text:
Square pegs stuck in round holes
Happy fucking Wednesday, boys and girls, and thanks for tuning in to this week's episode. We got some choice tracks today spanning across multiple eras of sound, from iconic champions Minor Threat and Bad Brains to brand spankin new acts like Modern Baseball and Curse Words, and everything in between. Open your favorite beverage, give in to your darkest desires and let's get this hootenanny started.
...and of course, the web player link for all you folks who don't have the spotify app: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/3LOt6FOkAMvq5eAfVqqdcB
Down By Law – Gruesome Gary
We kick off this week with a schoolyard singalong from influential punk band Down by Law. Part of the Epitaph family in a flourishing 90s punk scene, DBL quickly made a name for themselves through thoughtful songwriting, technical prowess and dedication to their live sound and their fans. Founded in 1989 by only original member Dave Smalley (who already made a huge impact through his former bands Dag Nasty, DYS and All), Down by Law is back in business after a long hiatus in the 00s. Gruesome Gary tells the story of the rise and fall of a school bully, and is off DBL's 4th full-length, All Scratched Up.
Modern Baseball – Tears over Beers
Tears for Beers comes off Philly outfit Modern Baseball's debut album, Sports. This 12-track release was recorded and produced in the Free Studios at Drexel University, where the two founding members were attending at the time. Artfully blending diverse stylistic elements, ranging from indie folk to emo to rock, and with an inescapable bittersweet timbre, these guys keep you guessing where they'll go next. Modern Baseball has made plenty of waves, especially in underground music circles, through their devotion to their fanbase and unwavering commitment to stay unpretentious and rooted in their music.
Minor Threat – In My Eyes
Jesus, I may as well turn this playlist/blog into an Ian MacKaye fan club. Arguably, he has enough groundbreaking material and diversity in his art to still make it interesting each week. In My Eyes is a blistering and unrelenting anthem from iconic DC hardcore act Minor Threat. The kings of DIY, Minor Threat released all of their material through their own Dischord Records label. Crack open a beer and enjoy this tune from the founders of the straight edge movement!
Bad Brains – I and I Survive
Next up is a track from equally important member of the DC hardcore community, the rastacorian (see, it's easy to make up words) dudes of Bad Brains. I and I Survive is off their 1983 sophomore album Rock for Light, which is a schizophrenic mélange of breakneck-speed hardcore and an off-tempo groovin' calypso reggae. This particular song embodies the latter style, with meandering guitar and vocal melody lines layered over a rocksteady rhythm section. Although I and I Survive provides the listener a glimpse into the stylistic diversity of lead vocalist H.R., it really doesn't do him justice. Go check out more Bad Brains songs and you'll see what I mean.
The Offspring - LAPD
It is my hope that oftentimes as you listen to these playlists, you'll discover new artists, maybe fall in love with a band you had no idea existed. Well, that certainly is not the case with our next track, from uber-famous The Offspring. LAPD is featured off their 2nd studio album, Ignition, released in '92 on the Epitaph label. Pulling from the sounds and themes of the times, this song contains elements of grunge and punk, with some surf undertones, to create a jarringly jangly reproach of the nation's third largest police force. Unfortunately, this is quite a propos with everything we've been seeing in the news lately…Happytimes fun Wednesday fact – some dicktard skinhead stabbed lead guitarist Noodles at one of the band's earlier shows in the 80s. Nazis definitely make Orange County way less fun.
The Cure – Fascination Street
Now it's time to get weird with British gentleman Robert Smith and his omnipresent band, The Cure. The West Sussex rock group was a cornerstone of the burgeoning new wave and post-punk movements in the UK, famously pushing stylistic boundaries and delving into gloomier and more introspective content. Fascination Street, a single off their 1989 Disintegration release, is notable for its extended bass intro and for further establishing The Cure's gothic pop sound .
Curse Words – Strange Shapes
Stoner punk goofs and self-described "beer models" Curse Words proves that punk rock is alive and well in our nation's capital. Drawing from a wide range of influences, from bubblegrunge to forward-thinking pop punk, the dudes of Curse Words have created a unique sound that's getting a lot of attention. Irreverent to the end, and dedicated to the art of the face-melt, they pack a punch at their live shows. Strange Shapes is off their 2016 EP Better Luck Next Time, recorded at the legendary Inner Ear Studios, and walks us through one of their more chemically-enhanced journeys. If you're in the DMV, go check these guys out next time they play!
The Bouncing Souls – True Believers
True Believers is a hook-driven tune from Bouncing Soul's 5th studio album How I Spent My Summer Vacation. Built around lead man Greg Attonito's delightfully unique melodies, and complemented by thoughtful bass and guitar parts, True Believers underscores why these boys from New Jersey have built such a strong and committed national (and even global) following. Bouncing Souls have been around since 1989 with only a couple small line-up tweaks, and they show no signs of slowing down, releasing their 10th studio album to date this past July.
Blondie – X Offender
Up next we have new wave group Blondie, led by the incroyable ex-playboy bunny and punk symbol Debbie Harry. X Offender (originally titled 'sex offender' before THE MAN shut that down) is the first single off their eponymous debut album. "You wanted the love of a sex offender"…provocative and sarcastic, X Offender details a lady of the night's crush on her arresting officer, and her schemes to perpetrate love with him. Hugely popular, both commercially and critically, Blondie has sold over 40 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
7 Seconds – Busy Little People
We conclude this week's shitshow with the song Busy Little People, from melodic hardcore legends 7 Seconds. Formed in Reno, NV in 1980 by brothers Kevin Seconds and Steve Youth, 7 Seconds were influenced by, and experimented with, multiple genres, including west coast hardcore, funk, new wave and punk, to create a long-lasting and hard-earned legacy in the biz. This track is from their LP Soulforce Revolution, released through the Restless Records label in El Segundo. 7 Seconds are themselves busy little people – they are still recording and touring today.
Alright Dragoons, that's it for us this week. Parting ways is always hard but we'll do it all over again next Wednesday. Keep in touch, feel free to throw out song requests, and if you're a band or label and want me to play your shit, just let me know. Andrew out.
Posted by Wednesdays with Andrew at 9:04 AM 1 comment:
Labels: 7 seconds, bad brains, blondie, bouncing souls, curse words, dc, down by law, emo, hardcore, minor threat, modern baseball, punk, ska, the cure, the offspring
Just grrrly things…
This week, I am super excited to put together an exclusively female-fronted playlist. With some of the backwards-ass health/temperament conspiracy theories surrounding the current US presidential election, which essentially amounts to thinly veiled sexism, it got me thinking of all the insidiously subtle, tired old obstacles women face every day; pay inequality, occupational sex segregation, pregnancy discrimination, sexual violence and the list goes on and on and on…to be honest, as a male blogger, it's tough for me to sit here and write a post about feminist-related movements and try to not come across as disingenuous; or share my thoughts without making it sound like I am in any way a victim, expert, or otherwise in the matter. All I know is that, like many other aspects of life, women were/are forced to endure and surmount a lot of preconceptions to make a name for themselves in the rock music industry. Although punk has consistently provided an outlet and audience that gives voice to underrepresented groups, it's still a scene traditionally dominated by acts and fans consisting of young white males. So today, we celebrate the rowdy women of punk! Side thought: Angry Ovaries would be a great band name.
Web player link: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/0mJA3H9Lmai1gAQGF5Xobg
The Distillers – Drain the Blood
What better way to open up this commemorative playlist than with the indefatigable Brody Dalle and her Distillers. Originally from Australia, Brody formed The Distillers in 1998 in Los Angeles, recruiting the help of bassist Kim Chi, guitarist Rose Mazzola and drummer Mat Young. Influenced by both 80s hardcore and the 90s skate punk movement, The Distillers created a sound very much their own, raw, aggressive and melodic, while displaying a brazen energy and defiance. Drain the Blood comes off their third and final record, 2003's Coral Fang. Keep listening to the playlist for another chance to catch Dalle's addictive growly vocals!
Tsunami Bomb - Lemonade
Powered by the sweet lead vocals of Agent M, California skate/surf punk band Tsunami Bomb unleashes a torrent of poppy goodness in their track Lemonade, originally released on their 2001 EP The Invasion From Within! I remember going to see them decades and decades and decades ago (like 2004 maybe) open for Bouncing Souls and Strike Anywhere in DC's former notorious, scuzzy nightclub Nation, and I remember them practically stealing the show. Their hooky anthemic sing-along set combined with an unrelenting energy wowed everyone in the club. Side note – the spot where Nation existed is now the parking garage for the Washington Nationals, laaame.
X – Your Phone's Off the Hook, But You're Not
