Monthly Archives: April 2020

The United States has a president, Donald J. Trump, who refuses to accept responsibility for the horrendous job he has done as leader in combating this virus.

People are literally dying and he blames it on the Obama Administration. In Trumps pettiness, he is upset that hes being criticized and not praised for his efforts. This is the same man who said that this pandemic was a hoax. Now he has the audacity to claim that he knew of the pandemic months ago. Yet his lockstep congressmen and senators never accused Trump for leading from behind. With the previous presidents, they knew that the buck stopped at the Oval Office. People are dying and Trump wants praise instead of criticism on the incompetent job he has done.

He literally wants governors to kiss his ring before federal aid is rendered. Had it not been for states taking the lead in trying to prevent the spread of this disease, I wonder where we would be now.

Troublesome is Trumps petty world of belittling and lies, saying that the job of president is easy and only he can fix what is broken. Sorry to say, Stable Genius, you have been found wanting. A thick skin you have not.

Attacking the press when you are not doing your job is the act of a desperate man. It is not their job to lie to the American people as Trump has done daily. A presidents job is to inspire the people during a crisis. But not this foul-mouthed, egotistical imbecile.

A lot of you made a deal with the devil in voting for Donald J. Trump. At 73 years old, he has never really been taught the Golden Rule. And reading up on his past, he has not really suffered for his acts of indecency. But be careful what you wish for. Trump wanted the presidency so bad that he would get it by any means necessary, even if it meant conspiring with a foreign power to get it.

Well in this time of crisis, people are really scared and unfortunately, the person often looked for in comfort and inspiration is out to lunch and the signs state nothing of what time he will return. Stay safe, citizens, God is still in charge.

And thank Him for the state leaders who did not listen to the words of a president who has cried wolf one time too many.

Dallas E. Ford

Rocky Mount

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Here's the true meaning of leading from behind - Rocky Mount Telegram

Sometimes it's easier to toss food after the expiration date, rather than risk food poisoning. But that often results in throwing out edible food. USA TODAY

The stay-at-home order because ofcoronavirus pandemic has forced people to stock up their pantries. That also means more people are cooking at home.

Cleaning out and rearrangingmy home pantry was one of the first things I did, knowing I would count on those item.

I rearranged to make sure I used those items that had been in there a while first. Next I got to work on tossing things out.

One of the thingsI paid attention to was the dates on packages. I tossed out a lot.It also got me thinking about questions on expiration dates, something I have written about in the past.

I went through our archives and found thiscolumn explaining what'Best-by' 'Sell-by and 'Use-by dates mean. If you're not sure about a fresh, frozen or packaged product, follow the golden rule: "When in doubt, throw it out."

And if you've stocked up on pasta try the recipes forPasta with Pine Nuts, Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes. The dish is easy to put together and is ready in about 30 minutes. If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute another sauteed vegetable. Also, the pine nuts can be optional.

ANSWER: What's lurking in your pantry or in your refrigerator can be worrisome. How long products last, especially once they are opened, is a question we all face.

But before you begin to think your pantry or refrigerator is breeding bacteria, consider that because a product has reached it's expired date doesn't mean it's no longer good. Tossing out an item,when it could still be good is a waste (more on this later). The obvious test with a lot of products is the smell and look test. If it smells bad and has mold growing, toss it. Never taste food to determine if it's still good, says the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Product dates, according to the FSIS, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), are not a guide for safe use except for infant formula and baby food. The dates, rather, are a quality issue. Dates on packaging, which are not regulated by the federal government except for infant formula and baby foods, tell a consumer how long they can store the food and consume it when it is still at its best.

Keep in mind terms such as "sell-by" and "use-by" have different meanings.

Sell-by: Tells the store how long it can display the food for sale. It's best, of course, to buy the food before it reaches the sell-by date. Refrigerate once you buy it, or freeze it for longer storage.

Use-by:Date is the recommended date for using the product for the best quality. It's important to note, that the FSIS, says that with infant formula that date is a food safety issue. The agency says not to buy or use baby formula after its use-by date.

Best if used by/before:Another indicator of how long the product will be of best quality.

You can find storage information on certain foods at fsis.usda.gov. (Search product dating, storage or food safety.)

In the last few years, many articles have been written about how much food waste is going on. Food is wasted for various reasons, with one being people don't know how to determine whether it's still good or not.

