What does it mean to be Un-American? What deviates from our present norms? In a country and society that cries freedom of speech, freedom of press, the right to choose (or not to), what is our norm? In a country and society, that still supersizes, sensationalizes, and makes almost anything available to its citizens at every corner market, is that our norm?
In this country and society, a young man is shot in the head for trying to protect his father. A family is slaughtered in their home by another family member. Young children are kidnapped and a precious few are seen again. A couple can pay half a million for a pet and a possible genetic clone. Reality television is hotter than the effects of global warming. More and more people are sleeping in their cars, shelters, behind grocery stores, alleys, parks, and begging for change on trains and in front of fast food joints.
In this country, we - at some point said it was “ok” to publicly and internationally disrespect the person we have chosen as a representative for our country.
We can not claim anything to be American or non-American. What we can cling to is the fact that in a crisis we as a people will drop whatever we are doing to help each other, save each other, bring one another to safety, and die for another fellow man regardless of race, creed, or color. We can say that it is possible for us to come together in unity for a common belief.
There really is no Un-American. There is only us living in the United States of America and being as American as we know to be.
ABFF
DCTV
-- Attend seminars on media literacy and the history of media arts
-- View and deconstruct films in roundtable discussions
The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) needs volunteers (Age 18-54) on January 26, 2009 to help with their street survey of homeless individuals in New York City. The shift is from 10:30 pm - 4:00 am. For more information, please go to http://www.volunteernyc.org/org/opp/10301108765.html. DHS, established in 1993, works with nonprofit partners primarily focusing on providing safe shelter and outreach services to individuals and families in transition to permanent housing. DHS's goal is to solve homelessness, not just manage it; this includes prevention services, rental assistance, and supportive housing.
In September of this year, I left the state of Georgia to go back home to take care of family obligations. Little did I know as I left job layoffs and other State budget issues behind, I would gain new ones once crossing the New York State county line.
People call into different radio stations to vent and to ask for some form of support because they lost their job. Now with the new budget crisis befalling New York, the Governor’s Executive Budget Proposal may change the fabric of the New York way of life.
New York’s Governor Paterson stated a $1.7 billion current-year shortfall and a $13.7 billion 2009-10 deficit. His budget proposal points out the state’s fiscal and economic crisis, and looks at the possible ineffectiveness of existing State programs. Governor Paterson’s goal is to start reducing State spending as soon as possible. Expected savings included a budget to be enacted by March 1, 2009, one month prior to the April 1 start of the fiscal year.
The Executive Budget reduces School Aid in 2009-10 by $698 million. Funding increases in Foundation Aid and Universal Pre-K that were scheduled to be phased-in over a four-year period will now be phased-in over an eight year period to reflect the need to adapt to the difficult fiscal environment.
In terms of Medicaid or health care, there is a recommendation to reform ineffective hospital, nursing home and home care reimbursement systems (direct spending) to more appropriate primary and community based settings.
The STAR rebate program, which is a tax relief program for homeowners, especially senior citizens, will have an enhanced New York City personal income tax credit eliminated.
Based on the recommendations of the New York State Commission on Higher Education, a New York Higher Education Loan Program (NYHELPs) will be established to provide a minimum of $350 million in loans to approximately 45,000 New York State residents attending New York higher education institutions.
For the State workforce, the State is expecting 521 layoffs, which are mostly limited to agency consolidations, facility closures, or program eliminations. The Budget also advances proposals to reduce spending for State employees in ways that will minimize further layoffs. Proposals include deferring five days of salary payments until a State employee leaves service or the fiscal crisis is declared to have ended. Proposals also include eliminating a scheduled three percent general salary increase for 2009-10; and requiring State employees and retirees to contribute greater amounts to health care coverage. (This is a similar action the State of Georgia has taken.)
The budget also includes new or increased fees or fines, most of which finance specific activities and have not been changed in several years - a new additional 18 percent sales tax on non-diet soft drinks to combat obesity and related diseases, with revenues directed to health care; eliminating the sales tax exemption on clothing and footwear under $110, replacing it with two exemption periods during which clothing and footwear under $500 would not be subject to sales tax; imposing a sales tax on cable and satellite TV/Radio services consistent with the practice of 23 other states; conforming the State sales tax to New York City’s practice of taxing personal services, such as barbering, massages, and hair salons, and credit rating services, and repealing an ineffective sales tax cap on gasoline.
