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Alcohol is a Drug

When we talk about dangerous substances that would destroy our body, the first thing that would come to our mind is cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, ecstasy, oxycodone or other harmful substances that we consider illegal. But somehow, many of us would forget a very dangerous substance that is common to all of us – alcohol! Because alcohol is legal, we tend to forget that alcohol can kill and can lead to irreversible health issues.

Drinking alcohol is a widely accepted habit. Sometimes, refusing a drink would mark you as an antisocial. Drinking alcohol is also glamorized by celebrities and actors and actresses. Most of all, drinking alcohol is considered as a great way to unwind and relax. Alcohol is often glamorized and worshipped that people end up forgetting or ignoring the dangers of alcohol.

But the truth is alcohol is a drug – a very dangerous one. It can destroy your body, career, family and everything else that matters to you. Most of all, alcohol drag you to your demise or cause harm to others around you such as strangers, friend or family.

Long-term alcohol addiction would lead to severe health consequences. It damages your organs, especially the liver, kidneys, heart and brain. It also leads to other health issues like hypertension, liver diseases, heart diseases and many other debilitating diseases. In worst cases, it would lead to death. The only way to end this addiction is through intervention, from family, friends or drug rehabilitation center Laguna Beach.

Long-term alcohol addiction isn’t the only thing that would lead to severe consequences. Even a single night of drunkenness can lead to a disaster that can ruin your or other people’s lives. Driving drunk could lead to a fatal car accident. It could also lead to long prison term. Under the influence of alcohol could also lead to domestic abuse or other crimes.

Drinking alcohol, whether it is habitual, heavy or light drinking, is never a glamorous thing. Alcohol is dangerous. It is a drug. It affects our health and body and lowers our bodily functions and motor skills, which may lead to dangerous situations. But if you can’t help but drink, then make sure to at least drink moderately.

Difference Between A Good Mechanic and A Bad Mechanic

When looking for a mechanic, it is important you know to differentiate the difference between a good mechanic and a bad mechanic. There are a few ways you can differentiate a good and a bad mechanic.

What a good mechanic will do…

A good mechanic will explain everything. A good mechanic will want their customers to understand situation, the problem and all the solution a customer can take. They would want their customers to make an intelligent decision based on the explanations they have given.

A good mechanic will clearly state the rates and prices of their products and services. They will never surprise their clients with unnecessary fees. They will be honest and up front when giving estimates. Furthermore, they will have precise pricing breakdowns so that their customers will not be misinformed or confused.

A good mobile mechanic Denver will always be friendly and helpful, whether you are just asking for a question or in need of a car repair or service. They will provide courteous and professional to their clients all the time.

A good mechanic would always have a decent shop. The shop would have comfortable chairs and a lounge for customers to stay. Sometimes, they would have a TV set, magazines, snacks and drinks. They would think about the customers’ comfort as they wait for their cars to be fixed.

Most of all, a good mechanic would be excellent at his craft. He is certified, knowledgeable and skilled. He can service any type or make of vehicle. Furthermore, he will not turn his back on a customer if he could help it.

A bad mechanic on the other hand will…

A bad mechanic will not give proper explanations. Instead, they would use scary lines and phrases that would make customers feel paranoid thinking that their car is a few moments away from breaking down. Instead of encouraging customers, they would discourage them and tell customers that their car is hopeless unless they do this and that.

A bad mechanic will never be clear about their pricing. They will provide vague explanations as to why your repair is priced expensively. They will dodge your questions and would instead threaten customers and scare them. They would also suddenly come up with unreasonable repairs just to shell out more money from their customers.

A bad mechanic will have non-existent customer service. They are rude, cranky and unreasonable. Furthermore, they might miss on deadlines and provide low quality service.

Got Fooled!

I just read another revolting yet amazing article online. According to the article, a regular gas man in London was able to capture a monster rat… a 4 foot monster rat. Looking at the picture, I felt a little bit queasy. It was really huge. A 4 foot rat is like the size of an average dog. It would scare the lights out of any sane person… even rodent control services might feel fear when they see this rat.

At the back of my mind, I was thinking what would happen to me or my family when we such rat would invade our home. Most likely, it would scare us witless. There’s a huge chance I would run away in fright or stand still… frozen and would not know what to do. The ladies in the house would surely scream like girls or faint. But with my mother… there would be war. And it would be a grueling battle.

When I thought this article was legit, I then saw another article debunking the 4 foot monster rat. At start I thought they were just haters who cannot accept the truth. You see, there are a lot of fellows over the internet who cannot accept the things they see online. There would be people who would disprove others just because they don’t believe them.

But then I realize, their arguments sounded valid. They said that it was just a camera trick! It was a matter of perspective. That’s why the rat in the image looked ginormous. Other pest control experts, photographers and even a UCL professor showed valid exampled and explanations explaining their reason as to why they think the 4 foot rat was just a hoax.

Yup! The first article I read really fooled me. I really thought the 4 foot rat was legit. I even shared it on Facebook and told some Facebook friends that this must be real. Now, I realize I just made a fool of myself. I got fooled! And whoever made that image really fooled a lot of people.

Now that I think of it, we are lucky a 4 foot rat doesn’t exist. Because if it does exist, it would be extremely dangerous for us if 4 foot rats roam the city streets and enter homes. Aside from the damage or sicknesses they might bring, they might cause injuries – injuries that might maim anyone.

Scientists say 4 foot rats wouldn’t be impossible in the future, but I do hope I won’t live long enough to see that happen.

The Rats In New York

According to article I have read, a lot of New Yorkers are raising their voice of complaints regarding the huge growth of rat population in the city. For this year, the city has received over 20,000 complaints from residents.

One New Yorker even said that the rats are taking over the Big Apple. I have been in New York before and I definitely saw a lot of rats in the city, especially in the downtown New York and the ghettos. You would even see them stand upright and greet you while twitching their nose. Seeing one would surely freak you out because these rats are used to humans. They have the guts to run around the city and walk amidst the crowd. What makes them scarier is the fact that these rats are not afraid of anything at all! If you live in New York, you would probably see hundreds of rats in your lifetime. I am not trying to slander the Big Apple here OK. I am just stating the fact… the fact that there are lots of rats in the city. Estimates say that there are about 2 million rats living in the city. Others would say it is close to 8 million and there are still others who would say there’s at least one rat for every person living in the city. If it comes to the latter, then that’s a huge, huge number of rats.

In my opinion, it is not a surprise why there are lots of rats in NEW YORK. First and foremost, New York is one of the most populous city in the country and given the fact that rats coexist with humans, then there’s no doubt that there would be plenty of rats in the city. Second, there’s a huge sewer system underneath the city, in which most rats breed and stay. Third, New York trash problem, which becomes a rich buffet for these rodents. Most of all, the public health officials are still unable to find the perfect solution against this scourge.

Good thing I have long left the Big Apple. If I was still living there, then maybe I would still be plagued with rats. If and if only if there are rats in the place I am currently living in, I know there’s nothing to be worried about. This is because I can always rely on rodent pest control Huntington Beach to take care of it.

What I Learned About Engine Oil Additives

Just the other day, my friends and I were having a discussion about cars. Although I have no car for I prefer public transport to save money, I was still able to join the discussion because I have some knowledge about cars. This is thanks to the information I have gathered from various articles I have read and second hand information I got from other people. I guess you could say I am not ignorant about cars.

Everything was going well since we were able to voice our opinions and share the knowledge we had. Unfortunately, things got out of hand when one of my friends moved the topic to diesel engine oil additives. They became stubborn with their opinions since they have different point of views when it comes to the best engine oil additive. This time, I can’t join their fiery arguments since I have no car and I have no information about oil additives.

When I came home that night, I became more interested about oil additives, especially when I saw my friends arguing about it. I turned on my laptop and began researching about oil additives.

It turns out there are different kinds of oil additives in the market and they are all claiming to be the best. They boast of the benefits they bring and have various convincing testimonials. I learned a lot from what I have read. I learned that oil additives may be natural or synthetic. I learned that the benefits range from improving the viscosity of the engine oil to reducing fuel consumption. I also learned that there are oil benefits that can clean the engine and while there are others that may bring harm to the engine instead.

Wow. There’s so much I need to learn about engine oil additives. Maybe, by the time I buy my own car I might have decided which engine oil additive I would use.

The Pope Joke

The Pope goes to New York, and gets picked up at the airport by a limousine. He looks at the beautiful car and says to the driver, “You know, I hardly ever get to drive. Would you please let me?”

The driver is understandably hesitant and says, “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’m supposed to do that.”

But the Pope persists, “Please?”

The driver finally lets up, “Oh, alright, I can’t really say no to the Pope.”

So the Pope takes the wheel, and boy, is he a speed demon! He hits the gas and goes around 100 mph in a 45 zone. A policeman notices and pulls him over. The cop walks up and asks the Pope to wind the window down. Startled and surprised, the young officer asks the Pope to wait a minute. He goes back to his patrol car and radios the chief.

Cop: Chief, I have a problem.

Chief: What sort of problem?

Cop: Well, you see, I pulled over this guy for driving way over the speed limit, but it’s someone really important.

Chief: Important like the mayor?