Next up we have the opening track from seminal rockabilly punk outfit X's debut album Los Angeles. Produced by ex-Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek, this album quickly propelled X to national prominence after receiving rave critic reviews. Sharing songwriting duties, vocalist/poet Exene Cervanka and vocalist/bassist John Doe shaped a distinctive sound through their just ever so slightly-off harmonies. Noted for her contributions to the world of art, music and advancement of weird conspiracy theories, Exene Cervanka left a lasting mark. Interesting fun fact – she was temporarily married to pre-Aragorn Viggo Mortensen in the 80s and 90s!!
Hemlines – The Bear
Shout out to @karenish for suggesting we include Hemlines, an up and coming force in DC's rock scene, for this week's episode. Incorporating elements of garage rock and lo-fi punk, while effortlessly weaving from catchy 4-chord choruses to beautifully-toned guitar runs, Hemlines is sure to win over your earbuds with their All Your Homes EP. Go check them out! I'm fucking lovin' it.
Screaming Females – Ripe
Coming in hot now is the song Ripe, off thrashing indie punk rock stars Screaming Females' latest release, Rose Mountain. Born and bred in the garden state, Screaming Females have been around since founders Mike and Marrisa met in high school. Fuzzy, angry, and technically ON FLEEK, Ripe showcases all the features that have rocketed Screaming Females onto the national scene, earning them critical recognition and numerous spots on impressive tours. They've kept busy too, recording 7 albums over the course of 9 years, including one engineered by infamous noise god Steve Albini. Bangs for days grrrl
Dance Hall Crashers – Lost Again
Alright, I think we need to turn it down a notch so we can catch our breath and regroup. Hopefully the contagiously positive vibes of Lost Again by Bay Area ska punk band Dance Hall Crashers can do the trick. Originally formed by the legendary Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman (of Operation Ivy and Rancid fame), some hasty lineup changes morphed DHC into the dual-women-fronted band that they remain to this day. Through a steady diet of gigging, gigging and gigging, they grew their following and became a national act. Lost Again comes off DHC's third studio album, Honey I'm Homely!, and reflected a move by the band to a faster and more pop-driven flare of ska punk.
Bikini Kill – Rebel Girl
Up next is Rebel Girl from Washington state punkers Bikini Kill, a group from the early 90s that is often cited as the pioneers of the riot grrrl movement. Produced as a single by Joan Jett and later featured on their first full-length studio album Pussy Whipped, Rebel Girl encompasses the thematic and stylistic components that defined Bikini Kill's essence. The riot grrrl movement is supremely significant, paving the way for future female-fronted acts and shining a light on important and often overlooked societal issues, from rape and domestic abuse to sexuality and female empowerment.
Fabulous Disaster – Final Stab
A later incarnation of the riot grrrl scene, and once labeled as "the best female punk band of all time" by NOFX frontman Fat Mike, is Fabulous Disaster. Final Stab delivers a heartfelt punch, lacing beautiful melody lines with shouting protests and a thoughtful rhythm section arrangement. Although they disbanded in 2007, Fabulous Disaster left a large and storied legacy.
Retching Red – Battery Acid
I TOLD you I was gonna be featuring another Cinder Block band this week. A Lannister always pays his debt motherfucker (disclaimer – I am not team Lannister, definitely a Stark/Dany fan). This song, Battery Acid, comes off short-lived feminist hardcore band Retching Red. Sit back and enjoy as frontwoman Cinder Block unapologetically screams at your face through your speakers. This track is featured on Retching Red's first studio album, Get Your Red Wings, released by Rodent Popsicle Records in 2004.
Tacocat – I Love Seattle
I don't know if I love Seattle, only cos I've never been, but I do know I can get behind this track from (you guessed it) Seattle-based pop punk band Tacocat. Incorporating those familiar surf vibes reminiscent of acts like Best Coast and Wavves, Tacocat infuses their own style of sarcasm and humor to create a unique sound that is attracting a lot of attention. I Love Seattle is off their latest album, Lost Time, released in April of this year on Hardly Art Records.
Spinerette – Ghetto Love
YAAAS Brody Dalle. God, her voice, it's like…it's like if scratching your nails down a chalkboard was really pleasing to listen to. I don't know how else to describe it. It's beautiful and incredibly jarring all at once. Ghetto Love is a single from Brody's new outfit, Spinerette. It's catchy as hell, so you probably will have this song stuck in your head for a while.
Le Butcherettes – I'm Getting Sick of You
We close out this week's episode with Guadalajara-based garage punk band, Le Butcherettes, and their hate song/anthem I'm Getting Sick of You. My buddy Whitney, who's currently living in Mexico City, showed me Le Butcherettes recently and I am 100% on board with this shit. Founded by the artistically gifted Teri Gender Bender (hobbies include: screaming her lungs out, ripping out her enemy's hearts, and guitar solos) at the tender age of 17, Le Butcherettes have gradually become a staple of Mexico's rock scene, while continuing to build out a strong international cult following. If you're reading this blog in Europe, look them up for their upcoming European tour!
Alright, GRRRLZ and boys, that's it for this week. I hope you all enjoyed the tunes, and please continue showing support as we shine a light on traditionally under-served music markets. Follow along on facebook.com/wednesdayswithandrew and I'll smell ya next week!
Labels: bikini kill, brody dalle, dance hall crashers, distillers, fabulous disaster, feminism, hardcore, hemlines, le butcherettes, punk, retching red, screaming females, ska, spinerette, tacocat, tsunami bomb, x
Location: Arlington, VA, USA
Never Punt!
Well, howdy there folks, and welcome to another edition of Wednesdays With Andrew. We got some spicy little numbers this week, so I think you'll be pleased. Listen below and follow along with my hastily assembled notes....comportez-vous bien, chulos!
Here's the web link: https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/2FY1YSsCBTfLjvxuO6QHA4
88 Fingers Louie – 100 proof
Chicago has a long and storied history of churning out great punk rock acts, and melodic hardcore outfit 88 Fingers Louie is one of my personal favorites. 100 proof is off their 1998 album Back on the Streets, and stays true to the band's melancholic and rhythm-driven spirit. Between the haunting melody lines, chugging guitar and colorfully-toned bass (including a dope ass solo), this song has something for everyone. Although the band went through their fair share of internal struggles (including alleged golden showers and fist fights), members of 88 Fingers Louie went on to be core members of more renowned acts, including Rise Against and Alkaline Trio.
Meat Wave - Network
Speaking of Chicago, I am throwing in this next track from Illinoisans (I thought it was Illinoisers, but I was autocorrected. It should be Illinoisers) Meat Wave, last minute. These guys opened up for Australian anthem rock powerhouse Violent Soho at last night's DC9 all-ages show, and goddam they were good. It's like if Igor Stravinsky was in a noise rock band. Seamlessly blending a sound at times math rock, hardcore, garage-y punk, or all of the above, Meat Wave continued to build up the dynamic throughout the set, ultimately whipping up the packed room into a frenzy. This track is called Network and is off their latest release Delusion Moon. P.S. - big ups to DC9 for continuing their tradition of all-ages shows...there were a lot of young bloods in the crowd, which is always great to see. P.P.S. - if you're upset that I didn't also include Violent Soho in the mix this week...don't worry, I'll be featuring them a lot in future episodes.
Descendents - Hope
Next up is Hope, from old and familiar heroes Descendents' debut full-length, Milo Goes to College. Released in 1982, the album is named after biochemist and lead singer (Dr.) Milo Aukerman, and his caricature for the cover art would go on to become the Descendents' long-standing and infamous mascot. The rise of the irreverent band in the 80s and early 90s signified a big turning point for punk/hardcore scenes, and led to the increasing popularity of the pop punk and melodic hardcore subgenres. Fun fact – I never realized they spelled their band name wrong until Microsoft Word just now informed me! I guess I'm not great at spelling!
Lagwagon – May 16
Now we turn to seminal punk rockers Lagwagon and their catchy-as-hell track May 16. Part of the punk revival movement in southern California in the early 90s, Lagwagon quickly rose to popularity while making a conscious decision to not pursue the same type of commercial success some of their contemporaries, like Green Day and The Offspring, achieved. Turning down multiple offers from major labels, Lagwagon instead decided to stick with Fat Wreck Chords, and have produced 10 releases to-date through the label. May 16 is off their 5th studio album, Let's Talk About Feelings.
Tilt – Annie Seagall
Tilt is yet another example of a great punk band that emerged from the 90s west coast skate scene, and was a shining and lauded member of the Fat Wreck family until they disbanded in the early 00s. Distinguished by the gruff and unrelenting vocals of leading lady Cinder Block, Tilt quickly made a name for themselves, and would eventually be one of the supporting acts for Greenday's Dookie tour. Annie Seagall is a haunting tale about the despair and desperation of a young girl from Victorian years whose precociousness and sensuality led to a label of "hysteria" and a life in the loony bin. Pro tip – we'll be featuring Cinder Block on next week's all-grrrl show so make sure to tune in.
T.S.O.L. – Code Blue
This song is about as gross as you'd imagine, given its central theme of wanting to fuck the dead. Alright sickos, if you really want, you can follow along with the lyrics here. But Code Blue is a hell of a tune, underscoring 80s horror punk T.S.O.L.'s unique blend of musical styles, hook-driven melodies and their 'I don't give a fuck and neither should you' attitude. Interesting tidbit of the week – T.S.O.L. (True Sounds of Liberty) keyboardist and songwriter Greg Kuehn went on to procreate, and his sons Max and Elvis are both founding members of one of my favorite current bands, FIDLAR.