To view the budget in its entirety, please link to: http://www.docs.state.ny.us/PressRel/GovernorsBudget09.html.
To view budget deficit totals by state, please link to: www.sifma.org/legislative/state/pdf/2009StateTaxOutlookJuly08.pdf.
I came across this poem, and I just liked it. ...
A special dinner, That's what he set out to do. To show her how special she was, To show her his love was true.
A candle light dinner, He made for them to eat. Looking deep into her eyes, Their souls did meet.
After they ate dinner, To the couch they did retire. Curled up together with a movie, And the sweet glow of a fire.
So relaxed and content, A feeling of heavenly bliss. On the back of her neck, He placed a sweet soft kiss.
It sent a shiver down her spine, And she turned and held him tight. Whispering softly in his ear, Make love to me all night.
He said I'll be right back, As he got up off the couch. Into his bedroom he went, Then pulled out a pouch.
He pulled out rose pedals, And laid them all over the bed. Hundreds of rose pedals, White, yellow, pink and red.
He went to the couch, And took her by the hand. She glowed like the full moon, As she got off the couch to stand.
He walked behind her down the hall, With his hands he covered her eyes. So she couldn't see anything, Especially the candle
and rose pedal surprise.
When they got to the door, He let her see the surprise. It took away her breath, She just couldnt believe her eyes.
He took her by the hand, And softly kissed her lips. He pulled her close to him, And up her arm he ran his fingertips.
The two made love all night, The two became one. Desire and passion so hot, As hot as a noon sun.
The sweat of their bodies, Glistened in the candle light. Collapsing in each others arms, Somewhere in the middle of the night.
They curled up together, Holding her all so tight. With the glow of the candles, As the lovers nightlight.
Laying next to her, He rubbed her back with his hand. Just laying there looking at her, As she drifted off to dream land.
He woke her the next morning, With coffee for her in his hand. His beautiful sweet lover, The Princess of his land.
James Bond (007) is an agent of the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6). His character was created British journalist Ian Fleming. At the start of World War II, Fleming joined British naval intelligence, excelled and gained the position of commander. Towards the end of the war, Fleming visited Jamaica, and fell in love with the island. It was there he wrote the first Bond novel, Casino Royale. (http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/articles/history_appeal1.php3?t=&s=) (http://www.007.info/Default.asp?poll=1)
As you may know the Bond character romanced the life of a government spy with cool gadgets, fast cars and an apply supply of gorgeous women. Sean Connery made the character jump from the pages of the popular novels to the big scene with style and charm. But, everything afforded to the Bond character is just stuff in the movies, right?
At first sight it looks like a regular cell phone (same size, same shape, same overall appearance), but underneath, lies a .22-caliber pistol. This phone gun is capable of firing four rounds in quick succession with the touch of its standard keypad. This type of gun is not new. So far, there have been reports only in Europe (that has been documented). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are aware of this device and have instructed baggage screeners to be on the lookout for suspicious mobile phones. Airport authorities across Europe are implementing systems to X-ray all cell phones. There was a scare in a U.S. school recently, but it was found to be a regular phone mistaken for a gun.
These covert guns were first discovered when Dutch police stumbled on a cache during a drug raid in Amsterdam. In another incident a Croatian gun dealer was caught attempting to smuggle a shipment through Slovenia into Western Europe. Police say both shipments are believed to have originated in Yugoslavia. Interpol sent out a warning to law enforcement agencies around the world. European border police and customs officers are at a heightened state of alert at all ports, airports and border crossings. Italian police arrested a 28-year old man in Naples for carrying this type of gun. The man was arrested and will face a five-year jail plan.