Cop: No, no, much more important than that.

Chief: Important like the governor?

Cop: Way more important than that.

Chief: Like the president?

Cop: Much more important.

Chief: “Who’s more important than the president?”

Cop: “I don’t know but he has the Pope DRIVING for him!”

Why A Business Fails

Many businesses end up being failures and there are many reasons why it happens. The biggest reason why businesses fail is poor management – the owners lack expertise, knowledge/understanding and skills in particular business related areas like finance, employee management, production, purchasing and many others. Fortunately, it is easy to avoid this pitfall by simply admitting to yourself what you lack then seek help, educate yourself and learn so that you can avert the failure of your business.

Neglect can also be a reason for downfall and that is the second most know reason for failed businesses. A business is not something you can just put up and leave to operate on its own. It has to be taken cared of regularly. You have to study and study, especially about your market, your customer and many other data that would keep your business afloat.

A common reason why a business fails is insufficient capital. In running a business, a good amount of money is needed. The amount should be enough not just to start the business but to make it stay in operation for a long time. In other words, you need to prepare enough funds to cover the costs until your sales would be enough to pay for it.

A business may fail if you have zero business plans. You know, when it comes to running a business you should have a plan to make sure your business runs efficiently. You need a plan on how you could face potential problems. You need a plan on how you could manage your business’ finances. You need a plan against your competition. You need a plan for marketing and promotions. You need a plan for many other business related issues.

Location is vital in putting up a business. A good location will enable a business to thrive and survive while a poor choice of location will lead to a business’ downfall even with good management. When choosing a location consider the traffic, accessibility, customers, competitors, parking, lighting, condition of the building, history and community.

Last possible reason that could lead to a failed business is not adapting to the latest trend in marketing. Nowadays, it is the age of small business online marketing services and a lot of businesses still can’t see how effective this is when it comes to getting customers. And usually, those who failed to see its effectiveness end up losing customers, losing profit and losing their businesses.

Anyone who has experienced losing their business would understand what I would say next. Losing a business is a huge heartbreaking moment. This is why as much as possible avoid it from ever happening.

Affordability an Issue in Buying Cars Today

It is true that we are seeing signs of improvement in our economy and that a lot of people are now having jobs. But still, this doesn’t change the fact that it is still difficult to afford a new car. Even leasing a car is quite costly.

Many of my friends and acquaintances still cannot afford to buy a new car… especially with the pay they have.  Even I had a difficult time acquiring a new car, which is why I understand their concerns with the costs of a car as well as the maintenance and operational costs they would have to take care each month once they finally have a car.

I strongly believe affordability will be a huge issue for most individuals looking for cars today. Many are having a tough time trying to manage their finances, especially if they have other important bills to pay like mortgages, student loans and bank loans.

Furthermore, there’s the issue of rising prices.

Each and every new car that rolls out is becoming more and more expensive as they come with more and more features. And a lot of buyers are put off because of the expensive price tags of new vehicles.

If car manufacturers continue to disregard this, they are sure going to lose their customers in the long run.

What Questions You Should Ask To Movers

Moving Company Reviews

The challenge when it comes to moving is to know which questions you should ask. If you don’t know what to ask, chances are you would go around in circles. Round and round you go. Just asking any questions without getting the answers you need to make that right decision. Furthermore, if you don’t know what questions to ask, definitely you would have difficulties in assessing whether this company is suitable for you or your plan to move.

Fortunately, I have listed down several questions you should when you are interviewing or speaking with movers.

How long have you been in business?

Of course, you should ask movers about this. The rule of thumb when it comes to moving companies is the more years they have in service, the more skills and experience they have in moving. And obviously, if they have been in this business for many years, then that means they must be doing good and a lot of people trust them.

Are you registered or do you have a registration number?

Asking for the registration number is like asking whether they are a legit moving company or not. If they don’t have a registration number or would fail to provide one, then there’s a huge chance that they are illegitimate. And if you move with an illegitimate moving company, you would have no way to go after them once they run away with your money or something similar.

What are your rates and do you have additional fees?

Asking for rates is a natural thing to do. In fact, this should not be forgotten. Hiring moving services means you need for it. And if you don’t know their rates or additional fees, you would compromise not only yourself and pocket but also your belongings. There are a lot of companies that would take your belongings hostage if you don’t pay them you know. KEEP THIS IN MIND!

Are you insured?

When you move, you need protection. That kind of protection is what we call “INSURANCE”. The moving company has to be insured so that in case your belongings or home is damaged, they got it covered.

Do you have complaints against you?

Many moving companies would say they don’t have any complaints against them, but it won’t hurt asking this question.

Can you provide any referrals?

Legitimate and reliable moving companies would always provide referrals of their happy customers. They would also help you by giving you information regarding where you could find moving company reviews Denver.

Worrying Too Much Would Not Help Your Move

Denver Moving Company

It is not easy to move, especially since moving is an arduous process that involves a lot of things like calling the movers Denver, packing your belongings, cleaning your house, throwing unnecessary stuff and deciding when is the best time for you to move. And since moving is a difficult thing, a lot of people would end up having to struggle. They would find themselves rubbing their head because it is already aching thanks to the stressful experience they have to face.

But in my opinion, there’s no need to be stressed about moving. Yes, it is difficult and there are a lot of things to take care of, but there’s no need to dwell on those things. The more you dwell on the difficulties the more stressful it becomes. So relax man! You would only make things even worse if you think too much of your move.

So how worse is worse?

Picture this out, you are about to move, but you are worrying about the huge piano on your living room… more particularly, how would you be able to move it out of your house and in to the new one. Dwelling too much on this problem would not solve the problem. In fact, you are just giving yourself an additional worry and to be honest the solution to this problem would not come from you. You just need to talk to your mover and discuss this problem. Surely, they can provide you an effective solution, which they always do.

More often than not, the problems you worry too much about your move are self-inflicted. Like for instance, you are worrying about the possibility that your vases, fragile and important items might be damaged during the move. If you don’t want to worry about this, then you should pack and secure them yourself until you are satisfied they wouldn’t get damaged.

So, if you are about to move you shouldn’t worry too much because worrying too much would not help at all.


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Category Archives: Blog

Old Wooden House

Restore Your Wooden Building With The Help Of A Commercial Water Damage Company

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Old wooden buildings can be really hard to restore and maintain because they are susceptible to many more environmental factors than your average home. Homes are shielded by insulation, siding, sheetrock, and paint. Wooden buildings are just wood, if they are kept in all of their original, beautiful glory. Unfortunately, when disaster strikes and your wooden building suffers, you may have to call in the big guns to keep that amazing property in one piece.

Keeping It Maintained

Historically speaking, wood was not treated in any kind of special way, leaving it vulnerable to the harsh elements of the outdoors. It’s most common that the wood is ruined by fungus and bugs such as termites and carpenter ants. When moisture gets into the wood, it’s difficult for it to be released. This is what makes the fungus grow and ruin the wood. Fortunately, there are ways to preserve the wood so that this doesn’t happen.

Wood Protecting Finish

Wood protecting finish is more readily available now than it was many years ago. This type of finish will protect the wood from harmful UV rays like sunscreen protects our skin. It is one of the main factors of aging in wood boards. The variety of products available for wood finish is outstanding. Some require multiple uses and some only require one, it all depends on personal preference.

Don’t Let Water Take Over

Heavy RainsRain happens and when it does, don’t let it sit. Wood sucks up water like a sponge, especially very soft wood like oak or maple. If this happens and your business is run out of this wooden structure, you need to ensure that you assess the situation immediately. Unfortunately, floods do happen, and if that’s the case, it can be quite difficult to control This would be the prime opportunity to contact a good restoration company to help you out before your business and building is destroyed.

Wood Treatment Options

Treating the wood is more than just slapping some finish on it. There are actually multiple options for treating the wood on your commercial building.

These are great for protecting against fungi, mildew, mold, and insects. The biocides in these treatments are safe for humans and animals to be around, but they are not safe for the insects that want to gnaw on the wood, which is a good thing.

This is kind of like the finish coatings, but it’s an actual sunblock for your wooden structure. It’s a pigmented preservative that mitigates the effects of the UV rays of the sun that can cause damage to the wood.

Green Products 33004 Copper Brown Wood PreservativeThe most important role in a preservative is to repel water-woods most common enemy. As we already know, water promotes mold and mildew growth and attracts all kinds of nasty critters and airborne gunk. These are usually applied once every 3-5 years, but it can vary depending on the climate where you live.

Borate Treatments

Boracare Nisus Borate Wood Treatment

If your commercial building is a “log home”, then it will most likely be treated with borate. This is done by dipping the logs in tanks filled with a solution of borate, infusing them with a preservative through pressure treating.

If you are just starting to build your structure, once the logs are placed on the site, they should be treated with a cleaning solution to remove the glaze made by the mill, grime from the road, and mud & dirt accumulated during the building process. These can all prevent the preservatives and finished form sticking to the wood.

Preserving your wooden building, whether old or new, may seem like a difficult task, but it’s really not. Water is one of the worst things that could possibly hit your structure, so make sure that you get it cleaned up as soon as you possibly can. Old buildings are beautiful and they should be maintained to keep all of their functionality and glory.