Streetlight Manifesto – A Moment of Silence (into) A Moment of Violence
Last week I featured Tomas Kalnoky's Catch 22, and this week I have included a couple tracks from his new/current band Streetlight Manifesto. Back-to-back tracks off their debut release, Everything Goes Numb, A Moment of Silence and A Moment of Violence act as the perfect counterpoints for each other, transitioning from a soulful, thoughtful and chill vibe to an aggressive, at times chaotic, cacophony of sound. Composed of many well-known and experienced ska musicians, Streetlight Manifesto continues to pull large draws for their shows in New Jersey and beyond.
Fat Randall – Letting Go
This next track comes from rowdy Dubai punkers Fat Randall. Letting Go, off their 2016 release Keep It Down, is an infectious tune that brings a fresh perspective to pop-driven skate punk. Speedy, loud and melodic, Fat Randall at once provides a sonic homage to its influencers/predecessors, like Lagwagon and NOFX, while bringing youthful energy and irreverence to a scene that hasn't had enough of it lately. Keep an ear out for them as Fat Randall continues to build off their success and grow their global fanbase.
Ruth – Polaroïd/Roman/Photo
I randomly stumbled across this tune recently. I can't find too much on these guys, but I did discover that Ruth was a short-lived, 3-piece act out of Paris, France. Blending their interests in krautrock and synth pop, and driven by a strong desire to make people dance, they created one album in 1985, Polaroïd/Roman/Photo, before disbanding shortly afterwards. Although they only sold about 50 copies after its release, this album was re-discovered in the 2000s, and is now a must-have for collectors and dance enthusiasts alike. Watch the slowed down Pulp Fiction gif as you listen! It makes sense, kind of!
Pinhead Circus – Foghat
Next up is Pinhead Circus, hailing from the beautiful state of Colorado. With their growling vocals, jarring drums and focused guitar runs, Pinhead Circus provides us a refreshingly distinctive and fun sound. They have been quietly playing, recording, breaking up, getting back together, playing, breaking up, getting back together, and on and on through the mid-90s to today. Foghat, off a self-titled EP release in 2005, is the result of one of these many brief reunion stints.
Toxic Narcotic – I'm so Thirsty
OK so I am personally not a huuuuge fan of this song by Boston crust punkers/environmental activists Toxic Narcotic. BUT it was one of the theme songs for our college flag football team, Scrawny White Boys (side note: our career record was something like 1-16. We only won once because the other team didn't show up. NEVER PUNT!) Toxic Narcotic developed a large fanbase through their speedy rhythms and unwaveringly gritty, raw sound, and were very active in many punk and hardcore scenes throughout the 90s and 00s.
Fury 66 – Blue Strip
We round out this week's playlist with a little diddy from 90s melodic hardcore act Fury 66, a band that shared 3 of its members with Good Riddance. This tune comes off Fury 66's album For Lack of a Better Word…, released through Session Records. Fuzzy but soulful, with a gritty somberness, Blue Strip winds us through an emotional tale of a young girl coming to terms with her pregnancy.
Alright kiddos, that's all for this week. I hope you were marginally amused, and please let me know if you have any feedback or song requests. For all you social junkies, follow along on facebook.com/wednesdayswithandrew for extra treats.
Posted by Wednesdays with Andrew at 9:01 AM No comments:
Labels: 88 Fingers Louie, DC9, Descendents, Fat Randall, Fat Wreck Chords, Fury 66, hardcore, Lagwagon, Meat Wave, Pinhead Circus, punk, Ruth, ska, SPA!, Streetlight Manifesto, T.S.O.L., Tilt, Toxic Narcotic
Wild in the Streets
Happy Pakistani Air Force Day! I hope you enjoy this week's tunes; listen to the playlist below and feel free to read along as you stumble through it. Shout out to my bro, Evan MCGEE, for pointing out that 3 out of my 4 last posts contained songs off soundtracks from Guy Ritchie movies; "I Wanna be your Dog" and "Police and Thieves" from Lock Stock, and "Ghost Town" from Snatch! To keep the trend, I threw in a lil' last-minute bonus track, an obvious easter egg of sorts – medium ups to you if you recognize which one!
Web player link – https://play.spotify.com/user/agood1no/playlist/2mkCaTGinAmM9hpOnS31eY
Ramones – Warthog
We kick off this week with a track from ubiquitous 70s icons the Ramones. Forged on the gritty suburban streets of Queens, the Ramones are arguably the band that spearheaded the punk movement in the United States. Warthog is off one of their later releases, Too Tough to Die, but exemplifies a return to their roots, less glazey and more teeth. Sad fact of the week – all 4 original members, Joey, Johnny, Tommy and Dee Dee, have passed away.
Deviates – Come With Me
Come with Me is the opening song off the Deviates' much-anticipated second album, Time Is The Distance. Melodic hardhitters and part of the early 90s punk revival on the west coast, the Deviates preferred to focus on heavy touring and honing their live sound, and so they took 7 years between their first studio release and this one. Unfortunately, the band will break up soon after the release of Time Is The Distance, and we haven't been graced with their youthful and introspective sound since.
Catch 22 – Keasbey Nights
The title track from their debut album, Keasbey Nights, incorporates all the distinctive sounds that coalesce to make Catch 22 the unique ska band it is. From the speedy tenor parts to the chorus anthems to a rocksteady rhythm section, Keasbey Nights shows us why these Jersey boys enjoy such widespread popularity. Although band leader and founder Tomas Kalnoky bailed to start a new outfit, Streetlight Manifesto, Catch 22 still plays shows here and there.
Misfits – Horror Business
Speaking of New Jersey…up next we have the crown prince of horror punk, Misfits. Before lead ghoul Glenn Danzig left the group to pursue a Freudian solo career, he recorded a number of singles, EPs and full lengths with Misfits. Horror Business is their third single, released in 1979 off Danzig's label Plan 9 Records. This track highlights the trademark sound of Misfits, a driving, melodic pop force interlaced with themes and imagery from horror movies. Oh, and who can forget the mighty Danzig's appearance in Aqua Teen Hunger Force??
Demond Dekker & the Aces – 007 (Shanty Town)
Now we head to the Caribbean for some early ska from widely influential Jamaican artist Desmond Dekker. 007 (Shanty Town) was the title track and first single off Desmond Dekker & the Aces' 1967 debut studio album. The song makes allusions to spy and cat-and-mouse films, like James Bond and Ocean's 11, which was a very popular pop culture phenomenon at the time in the rude boy scene. This song went on to be very influential in later reggae and ska circles, and was consistently covered by big acts, including versions by The Specials and Musical Youth.
Frenzal Rhomb – Let's Drink a Beer
Since we're globe hopping, may as well take a trip down under to hang with our Aussie friends, Frenzal Rhomb, and their mouth-watering track Let's Drink a Beer. This song is off their commercially successful 1999 album A Man's Not a Camel, and showcases their frenzied and melodic, lead guitar-driven flavor of music. By the way, what the hell is a Frenzal Rhomb? Well apparently the name is derived from a Fresnel rhomb. What the hell is a Fresnal rhomb? I'd explain it but physics isn't my forte – read about it here.
Scissor Sisters – Tits on the Radio
Next up is a track from fuzzy glam rock /nu-disco pop sensations, Scissor Sisters. Fronted by lead singers Ana Matronic and Jake Shears, Scissor Sisters are well known for their outlandish live performances and quickly gained a cult following, first in Europe before they got big in their native United States. Tits on the Radio is a track off their debut studio album, and some have speculated that it may serve as a vague homage to the Bugles' Video Killed the Radio Star.
Slick Shoes – Lucky
Lucky is off pop punk Slick Shoes' third album, Wake Up Screaming, released under the Tooth & Nail banner. They gained a following by touring extensively with other bands on the Christian label, most notably MxPx. The band name is an homage to cult movie The Goonies; 'slick shoes' is one of the character Data's many homemade gadgets.
Circle Jerks – Wild in the Streets
Possibly the best name for a band ever, and our second sexual band name so far in this week's playlist, Circle Jerks were a huge part of the late 70s/80s hardcore scene. Formed in Los Angeles by former members of Black Flag and Red Kross, Circle Jerks embodied the energy and anarchistic counter culture that was becoming increasingly popular, especially in skate and surf scenes. Wild in the Streets is their cover of Garland Jeffreys' original tune, and is the opening track and namesake for Circle Jerks' sophomore studio album.
Pennywise - Bro Hymn
We end today's playlist with the super catchy anthem Bro Hymn, off of Pennywise's fourth full-length album Full Circle. Named after the monster clown from Stephen King's It, Pennywise is (and continues to be) a leading force of the 90s punk revival sound, while guitarist Fletcher Dragge is consistently recognized as one of the great guitarists in the scene. Bro Hymn was originally released on Pennywise's first album, as a tribute to bassist Jason Thirsk's friends. After Thirsk took his own life in 1996, the band re-recorded the song (this version) as a dedication to him. "Jason Matthew Thirsk, this one's for you!" Random knowledge knugget - This song is (or has been) the 'goal song' for at least 3 different NHL teams.
Alrighty folks, that's a wrap. Hope you enjoyed every last minute of it, and please share, follow, like, and all that.
Labels: catch 22, circle jerks, desmond dekker, deviates, frenzal rhomb, hardcore, misfits, norman rockwell, pennywise, punk, ramones, scissor sisters, ska