(http://www.theregister.co.uk/2000/11/30/guns_disguised_as_mobile_phones/)
(http://www.youngmoney.com/technology/cell_phones/020416_01)
(http://www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2008/11/phone_gun_leads_to_arrest.html)
In 2006, San Diego police had warnings of stun guns disguised as cell phones. Narcotics detectives found this other type of gun on a person they apprehended. The device sends an electrical charge through the top of the phone, working as a stun gun of sorts. Local NBC news reported it was not hard to find this other cell phone look-alike, and found one at first try. (http://www.officer.com/web/online/Special-Coverage--Stun-Guns/San-Diego-Police-Warn-Patrol-Of-Cell-Phone-Stun-Guns/11$29417)
From Press Release:
This year in the United States an estimated 260,000 women will be diagnosed with breast, cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, and an estimated 69,000 women will die from these diseases. In response, a coalition of leading cancer organizations is creating a new initiative to communicate a very important message to all American women: be your own best advocate by learning as much as you can about cancer.
In 2007, the television event paired Grammy award-winning artists with Olympic Champion women’s figure skaters in a unique collaboration of iconic stars from both disciplines. This year, Frosted Pink with a Twist will air nationally on ABC from 4 – 6 pm on Sunday, October 12. The show will re-air on additional cable networks throughout the remainder of the month. To extend the reach and impact, the public will have access to a dynamic web destination -- www.frostedpink.org -- which will serve as the foundation for a community of visitors looking for the latest information and links to the vitally important resources necessary for women to get involved and do something in the fight against cancers that primarily affect women.
Timed for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and co-hosted by Mary Lou Retton, Frosted Pink with a Twist will highlight the current All-Around Women’s Gymnastics Champion, Shawn Johnson, defending Olympic All-Around Men’s Champion Paul Hamm as well other stars of Men’s and Women’s US Olympic Gymnastics teams. Paired with the Champion gymnasts will be icons of song…making for a historical evening of sports, entertainment, and health awareness.
“Frosted Pink’s message is simple, but necessary: we all need to do our part in the fight against cancer,” said Ms. Retton. “Our hope is that with more information, women will become empowered and become better advocates for their own health.” Raising awareness is especially significant because research continues to find that despite significant improvements in the diagnostic tools and treatment options for women’s cancers, many women lack the basic information they need to get quality care. For example, studies from the last couple of years show that only two-thirds of all women aged 40 and over (66.4 percent) receive regular mammograms and Asian American, Hispanic/Latina, low-income and less educated women are less likely to have regular Pap tests. Moreover, while many women are concerned about breast cancer, 42 percent of those polled in a 2007 survey said they did not have a conversation with their doctor about their risks. …
Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) is once again calling for volunteers for their Fall Radio Membership Campaign. They need telephone operators to answer calls and take pledges from listeners. If you are in the Atlanta area and are able to help out, available shifts are:
10/17-Friday (3) shifts 7a-11a, 11a-2p, 4-6:30p
10/18-Saturday (3) shifts 8a-12:00p, 12:00-4p, 6-8:00p
10/19-Sunday (2) shifts 8-10a, 12-4p,
10/20-Monday (3) shifts 7-11a, 11a-2p, 4-8:00p
10/21-Tuesday (3) shifts 7-11a, 11a-2p, 4-6:30p
10/22-Wednesday (3) shifts 7-11a, 11a-2p, 4-8:00p
10/23-Thursday (3) shifts 7-11a, 11a-2p, 4-6:30p
10/24-Friday (4) shifts 7-11a, 11a-2p, 4-8p, 8-11p
10/25-Saturday (1) shift 8a-12:00p
10/27-Monday (3) shifts 7-11a, 11a-2p, 4-6:30p
**You may select one or more shifts. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start of any shift.
Please contact Volunteer Services, Georgia Public Broadcasting at 404-685-2616 or toll free at 800-222-4788, if you would like to volunteer for this membership campaign or any other.
Country Singer LeAnn Rimes is working with the American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation on their new awareness campaign, “Stop Hiding from Psoriasis.”