Common Materials for your Home and Roof

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Roofing Material

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Wooden homes should not be forgotten. It is something that people in the old times used to live in and they were living fine and carefree.

But, if there is one important thing to note when planning to build a wooden home, it is that it must have a good roof. This is important because the roof’s role is to protect the walls of the home, and if it is made of wood, it will need all the protection it could get.

Hence, it is important to know what materials for roofing are available that you can choose from. One of the most common roofing materials is the Asphalt shingles. This type of roof is also known to be called as Composite shingles. It is a very common roof material that was once offered only in gray or black, but has now improved into different colors and designs. Some shingles look like wood and even asphalt. This material is easy to replace because it is popular, thus there are a lot of supplies. However, it is a very tricky roof material to use because it needs to be done properly and during a time without rain. Hence, when working with asphalt shingles, it is best to have professional roofers do the job for you.

Another common roofing material is the Rolled Roof. This roof material is very cheap and it comes in the store, rolled up. All you have to do is lay it over your roof foundation and unroll it, and hold it in place with nails or other adhesives that you prefer. This roof is best used for shed and workshops because it has almost no aesthetic value and should not be donned by your home unless you want a very simple and less complicated roof. It has its merits because it can hold back moisture, making it a very strong roof against rain, which is what your garden shed needs.

Whatever material you choose for your house, it is still best to understand that you should choose it for yourself, and choose what you want. Expert opinions may have bearing, but in the end, it is your decision that should pull through. And, if you want wood for your home, then so be it and be proud of it.

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The Fiery Furnaces

Performing Arts

Fiery Furnaces
The Fiery Furnaces
Sat, Oct 8, 2005 9 PM
Marvel at the "carnival sideshow wonder of the Fiery Furnaces in concert."—Magnet

Miss Alex White & the Red Orchestra open the show. The Fiery Furnaces (Eleanor and Matthew Friedberger) continue to confound easy expectations with willful glee. The sister and brother duo work their strange sonic magic with songs that resist conventional structure and range from poetically elliptical and airy to spiky and manically frenzied. The two are touring in support of their new album, Rehearsing My Choir, which features guest vocals and other contributions from their grandmother Olga. .)

Experience Columbus Days
Save on tickets to The Fiery Furnaces and The River, screening in the Film/Video Theater October 8-9 at 2 pm, and save on merchandise in the Wexner Center Store during Experience Columbus Days, October 7ñ10. Click on the link at left to find out how.

11 AM - 6 PM
Information Desk
9 AM - 6 PM
CLOSED Monday 5/29 for Memorial Day.
8 AM - 4 PM
CLOSED Monday 5/29 for Memorial Day.
Wexner Center Store
10 AM - 6 PM
CLOSED Monday 5/29 for Memorial Day.


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Good To Go

The Commuter Challenge

The 2017 Good To Go Commuter Challenge is ready for YOU! The challenge is a friendly competition between individuals, teams and workplaces to commute sustainably for a week. Any mode counts, including bus, bike, walk, or carpool. Just don't drive alone. Recreational trips or exercise does not count.

If you can make it work, you can save money on gas. If you can REALLY make it work, you could downsize by a car, saving $9-11,000 per year!

Are you Good To Go? Sign up anytime and get your friends to sign up. complete just one commute between May 15-21 and you could win a $200 Visa gift card.

Light the Night

Get your free bike lights Thursday, Sept 1, 2016 north of Uptown Circle. Bring your bike. Any bike with no or non-working lights gets free LED front and rear lights!

Good to Go is a partner with Connect Transit, The Town of Normal and Bike BloNo.

Connect Transit

Connect Transit in Bloomington Normal is facing a problem, an aging fleet of busses and capital money tied up in operations because the state isn't paying its share. Isaac Thorne is the Interim General Manager for the bus system.

"The majority of our busses are 2004, 2005 busses. And we have eight 1998s. We hope we can replace six in 2018 which would bring us down to needing seventeen," said Thorne.

Staff / WGLT

A new mobility program in the community has “great potential,” according to the Town of Normal Mayor. Bike Share 309, operated by Zagster, launched on Monday. Zagster provides bike share services to small and medium sized populations across the nation.

Ralph Weisheit / WGLT

The Long Range Transportation survey conducted by the McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC)  late last year is providing direction for the organization's Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The eventual blueprint will help guide transportation planning in the county for the next two decades.

Cristian Jaramillio / WGLT

The West Bloomington Revitalization Project (WBRP) is acquiring new property and expanding its scope of services. The organization has announced it is purchasing the former Jesus House at 724 W. Washington Street and will consolidate its operations into the location, which will feature a bike co-op.

Staff / WGLT

Illinois Wesleyan University students are now able to ride Connect Transit buses free.

The Student Senate and Connect Transit have a pilot program offering universal access, much as ISU students have.

Emma Shores / WGLT

Future development could someday trigger the need for an East Side Highway. But a new, detailed study of the environmental impact of the possible highway route located approximately a mile east of Towanda Barnes road includes suggestions that could push off the need for decades.

Zagster will provide a bike sharing program in Normal, which could be fully operational in 4 to 6 weeks. The Town of Normal will provide the majority of funding for the service, with sponsorship from Advocate Bromenn Medical Center.

Normal Council To Consider Bike Sharing

Sep 5, 2016

The Twin Cities could have a bike sharing program soon. Normal Town Council members will vote on a contract with Zagster, which provides the service for small towns and universities.

Staff / WGLT

The Bloomington City Council has agreed to move forward with an October 10 public hearing for a Tax Increment Financing district in downtown.

Paul Sableman / Flickr

At Monday's meeting of the Bloomington City Council, Aldermen will vote on a formal rejection of the downtown hotel proposal brought forward by developer Jeff Giebelhausen.

Mike Miletich / WGLT

A new era of public transportation is driving into the Twin Cities. Connect Transit is launching a completely redesigned bus system with new routes, increased bus frequency, and for the first time ever, Sunday service. Connect Transit General Manager Andrew Johnson said the new system is a "game changer" for Bloomington-Normal.

Michael Hill / WGLT

People in the Twin Cities are reacting to the Connect Transit route and schedule overhaul that will start on August 15th. Sheila Eskew of Bloomington said she's happy with the changes.

Staff / WGLT

The Normal Town Council has unanimously approved a Complete Streets resolution. The policy establishes rules for making streets and sidewalks accessible to people using any form of transportation.

City Manager Mark Peterson said budget is a consideration when implementing a Complete Streets upgrade and some improvements are not financially supportable. Peterson said there is enough flexibility to make adjustments in street design based upon the existing conditions.

Normal Council To Consider 'Complete Streets' Policy

Jul 31, 2016
IvoShandor / Wikimedia Commons

A formal Complete Streets proposal is under consideration at Monday's Normal Town Council meeting. If approved, the resolution would further establish rules for making streets and sidewalks accessible to people using all forms of transportation.

Connect Transit

Connect Transit General Manager Andrew Johnson is speaking out against the 2016 Republican Platform released last week at the Republican National Convention. The document calls for the removal of Highway Trust Fund money from public transit systems such as Connect Transit in Bloomington-Normal.

Ralph Weisheit

During a Bloomington council discussion of a complete streets policy, 4th Ward Alderman Amelia Buragas introduced two related resolutions. She said the resolutions to add transparency to a traffic committee and to hire a traffic engineer would complement a complete streets ordinance.

Eric Sehr / Flickr

Both Bloomington and Normal are moving toward possible adoption of so called complete streets policies. Bloomington aldermen will discuss the policy at their “committee of the whole” meeting Monday evening (June 20).

Michael Hill / WGLT

Connect Transit is asking for feedback on a proposal that would provide limited service to people that will be cut off when new routes and schedules are put in place this August. The plan would provide morning and afternoon service during peak times in northern Normal and southwestern Bloomington.

Staff / WGLT

Some drivers might think a street with curbs, a center line, and plenty of room for traffic is a complete street. But a specific policy adopted by more 730 agencies across the U.S. involves much more.

Both Bloomington and Normal could have such a policy in place this summer that would change how the two communities view a street's uses and users.

Connect Transit To Vote On Route Changes After Delay

May 22, 2016
Jim Browne / WGLT

The Connect Transit Board of Trustees will vote on proposed route and schedule changes for the Twin Cities after taking an additional three weeks to consider the proposal. Trustee Jennifer McDade, who moved to table the plan at the last meeting, said they've made progress since three weeks ago.

2016 Bike To Work Day

May 9, 2016

Bloomington-Normal celebrates Bike To Work day, thanks to Bike BloNo, The Friends of the Constitution Trail, Coffee Hound, and Cravin' Donuts! It's all to encourage to you participate in the Good To Go Commuter Challenge!

Are You Good To Go?

May 3, 2016

The Good To Go Commuter Challenge is back! After a year off, and a lot of hard work from McLean County Regional Planning Commission (MCRPC), the week-long challenge returns May 16-22.

Your next chance to register is at the first outdoor Downtown Bloomington Farmers' Market of the season May 7.  Anyone who registers, and then logs at least one commute, will be eligible for a $200 Visa gift card.