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In defending the Boundary Waters from the Trump Administration, lawyers for Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness filed motion, asking the judge to vacate — or overturn — the Department of Interior's reinstatement of Twin Metals' leases.
As our lawsuit to protect the BWCA from the Trump administration works its way through the courts, we created this illustrated poster to help lovers of wilderness and clean water get caught up on where we are with in the long fight for Minnesota's great treasure.
The announcement that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued the wetlands permit for PolyMet marked an end to a frustrating and opaque permitting process. Since 2015, the public has learned little about the content of the permit, which allows for the largest permitted destruction of wetlands in Minnesota's history. The public has not been given the opportunity to comment.
Watch Representative Alan Lowenthal (D-California), chair of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, ask questions into the nefarious nature of the relationship between the Trump administration and Antofagasta.
PolyMet is the snowplow that will clear the way for more sulfide mines in northeastern Minnesota, including Twin Metals and numerous other sulfide mines that are being explored around the Boundary Waters. These mines would permanently damage the water, the wilderness, and the ecosystem that includes the Boundary Waters.


text:
Q: The Grünwald–Letnikov fractional derivative for the function $f(x)=e^{ax}$ The Grünwald–Letnikov fractional derivative for the function $f(x)=e^{ax}$ is known as follows,
$\displaystyle D_x^n f(x)=\lim_{h\to 0}h^{-n}\sum_{m=0}^n(-1)^m{}_nC_m f(x+(n-m)h)$ where $_nC_m=\frac{n!}{m!(n-m)!}$ and with $f(x)=e^{ax}$,
\begin{array}{rcl}
\displaystyle D_x^\alpha e^{ax}&=& \lim_{h\to 0} h^{-\alpha}\sum_{n=0}^\alpha(-1)^n{}
_\alpha C_n e^{a(x+(\alpha-n)h)} \\
&=& e^{ax}\lim_{h\to 0} h^{-\alpha}\sum_{n=0}^\alpha(-1)^n{}_\alpha C_n (e^{ah})^{\alpha-n} \\
&=&  e^{ax}\lim_{h\to 0} h^{-\alpha} (e^{ah}-1)^\alpha  \\
&=& a^\alpha e^{ax}
\end{array}
I figured out that this is wrong in case $Re(a)<0$ since we will get a divergence binomial series.
so my question is what the derivative of this function according to Grünwald–Letnikov fractional derivative definition in this case?