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system. The exact cause is unknown; however, researchers believe that heredity, environment, and the immune system may also play a role in psoriasis. Normally, skin cells that are formed in the deepest layers of your skin make their way to the surface. They mature, are sloughed off the body's surface, and replaced with new skin cells from below. This cycle takes approximately a month. In people with psoriasis, however, the immune system is mistakenly activated, resulting in an abnormally rapid skin cell cycle. This means the cells move from the deepest layers of your skin to the surface in about four days. Since they migrate so quickly, they don't have time to properly mature. In the most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis, the cells accumulate on the surface, forming raised, red patches or “lesions.”
Plaque Psoriasis appears as dry, slightly elevated, red patches that are covered with a layer of silvery white scale. They may start out as small bumps that grow together and are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. (http://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/what-is-psoriasis.jsp)
This new campaign is aimed to educate the public about this chronic immune disease, which affects nearly 7 million Americans. Many in the public are not aware that, in addition to the physical symptoms associated with psoriasis, which can affect day-to-day activities, many people with the condition suffer from poor self-image, social isolation, and even depression. The disease also can be associated with other significant health issues. Up to 30 percent of psoriasis patients may develop psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, research is now finding that patients with psoriasis, especially in severe cases, may have a higher risk of other serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, obesity, and diabetes. (http://www.aad.org/)
For the first time in American history, one out of every 100 American adults is in jail or prison (according to a report released by the Pew Center on the States). With roughly 1.5 million in state and federal prisons and more than 700,000 in local jails, the United States now has 2.3 million adults incarcerated. Perhaps the most frightening, are the recorded numbers as related to men (between ages 20 and 34). Nationally, one of 30 men within that age range is locked behind bars. For black males in that age group, the ratio is a staggering one in nine. The financial costs are monumental. America has spent roughly $49 billion on corrections. Compare that to the expenses of 20 years ago, a total of $11 billion. Present prison growth rates come not as a result of an increase in crime or simply an increase in population, but as a result of new three-strike laws, and tougher sentencing measures. (http://www.openeducation.net/2008/03/06/americas-misplaced-priorities-our-frightening-prison-numbers/)
While states did collectively increase funding for higher education, state spending on prisons rose 127%. While most of the focus seems to be on changing sentencing patterns, at least some states have begun to realize that investing in prevention is actually the better way to go. (http://www.openeducation.net/2008/03/06/americas-misplaced-priorities-our-frightening-prison-numbers/) As an underreported and unfortunate achievement, the prison system is one of the few public investments whose monetary costs consistently outweigh its social benefits. "Today, education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments," stated by the U.S. Supreme Court in its landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision. "It is the very foundation of good citizenship ... . In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he (she) is denied the opportunity of an education." Despite this reality, many states continue to feed the prison system at the expense of funding education, and have instead created a school-to-prison pipeline with a predictable and steady flow. Police have become an increasing presence in our public elementary, middle and high schools. Schools are spending millions of dollars to hire their own police forces or contract with local authorities. Kids are routinely searched before being allowed into the building, under surveillance by video cameras in hallways and subjected to random searches of their backpacks and lockers.
Behavior that used to warrant a trip to the principal's office can now result in a trip to jail on charges of assault. Kids not old enough to drive have been arrested for behavior ranging from throwing a temper tantrum to talking during school assemblies and violating the dress code. Kids of color bear the disproportionate brunt of these zero-tolerance policies. (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/05/29/EDGGTP3F291.DTL)
In continuance, empirical research shows that inmate education plays a significant role in rehabilitation, thereby becoming a cost-cutter in own right, as it clearly helps to prevent prison gates from achieving "revolving-door" status. According to a study conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, each dollar spent on inmate education reduces future costs twofold. So, while phasing out education programs will fleetingly reduce prison costs, doing just the opposite would effectively prevent them from arising in the first place. And, with a legal system whose primary goal is deterrence, it certainly seems this sort of solution is preferable. The Legislature doesn't seem to have twigged this, however. If prison costs are to be reduced in the future, the focus of lawmakers must return to rehabilitation and the processes that fosters it. (http://media.www.dailyiowan.com/media/storage/paper599/news/2008/02/26/Opinions/Prison.Education.Programs.Too.Valuable.To.Lose-3233494.shtml)
With rising costs of food, fuel, school supplies, tuition, and utility bills, there is not a real desire to hit the mall. People are not enjoying things as they use to. “That tells you how the consumer is not even focused on apparel,” said a spokesperson for America’s Research Group. “Shoppers, and particularly female shoppers, have just not put apparel on their radar screen.”