Normal Council To Hear Connect Transit Changes

Apr 4, 2016
Connect Transit

Connect Transit will present proposed bus system changes in the Twin Cities to the Normal Town Council tonight. Council members will not be asked to approve the changes brought forward by the analysis at the meeting. The Transit Board will look more closely at the proposal at their meeting next month, with the final changes slated to begin in August.

About Good To Go

Mar 30, 2016

The price may fluctuate, but over the long run the price of gas will only go up.  Good To Go can help set you on a more environmentally AND economically sustainable path! Good to Go is an ongoing community wide project designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and promote the use of alternative transportation instead of driving alone. The initiative's primary event is an annual Commuter Challenge, a friendly competition between individuals, teams and workplaces.

Connect Transit

Bloomington-Normal’s bus system is making it  easier for customers and drivers to handle fares. Connect Transit is installing 53 automatic fare boxes, one on every fixed route and Connect Mobility bus.  Public Outreach Coordinator Gabe Goldsmith says the electronic fare collection system includes mobile ticketing via smart phones and cards with magnetic strips, similar to those issued by parking decks.


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36k runners prepare for first Boston Marathon since bombings

This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

36,000 runners are getting ready for the Boston Marathon on Monday, one year after two bombs at the finish line cut the race short.

Three people were killed and more than 260 others were injured in the attack.

Participants are focused on finishing this year, running on the mantra “Boston Strong.”

9,000 more runners are registered this year than last, many of them were victims of the bombings.

One million spectators are also expected to line the 26.2 mile course to cheer them on. Some say it’s appropriate that the marathon is being run on Patriot’s Day.

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Building Community at the Club: An Insider’s Recap of WAAAM’s 5th Annual Las Vegas Mixer

Las Vagas_Drais

WAAAM (Wharton Association of Asian-American MBAs) may be known on campus as a club that hosts some great banquets – but its flagship event is the annual Las Vegas Inter-MBA Mixer event, where students from top MBA programs come together for a weekend-long networking & party experience in Las Vegas. Last year’s event included visits to Encore Beach Club and XS, with Zedd and David Guetta. The event has become legendary for good reason, as the party is the highlight of the year for many – it certainly was for me. I wasn’t involved in WAAAM as a first year, but after experiencing the magic of the event firsthand, I felt compelled to join the leadership team, and was eventually appointed as Chair of the Planning Committee. The 5th Annual Las Vegas Inter-MBA Mixer event was hosted at the Venetian this past weekend, growing to over 450 attendees across 17 different business schools, making for an extraordinary experience for all that attended – and an immense but worthwhile challenge for our team.

Friday for Attendees:  With the help of Twine (aka ClassmateMatch), all attendees were slotted into Pods – groups based on common interests / values prior to the event to get conversations started. But our event officially kicked off on Friday afternoon as attendees from Boston to Los Angeles descended upon Las Vegas to check in and meet their new friends. After dinner at world-class restaurants like Tao and Bouchon, the party continued in the pre-game suites, filled with glowsticks, balloons, and decorations of all kinds – so fun! As the clock struck midnight, we entered the legendary XS at the Wynn, enjoying bottle service at our exclusive tables and cabanas, dancing the night away to Alesso’s uplifting, hard-hitting beats.

My Friday: I wake up to 250 messages and 7 missed calls. Weather forecasts call for a 70% chance of precipitation and 50-degree weather – a downer to our event at XS given that we reserved outdoor tables. Jumping into a Zipcar to buy supplies for our pre-game events mere hours away, I scramble to call every other club to scrounge together a backup event hours away. LIGHT at Mandalay Bay answers my RFP with a compelling indoor bid within our budget – but it’s a DJ no one has ever heard of. The deal is on the table for three hours. Should we change it? Yes! No. Maybe? I tell my committee we should move it. They tell me I should have a drink.

Las Vagas_group

More phone calls. Thanks to VPOTUS Biden making a visit, all flights into Vegas are put on hold, delaying attendees for hours. But I notice the continuous wave of Facebook posts about the event – attendees are excited with anticipation. I put on a suit and run to my dinner reservation for 8 – but there are 20 people waiting, claiming to be part of my party. I look puzzled, they look hungry, the waitstaff looks unamused. After some frantic chatter with the manager, Tao squeezes us into a group table – a miracle at 8PM on Friday. During dinner I look again at the weather map and notice a menacing green blob hover over Las Vegas, slowly moving eastward – but the chance of precipitation falls to 30%. Why not take a gamble? I’m in Vegas, after all. We turn down LIGHT – and they’re not pleased. But surrounded by my encouraging friends at the dinner table, I feel bulletproof, confident we made the right call.

I run to the pre-game suites and put on a smile to mask my worry, sparking up conversation to distract my mind and stop myself from looking out the window every 20 seconds. Eventually we arrive at XS – and somehow, the rain stops the moment we set foot outside – and the magic of the night starts. Attendees file into the tables. The cocktails are as free-flowing as the conversation, and as Alesso takes the stage, I hear dozens of glasses clink around me and notice a sea of smiles nearby. I finally have that drink.

Las Vagas_board

Saturday for Attendees:  After a great first night out, attendees had an early lunch before going to Marquee Day Club for an epic daytime party, featuring powerhouse DJ Dash Berlin. A little drizzle couldn’t stop our group from taking over the entire pool! After some down time, guests went to dinner before our final destination for the night – Drai’s Nightclub at the Cromwell! Hip-hop / R&B megastar Trey Songz shut down the entire venue for an incredible concert experience to close out our amazing weekend.

My Saturday: Another slew of missed calls and messages to start the morning. We scramble to clean up the mess left by 400 guests before the hotel kicks us out for check-out at 12. Rounding up 14 others joining me for a table at Marquee is a challenge – half are hung over, half are still asleep – but we eventually head over in a cab. The skies look sinister as we drive past the Bellagio fountain.  Upon arrival, we find that the table line is long, as the weather has created logistical issues, as poolside tables are moved to the club indoors. My phone starts to ring non-stop. Encore Beach Club, where many others planned to go, is shut down completely, and everyone is rushing to join our party at Marquee, which leaves us to have some tough conversations turning people down. But for those of us that make it into Marquee, the party is unreal. A little rain is meaningless when you’re already in a pool, right? As Dash Berlin’s music shakes the floor, I’m beaming as I witness 100+ strangers-turned-friends eagerly splashing water at each other – the energy in the pool is electric.

Las Vagas_DayClub

As I leave Marquee I receive a call from Drai’s, as they abruptly decide to double our minimum spend 2 hours before our event, as rain has removed outdoor table supply, driving up prices for tables indoors. Citing our executed contract, we push back, and they simply refuse. After much discussion, we come to a compromise after reshuffling the format and throwing in more dollars – the event is salvaged in the eleventh hour. Soon after our guests enter, the night really begins as Trey Songz puts on an incredible performance. Some hip-hop is exactly what it takes to bring the party to the next level, as I see our group get up, and get down. “Bottoms Up” is right, Mr. Songz. I raise a glass to congratulate my team, and take in the rest of the night – we’ve successfully thrown a party that no one will ever forget.

Las Vagas_hot

Despite the tremendous fun that we had this past weekend, it makes me reflect upon months of preparation that our committee spent pulling it off, and seeing nearly all of it unravel at the last minute. Forming my team of 7, negotiating with every venue / luxury hotel on the Strip, coordinating with leaders from other schools, and being ambassadors on behalf of Wharton were all complex tasks that required the utmost professionalism. Thinking back, I’m amused to realize that I re-did my entire curriculum in the throes of a grand Las Vegas rager. First there was ACCT 742 – Problems in Financial Reporting (and Telling Your Treasurer You Spent $100,000 Before Selling Any Tickets). Then MKTG 754 – Developing Pricing Policy (That Will Get Girls To Come to Vegas and Guys To Subsidize Them). Some classes held exams nonstop, like LGST 806 – Negotiations (Against Drai’s When Forecasts Change to 80% Chance of Precipitation).  The most important class of all was, of course, MGMT 610 – Foundations of Teamwork and Leadership (and Appearing Calm In Front of Your Committee When You Are On the Verge of a Complete Meltdown After Realizing You May Have Bankrupted The Club And Angered 450 People).

When I first arrived at Wharton, I prioritized my career at the expense of social activities. Despite my strong Korean-American identity, I even first approached WAAAM with as much skepticism as I did curiosity. But business school has a funny way of changing your life, I suppose. Engaging in extracurricular activities like this one somehow end up teaching you more about academics, professionalism, and leadership than any class or EIS could.

Las Vagas_XS

WAAAM could sponsor a small group dinner for 4, or a party for 400, but the objective is always the same – to foster community through imaginative social programming. Knowing that I played a part in meeting that goal gives me a rewarding sense of accomplishment no professional milestone could. But perhaps the greatest irony of experiencing an event hosted by a diversity-focused club was realizing that we’re all actually the same. Asian or not, regardless of school, creed, color, or background, all of our attendees deeply embraced the opportunity to get to know each other better, and have a great time – and that reminder is something we can all use in this day and age, time and again. So despite all of the sleepless nights, the tough conversations, and the countless obligations that come with being a leader at Wharton – it is for these reasons that leading the Vegas Committee has been the best thing I have done in business school. I’d even do it again if I could. (Unless it’s raining again next year, ugh.)

