of residency or voter registration. But he indicated that it suggests that the city's conclusion is based on the one-year voter registration requirement.
Federal Court Cases
Two separate federal court cases from almost a half-century ago – about three months apart – struck down first the residency requirement and then the voter registration requirement of the Ann Arbor city charter.
The first case was brought by Daniel J. Feld, Charlene Parker Stern and Bruce S. Kahn. From Ann Arbor News coverage on Dec. 31, 1971:
In October, Feld attempted to take out nominating petitions to run for city council from the Second Ward. However, within the previous 12 months he had moved temporarily to the Fourth Ward and was ruled ineligible to run for the Second Ward by City Clerk Harold Saunders. Miss Stern and Kahn were involved in the suit as registered city voters who claimed they would be deprived of their rights to vote for the candidate of their choice if Feld was not allowed to enter the election.
From the court order by U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence Gubow, filed on Jan. 12, 1972 [emphasis in bold added]:
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED and declared that the portion of Section 12.2 of the Ann Arbor City Charter which requires all candidates for the office of councilman to have been residents of the ward from which they are elected for at least one year immediately preceding their election violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and is, therefore, unconstitutional and void. [From court order for Feld v. City of Ann Arbor]
The Ann Arbor News coverage of the Feld case highlights the difference between the residency requirement and the voter registration requirement:
Judge [Lawrence] Gubow ruled only on the one-year residency requirement, and did not rule unconstitutional the charter language requiring that a person be a registered voter for at least a year before assuming elective office. [City attorney Jerold] Lax said persons seeking elective office will have to have the one year of voter registration, stating that he asked Judge Gubow specifically if his ruling went beyond the residency requirement. The answer was "no."
Even though Gubow's ruling on the Feld case struck down only the Ann Arbor city charter's residency requirement, just two and a half months later, the voter registration requirement was also struck down – by U.S. District Judge Ralph Freeman. That came in a ruling on a case brought by the Human Rights Party, David Black and Mark Dickman. Black was the HRP nominee for Ward 4 city council. Dickman was a registered voter who wanted to vote for Black. From Freeman's order [emphasis in bold added]:
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED and declared that the portion of Section 12.2 of the Ann Arbor City Charter which requires all candidates for the office of councilman to have been registered electors of the City of Ann Arbor for at least one year immediately preceding their election violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and is, therefore, unconstitutional and void. [From court order for Human Rights Party et al v. City of Ann Arbor]
In the opinion written by Freeman, he begins by noting the outcome of the Feld case. He then contemplates application of either the "rational basis" test or the "compelling interest" test for the charter requirement. He decides that question in favor of the "compelling interest" test, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision from 1972 [Bullock v. Carter] on which "a filing fee system imposed on prospective candidates in Texas could not be sustained merely upon the showing of a rational basis." [Opinion in Human Rights Party et al v. City of Ann Arbor]
The "compelling interest" of the city was claimed to be that "a candidate has some commitment to the electoral process." Freeman concluded that, "Certainly, this is a proper interest." However, Freeman then notes that "those measures which the city takes to further its interest must be carefully fashioned to attain their purpose without unnecessary infringement on the rights of the electorate."
Freeman's opinion cites a number of state offices that do not impose an additional requirement that a candidate's voter registration must persist for a year before taking office. Freeman then goes on to state:
We can see some merit in the proposition that registration to vote indicates a belief in, or commitment to, the electoral process, but we do not see that maintaining that status as a registered elector for a period of one year necessarily has any relationship to determining the commitment of the registered voter to that process.
Freeman drives home that point by quoting from another opinion, written by judge Damon Keith:
Judge Keith said in Green, supra, at p. 634, In our opinion a candidate is not like a fine vintage wine. His years of residency in a particular community do not necessarily make him a better candidate.
Wieder indicated it might be possible that someone could conclude in good faith – based on just the language of the charter and without knowledge of the two federal cases – that Dascola was not eligible to represent Ward 3.
Wieder said he's hopeful that when the federal cases are pointed out to the city, it will be recognized that the two charter requirements no longer have any force. If "friendly persuasion" does not result in Dascola being allowed to run for city council, then Wieder indicated a lawsuit would be filed.
Context of Ward 3 Race
The only other candidate so far to take out petitions to run in the Ward 3 Democratic primary is Julie Grand, who also competed in the August 2013 primary. Incumbent Stephen Kunselman received more votes than Grand in that race.
Kunselman is not up for re-election in 2014, but is running for mayor, along with three other councilmembers: Sabra Briere (Ward 1), Sally Petersen (Ward 2) and Christopher Taylor (Ward 3). Because he cannot simultaneously run for mayor and run to retain his Ward 3 seat on the council, Taylor's decision to run for mayor leaves that seat open.
Petitions for the partisan primary in August 2014 must be turned in by April 22. For councilmembers, 100 signatures are required from their ward. For mayor, the requirement is for 50 signatures from each of the city's five wards, for a total of 250 signatures.
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Section: Center Column, Govt.
The following terms describe the content of this article. Click on a term to see all articles described with that term: 2014 election, Ann Arbor City Council, Bob Dascola, city charter, residency requirement, Tom Wieder, Ward 3
By liberalnimby
March 16, 2014 at 5:38 pm | permalink
Thank you for the excellent research as usual, Dave.
In my unlawerly opinion, "friendly persuasion" sounds rather squishy. If there is an egregious mistake in the charter, our city legal staff should issue a public written opinion (gasp!) and convince council. Like, next week.
If there's a true legal question here, it's worth finding the answer. How would backing down from a lawsuit provide any clarity for the future? The city should stand by its rules, settle the matter in court and, if the city is wrong, fix the dang charter for good with a simple council vote.
This is all putting aside the potentially strange scenario of "instant residency"…
Re: [1] "The city should stand by its rules, settle the matter in court and, if the city is wrong, fix the dang charter for good with a simple council vote."
I think the problem here is that the matter seems to have been settled in court – a very long time ago – but it seems to have been forgotten. Maybe there's case law that was established subsequently on which the city is relying to justify its position. I don't yet have a copy of the Connors opinion, and that might have citations that provide some additional perspective. If the city has some basis for thinking it could prevail in a lawsuit, we'll find out pretty soon, I think.
As far as changing the city charter, that can't be done with a simple council vote. It requires a referendum. But the council could play a role, by placing it on the ballot, which would relieve residents of the burden of collecting signatures to force the question onto the ballot.
March 17, 2014 at 10:15 am | permalink
Re: [2] "I don't yet have a copy of the Connors opinion…"
I now have a copy. I've installed a link in the article. And here's a link as well [Wojack v. City of Ann Arbor opinion]. Connors relied on a 1981 federal court decision [Joseph v City of Birmingham, 510 F Supp 1319, 1327 (ED Mich 1981)] in which judge Philip Pratt wrote:
On the one hand, the cases, especially the authoritative cases from this Circuit, clearly subject durational residency requirements to the most rigorous sort of strict scrutiny. The Sixth Circuit has emphatically nullified a two year requirement for city commissioner candidates, and apparently no case from this Circuit has upheld any durational residency requirement for candidates. On the other hand, there is no doubt that some candidate residency period is constitutional; and the courts have almost unanimously agreed that a one year requirement for municipal office is constitutionally acceptable.
But it's clear from the opinion and the facts of the Wojack case that the only issue in that instance was residency, not voter registration. And to the extent that the charter requirement on being registered to vote in the city is the reason the city is using to prevent Dascola from running, the Connors ruling doesn't appear to be exactly on point.


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