Clothing retailers are facing a double whammy of drooping consumer interest, (fueled by economic woes) coupled with their own rising costs for raw materials such as cotton, fuel to transport goods and even labor in China. Their problems could turn out to be more severe than other types of retailers because, for many people, a new pair of shoes or a skirt is more of a splurge than a must-have item.
“People have to eat, people have to drive to work, people have to take their medicine for cancer or illnesses that are medically mandated, but … people’s dresser drawers and closets are probably oversubscribed from prior fashion seasons,” said Burt P. Flickinger III, managing director of the consulting firm Strategic Resource Group.
The down economy is hitting a broad swath of clothing retailers, ranging from stores aimed at older women - to those that appeal to trendy teens. Sales at chain stores fell 0.5 percent in March, the weakest showing for that month since 1995, according to International Council of Shopping Centers. Ann Taylor Stores Corp. announced plans to close 117 stores and cut its headquarters staff, blaming the “ongoing macroeconomic weakness.” Gap Inc., including Old Navy and Banana Republic, announced plans to close 85 stores as it continues to struggle to attract customers. However, both companies have said they will have some store openings as well.
Dana Telsey, retail analyst for Telsey Advisory Group, expects to see clothing retailers fare better in the second half of the year, as they adopt a more conservative approach, better matching consumers’ more penny-pinching ways. But a change in approach may not solve some longer-term problems nagging clothing sellers, including overexpansion. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24261490/)
I write about this because even top or famous designers are victim to downsizing and layoffs. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/14/fashion/14SIGRID.html) This means a better quality of clothing sold to your local Marshals or Kohls, but what about this new forced early retirement? According to a new study more than 20% of American workers are forced into early retirement by layoffs, cutbacks, and shutdowns. In an age where pensions have gone wayside and the future of social security is in doubt, people often find themselves with half of the expected savings and investments they anticipated for their golden years. Reuters News Service points out that the results weren’t entirely surprising: Half were the result of corporate actions - with the second leading cause of forced retirement being injury and illness; it also said that family obligations were the reason ten percent of women left and two percent of men.
A generation ago, a man or woman could go to work for a company, have a long and fulfilling career loyally serving the enterprise. In exchange, he or she was provided with a comfortable retirement through the corporate pension system, steady pay increases, ample health benefits, along with a bevy of benefits that included assistants, free coffee, a cafeteria serving low-cost food, and other cost saving initiatives many workers didn’t fully appreciate. Today, in all but a few exceptional cases or industries, that experience is gone. Despite what you hear from a few factions of the media, these changes are said to actually be very good for the United States economy. The industries that were the most generous, it turns out, could hardly afford the largess they heaped upon employees. Now, the current generation is paying for those mistakes with corporate bankruptcies. (http://beginnersinvest.about.com/od/retirementcenter/ss/aa121406a_3.htm)
With all of that say, the key to future security is to plan ahead for retirement. Too many older employees face forced retirement well before they are even thinking about leaving the workforce. Some employers may offer a severance package document (read before signing). Signing may eliminate important employee benefits. Federal law (CORBA) guarantees health insurance coverage for 18 months after employment has been terminated. Once this lapses, alternative insurance and government programs, such as Medicare are available. National and local laws may also offer protection to workers who are forced to retire due to age.
There are some companies actively recruit older workers for employment. Look for jobs that offer flexible work schedules, tuition reimbursement for new training, telecommuting options and pension plans for part-time employment. (http://www.ehow.com/how_2100523_deal-forced-retirement.html) Retail jobs are the most common occupation for workers 65 or older. (http://www.usnews.com/blogs/planning-to-retire/2008/6/4/the-10-most-common-jobs-for-older-workers.html)
I decided to pick up a book from my job’s library/meeting room which is a work in progress. I wanted a room where people could read through past books and reports to give them some background about the work. This meant clearing out vacant cubes and placing most of the reading materials in that room. Some of the books were also personal books left behind.