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Saturday, December 13, 2014

AIFF 2014: Barefoot Artist and Coney Island

Barefoot Artist turned out to be a really good documentary.  Maybe.  I have some second thoughts, but I can't deny I was pulled right into the story from the beginning and the movie traveled far - geographically and emotionally, and raised lots of questions about art, fulfilling one's own destiny, and duty to others.  More on this later after I've thought it through.

Alessandra Giordano after Coney Island

Coney Island, Dreams For Sale was yet another film that shows the how hope and dreams can inspire a community  and how a film maker can be entangled into a long terms commitment to a story.  Like Divide In Concord,  Coney Island followed community organizing over a public decision,  The film showed a wide variety of interesting characters and pulled a lot of loose ends together well.

I also saw Last Stop, Flamingo.  There were a lot of interesting parts here - I liked the animation between parts.  I didn't get a sense of it all fitting totally together, though there was a theme of the present and the past and change as he looked at different people and places that reflected unfulfilled dreams, and change over the centuries.  The film reflects a lot of talent.

I also realized that I could use the back of the Museum's auditorium to walk back and forth while watching Flamingo.  I really needed to be doing something other than sitting.  I think for just one movie, sitting is fine.  Especially if you can walk or bike to and from the movie.  But for a festival where you're watching two or three or more movies a day, there's a need to move around while watching.

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Thursday, January 05, 2017

The Ticking Clock

I've often felt out of step with our time-pressured, outcome-measuring society, and never more than now.

I find myself at the end of cashier's lines, as the next person's items start piling up before I've packed and removed my bags. I feel slow as I put away my receipts, while quickly around me the world speeds on.

Today I went through a Tim Horton's drive-through and the Tim's card I had loaded with $20 the week before, registered no cash, due to some kind of issue that I will resolve, but in the meantime I needed to pay for the tea I had ordered. After only a few seconds of searching, since I carry and use little cash anymore, the cashier waved me through without having to pay. I have a feeling that had to do with the fact that I was holding up the line behind me.

Later on I went to pick up some colour swatches from our local paint store as we are painting our kitchen and bathroom. I had a list of colour numbers, as I had done some homework on the store's website, and was doing fine in finding swatches I'd chosen. I had been there less than a minute, I am sure, when a middle-aged man approached me with an intense and intrusive gaze saying, "I can help you find what you're looking for a lot faster."

I politely declined his help, but he persisted, "If you just call out the numbers I can get them."

Why? I thought to myself, but, "They are all right here," I said, gesturing towards the display in front of me, as if I needed to explain. Thankfully he backed away.

I left the store with my selection, wondering why the whole world seems to be in such a hurry.

Workers these days in all kinds of industries seem to have quotas that are measured. The motions with which they work are studied and analysed because time equals money. You can see the subtle cues everywhere in the smooth methodical ways every process in commercial businesses run, which isn't completely a bad thing except maybe the underlying premise is.

Should money be the prime value driving our society? Care for the elderly, is carried out by workers who have only time to do essential care tasks but have no time to interact--no time to listen or converse for they are being watched and pressured to do more in less time. No wonder they find this stressful as they chose that field because they care for the people they work with on a human level. People need more than food and bathing in order to survive. We cannot forget this.

Years ago when I began working with people with disabilities, they taught me that rushing was counter-productive--and would often result in much more time spent than if I had been patient and supported someone at their own pace in the first place. One of the gifts in my continuing friendships with people with disabilities is the slower pace with which they regulate the world around them, to good effect.

After years of trying to do more in less time, my time related goals now include trying to be more "in the moment" and to do one thing at a time, rather than multi-tasking.

Let's go counter-culture, be okay with slowing down--write a real letter or note to someone instead of an email; lose track of time with a friend; really listen to that voice at the end of the phone--and have patience with the world around you if things aren't going as fast as you'd like.

Being rich is having money; being wealthy is having time.
Margaret Bonnano

Leslie said...

Love this.

arils and castles said...

I have to admit that it is natural for me to rush and to multi task and to sometimes want to hurry others along for the sake of efficiency - especially feel that pressure at work - however I have been trying to learn to slow down and honour others - not just in the tasks of the "doing", but in the gift of presence and time. So thank you for the reminder and affirmation that I do not need to give into the demands of the pressure to keep to the crazy pace and that value is in the person not just the numerous tasks!

Janet Martin said...

amen! I prefer homemaking to house-keeping! House-keeping is when I dash about jotting chores from my must-do list. Home-making is slow and deliberate and full of little love-touches! Thank-you SO much for writing my heart here!

Belinda Burston said...

Oh, Janet, kindred spirited sister--I'm with you! And I love your example of the difference between housekeeping and homemaking. After I wrote the post, I thought about a poem we read in public school. It's by W. H. Davies and is titled, "Leisure." I wondered if it had influenced me subliminally. :)Here it is:

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

Belinda Burston said...

Nicole, my artist friend, I so understand the pressure of this season of life that you're in. By nature you would not rush, but the world we live in is so driven. Studies I've heard about recently are saying that people are actually more productive when they get adequate rest and breaks. I wouldn't be surprised if that's true.

Sherry Stahl said...

I love what you've written. Sadly I'm one of those multi-tasking rushers. It's a struggle within to slow down. I want to make sure I master this before chaos masters me. Thanks for your words of wisdom shared.
~Sherry Stahl

Belinda Burston said...

Thank you for pausing long enough to read, Sherry. Busyness is easier to lament than fix. Ask me how I know. :)


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Friday, 29 June 2012

Soap & Glory Body Scrubs & Butter- Boots 3 for 2

I bought these three little pots as part of the 3 for 2 offer on at boots, so overall it cost me about a fiver which I think is reasonable for what I got. They are all 50ml so are good for travel or if like me you just want to test something out before you buy a large pot then it is ideal. I would say the pot gives you 1 & 1/2 goes.
The first one I tried was the Scrub 'em and Leave 'em body buff and used while in the bath and then rinsed off in the shower. It consists of small pink beads and bigger pieces of salt (see the pink swatch below) - which did the trick to buff away old skin but I found the large chunks of salt were flying everywhere (maybe im just messy!) The Babassu oil left my skin a little greasy and did not need any body cream after. I think that oils do not suit my skin type!
The second one (and my favourite) is the Flake Away body scrub, which compared to the Scrub 'em and Leave 'em had very fine grains. I preferred the finer grain because it felt like I was getting a more intense scrub and really felt refreshed after (see the brown swatch below)
I followed this with The Righteous Butter which has more of a cream consistency so it sank in quickly but I would not really call it a body butter. Having said that I did really like this and it smells gorgeous! all three are quite perfumed, you might want to avoid using them just before bed if smells irritate you at night.
Overall  - Flake Away I would buy this scrub again, The Righteous Butter - was nice but I think I will try something else next time, Scrub 'em and Leave 'em - not for me

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Wish List....

Green Mini Flap Over Bag - £30 - River Island  / Amalie Leopard Studded Boots £95.00 - Topshop / Spike End Collar Necklace £20.00 Topshop  / Lion Head Necklace - H&M

Tuesday, 26 June 2012

MUA Eyebrow Pencil

I normally use a dark brown eye shadow to fill in my eyebrows and give them a bit of shape, but for a change I fancied giving an eyebrow pencil a go. I thought I would go for a cheapie to start and went for MUA – I have not tried anything from this brand yet so killed two birds with one stone. I opted for the brunette shade as I thought the blonde shade looked a little too light and it comes with a handy eyebrow brush on the other end too. At £1 I think this is a bit of a bargain for what you get, the colour is nice, it glides on really easily and the brush helps to blend and shape. Overall a good buy for a quid! The only difficulty with me is that I have blonde hair (ahem not natural) but have naturally dark eyebrows, so I don’t want to make by brows look like ( as my husband kindly said when I was having a play around) two dark slugs on my face! Charming. So there is a fine line between getting it right and over doing it, I think using the blending brush more and the pencil less is the key to this one for me. Next time I will try a lighter shade but not sure if it will be as effective- any suggestions?

Thursday, 21 June 2012

Dior Cannage Palette

I have had this palette for quite a while now and do not use it very often, but now I have got it out and had a play around I think this will be out to stay :-)
Part of the travel collection, this palette has both day and night options, my daily eye palette is Dior as well and has very similar creams and browns in it. I adore the packaging, the purple gloss lady Dior quilted finish is fab! definitely makes using the palette feel more luxurious. Today I used the purple and pink shades to create a soft smoky look, also using the white as a highlighter. I also used the brown shadow to fill in my eyebrows - with it being a travel palette it needs to be versatile.

Do you have any Dior palettes?