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Kenneth Holmes
Professor Kenneth Holmes FRS
wwwhttp://homes.mpimf-heidelberg.mpg.de/~holmes/
Kenneth Holmes is renowned for pioneering the use of X-rays from synchrotron particle accelerators to study biological structures at previously unachievable speeds. This technique is now a pillar of modern molecular biology. Kenneth's many research results include revealing the structure of actin and myosin — proteins with key roles in turning chemical energy into muscle movement.
The molecular structure of biological samples can be deduced from the diffraction pattern formed when X-rays are passed through them. Kenneth's calculations showed that X-rays from electron synchrotrons would be much more intense than other sources, allowing much higher resolution structures to be obtained. He founded a laboratory to exploit these insights at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) facility in Hamburg, Germany.
Kenneth's awards include the Gabor Medal of the Royal Society, the European Science Foundation's European Latsis Prize, and the 2001 Gregori Aminoff Prize of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. He is currently writing a biography of Nobel laureate Aaron Klug, with whom he worked — most notably on determining the structure of the tobacco mosaic virus.
Professional positions
Emeritus Director of Biophysics, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Max Planck Society
Interest and expertise
Subject groups
Biochemistry and molecular cell biology
Biophysics and structural biology
molecular mechanism of muscle contraction
Gabor Medal
In recognition of his achievements in molecular biology, in particular his pioneering analyses of biological structures and viruses, and his development of the use of synchrotron radiation for X-ray diffraction experiments, now a widely used technique not only in molecular biology but in physics and materials science.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
zum Untermenü [Alt+2]
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a responsible future?
- The Facts -
By 2035, our dependence on oil and gas imports will reach more than 80%.
Over the past 100 years, global temperatures have risen by some 0.7 °C and in Europe by about 1.0°C due to CO2 emissions. 60% of relevant species and 77% of habitat types are under threat in Europe.
Can the EU make energy supplies more reliable and focus more on alternative energy sources? Can the EU prompt its Member States to cut their emissions? How can the EU prevent ecosystem degradation and preserve biodiversity?
- What can the EU do? -
.The EU played a leading role in the negotiations of the Paris Climate Agreement (COP21) that is set to enter in force in 2020 to be the very first universal, legally binding agreement aiming at limiting average global warming to well below 2°C by the end of the century and at continuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Concerning Climate Action, the EU has set itself a binding target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030 and to 80% by 2050.
The concept of sSustainability is also increasingly being integrated into other policy areas, such as Energy, where the EU aims to increase to 270% the share of EU energy consumption coming from renewable sources by 20320, and to reduce EU energy consumption by 270% by adopting measures aiming at increasing energy efficiency and ensuring a secure and sustainable energy supply. To this end, the EU is planning to develop an Energy Union with a fully integrated internal energy market at its core.
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EU and UNDP launch two-year project to address urgent adaptation financing gaps in Africa Foreign Affairs Council backs EU's ambitious goal on climate action and calls for global action to limit the damage of climate crisis Joint Statement by Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans and High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell on the United States re-joining the Paris Agreement
"Do sustainability and innovation efforts always lead to a better outcome?"
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TIME TO GET INSPIRED
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text:
Auckland's new fuel tax
US Trade Tariffs against China
Marama Davidson – Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka – Parihaka Reconciliation Bill – First Reading
Written By: notices and features - Date published: 10:36 am, March 23rd, 2018 - 10 comments
Categories: greens, human rights, Maori Issues, treaty settlements - Tags: justice, marama davidson., parihaka, Parihaka Reconciliation Bill, te tiriti o waitangi
From greens.org.nz
Marama Davidson MP on Thursday, March 22, 2018 – 15:45
Ngā manu e rua, Tohu Kākahi, Te Whiti o Rongomai, tēnā kōrua. Ki a koutou ngā uri o Parihaka o Taranaki iwi. Nau mai, haere mai, haere mai. Madam Speaker, it's really special today to stand in support of Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka, the Parihaka Reconciliation Bill.
I will apologise to the people of Parihaka who are here, while I do recount some of the important history that they have heard and know and live and breathed, but that still today, too many in our country are not aware of and are not familiar with and so I seek to put it on record in the House as part of my contribution.
On the 5th of November, 1881, 1600 soldiers invaded the peaceful settlement of Parihaka in central Taranaki. And this military might, this show of force, was met by tamariki carrying baskets of food, singing waiata. Several thousand other of the residents of Parihaka also remained peaceful on their papakainga, on their land. This military might, this proud, Crown, military might was welcomed to the community with open arms. But that welcome was not at all returned. Parihaka was looted and destroyed. Women and children were raped by the colonial soldiers and the colonial force. Men were shipped away without trial and detained. Many never returned and some remained buried in unmarked mass graves. These events of the 5th of November were just the climax of the Crown's long campaign of stealing land, of many many years of trying to steal and take from Taranaki what belonged to the iwi of Taranaki. And it was met with many many years of non-violent resistance from the Parihaka community, so that by the 1860s, however, the entirety of Taranaki whenua had been confiscated by the Crown.
Today we stand in this very institution, in this House, the very Crown institution responsible for sanctioning this oppressive injustice and causing generations of harm. It is right that we stand in this House to start to try and make some of the things right. We use legislation from this very institution to sanction the terror that was rained. Thankfully, those bits of law have now been repealed.
I want to again acknowledge the people of Parihaka and Taranaki iwi who are here, who are privileging the presence of ours today and who have long deserved this day—for far too long have been waiting for it. Particularly, I'm pretty sure I spotted whaea Maata Wharehoka earlier today—I'll make sure I come and say hello—whose whare I have had the deep honour of resting and sleeping in, several nights. I want to acknowledge the Parihaka Papakāinga Trust and also Tina Mason, chair, and the trustees for this incredible piece of work that we are standing to honour today.
Today I'm proud to support Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka / Parihaka Reconciliation Bill. Today we also honour He Puanga Haeata, which was the day of the reconciliation ceremony that took place last year, on 9 June. At this reconciliation ceremony, He Puanga Haeata, the Crown gave their apology for the wrongs caused, and that in itself is a precedent for around the world actually, where we start to own up to what has been done, to the wrong that has been created. On that day, He Puanga Haeata, a legacy statement was also proclaimed. This legacy statement summarises the origins of the peaceful settlement of Parihaka, the values, the history, and the hopes of Parihaka, for Parihaka people and the land. This bill that we are standing to support today records both the Crown apology and that legacy statement.
I was very honoured and warmed that Green MPs, my colleagues, Catherine Delahunty, our previous Tiriti o Waitangi spokesperson, Jan Logie, our current Tiriti spokesperson, and Denise Roche, our previous chair of our Māori caucus, were able to attend. I regret that at that time I caused some very nervous looks from some radiologists and some surgeons here in Wellington, when it appeared that I was going to threaten to get off the table after having my appendix removed, because I just wanted to go. It was actually very upsetting that I couldn't, but I'm glad it was a beautiful day. I'm just reminded right now how upset I was when I couldn't drag myself from the hospital to go. But I know that my colleagues and all of our parliamentary reps took my spirit and my aroha for that amazing day.
I want to acknowledge the Hon Chris Finlayson and Te Ururoa Flavell for this incredible work, and I want to take a particular moment to acknowledge the former chair of the Parihaka Papakāinga Trust, Puna Wano-Bryant, for pushing in particular the acknowledgments of the mamae, of the rapes, that happened to the women and the children by the soldiers. I did want to acknowledge the Hon Chris Finlayson for his readiness to not just accept it, but to put it in legislation, to put it in history. That's a really important step. Even now, he continues to acknowledge that and to make a point and that's really important, for all of us to move on. And it also was particularly important because it validated our oral histories, because that was the record by which this mamae, this injustice, was recorded.
This bill is an important precedent for creative reconciliation, and it gives us an insight into what can happen when we truly do work together in the spirit of good faith, in the spirit of full acknowledgment, and in the spirit of wondering how we can do better going forward. It's an important start, and the Crown now has the responsibility and the duty to uphold and demonstrate the good faith that was promised in the apology. Sorry is just the first essential step to making things right, and at all times we must remember the generosity of Parihaka and Taranaki iwi for accepting this reconciliation package.
The Parihaka story is one of the most inspiring stories of non-violent resistance and active mana motuhake for the whole world. It leaves with us some incredible values that, actually, the world and, absolutely, Aotearoa can take inspiration from. It provides us with a blueprint of how we need to reconcile not just Parihaka but our whole country—how we need to reconcile our history and our truth, how we live together, and our relationships with each other and to our land and to our mokopuna to come. This is the beauty of what the Parihaka people are generously, generously affording to all of us, and it's now our responsibility to make sure we uphold the dignity of Parihaka in the stories that we have to share.
I'm very proud that the Greens also stand in support of a commemoration day—and that has to be led by Parihaka—as part of our nation coming to terms with what has happened. This is a celebration. This is acknowledgment. This is a huge symbolic day for our country, and I'm really honoured to stand here, to speak on it, and I'm feeling a little bit better now. Even though I didn't get to the actual day, I'm feeling a little bit better that I got to stand up and speak. Kia ora tātou katoa.
Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka / Parihaka Reconciliation Bill details and progress.
10 comments on "Marama Davidson – Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka – Parihaka Reconciliation Bill – First Reading "
Ma Whero Ma Pango, Ka oti ai te mahi
tracey 2
Kia ora Marama
And to Chris Finlayson, unlike some of your colleagues claiming pride in imaginary outcomes you can claim a strong hand in this one.
veutoviper 3
Good speech by Davidson.
However, I am going to put some context around this post for balance and perspective. After all TS is supposed to be about the Labour Movement, and not Frog Blog #2, isn't it?
Davidson's speech was one of 13 speeches presented yesterday during the first reading of the Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka/Parihaka Reconcilation Bill.
Yesterday's sitting of the House was attended by a delegation of people from Parihaka in the Public Gallery who were not acknowledged by the Speaker at the opening of the session; but were specifically acknowledged by Winston Peters DPM before he answered (on behalf of the PM) Question 1 from Paula Bennett to the PM.
The First Reading of the Parihaka Reconciliation Bill was opened by Kelvin Davis as lead Minister for Crown/Maori Relations; and it is on subjects like this where IMO he comes into his own, both in Maori and English. He really is not yet comfortable with some other areas of his overall job.
The First Reading was set down for 12 speeches of 10 mins, but the National Party split some of their calls – ie, two people speaking for 5 or so mins each. In total 13 speeches took place:
6 National MPs – Chris Finlayson, Barbara Kruiger, Nuk Korako, Jonathan Young Harete Hipango, and Jo Hayes
5 Labour MPs – Kelvin Davis, Adrian Ruawhe, Willie Jackson, Meka Whaitiri, and Rino Tirikatene (Rino was the last speaker and was followed by a karakia and wiata from the Gallery which is on Video No 13)
1 NZF MP – Jenny Marcroft (at the No 5 slot)
1 Green MP – Marama Davidson (at the No 7 slot).
Of the 13 speeches, all but three National MPs included sections in Te Reo. The exceptions were Finlayson, Kruiger and Young.
Here is the Hansard draft record of the full First Hearing speeches. This does not yet include the Te Reo sections of the ten speeches which included these.
I am not going to put up links to the full list of videos which do include the Te Reo sections but these can be viewed here in the On Demand section of the Parliament website: https://www.parliament.nz/en/watch-parliament/ondemand
They are currently on pages 1 and 2, under the Customs and Excise Bill videos.
Not sure what you mean there. It's nothing to do with the Labour Party, it's the labour movement. I put the post up because I wanted to amplify Māori voices. Sometimes that comes from the Green Party. If you can recommend other blogposts to Cross Post, please do.
The comments section is of course where commenters can bring in other perspectives, thanks for that, but I would prefer it if you didn't preface them with partisan potshots about the content of this site. Authors are under no obligation to provide balance or any perspective other than what they want to write. Might pay to reread the About and Policy.
Brigid 3.2
What is Frog Blog?
veutoviper 3.2.1
Its what the NZ Green Party's Blog used to be called.
https://blog.greens.org.nz/tag/frog-blog/
adam 3.3
veutoviper, did you miss that this was built on the back of co-operation, not partisanship, nor people flagulating over their own little fiefdom.
Have to say a bit disappointed you chose to disrespect the people of Parihaka, and their desire to make this a time of co-operation and inclusiveness as part of the healing process.
Adam, you have enunciated the very reasons why I felt compelled to put some context around this posting of one speech only from the 13 speeches from all parties (except ACT*) which took place during the First Reading of the Bill – all of them in support and respect for the aims of the Bill, and the long road that has led to it, and respect for the people of Parihaka to make it a time of co-operation and inclusiveness. (* This does not suggest ACT is opposed to the Bill. )
I know a little of the background to the Bill and the very long road that has been trod by both the people of Parihaka and the advisors, government officials and Parliamentarians that have been involved in the many years of discussion and negotiation that have been finally led to this momentous moment.
Over recent years this long road has transited both the previous National Government and now the Coalition Labour/NZF and Green Government. It has involved advice, support and co-operation from a long list of Parliamentarians (current and past) covering political parties (both current and past) and many others of different persuasions.
Both Kelvis Davis and Chris Finlayson outlined the history of the long road to this point in their speeches – and named many of the people from all parties and sides that were involved in providing advice, support and co-operation to allow this point to be reached. Many of the other speeches also referred to the history of Parihaka and the long road to reconciliation; and the people who have contributed. These of course included Catherine Delahunty and other former Green MPs, but also other former MPs/Minister such as Tariana Turia and Te Ururoa Flavell of the Maori Party, Jim Bolger, Chester Borrows, Mahara Okeroa and many others.
On Thursday, I planned my day around the fact that the Bill was to read for the first time so I could watch the 'debate' live. And am pleased that I did. It was truly a momentous event to witness in real time at last.
I am appreciative of weka putting up a post, but Marama Davidson's speech alone IMO did not reflect the moment without context and reference to all the speeches. As I said Marama's speech was a good one, and it well received and referred to by the two speakers following her – Jonathan Young and Willie Jackson.
The fact that I chose to do the work to provide a summary and links to all the speeches does not represent disrespect for the people of Parihaka – I intended it as the complete opposite.
adam 3.3.1.1
And yet you started with a cheap partisan shot. Then have written an essay trying to justify that cheap shot.
Some of us are well aware of what is going on, maybe you should reread my first comment on this post.
rasputin 4
Will there be no end to the continual codswallop bleating on about injustice from 137 years ago which is of course code for give us more money to enrich the Maori IWI elite of which hardly any trickles down to the decaying urban Maori population who are in dire straights. No one bleats on about the genocide of the Moriori, their enslavement, slaughter, and being regarded as a source of food for there is no money to be had from that.
Any reputable historian and that excludes the likes of Salmond and Belich paid by the government, will tell you that treaties are mere stop gap measures. As was shown by the Musket wars 1805-1840 Maori philosophy was no different to that of European colonisers world wide. Might is right when you have the power to enforce it.
The mind boggles at the thought of the rest of the world going back to the last say 200 years to rectify and compensate for failed treaties. What an absurdity yet this weird little country carries on with such nonsense.