One book took my interest. I came across this historical romance novel (not really into romance novels, but …). It looked interesting so I borrowed it to read. Now, I have my own issues, but this book tackles every sensitive issue you could possibly think of: slavery, racism, division of the North and South, trust and deceit (illegitimate children and adultery), rape, prostitution, the hardships of women in 1840, etc. I finished the book within a day.
What mainly struck a cord with me (outside of depictions of beaten slaves) was the main male character ruining the young woman’s name and reputation (main female character). He supposedly loved her. But, he thought she was deceiving him and in love with another man. Instead of confronting her, he swayed her into sleeping with him (giving up her virginity). Later he forced himself on her and treated her like an unpaid prostitute (thinking he was paying her back for not really loving him). In the mist of this, he got her pregnant. She had to seek shelter from a family member because in that time period, no one wanted to even look at her, let alone befriend her (she was unmarried and pregnant).
When the man realized she was not in love with someone else, he rushes to marry her. He then spends the next few months trying to correct the damage he did. My question is, if this guy was truly in love with this woman, how could he be that vicious. The man could not understand why it took his new wife a long time to trust him again. Later in the book, another incident happened where he was ready to kick her to the curb again, no questions asked. The book ends in a scuffle with a gun, and the woman finally being able to tell the man she loved him.
This book points out that relationships are complex with its many layers. Don’t know how I feel about this book, but it made me think.
If you would like to know more about Captain’s Bride and its author, view more information at, http://www.katbooks.com/captains.htm.
The BeltLine grew out of a 1999 thesis written by Georgia Tech graduate student, Ryan Gravel. At the time, Atlanta had seen only a trickle of new development in the industrial sites that follow along the proposed BeltLine (the Ford Factory Lofts and Copenhill Lofts). Since then, there has been a surge of new development, particularly on the east side of town from Piedmont Park South to Grant Park to Inman Park Village. Now the region is apparently ready to invest over $680 million in the BeltLine and another intown transit route called the C-Loop, this loop links Emory University, Lindbergh Center, Downtown Atlanta, and the Gallery at South Dekalb (formerly South Dekalb Mall). (The Atlanta Journal Constitution, http://glenwoodpark.com/greenstreet/gle ... Gravel.doc. Gwinnett County developer Wayne Mason cut a check for $24 million to the Norfolk and Southern Railroad and bought the entire northeast section of the Loop. Mason bought himself some of Atlanta's oldest and most desirable neighborhoods: Inman Park, Midtown, Virginia Highland, Morningside, Ansley Park, and Sherwood Forest. Mason also cut a deal to sell a 7.4-acre parcel of land at Monroe Drive and 10th Street to Trammel Crow Residential, which plans to erect two-39-story condominiums into the eastern corner of Piedmont Park. The magnitude of the project suggests Atlanta's leading developers recognize the BeltLine's potential. Jim Jacoby, who spent 10 years developing Atlantic Station, said "Wayne Mason saw a great opportunity before the rest of us did. …" Mason, the only individual landholder, (The remainder of the proposed loop is held by the Georgia DOT and CSX Railroad.) is willing to donate 50 percent of his parcel for transit right-of-ways, parks and greenspace, contingent on zoning changes allowing high-density development. (Georgia Trend Online, http://www.georgiatrend.com/site/page7583.html.