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Karl Lagerfeld Black Diamond Collar

Wow, I have to say it is impressive – made with black diamonds and a hydrothermal emerald, Karl Lagerfeld has impressed again. This collar is a one off hand crafted piece inspired by his own style, at the bargain price of £29,000 - you better get in there quick if you want to buy it as an exclusive from If it is a tad on the expensive side, you can go and stare longingly at it @ London’s Masterpiece art fair from June 28th – July 4th
When would I wear it? Everday at that price, walking the dogs, cooking dinner and even with my jim jams

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Illamasqua Wayward Nails

Many bloggers have been raving about Illamasqua cosmetics, I have often had a sneek peek when I am in Selfridges but I came across the boutique while in London and thought I would try something. I was drawn in by the luscious rainbow of colours of nail varnishes – I have been after a yellow shade ever since I saw Chanel’s 2011 Yellow Mimosa which I never got round to buying.
I could not decide between two shades – the lighter of the two would probably sit better with the pastel shades in trend but I opted for the more vibrant colour - Wayward.
I also love the look of the Naked Strangers collection – has anyone tried anything from this collection yet?

Monday, 18 June 2012

Tatty Devine

 Have any of you been to one of the Tatty Devine boutiques in London? I stumbled across it on my trip to London at the weekend and just had to buy something. Tatty Devine are known for their perspex designs particularly names and words which you can have made for you. I chose a classic piece - the moustashe ring! it is so quirky and fun (I am having hours of fun putting in on Maggie & Mojo he he!) Do you have any Tatty Devine pieces? If you do not have any take a look at their website for some inspiration! I also like the watermelon pieces and the swallows, think I will add them to the list!

Sunday, 17 June 2012

London Calling

Where have I been? London baby, London! Me and my Hubby fancied a few days in the big smoke. The main reason we went was to see the Louboutin exhibition which is now on at the design museum :-) I have written another post on it as it was sooo fabulous! We spent the weekend site seeing and window shopping, with a few cheeky purchases from Tatty Devine and Illamasqua (again more posts to follow)
We stumbled across the rehearsal for Trooping the Colour for the Queens birthday, I got some great photos of the soldiers in their finery, a man in uniform...ahem.
A few glasses of fizz in Selfridges and a lovely meal at Butlers Wharf Chop House topped off a lovely weekend!

This is as far as my celeb spotting went!
My gorgeous Husband x

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You can only take 5 memories with you

What Mel Did - You can only take five memories with you
Image credit: Melinda Fargo

Before any big event, he would always say “You’ve got this.” That’s a memory I keep with me.

Hmm, I’m going away and can only take five memories with me…? Gosh, this is hard.

But this writing exercise may help me focus on what is important going forward. Important enough to invest in a memory worth keeping. With that in mind, I am going to theme the five memories I will be taking with me to this pretend desert island:

1. Life is unfair  Now effing and blinding has its place. How else do we navigate life sometimes without carrying around a daily head of steam? Yet, with the temptation to feel stuck, this memory will be a good one that unfairness need not derail us.

2. I am loved – My children and my dear family and friends will be the memory to keep me motivated and feel worthy of surviving another day.

3. How hard can it be? – This is the question which usually sees me attempting and acquiring a new skill. I suspect the question will be useful when this non-swimmer contemplates making a swim for it. After all, millions of people know how to swim – how hard can it be?

4. Death is not final – Bronnie is the memory I will draw on here. Before any big event in my life, Bronnie would always say: “You’ve got this.” But just in case I don’t got this(!), it will be comforting to know that my children will carry on and lead fulfilling lives because of the influence Bronnie and I have left behind. (And also because I’ve told them not to piss away their lives if I die. To remember the dreams we had.)

5. Expect a miracle – There are times when I believed my hand to be all played out and, like a miracle, a solution or a break showed up. I could put this down to my will, but it hasn’t always felt like that. Whether a miracle on the island happens or not, just knowing that it could will keep hope alive.

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Tom Parrot of Excell Color Graphics on the evolution of the business and attending Graph Expo

Published on October 16, 2012

Tom Parrot, President of Excell Color Graphics talks to Pat Henry about the origins of the company that started as a prepress shop, the evolution of the business, and the value in coming to Graph Expo.

Pat Henry: This is Pat Henry, WhatTheyThink. Graph Expo 2012. With us this afternoon is Tom Parrot. Tom is President of Excell Color Graphics, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Tom, thanks for being with us.

Tom Parrot: You got it. Thank you.

Pat Henry: Tom, I understand your business began life not as a printing company but as a prepress house. So that’s always an interesting story. Can you tell us how that happened and why and how you equipped for your role as a printer.

Tom Parrot: Started out as a prepress house in 1990 and the previous owner named Excell Color Graphics Excell Color Graphics because he wanted to excel at color. Kind of an interesting story instead of naming it by his last name. And I purchased the company from Jerry Blaising in 2006. And obviously the prepress got phased out because of the local printers were all getting into prepress themselves with the desktop era.

Pat Henry: Not much room for a trade shop anymore.

Tom Parrot: Not much at all. So we dove into printing. Jerry invested in printing equipment in 1997 and was basically a full blown commercial printer at that time. And I kind of befriended him along the way and saw how he ran his business, got involved and, like I said, bought it in 2006. And we had a lot of dated and outdated workflow and printing equipment and decided to look at some other avenues for printing.

Pat Henry: And what were some of those other avenues? How did you equip or what did you acquire?

Tom Parrot: One of the things that – one of our areas of frustration was we had many different suppliers that were supplying us the different pieces of equipment and workflow and software. And I was sitting here actually last year looking at the Heidelberg presentation and thought, “You know what? That really would fit us pretty well.” So that’s when I decided to start taking a hard look at that.

Pat Henry: And would that have been their Prinect Workflow Architecture? And, okay, how thoroughly are you Prinected?

Tom Parrot: We actually – with the goal in mind of putting in an offset press, 40-inch, six color. We started that as what our goal was going to be and then we started thinking about how we needed to feed into that situation. So we actually started out with a platesetter first. Got into their total Prinect Workflow Business Manager and then put in an Excel 105.

Pat Henry: Okay, well that was as a result of attending Graph Expo and leads naturally to the next question. You’re back here again in 2012. Why is it worth the time of a company president to be away from the shop for two or three days. Expense related – why does that make sense for you to be here?

Tom Parrot: Well we started to get into digital equipment and wide format printing and really interested – that seems to be an area of our business that is growing quite a bit so just looking at the technology involved with wide format and digital printing.

Pat Henry: Okay, well Tom, we certainly wish you a good show. There’s a lot to see here and we’ll keep an eye on you if that’s alright.

Tom Parrot: Okay, I’d appreciate that.

Pat Henry: Okay, thanks so much. Pat Henry, WhatTheyThink.

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Jeffco schools

New schools, new faces, new friends

Visit Day gives Pleasant View students a chance to preview what fall will bring

Fourth-grader Brooklyn Guerra really likes art.

So on Visit Day, Guerra had fun decorating a puzzle piece with her current classmates at Welchester Elementary School and her future ones, like Amber Ayres, from Pleasant View Elementary.

“We wrote our name and colored them and gave them to Mr. Morvay, our art teacher,” Guerra said. “The puzzle piece represents how we are all different — different styles and personalities. I think we also did it because even though we are all different, we are connected, like a puzzle.”

The activity gave Ayres, a third-grader, an opportunity to meet new friends and learn something new about the school she will be attending next year.

“You drew about your personality,” Ayres said, “and then they are going to get connected in one big shape of an eagle, because that’s the mascot.”

Visit Day took place on May 8. The two-hour event allowed students from Pleasant View an opportunity to build relationships and familiarize themselves with the school they will attend next year. After 57 years, Pleasant View will close its doors for good at the end of this school year. The school’s last day is May 23.

Next school year, Pleasant View students will attend Shelton, 420 Crawford St., or Welchester, 13000 W. 10th Ave., in Golden. Both schools are roughly three miles from Pleasant View. Students requiring a special needs program may attend Kyffin Elementary School, 205 S. Flora Way, also in Golden.

Since the announcement of the closure in February, Pleasant View staff has been working with teachers and administrators at Welchester and Shelton elementaries to ensure the transition is positive for students and families. Visit Day provided an opportunity to follow through with the ongoing theme: Friends We Haven’t Met Yet.

“We were trying to show them they are welcome and that they have a place to go even though their school is closing,” said Taran Andersen, a fourth-grader at Welchester.

It’s important to know where everything is and be familiar with a new school, added Kallie Baldwin, also a fourth-grader at Welchester. “I think we were trying to make it feel like home and comfortable.”

Shelton and Welchester sixth-graders, who will be attending Bell Middle School next year, proudly gave tours of their schools to the visitors.

“I tried to highlight the teachers so that they (new students) can have someone to talk to and learn from,” said sixth-grader Lily Barton, who attends Shelton. “We have great teachers here who really care about you.”

One goal of Visit Day was to allow every student an opportunity to interact with one another, said Shelton’s fifth-grade teachers, Lindsey Cole, Jaime Erickson and Debra McClure.

“All students got a chance to see that their future classmates are like them in many ways,” Cole said.

“I enjoyed sitting around and telling everyone about ourselves with the yummy M&Ms,” said Hailee Beckloff, a third-grader at Shelton, describing a get-to-know-you game the students played.

Based on the color of an M&M, students would tell their classmates something about themselves, explained Danielle Barton, a fourth-grader at Shelton.