The global experts at Whole Foods Market pegged mindful meal prep as one of their top food trends for 2017. And part of being mindful is reducing food waste. Americans waste some 40% of all edible food, according to the National Resources Defense Council, a New York City-based environmental watchdog agency.

At nrdc.org you can check out the section savethefood.com for listings of common foods and their storage options and how long they last. Take mayonnaise, as an example. On the site, NRDC recommends refrigerating, of course, after opening. It also says that mayonnaise is at its freshest unopened for 2 years. But once opened, the refrigerator life is 2 to 3 months.

More: Tight budget? Here are the best foods to stockpile in a coronavirus quarantine

More: Coronavirus preparations: Foods with the longest shelf life

And don't forget about veggies. While some might look wilted or have softened, that's OK. Use them in quick sauts, stir-fries or soups see recipe below. You can also save those vegetable scraps, sticking them in a freezer bag. When you gather up enough, make vegetable stock.

You will also finduseful information at stilltasty.com. I also found the USDA's the Food Keeper phone app useful.

Have a question? Contact Susan Selasky at 313-222-6872 or sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

Serves: 6 / Preparation time: 15 minutes /Total time: 30 minutes

Pasta with Pine Nuts, Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes.(Photo: Susan Selasky, Susan Selasky)

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup dehydrated sun-dried tomatoes

1 pound spaghetti or thin spaghetti

2 tablespoons pine nuts

1 tablespoon olive oil

teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tablespoons sherry

10 ounces fresh regular spinach, rinsed, tough stems removed, torn into bite-size pieces

cup heavy whipping cream

cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a small saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Remove from heat. Place the sun-dried tomatoes in the broth 15 minutes, or until softened. Drain, reserving broth, and coarsely chop.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place pasta in the pot and cook 9 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.

Place the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir until lightly toasted.

In a large skillet, add the olive oil, red pepper flakes and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes over medium heat. Stir in the sherry.

Mix in the spinach, and cook until almost wilted. Add the reserved broth, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Continue cooking 2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir in the heavy cream, and cook until thickened.

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the spinach and tomato mixture and pine nuts. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

From and tested by Susan Selasky for the Free Press Test Kitchen.

230 calories (34% from fat), 9 grams fat (3 grams sat. fat), 31 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams protein, 304 mg sodium, 13 mg cholesterol, 6 grams fiber.

Read or Share this story: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/04/02/food-expiration-dates-use-by-sell-best/2934521001/

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Best-by, sell-by, use by dates: What they mean, how they're different for food - Detroit Free Press

Sir, I write as a daily walker currently confined to my house because of my age.

I understand well the competing interests described in recent letters (March 28th, April 1st) and look forward to those of us over 70 having the freedom to reclaim and enjoy our share of the footpaths.

We are currently playing our part for our community and that includes being deprived of our daily fresh air and exercise. Yours, etc,

RACHEL M

BEWLEY-BATEMAN,

Rathfarnham,

Dublin 14.

Sir, There are rude people and there are kind people. There are thoughtful and considerate people and there are thoughtless and self-centred people. Both types can be found among those who run and walk and cycle and drive.

A little consideration for others goes a long way. Remember the golden rule: treat others as you would like to be treated.

Thats enough sermonising from this pensioner. Its back to the crosswords for me. Yours, etc,

ANNE GALLAGHER,

Gweedore,

Co Donegal.

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Runners and walkers - The Irish Times

Law enforcement officers were called to a private residence March 27. Officers found a teenage boy with a single gunshot wound to the head. Thirteen year old Ryhan Schmidt was transported by ambulance to Fallon Medical Hospital where he died of his injuries. A benefit account has been established at the Bank of Baker for the family of Ryhan Schmidt. . . The Baker Jam had another successful tournament - 35 teams competed. . .A fire was reported March 25 in a pole barn located at the Deb Ranum residence north of Baker. The building was a total loss and an adjacent building sustained some damage as well. . .Lauren Wang is pictured with fruit she sold during the annual 4-H Fruit Sales. Lauren was the top seller by selling 67 boxes of fruit, 57 boxes of beef sticks and 27 boxes of string cheese.