text:
import { NOT_FOUND } from 'redux-first-router'

export default (state = 'HOME', action = {}) => components[action.type] || state

const components = {
  HOME: 'Home',
  LIST: 'List',
  VIDEO: 'Video',
  ADMIN: 'Admin',
  LOGIN: 'Login',
  ISSUE: 'Issue',
  [NOT_FOUND]: 'NotFound',
}

// NOTES: this is the primary reducer demonstrating how RFR replaces the need
// for React Router's <Route /> component.
//
// ALSO:  Forget a switch, use a hash table for perf.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
package refundcalc

sealed trait Window[+T] {
  def amount: Amount
  def start: T
  def endOption: Option[T]
}

case class Closed[+T](amount: Amount, start: T, end: T) extends Window[T] {
  assert(amount > zero)
  override def endOption: Option[T] = Some(end)
}

case class Open[+T](amount: Amount, start: T) extends Window[T] {
  assert(amount > zero)
  override def endOption: Option[T] = None
  def close[S >: T](end: S) = Closed(amount, start, end)
  def amount_(f: Amount => Amount) = copy(amount = f(amount))
}


text:
Posted on March 6, 2019 May 22, 2019 by John Block
New Mexico's Green New Steal
As the legislative session comes to a close in a few weeks, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard, and Congresswoman Deb Haaland have something up their sleeve: total annihilation of New Mexico's Oil & Gas industry.
Last November, instead of voting for people who actually have experience in energy, such as former Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons and oil-business owning Congressman Stevan Pearce, the voters of New Mexico instead thought it would be a good idea to put a failed educator in the Land Office as its commissioner and a know anti-fracker in the Governor's Mansion as our state's commander in chief. They also chose a corrupt ex-Democrat party boss to be New Mexico's dingbat Representative from the 1st Congressional District, a heavily-populated district with little energy production.
Governor Grisham campaigned on working "to pass legislation that puts us on a path to 50% renewable energy by 2030 and 80% by 2040." As then-candidate Steve Pearce explained in a gubernatorial debate, "My opponent has a plan to shut the oil and gas industry down…. When you tell companies you're going to regulate fracking, they're going to choose to be in Texas." Pearce's warning came true in early February when Lujan Grisham "signed an executive order calling for New Mexico to adopt a strategy to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," and advocated for a bill that would freeze fracking permits.
The bill was introduced by the Grisham-appointed Sen. Antionette Sedillo Lopez, who is sure to nod her head at anything the governor demands in fear of her future in the Senate. Sedillo-Lopez spouted off dozens of Lujan Grisham-fed talking points on how fracking is "impacting people," and needs to be studied further, even though there are decades-worth of research showing no correlation between fracking and the environment.
Then-state Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, who has absolutely ZERO experience working in the energy industry or in any capacity relating to natural resources or public lands ran on the pie-in-the-sky ideas of banning fracking from getting state contracts, taxing the hell out of oil & gas producers, providing tax credits for unsustainable wind and solar, and throwing all the leftover cash in our state coffers to the failing school system.
Just as she promised, on January 9, she announced her work on an upcoming bill to essentially tax the hell out of the oil & gas industry by increasing royalty rates on fossil fuel energy production on state trust land. Thankfully, the proposal was blocked in the legislature, although shortly after its defeat, Richard announced her intention to issue a moratorium on oil and gas leases on state trust land near Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
In early March, Garcia Richard announced her newly-redesigned New Mexico Land Office logo, which depicts a valley with wind turbines, with her name emblazoned on the top. There is no sight of an oil rig, a coal miner's ax, or any other such illustration of the industry which is responsible for a $2.2 billion surplus in the state's general fund. Garcia Richard would much rather spend all that revenue on unsustainable "pre-k-for-all" and kill the industry altogether.
Garcia Richard's new Land Office Logo
Congresswoman Debra Haaland, a failed lieutenant gubernatorial candidate, ex-Democrat party boss, and ex-tribal administrator is a huge supporter of freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's "Green New Deal," which aims to murder all the cows because they emit methane through flatulence, and must be exterminated.
The proposal also looks to tear down all older buildings and re-erect "green" ones in their stead, while stopping air travel, as planes apparently emit too much CO2. The latter is most likely a favorite of Ben Ray Luján, as it will give him an excuse to stay in DC so he can suck up to Nancy Pelosi instead of seeing his constituents, which he couldn't be bothered to even be with for his re-election victory party in November. The Green New Deal will cost American Taxpayers upwards of $93 trillion dollars, or $600k per household, an insane amount of money, as our national debt is already looming at over $20+ trillion already.
Haaland ran on a platform of "100% clean energy," and voting against any and all measures relating to fossil fuel infrastructure. She cited "climate change" as the reason New Mexico has droughts, so in an apparent attempt to stop the sun from getting hotter (or colder, whichever one it is this week), she supports the killing of innocent cows to instead invest in wind and solar energy.
Ironically, wind turbines are known to break in gusts of extreme wind, (as we have a lot of the time in our state), not to mention how many birds they murder each year. With all the cow and bird murder, you'd think PETA would get involved to tell AOC and Haaland to quit with all the innocent bloodshed of livestock and wildlife. Solar energy is even more unsustainable, with the massive amounts of energy they take to make the panels, and the extreme toxic waste they emit, most likely far more than cow farts. Even more sophomoric is that these energies, being championed as our "saving grace" are all contingent upon the weather. God forbid we get a rainstorm or a tornado advisory.
It's clear that Governor Lujan Grisham, Land Commissioner Garcia Richard, and Congresswoman Debra Haaland are all completely cow farts crazy if they think banning fracking and taxing the hell out of the fossil fuel industry will save us. Their obsession with "climate change" and its scientifically unproven supposed "detriments to the Earth" is unhealthy, as their energy could be far more useful in other ways, such as trying to fix New Mexico's crumbling infrastructure or addressing problems with illegal immigration, causing violent crime in our communities.
If these New Mexico Democrats think this unsustainable, unaffordable, and unrealistic plan is what New Mexicans want, it's not. We will keep our cows and oil rigs, and reject the Democrats' GREEN NEW STEAL.
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Fubuki Shirou (Mac Version). . HD Wallpaper and background images in the Shirō Fubuki/Shawn Frost club tagged: fubuki atsuya shiro shawn aiden inazuma eleven.
This Shirō Fubuki/Shawn Frost wallpaper might contain anime, comic book, manga, and cartoon.


Thorlux Lighting will be hosting an evening at the Royal Armouries including a CPD on emergency lighting and a demonstration of our wireless SmartScan control system in the SmartScan van.
This event will be held in the Wellington Suite starting at 6:00pm and finishing approx. 9pm. If you would like to join us please click on the register button below, places are limited and on a first come first served basis.
Join us at Wellington Suite, Royal Armouries, Leeds, LS10 1LT.


Significant finds uncovered are displayed for the first time, as will the question of how to balance the needs for preservation vs. modernization.
In March 2018, rescue excavations of an unprecedented scale began at Tel Beit Shemesh in preparation for the planned expansion of Route 38 – part of broader development of the modern city of Beit Shemesh. The Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University and Y. G. Archaeology (under the auspices of Hebrew Union College), unearthed extensive remains of settlements dating from the beginning of the 2nd millennium BCE to the end of the 19th century, exceeding all expectations.
Excavations revealed an impressive settlement dating to the final decades of the biblical Kingdom of Judah (7th century BCE) whose very existence overturns accepted understanding of the history of the Kingdom of Judah under the Assyrian Empire. Until now, scholars believed that the ancient city of Beit Shemesh was utterly destroyed by King Sennacherib of Assyria in 701 BCE following Hezekiah's rebellion, and the entire lowland region torn from the authority of the Kingdom of Judah. These new discoveries reveal that after its destruction, the city was reestablished on the eastern slope of the mound and became an important economic center of the kingdom of Judah under Neo-Assyrian rule.
This exhibition displays a sampling of the important 7th century BCE finds from the rescue excavations of Tel Beit Shemesh carried out under the auspices of the Hebrew Union College. These discoveries sparked nationwide debate over the competing importance of preserving cultural heritage and the increased need for urban development. In the face of this controversy, the National Roads Company of Israel (Netivei Israel) and the Israel Antiquities Authority worked together to reexamine their plans.
Stamp impressions on jar handles are a distinctive feature of administration in the kingdom of Judah.
Early examples date to the late 8th century BCE and were part of a system known as the LMLK stamps. These impressions bear the inscription LMLK ("LaMelech" translated to mean belonging to the King) to signify royal ownership of a jar's contents, as well as the image of a winged beetle or a symbol possibly derived from a winged sun-disc. The impression ends with one of four place-names: Hebron, Ziph, Socoh, or Mmsht (the latter's location is unknown). All four locations were probably royal storage centers for agricultural products.
Hundreds of LMLK stamps were found at sites across Judah, especially Lachish, Jerusalem and Ramat Rachel, and it seems they held an important role in the preparations for Hezekiah's revolt against Sennacherib, King of Assyria (701 BCE). The fact that around 200LMLK stamps were found at Tel Beit Shemesh reveals that the city was a key administrative center even after the suppression of Hezekiah's revolt.
Alongside the LMLK stamps, there was another system of stamp impressions, which feature names of royal officials. After Hezekiah's rebellion, additional administrative marks appear on jar handles: two circles engraved after firing, and later a rosette stamp.
What do we know about cult at Beit Shemesh?
Fragments of figurines depicting women and animals, especially horses, were found throughout the site. Judean pillar figurines – women with cylindrical bodies and hands holding their breasts – were especially common. Pillar figurines have been found at many sites in Judah dating from the 8th century BCE to the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE. They are probably remnants of a popular fertility cult. Some scholars identify them with the Canaanite goddess Asherah. Alongside small clay figurines, the Tel Beit Shemesh excavations unearthed an extraordinary stone statue of the Egyptian god Bes. All the figurines were found broken, and the head of the Bes statue was smashed. Could these discoveries be a physical record of the religious reforms of kings Hezekiah and Josiah described in the book of Kings?
"The Bible Lands Museum works tirelessly to preserve and protect the heritage of this region for visitors of all ages and faiths. Your story – the story of each individual – is rooted in the events and cultures that ultimately shaped the development of human history in this region. A great deal of media attention has been focused on these excavations, rightfully so, and it is our privilege to invite the world to come and see this evidence first hand and to understand why.
Our goal here is to also present the modern day dilemmas faced by this burgeoning nation that on one hand is building a new future, but on the other is responsible for the preservation and study of our past. Ultimately, shedding new light on this mysterious chapter in history emboldens research and strengthens a greater understanding of our history.