“The key told us what the color meant, then we would share,” Barton said. “We would share our most embarrassing moments and our most memorable moments, and break out laughing.”

It was beneficial to have new students in the classrooms with their same grade level, said Jennifer Chavez, a fifth-grade teacher at Welchester.

Students “immediately noticed that it isn’t that different … we are just like the kids and teachers at their current school,” Chavez said. “I really feel as though the kiddos who were visiting enjoyed themselves and made a couple of new friends.”

Ashley Cochran, a second-grade teacher at Welchester, agreed.

“By the end of our time together, all the kids were excited,” she said, “and that was great to see.”

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Electric cars aren’t the future of the motoring industry, they’re already here and you’ve got one! What is it about the Tesla Model S that appealed most to you?

Everything really; I had a test drive of the Model S in Madrid in 2013 and loved the quietness, refinement, intuitiveness, acceleration, the driver assistance features and its looks. Also, the convenience to be able to recharge at home and have a full battery every morning instead of queuing up at the petrol station was a big appeal.

Before Tesla officially came to the UAE, most of us early adopters purchased our cars from abroad and had them shipped here. When I ordered my car online, I asked it to be delivered in Norway and then flew there with my son, took delivery of it and drove it there for a week before handing it over to the shipping agent for the trip to the UAE. It arrived in six weeks and the registration process was fairly straightforward as the RTA had the car in the system already.

Ah, you were one of the lucky ones…

So I hear! Some people who imported their cars earlier had issues with getting them registered as Tesla was not in the RTA’s records and some officers were asking owners for details such as engine size and the number of cylinders!

This and the Model X are very fast and even have a Ludicrous mode when most sportscars are making do with a Sports mode; how much fun is this car to drive?

Launching it in Ludicrous mode cannot be described in words. It needs to be experienced. Now that test drives are available in the UAE, I suggest everyone go and try one. It is like launching from an aircraft carrier.

The electric motors provide from 380 up to 760 horsepower and it can sprint from 0-100kph in under 2.5 seconds — that’s faster than a LaFerrari, McLaren P1 and a Bugatti Veyron. And I use mine daily — you wouldn’t be comfortable doing that with those.

I’ve been following Tesla and Elon Musk since the company’s humble beginnings and now to be able to own one of these cars makes me feel proud. The car gets a lot of attention, and comments that are always positive. People in the UAE love fast cars, and they love technology. So, Tesla should be very successful here.

It has a lot going for it, but people always mention the range of EVs. Have you ever run out of juice?

It takes a lot of ignorance to actually run out of charge. The car has a very precise battery estimation and gives an accurate estimate of how long you can drive it.

The first thing people ask me is how long it takes to recharge it and how far can I drive with a full battery. When I tell them that it takes four hours to recharge, they are initially stunned as they think it’s too long. But when I tell them that you actually don’t wait for the charge, but the car is charging when you sleep, and it’s fully charged when you wake up (I compare it to having a petrol station at home and having full tank every morning), that completely changes their perception. It’s like revelation. The charging process is as seamless as plugging in your phone before you go to bed. Exactly the same. I plug it in when I get home in the evening, and I leave with a full battery in the morning.

Tesla cars vary in battery size, number of electric motors and power. The battery sizes range from 60kwh to 100kwh; the 60kwh battery provides 320km of range, while the 100kwh battery provides range of over 550km on a single charge.

And ever since you have had it, it’s been smooth sailing right?

I have not experienced any problems with my Tesla; EVs do not require an annual service, there’s no oil change, no filters, no belts, chains and other moving parts that require regular replacement. Even the brakes last much longer than on a regular car (over 250,000km due to the regenerative braking that uses the electric motor to slow down
the vehicle).

How does it feel when you drive a car with a combustion engine now?

It feels like I have stepped back in time. The engine noise, vibration, burning smell of petrol — it is so last century. You basically lose the desire for other cars, be it supercars, luxury cars or anything else after driving an EV like this.

Also, Tesla is constantly improving, and I always want to get the new version as soon as possible — so it’s not good for your bank account! Tesla drivers, myself included, tend to be tech geeks and love the entire package that the brand offers — technology, performance and design.

Come on then, what’s your favourite Tesla?

The Model X P100D. I can’t think of any other brand that matches it in terms of acceleration, intuitiveness and technology.

Got a hot ride? Email us at mywheels@gulfnews.com with a photo and description and you could be our next my wheels star!


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Christmas {part}y 3

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Our third Christmas party of the season was Saturday night by my parents house.

We had a delicious dinner that my mom prepared, and then exchanged gifts.

 I was terrible at taking pictures this year, the boys just move too fast!

Sadler's pile of gifts!
 And Grayden's pile

They've already had lots of fun with their tent and sleeping bags! Can't wait for outdoor camp outs this Summer!

share this on »

3 Responses to “ Christmas {part}y 3 ”

Ashley said...

Looks like a great Christmas!!

shakira said...

Hi Katie,

I was wondering how you did your hair for the visit to your mom's house? ANy tips would be appreicated.

Kate said...

I started by curling the ends real quick and then teased the hair in the crown section of my head until I got the height I wanted. Then using a comb I smooth out the top layer but be careful not to comb out all the teasing.
Next I part my hair to one side, only and inch or two back to the start of your bump from teasing, then bring all your hair back around your head to the back of your ear, and fasten it there with bobby pins.
I hope that makes sense! Let me know if you have any other questions!


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Sticky ~ Email list for Freebies~

I'm trying to make a list with all my followers and their email addys cause I decided to send them some extra freebies ( papers, digi stamps, sentiments) so if you want to enter this list you must become a follower and send your email addy at or Join our Newsletter
and I will add you to my list of freebies.

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Paper and Pixels last issue!!

Hello friends hope you are great!! today I have to share with you my last project for the last issue of the digital magazine Paper and Pixels....
I had made a nice note holder for a teacher's gift...its easy and fun!!!
this is the preview!

the last issue has so many beautiful freebies and ideas!! grab your issue and have fun!!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Special Newsletter Freebies!!

Hello all hope you are great!! Happy Fall by the way!!
So September is Here!! yeaheee...and the Septembers Newsletter is almost ready to be sent!! For this month the special Freebie will be a Paper Piecing and a circular Sentiment!  The paper Piecing will come in SVG, AI and DXF format!! so if you haven't sign up in the special email list you can do it now!!  Just send me and add me to your list email in the and then you will receive all the special freebies!!  Also stay tuned in our FACEBOOK PAGE as there will be some nice freebies there as well!!

Here is a sneak Peek of the special freebie!!

Hope you all gonna enjoy it!!


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Green Lady Bird

 So this originated from a discussion between me and Raeth about the different ways to anthropomorphize birds. We came to the conclusion that it is rather hard to do so in a realistic way (as opposing to cartoony)

So I gave it a try, trying hard not to make a monster.
This is the result. The lady bird was originally based on Kea birds (Nestor notabilis) a species of large mountain parrots ( on wikipedia ) but it quickly went into another direction.

Anyway, I hope this try was at least interresting for you guys. :)
this is the uncensored version (I might add some clothes randomly soon)

  1. Eh elle est où sa robe blanche à petite fleurs ?! c'est pas un monstre mais quand même^^

  2. Tu rigoles mais elle devait VRAIMENT avoir une robe blanche à petites fleurs....


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Charlie Hatton About This
About Me
Email Me

Charlie Hatton
Brookline, MA

All Quotes

Howdy, friendly reading person!
I'm on a bit of a hiatus right now, but only to work on other projects -- one incredibly exciting example being the newly-released kids' science book series Things That Make You Go Yuck!
If you're a science and/or silliness fan, give it a gander! See you soon!

Come On, Irene

Apparently, there’s some rain storm or cold front or rogue rotary lawn sprinkler headed our way in the Boston area. “Irene”, they’ve called it. Sounds like someone who gifts fruitcake at Christmas, not some scary beast that’ll rip open your house and drag you out to sea.

(As an aside, I’ve never been all that comfortable with the naming of tropical storms with actual people names. Sure, the anthropomorphism is handy — and we’ve got to call the things something, if only to give our meteorologists a word to repeatedly scream at us while they’re reporting from a deluge at the storm front for no discernible reason.

“We’ve constructed radars and computer models and predictive algorithms that take into account wind shears and prevailing currents and which dung beetle in a nest in the middle of the Kalahari farted for how long in which direction.”

But I always thought it was unfair to people who already had the names picked, and then have to live with the associated infamy forevermore. Take Katrina, for instance. Growing up, I had a cousin named Katrina. Still do, probably — she’s out there, somewhere, barring some unfortunateness I don’t know about. And how do you think she’s felt for the last half a decade, when ninety-nine percent of people using her name are saying things like:

Katrina was the worst disaster ever.

We’re still cleaning up after Katrina.

I can’t believe I survived Katrina — what a bitch.

Katrina flattened my house and flung my cat into a parking lot.

I hope this next terrible thing isn’t as bad as… Katrina!!

That’s got to weigh on you after a while. Even if people tack on the obligatory, ‘Oh, sorry, hon — not you,’ it adds up. I can just see my cousin, all grown up now, slowly building up pressure and steam until — maybe last year, maybe next year, maybe tomorrow — she finally explodes:

I just hope she has a friend named Irene, or maybe Hugo, so she can give a little back. Kids are so cruel these days.)