Royalty crowned at the Plevna Prom 2000 was king Brian Rowe, son of Doug and Donna Rowe, and queen Brea MacKay, daughter of Donald and Laurie MacKay. . .King of the Baker High School prom is Derrick Enos, son of Pete and Cindy. . .Charity Enos was crowned queen. She is the daughter of Mark and Sue. . .Picture: Robert Singer and Carole ODonnell were recognized for their personal achievement in accumulating unused sick leave hours. Robert received an award pin in recognition of his 2,500 hours of unused sick leave from the Postal Service. Carole received an award pin in recognition of her 500 hours of unused sick leave from the Postal Service. . .Census questionnaires have been delivered to 115 million households throughout the nation and now the Census Bureau is urging all people living in the United States to complete the their forms and mail them in. . .Knights of Columbus Youth Basketball Tournament will be held April 8 at the Baker High School and Longfellow gyms. . .Baker music students will be at, the District Music Festival April 7-8 in Glendive. Plevna music students will be at their District Music Festival in Miles City April 7-8.

High temperature March 31 was 71 degrees. . .Rolph Tunby of Plevna, life-long resident of Fallon County, filed as a candidate for state representative. . .Lorna Bennett and Tim Howe were elected prom royalty. . .Katrina Rusley of the Baker FFA has been nominated and is expected to receive the highest degree awarded by the Montana FFA Association, the State FFA Degree. Katrina is the daughter of Wilma and Robert Rusley. . .Unofficial results of the school election: Gary Wade and Delbert Schweigert elected to the board of trustees; elementary levy passed and high school levy was defeated. . .A permanent memorial is to be placed in the lobby of the Longfellow School to honor Emil Yirka who taught sixth grade in Baker for 19 years. . .Frank Gonsioroski celebrated his 80th birthday March 22. . .A co-ed wallyball tourney was held March 25. The team captained by Pat Harrison garnered first place. Members of the team were Paul Berger, Pat Harrison, Jenny Hughes and Joyce Johnson. . .1990 census takers report that local folks are very responsive and friendly. . .Fallon County Times is hosting an egg decorating contest.

Pictured are Scoutmaster Rudy Rudolph and Tom Breitbach with his Eagle Scout award. Tom is the fifth Breitbach to receive the honored award. . .The Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a meeting with Ron Marlenee to discuss the Ekalaka-Alzada road April 9 in the Blue Room. . .John and DeeDee Geving have bought the Baker Cleaners from Harold Lund. . .A total of 427 votes were cast for school board members. Winning a one year term was Mike Krieger. For a three year term was Everett Knipp and Vic Uttke. Both mill levies also passed. . .Grand prize winners in the grade school Science Fair were Dean Wang, Tim Barth, Tony Stark, Brenda Bechtold and Sandy Madler. . . Shirley Sieler, age 44, passed away at her home in Sacramento. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdy Carlson. . . New officers for the year for the Lions Club are: president Al Fradenburgh, first vice president Tom McGonigal, second vice president Ron Meredith, secretary Everett Bowland, treasurer Matt Helfrich, Lion Tamer Gordon Olson, Tail Twister Fred Williams.

Stubby is an opposum that showed up on the Alex Collie ranch west of Willard just before Christmas looking for easy pickings. The Collies have had this rare pet ever since. . .Newcomers to the area are Dan Sheehan and his wife Ann and children Cheryll, Theresa and Sandra. . .Filing for county commissioner are Leon Rieger, Henry Bohle and Christ Lang on the Republican ticket and Jake Ehret on the Democratic ticket. For Clerk and Recorder are Bea Atkinson, incumbent; Ida Wild, Republican; and Marine Helgerson, Democrat. Diana Gill has filed for County Treasurer. Assessor has Kenny Wash and Curt Huether for the Democrats and Edmund Freier on the Republican ballot. Lucille Riley has filed for Superintendent of Schools; Terrence Cameron for Sheriff; Denzil Young for County Attorney; and Russ Culver for City Administrator. . . Howard Breitbach receives farmers degree, an honorary degree from the FFA board of trustees. . .Ed Wilson is the new Penneys manager. . .Edgar Justesen and Ashley Stanhope have filed for positions on the school board.

Thursday, March 31, 1960 --

This April Fools joke is on you. Effective April 1 your telephone bill is going to go up from 25 cents to $4 a month, depending upon what type of phone service you receive. . .Mrs. Arthur Kuehn announced this week that she has taken in her son, Tom Eilek, as a partner in the business. . .Bud Hoenke is the new head of the Fallon County Creamery. . .Two prostitutes are being held in jail after a Friday night raid on the Baker Hotel. . .Kovash, Inc. of Dickinson is the successful bidder for the curb and gutter project for the City of Baker.