text:
Australian Europe News Veterans
Sir John Monash Centre officially opened
25/04/2018 Posted by Brian Hartigan 2836 Views 0 Comments Sir John Monash Centre
Share the post "Sir John Monash Centre officially opened"
The centrepiece of Australia's Anzac Centenary 2014-18, the Sir John Monash Centre, opened in France yesterday afternoon local time – early morning Australian time – honouring more than 295,000 soldiers who served on the Western Front and the 46,000 who died there.
CAPTION: Prime Minster Malcolm Turnbull takes a tour of the Sir John Monash Centre at Villers-Bretonneux War Cemetery, France, after officially opening the new interpretive centre. Photo by Leading Seaman Jake Badior.
The Sir John Monash Centre, named after the commander who led Allied troops to victory at the famous Battle of Hamel in 1918, is located alongside the historic Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, north of Paris.
The centre was officially opened by Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull and the Prime Minister of France Édouard Philippe.
READ PM TURNBULL'S SPEECH HERE
Veterans' Affairs Minister Darren Chester said the Sir John Monash Centre would introduce new audiences to the selfless contribution of Australian men and women during the First World War.
"The story of Australians on the Western Front deserves to be better known in both Australia and Europe," Mr Chester said.
"Gallipoli holds a special place in our nation's story, but our greatest achievements and heaviest losses of the First World War were in France and Belgium.
"When war broke out, Australia had to mount an entirely voluntary army.
"Ordinary men and women signed up and answered the call, and found themselves in extraordinary circumstances on the other side of the world."
Mr Chester said the Sir John Monash Centre offered an innovative and engaging way of presenting history, offering an immersive multimedia experience.
"This is an interpretive centre rather than a museum in the traditional sense. It is underpinned by sophisticated technology that will be seamless and appeal to visitors of all ages and origins," Mr Chester said.
"A team of historians and multimedia specialists have drawn on archival research from throughout the world, including the extensive war records in Australia, to present the soldiers' stories in their own words.
"The resulting experience will be self-paced and guided via the centre's app.
"More than 450 bluetooth beacons will determine visitors' locations and prompt servers to launch video content to one of the nearest 450 screens and 10 projectors.
"Visitors will receive content via their personal devices, in a choice of three languages – English, French and German.
"This is a very ambitious project – one that will further increase visitation on the Australian Remembrance Trail along the Western Front.
"Many Australians have an ancestor who fought and/or died in the First World War, and I encourage everyone to know that story and to visit the Sir John Monash Centre on their own journey of remembrance."
Australian firms Cox Architecture and Convergence Associates designed the architectural and interpretive elements for the Sir John Monash Centre, while Wildbear Entertainment produced the multimedia content, and Melbourne-based Transpire developed the interactive audio-visual platform.
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text:
Where Science Meets Fiction
About J.S. Pailly
Why Haven't Neptune and Pluto Collided?
December 16, 2015 December 15, 2015 ~ J.S. Pailly
When I was a kid, something really bothered me about the Solar System. If Pluto's orbit crosses the orbit of Neptune, why don't the two planets (Pluto was still considered a planet back then) collide with each other?
According to one of my science teachers, Pluto has just been lucky so far. But sooner or later, my teacher said, a collision will happen.
THIS IS FALSE!
Regular Planet Pailly readers will know that I sometimes complain about the science education I received as a child. I've had to unlearn a lot of the things I'd been told, and this is another example of that.
Odds are there used to be other dwarf planets that crossed Neptune's orbit. Probably lots of them. They're gone now, either because they collided with Neptune or (more probably) they got hurled out of the Solar System by Neptune's gravity.
At least one former dwarf planet was yanked out of its original orbit and became Neptune's largest moon. That would be our old friend Triton. The one that looks like a cantaloupe.
Pluto survived only because it happened to have an orbital resonance with Neptune. Pluto completes exactly two orbits for every three orbits of Neptune. The math works out such that Pluto and Neptune have never met. They miss each other every single time one crosses the other's orbit.
So I guess my old science teacher was right about one thing. Pluto is lucky. Lucky enough that it has its Neptune dodging orbit.
P.S.: Pluto isn't the only lucky one. Several other objects have 2:3 orbital resonances with Neptune, allowing them to safely cross Neptune's orbital path. The most noteworthy is Orcus, which is under consideration to be classified as yet another dwarf planet.
Today's post is part of Pluto/Kuiper belt month for the 2015 Mission to the Solar System. Click here to learn more about this series.
Posted in Mission to the Solar System, Pluto / Kuiper Belt (2015 Mission)
‹ PreviousMeet a Dwarf Planet: Makemake
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4 thoughts on "Why Haven't Neptune and Pluto Collided?"
SelfAwarePatterns says:
I only heard about the resonance thing recently myself. Before then, I had always thought it had more to do with the inclination of Pluto's orbit.
James Pailly says:
Actually now that you mention it, I think that's also a factor. But if not for the resonance, I'd guess Neptune's gravity would pull on Pluto pretty hard, which would not end well for Pluto.
Spacerguy says:
Thank heavens Earth isn't locked into a weird orbit. Asteroids probably pose our biggest threat and theres so many in our suns orbit and the Mars and Jupiter belt. Its game over, isn't it? LOL. why doesn't the suns gravity pull every asteroid in?
Asteroids don't fall into the Sun because they are orbiting the Sun, just like the planets; but the planets (especially Jupiter) push the asteroids around a lot with their gravity, so they sometimes end up in some pretty weird orbits.
Mastodon