Now. Irene.

There’s a certain facet of the human experience that becomes illuminated when one finds oneself in the path of an oncoming storm. It’s different than the facets revealed after the storm hits. Those facets tend to be writ more large — you may find, depending on where you live, that ‘everyone helps a neighbor‘ or ‘those who have the least sometimes give the most‘. Or possibly ‘a bitch will steal the silverware out of your ruined house if you’re not careful, so SLEEP WITH ONE EYE OPEN‘.

Like I said, depending on where you live.

But before the storm — and well before even the calm before the storm — another, more consistent and predictable aspect of humanity is on display. Namely:

“Everybody’s got an opinion. And nobody knows shit.”

We pay some of the finest minds of our times — well, maybe not the ‘finest‘ minds, sure; but some pretty respectable semi-fine minds, at least — to predict the weather. We’ve constructed radars and computer models and predictive algorithms that take into account wind shears and prevailing currents and which dung beetle in a nest in the middle of the Kalahari farted for how long in which direction. The best they can do is paint an ever-widening ‘Cone of Hurt’ to trace the most likely path a storm might, or might not, decide to take. That’s the state of the art in meteorological divining, and it’s imperfect and unpredictable at best.

This reality in no way stops Cletus over at the gas station I go to from positing, with what looks like certainty:

Yup, that big ol’ storm’s gonna miss us. It ain’t got the sustained wind speed to make it up this fer.

Or the neighbor lady next door from claiming:

We’ll be under a foot of water by Sunday night. This thing’s heading right for us, and dumping 1.38 inches of rain every hour. Our draining infrastructure can’t sustain that.

Or the mailman:

I have it veering east by the time it hits New Jersey. Given the rate of spin and the water temperatures off Ocean City, Irene’s going to seek the ocean waters. Guaranteed.

Who’s right? None of them, of course. None of these people know anything more about storm tracking or weather models than I do. And what do I know? I know hurricanes are spinny, and they make everything wet and expensive. That’s about it.

However. One of these people — and many, many more amateur storm-nosticators up and down the Eastern seaboard and beyond — is going to seem right, based on whatever the hell this storm finally does, and for whatever inscrutable reasons it does it. And that’s only going to encourage them.

Dang it, I TOLD you that thing was gonna go and (do whatever the thing went and did)! You could learn a thing or two from me, boy-o. This tinfoil hat ain’t just for looks, y’know.

That’s the real tragedy of a storm like this — a subset of opinionated idiots finding evidence that suggests their particular take on life is validated, and therefore worthy of greater and louder exposition to as many people as possible.

(Sound like the aftermath of an election result? Like I said: tragedy.)

At least, I hope that’s the real tragedy. All the loss of life and property and pets flung through the air is terrible, obviously. So if Irene could just mosey through quickly and keep the real horrors to a minimum, then we’ll deal with the ‘told you so‘s when it’s all said and done. Just hurry up already, is all I ask. This shitstorm of asinine predictions is almost worse than the real thing.

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Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Monoprints ~ Echoes of Venice

I've been on an experimental printing course this term and one of the many techniques we tried out was monoprinting. I've done some monoprints in the past, which I really enjoyed, so I had a good idea of what could be achieved. Monoprinting is a form of printmaking which uses images or lines that can only be made once, unlike most printmaking, where you create multiple original prints. There are lots of different techniques you can use to create a monoprint, including painting, drawing, collage and other mark making techniques. You can use one or several techniques to build up an image on a plate (which can be anything from a piece of card to a metal or wooden plate) which you then transfer to paper by either just pressing the paper on to the plate, or you can use a press or a roller. It's a bit tricky to explain it all without photos or diagrams - I'll try and do another post to show the steps some time!

The beauty of monoprinting is in it's spontaneity and its combination of printmaking, painting and drawing. The characteristic of this method is that no two prints are alike, a monoprint is a completely one off piece of art.

The prints below are my favourites from my recent monoprint experiments. To create them I mainly used a roller with a variety of coloured relief inks. I also used shapes cut from magazines, and some tissue paper collage (the technique of including collage pieces in a monoprint is also known as chine-collé).

Thursday, 10 March 2011

Portraits 2010

Julia Kay's Portrait Party has been such a huge inspiration to me in 2010, I've explored lots of different styles and techniques and learnt loads from all of the amazing work everyone else has been producing. These are some of my favourites from the portraits I've done.
I just wish I had more time to spend painting and drawing everyone!

Some of my JKPP faves

1. Sue Hodnett - Artist, (central picture) Watercolour
2. NC Mallory - Artist, Digital (Photoshop)
3. Valerie Beeby (Purple Owl), Watercolour
4. Shitao 师涛 - Tim Williams, Artist, Watercolour
5. Giorgio Bordin, Watercolour
6. Anna Black, Watercolour
7. Neil Davidson, Pen
8. Serious Erica ~ homage to John Bavaro, I-Phone
9. Straw Herring, Watersoluble pencils
10. Anne Watkins - Artist, Fineliners
11. Frank V2 - Homage to Sue Rama, Digital (Photoshop)
12. The Happy Painter, Mixed Media
13. Hans 3/Peter Vanayk Fineliners

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

You can see all of my JKPP portraits here
See my previous New Portraits and JKPP posts

Related Posts with Thumbnails


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Monday, November 10, 2008

Alphabet Meme

There's a fun little meme going around on the nets right now in which I felt the need to participate, even though I hadn't been tagged really. I first found out about it at Only the Cinema, but it apparently started at Blog Cabins, and I suppose it's easiest just to steal their "rules" wholesale:

The Rules

1. Pick one film to represent each letter of the alphabet.

2. The letter "A" and the word "The" do not count as the beginning of a film's title, unless the film is simply titled
A or The, and I don't know of any films with those titles.

Return of the Jedi belongs under "R," not "S" as in Star Wars Episode IV: Return of the Jedi. This rule applies to all films in the original Star Wars trilogy; all that followed start with "S." Similarly, Raiders of the Lost Ark belongs under "R," not "I" as in Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. Conversely, all films in the LOTR series belong under "L" and all films in the Chronicles of Narnia series belong under "C," as that's what those filmmakers called their films from the start. In other words, movies are stuck with the titles their owners gave them at the time of their theatrical release. Use your better judgement to apply the above rule to any series/films not mentioned.

4. Films that start with a number are filed under the first letter of their number's word.
12 Monkeys would be filed under "T."

My own list turns out a little weird: obviously, this is not what I would come up with if I had been tasked with listing my favorite 26 films of all time. Some of the letters are also really tough: "X" especially, because it seems to be a breaking point for the whole process. If I'm being honest, I'll write down one of the
X-Men films, but I fear that this choice implies a lack of imagination, scope, and history. So do I go all pretentious and mark down the excellent Senegalese film Xala (which I've seen only once and barely remember) just to set myself apart from the crowd? Does this mean that I have to re-adjust the remainder of my choices to keep up with the tone set by that choice?

That all sounded awfully difficult, so I decided instead to be as honest as possible when I could be.... But my answer for "Q" still doesn't feel right......

Either, way, this list of mine reveals something: I have some pretty fucked-up tastes. Even with these restrictions, a solid ninety percent of these picks have some fairly sadistically violent elements....

The Apartment
Beetle Juice
A Clockwork Orange
Die Hard
The Exorcist
The Fly
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
House of Flying Daggers
In the Mood for Love
Jacob's Ladder
Kill Bill: Vol. 1
The Last Temptation of Christ
Miller's Crossing
The Nightmare before Christmas
Once upon a Time in the West
Singin' in the Rain
The Third Man
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
X2: X-Men United
Young Frankenstein

If you've read this, consider yourself tagged, and post a link to your list in the comments section!


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Thursday, March 26, 2009

What To Do With Vintage Bed Linens-#1

Here is the first-straight from my studio- in a series of creations made from the glorious land of bed linens. Cheerful and sunny for the days when the clouds are gray and gloomy. My kitchen curtains are made from a fun collection of vintage yellow prints. Delicate yellow roses with a slight tone on tone white polka dot married to a classic yellow gingham and bottomed off with a playful polka dot. I used a bold yellow polka dot bed linen to tie the curtains back. I did back them with a solid white-again I used a reclaimed bed sheet. I have found it is very worth the time and effort to back any curtain. It helps them to stand the the beating of the sun and makes the prints show up much better!! Be careful in choosing the lining color though, if you choose a color, it will show through the print and could distort the look you are going for!! Neutral is usually best! Even a yellow lining would have made a big difference on my curtains.
One of the biggest gripes the kids have when they are doing their chores in the morning is that the sun is too bright for them-(I think that makes number 101 on the list of why they can't do their chores!) So, with the new curtains, I have squashed that excuse! The curtains nicely close to keep the sun from blinding them! Pretty curtains, clean dishes, what more could I ask for!

  1. Love them! I LOVE yellow, especially in a kitchen. so cheery and happy! Thanks, as always, for the inspiration! lora

  2. Lora! You have been such a sweet cheerleader! It is very appreciated! Have an inspired day!!