The BeltLine project itself proposes to combine greenspace, trails, transit, and new development along 22 miles of historic rail segments that encircle the urban core of the City of Atlanta. This revived industrial landscape can become Atlanta's solution to its rapid growth. This project is projected to bring more jobs, workforce housing, street renovation, neighborhood renovation, and environmental remediation. Along with this prosperous growth comes an increase in the tax and industry base. (The Atlanta BeltLine Redevelopment Plan, November 2005) Since 1990, the population of the City of Atlanta has increased from 394,000 to 434,900. (Georgia Trend Online, http://www.georgiatrend.com/site/page7583.html. The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) states that Atlanta is the fastest-growing city in the region and forecasts that 150,000 new residents will move into the City between 2005 and 2030. By providing for approximately 50,000 residents around the 22-mile corridor, or one-third of the total expected growth for Atlanta, the BeltLine Redevelopment Plan helps to ensure that this growth is spread equitably across the City, including previously overlooked areas in the south and west. Most importantly, the BeltLine will provide urban amenities and public spaces accessible to all Atlantans. Approximately 100,000 Atlantans, or 25 percent of the City's total current population, live within walking distance of this proposed BeltLine. (The Atlanta BeltLine Redevelopment Plan, November 2005) This project drew the interest of Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard, who served as president of the advocacy group, Friends of the BeltLine, which is now working with Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin's BeltLine Partnership. Ryan Gravel proposed the mixed-use redevelopment of industrial land along four post-Civil War railroad lines. Traffic was always a key component of the project. A transit line (a state-of-the-art trolley system) would link the BeltLine's neighborhoods and connect into Atlanta's MARTA transit system. Bicycle and walking paths running along the loop would, in effect, create the 22-mile linear park, that in turn would trigger construction of residential and commercial space. Woolard got everything started with $150 million in funding from the ARC. (Georgia Trend Online, http://www.georgiatrend.com/site/page7583.html.
Since the BeltLine proposes to convert underused rail corridors around the city core into a continuous system of transit and greenways surrounded by parks and pedestrian-friendly mixed use centers of development, the Trust for Public Land and the PATH Foundation have agreed to lead in planning and locating new parks and paths. The BeltLine will create a linear park that connects 40 of Atlanta's parks, including over 1,200 acres of new greenspace and improvements to approximately 700 acres of existing greenspace. As in every great city, increased greenspace will be a major driver for economic development. Mixed-use communities will be attracted to the linear park and new park acreage. The BeltLine's park system will be as important as its railroads, streetscapes and other infrastructure in determining the location and concentration of development in the city. To learn more about the BeltLine go to, http://www.beltline.org/. The Atlanta Housing Association of Neighborhood-based Developers and the Georgia State Trade Assoc. of Nonprofit Developers in Partnership with BAHAB and Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. are holding a BeltLine conversation workshop. To participate refer to the below information: When Is the Workshop? Wednesday, July 9th 6 to 8 pm at Trees Atlanta 225 Chester Avenue, GA 30316 What's the Goal of This Conversation? a.) Create a shared foundation of knowledge about affordable housing in Atlanta and the BeltLine's role in it. b.) Collect input to help shape policy recommendations for the BeltLine Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is expected to provide $120 million over 25 years. The recommendations are being developed by the BeltLine Affordable Housing Advisory Board (BAHAB). For more information on the workshop, call or contact James Alexander by phone at 404-588-5472, or by e-mail at jalexander@atlbeltline.org.
They keep replaying the Jurassic Park movies on television. Is anyone scared about the possibility of regenerating dinosaur DNA?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1026340/Jurassic-Park-comes-true-How-scientists-bringing-dinosaurs-life-help-humble-chicken.html
Scientists should really focus more on recreating oxygen, or water for mass consumption. If this planet goes downhill, who cares about dinosaurs.
http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2006/10/71898, and
http://science.the-environmentalist.org/2008/04/creating-drinking-water-from-air.html
Also:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Scientist-makes-own-oxygen-under-water/2007/04/18/1176696896739.html, and
http://www.menofthetrees.com.au/Trees.pdf
Saw "The Happening" at a screening last night. I think M. Night Shyamalan is very talented and has been given a bad rap. I like all of his movies to date. I will continue to see his movies. I don't over analysis anything, I just take it for want it is.
The Happening will make you think about your daily environment. It has definitely got me thinking differently about plant life. Go see it, you may like it, you may not.
http://www.mnight.com/blog/6-11-2008/r-rated-happening-trailer-online.html
http://www.4extenze.com/
Claims to enhance men. Is it that serious? Kind of like all those conmmercials for diet pills and sure beauty treatments. http://www.infomercialscams.com/scams/extenze_complaints
We all need to be happy with the way we are and accepting of others.
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