The Watauga County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on Monday, June 7, 2010, at 9:00 A.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room of the Watauga County Administration Building.
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the May 6, 2010, special meeting minutes (budget work session); the May 10, 2010, special meeting minutes (budget work session); and the May 18, 2010, regular and closed session minutes.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the May 6, 2010, special meeting minutes (budget work session) as presented.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the May 10, 2010, special meeting minutes (budget work session) as presented.
Commissioner Kinsey noted the misspelling of a name listed as a speaker at the public hearing on the proposed budget in the May 18th regular meeting minutes. The name was Dot Barker not Dot Baker.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the May 18, 2010, regular meeting minutes as amended.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the May 18, 2010, closed session minutes as presented.
Chairman Deal called for additions and/or corrections to the June 7, 2010, agenda.
Chairman Deal stated that an additional Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment request needed to be added as agenda item 6.E.
Chairman Deal also stated that additional closed session discussion was needed under Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11a(5)(i) and personnel matters, per G. S. 143-318.11a(6).
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the June 7, 2010, agenda as amended.
County Manager Nelson presented the FY 2011 Budget Ordinance. The County Manager stated that the property tax value remained at the current amount of $0.313 per $100 of valuation and that the allocations budgeted for education remained at the current fiscal year levels as well.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to adopt the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Ordinance as presented by the County Manager.
The amendment recognized funds from the Criminal Justice Partnership Grant awarded for Fiscal Year 2010.
The amendment recognized April and May donations to the Department of Social Services discretionary funds.
The amendment recognized additional SmartStart funding from the North Carolina Division of Child Development.
The amendment recognized the purchase of two SQL server upgrades to 2008 version in Register of Deeds.
The amendment transferred funds from the Capital Reserve Fund for the paving plan approved at the May 18, 2010, Board meeting.
The amendment corrected a transfer error in the original Fiscal Year 2010 Budget.
The amendment reallocated Elderly & Disabled Transportation Grant funds per programs request. The funds were to be transferred to match needs.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the budget amendments as presented by Ms. Pierce.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to surplus the property as presented by Ms. Pierce and to authorize the property to be recycled, scrapped, or listed for sale on GovDeals.com as requested.
C. Proposed Document Scanning Policy – Ms. Pierce presented a proposed document scanning policy that was to allow public records in the Finance Department to be retained electronically as opposed to paper copies. Ms. Pierce stated that the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources had confirmed that the proposed policy met all Statute requirements.
By consensus, the Board directed the County Attorney to review the policy and tabled further discussion and possible action until the June 29, 2010, Board meeting.
D. Proposed Telephone System Contract – Ms. Pierce stated that beginning July 1, 2010, support for the current phone system hardware for the courthouse complex would no longer be available. Ms. Pierce stated that the system was ten years old and needed upgrading. The following bids were received from three of the five companies that were solicited: AT&T in the amount of $41,853; Com-Tech in the amount of $47,133; and Ronco in the amount of $70,234.
Ms. Pierce stated that the County's Information Technologies Director, Mr. Drew Eggers, had assisted in interviewing the companies who had submitted bids. Based on pricing and the system evaluations, Ms. Pierce recommended the contract be awarded to AT&T, the low bidder, in the amount of $41,853 and requested a $3,800 contingency line be established for the project. Ms. Pierce stated that funds were available in the current budget.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to award the contract for a new courthouse complex phone system to AT&T, the low bidder, in the amount of $41,853 and establish a contingency for the project in the amount of $3,800.
E. Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) Matters – Ms. Pierce presented the required documents to complete the Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB) process which was previously approved. The funds requested were to be used for the Mabel and Blowing Rock Elementary School roofs as well as technology improvements in all elementary schools.
1. Proposed Capital Project Ordinance – Ms. Pierce presented the proposed Capital Project Ordinance for the Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB).
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to adopt the Capital Project Ordinance for the QSCB as presented by Ms. Pierce.
2. Proposed Financing Resolution – Ms. Pierce presented the proposed Financing Resolution for the Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB).
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to adopt the Financing Resolution for the QSCB as presented by Ms. Pierce.
3. Proposed Financing Agreement – Ms. Pierce presented the proposed Financing Agreement with BB&T and the Deed of Trust for Mabel School as collateral for the Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB).
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the Financing Agreement for the QSCB with BB&T as presented by Ms. Pierce.
4. Proposed Project Fund Agreement – Ms. Pierce presented the proposed Project Fund Agreement for the Qualified School Construction Bonds (QSCB).
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the Project Fund Agreement for the QSCB as presented by Ms. Pierce.
5. Proposed Mabel School Lease Agreement – Ms. Pierce presented the proposed Lease Agreement for the Mabel School. The transfer of the Deed for Mabel School to the County for use as collateral in obtaining the QSCB was contingent upon a lease being executed in which the Board of Education was responsible for insurance coverage and the maintenance of the School.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the lease agreement for Mabel School contingent upon review by the County Attorney.
A. Proposal for Solar Project at the New High School by SfL+a – Mr. Robbie Ferris with Shuller, Ferris, Lindstrom, and Associates (SfL+a), the architects for the New High School project, presented a proposal to install a solar collection system at the new high school. The proposal was from Firstfloor K-12 Solutions, a development company of SfL+a.
Mr. Ferris stated that the main goal of the proposed project was to assure that the School received the LEED points associated with the School receiving the power generated by the solar panels. Other goals for the project included the County having the option to own the solar panels after the tax credit period expired and the project was to be revenue neutral for the County and provide an appropriate coverage ratio.
Mr. Ferris reviewed the system size and design options available. Participants in the proposed project included the Utilities Commission, which would be responsible for approving the project; the utility company, which would allow the project to occur and purchase the renewable energy certificates (RECs); the school, which was to receive the electricity generated; the County, which was to lease roof space, eventually own the solar panels, potentially provide 40% of the project funding; and receive revenue from the utility for the RECs; investors, which were to potentially provide 60% of the project funding and receive available tax credits; and Firstfloor K12 Solutions, which was to serve as project developer, receive a development fee, lease roof space, and own the solar panels up front.
Mr. Ferris stated that the revenue collected was to follow the funding source until the project was paid for and at that point in time the revenue was to then offset the High School's electric bill.
After lengthy discussion, and by consensus, the Board expressed interest in the project and requested that Mr. Ferris meet with the High School Sub Committee and to move forward with the project by gathering information that the Board needed to make an informed decision.
B. Proposed Revision to Columbia Beauty Supply Contract (Name Change) – County Manager Nelson stated that Mr. Don Critcher had requested that a previously approved contract for the new high school project, with Columbia Beauty Supply, be amended to the firm's new name, SalonCentric. The amount of the contract was to remain the same with the only change being the Company name.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the name change amendment to the contract with Columbia Beauty Supply as requested.
C. New High School Change Order Requests #'s 46 & 47 – County Manager Nelson stated that Barnhill/Vannoy had forwarded Change Order Request # 46 in the amount of $449,988. The County Manager stated that each of the requested items included in the Change Order had been requested by the School Board and reviewed by the High School Sub-Committee. Funding was requested to come from the Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) budget.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve Change Order # 46 for the new high school project in the amount of $449,988, allocated from the Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) Budget.
County Manager Nelson presented Change Order # 47 for the new high school project which was in the amount of $9,828 for additional security fencing on the east side of the property. The Change Order was to allow a section of fence to be placed at the top of the bank immediately above the cul-de-sac on Daniel Boone Drive. This was proposed as an effort to deter parents from using the cul-de-sac for a drop-off area where students could then climb the bank to gain access to the school property. The Manager recommended that this Change Order be funded from the County's contingency fund in that this additional fencing was in keeping with the spirit of cooperation with the neighborhood by providing safety and protection by preventing flow-thru traffic.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve Change Order # 47 for the new high school project in the amount of $9,828 with the funds to be allocated from the County's contingency fund.
D. Requested Approval for Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) Purchases – County Manager Nelson stated that the Board of Education had solicited proposals for two 10,000 pound auto lifts to be used in the vocational area of the school and Mr. Critcher had recommended purchasing from the low proposer, American Tire Distributers, in the amount of $6,242.07 with funds to be allocated from the Board of Education's Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) budget.
County Manager Nelson stated that the Board of Education also requested the purchase of 12 printers for the new high school. Quotes were received and the School Board recommended purchasing from the low proposer, CDW-G, in the amount of $10,215 including sales tax with the funds to be allocated from the Board of Education's Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) budget.
2) award the bid for twelve printers for the new high school to CDW-G in the amount of $10,215 with the funds to be allocated from the Board of Education's Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) budget.
E. Request for Authorization to Approve Remaining Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) Purchases – County Manager Nelson stated that the Board of Education's Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) budget had a balance of approximately $250,000. The County Manager requested permission to authorize the remaining purchases allocated from the FF&E budget as requested by the Board of Education due to the limited time frame involved in finishing the project.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to authorize the County Manager to approve the remaining allocation of the Board of Education Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment (FF&E) purchases.
A. Monthly Collections Report – Tax Administrator Kelvin Byrd presented the Tax Collections Report for the month of May 2010.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the Refunds and Releases Report for May 2010, as presented.
Mr. Robert Marsh discussed the potential of using the outdoor sporting facilities at the old high school throughout the remainder of the summer and fall seasons. Mr. Marsh projected the cost to be approximately $41,000 to maintain and use the football field, tennis courts, and softball fields through for a nine month period. This amount included salary for an attendant to oversee use of the fields. Mr. Marsh stated that the proposed costs did not include expenses related to the field house or the school building, including gyms. The estimate also did not include preparing the fields for play as to grooming and marking.
Mr. Stephen Poulos stated that outdoor sports were scheduled from mid-March until late October.
County Manager Nelson stated that the building was to be "mothballed" August 1, 2010 and recommended that funds for maintaining the outdoor areas for sporting events be allocated from the Administrative Contingency.
After discussion, Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to authorize the Parks and Recreation Department to control the outdoor sporting facilities at the old Watauga High School until November 2010 with funds for maintenance to be allocated from the Administrative Contingency fund.
Captain Jeff Virginia with the Watauga County Sheriff's Office presented a Memorandum of Understanding for placement of County 911 equipment at the Beech Mountain dispatch center. This was to allow for a backup system in the case of a catastrophic system failure in an emergency situation.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for Placement of 911 Equipment as presented.
A. Proposed Subordination Agreement for Two Deeds of Trust – Hospitality House – Mr. Joe Furman stated that the Hospitality House had forwarded a Subordination Agreement to place the obligations for funding/financing the Hospitality House into the proper order regarding the Deeds of Trust. The Subordination Agreement places the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) obligations in third place which was the original understanding when funding was being compiled for the project. Mr. Furman stated that the County Attorney's office was involved in this process.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Futrelle, moved to approve the Subordination Agreement for the two Deeds of Trust for the Hospitality House as presented.
B. Hospitality House Change Order Request # 2 – Mr. Furman presented Change Order # 2 for the Hospitality House Project with construction by Wishon and Carter Builders. The funding for the Change Order was to come from the Hospitality House contingency fund at no cost to the County. The Change Order, in the amount of $1,616, was to install low flow toilets and to repair a broken water line.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve Change Order # 2 for the Hospitality House Project in the amount of $1,616.
C. Proposed Contract Renewal with McLaurin Parking Company – Mr. Furman presented a three-year contract renewal with McLaurin Parking Company for patrolling the Courthouse Complex and Library parking lots. The rates for the renewal were proposed to remain at current levels.
Commissioner Kinsey, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to approve the three-year contract renewal with McLaurin Parking Company at current contract rates.
D. Proposed Town of Boone Utilities Easement at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex – Mr. Furman stated that the Town of Boone had requested an utility easement for water/sewer lines at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex. Mr. Furman stated that the easement was for sewer only. Water lines were to be within the Department of Transportation's right-of-way if the County chose to proceed with housing projects in the area.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to approve the utility easement at the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex for the Town of Boone as presented.
As new developments had occurred since preparation of the agenda, the Board agreed, by consensus, to consult with the County Attorney and Architects in closed session prior to any potential action which could occur after closed session.
A. Proposed Proclamation in Recognition of Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Month 2010 – Ms. Angie Boitnotte, Project on Aging Director, and Ms. Kedith England, Social Worker Supervisor III with the Department of Social Services, presented a proclamation adopted by Governor Beverly Perdue denoting the period from May 10th June 18th as Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Month. The dates included the weeks between Mother's Day and Father's Day. Ms. Boitnotte stated that Watauga County had an Elder Abuse Team of which several members were present and asked to stand for recognition. Ms. Boitnotte also stated that June 15th was designated as World Elder Abuse Day. Ms. England stated that on June 15th the Elder Abuse Team planned public service announcements to promote awareness of elder abuse in Watauga County. Ms. England stated that reports of elder abuse in Watauga County had increased from two reports in 2009 to eleven reports in 2011.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to proclaim May 10-June 18 as Vulnerable Adult and Elder Abuse Awareness Month 2010.
B. Boards and Commissions – County Manager Nelson stated that Mr. Skip Greene, of Greene Construction, Inc., was up for reappointment as a Watauga County representative to the Watauga High Country Workforce Development Board. This appointment was to be made by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.
Chairman Deal reappointed Mr. Skip Greene to the Watauga High Country Workforce Development Board.
County Manager Nelson stated that at the May 3rd Board Meeting, an agreement with the Humane Society for the care and control of domestic animals was approved. The Humane Society has requested that the Board of Commissioners appoint either a Commissioner or designee to fill a position on their Board of Trustees.
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to appoint Commissioner Tim Futrelle, as the Board of Commissioners representative, to the Watauga Humane Society Board of Trustees.
County Manager Nelson stated that a term on the Department of Social Services Board was to expire June 30, 2010, and the Social Services Board has recommended that Mr. Tom Trexler be appointed to fill this position. Mr. Trexler has agreed to serve.
Commissioner Futrelle, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, moved to appoint Mr. Tom Trexler to the Department of Social Services Board for a three-year term, expiring June 30, 2013.
County Manager Nelson stated that there continued to be a vacancy for appointment of an alternate ETJ position on the Boone Board of Adjustment and the Town of Boone was continuing to advertise for interested citizens to serve on this Board.
C. Announcements – County Manger Nelson announced that the Blue Ridge Parkway is conducting a planning seminar, Wednesday, June 23, 2010, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. at the High Country Council of Governments Board Room. Commissioners as well as planning staff were invited to attend.
County Manager Nelson announced that the Article 46 Optional Quarter-Cent Sales Tax, if passed by local referendum and enacted by the Board, will not be divided between the County and local municipalities. During previous discussions it had been reported to you that the projected amount would be approximately a quarter of prior year's collections for Article 39. The County's share was erroneously used to develop the projection. The County Manager stated that it now appeared that, if passed and enacted, both the debt service as well as operational costs should be covered for the proposed recreation center and eastern community center. Also a funding plan could be developed to improve recreational amenities at the County's elementary schools as well as existing County parks. This announcement was given for information only.
County Manager Nelson announced that the Tourism Development Authority invited the Board to attend a ground-breaking ceremony at Rocky Knob Park at 12:00 noon on June 14, 2010.
County Manager Nelson announced that the Board of Commissioners had rescheduled their June 15th regular meeting to Tuesday, June 29, 2010, at 6:00 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room which was located in the Watauga County Administration Building.
County Manager Nelson announced that, as historically practiced, the Board of Commissioners cancelled their July 5th regular meeting due to the Independence Day Holiday; therefore, the only regularly scheduled meeting in July was set for Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at 6:00 P.M. in the Commissioners' Board Room which was located in the Watauga County Administration Building.
At 10:39 A.M., Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to enter Closed Session to discuss Attorney/Client Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)(3), Land Acquisition, per G. S. 143-318.11a(5)(i), and Personnel Matters, per G. S. 143-318.11(a)6).
Commissioner Cooper, seconded by Commissioner Kinsey, moved to resume the open meeting at 12:20 P.M.
Chairman Deal adjourned the meeting at 12:20 P.M.