Vic North and Roy McClain were re-elected school trustees in District 12 at Saturdays election. . .Rex Flint was appointed a fair board member by the board of commissioners due to the resignation of R. H. Robinson who moved to Worland, WY. . .A new switchboard section of 80 lines has been opened and will permit more ease and speed in taking care of local calls, reports R. E. Vogelsang, manager of the local office. . .Supt. Stiles represented Plevna at the 27th M.E.A. delegation in Helena last weekend.

Mantoux test for TB reaction will be conducted again in Fallon County High School under the sponsorship of the Baker Womans Club and under the direction of the State Tuberculosis Association. . .Mrs. W. Eilek was named president of the Baker Womans Club with assisting officers Mrs. C. F. Hogeboom, Mrs. Fredric Bruggeman, Mrs. B. A. Johnson, Mrs. A. L. Eckes, Mrs. K. R. Pleissner and Mrs. G. B. Guldseth. . .R. H. Robinson and M. V. North are the two trustees running for office at the annual school election April 6 . . .Under the sponsorship of the Lutheran Ladies Aid of Ollie, a group will appear in Baker tonight to present a two act play entitled Kidnapping Betty. The cast includes Mrs. Albert Sherva, Mrs. Norman Rost, Mrs. Fay Shepherd and Rev. G. B. Guldseth.

To take over the practice of Dr. G. A King will be Dr. C. C. Lull, until recently of Topeka, KS. He arrived in Baker Thursday and is now in Dr. Kings office in the Baker National Bank building. He has taken up residence in the Baker Hotel. . .A deal was consummated in Baker this week when Vaughn Ragsdale Co., who operate 21 stores in four states, became the new owners of the stock and fixtures of Wiers Co. Golden Rule Store located on Montana Avenue. . .Seven high school seniors received their B emblems at the annual lettermens banquet in the community hall. The honor men include Eddie Flasted, Wesley Livingston, Joe Micka, George Hoag, Milton Duppler, Ray Moline, and Harry Schorsch. . .Representing Baker High School in the district oratorical contest Friday evening at Miles City will be Miss Mildred McDonald. . .The interior of the Economy Grocery is considerably improved by the building of a display room and an office in the west part of the store

At a large and exceptionally well attended baseball meeting held at the athletic club rooms Tuesday even- ing, Baker was assured of a baseball team for the coming season. Lloyd Owen was elected temporary chairman; L. W. Busch, manager, G. J. Silvernale, treasurer; and H. M. Gilbert, field captain. . .The Arrival of Kitty, a three act farce, given by the Baker High School football team was presented at the Lake Theatre Wednesday evening and was greeted by a large crowd. The cast included Jeanette Price, Mariam Mohr, Helen Owen, Violet Moline, Roger Silvernale, Chauncey Biffle, Ward Grant, Henry Zook and Lester Trout. . .L. W. Busch received appointment at a dollar a year as vocational advisor for Fallon County. He will act under the supervision of the Federal Board for vocational training of disabled soldiers.

Excerpt from:

Files of the Times | Community Paid | falloncountyextra.com - Fallon County Extra

Dr Jim Beveridge oversees liquid quality and innovation at the worlds largest Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, which turns 200 this year. He tells The Spirits Business how his desire to experiment with endless flavour combinations is undiminished.

*This feature was originally published in the January 2020 issue of The Spirits Business

The skill of a great whisky blender lies in their ability to combine science and art. Blending requires advanced technical skill and a rigorous understanding of flavour components, as well as a creative mind and the willingness to explore uncharted territories.

Such contrasting but complementary traits are embodied in Dr Jim Beveridge, the aptlynamed longstanding master blender for the worlds biggest Scotch whisky brand: Johnnie Walker. Not that you would know it from talking to him; Beveridges humble and selfeffacing nature is well known in the industry, as is his calm, philosophical outlook and softlyspoken demeanour.

Of his craft, he says: The logical route can only take you so far, and Ill use this as my starting point, but it gets less logical and less rigorous technically, and it becomes more about just following instincts. Sometimes this can lead to dead ends, but at the same time you discover more opportunities.

Beveridges career with Johnnie Walker and its owner, Diageo, spans 40 years. He joined the company as a flavour chemist at a time when Johnnie Walker was investing a lot in the science and technology of whiskymaking. According to Beveridge, many of todays common blending practices were established then. Looking back, it was a real privilege to be able to do it the way we did it at the time, he says.

TECHNICAL PROCESSES

This early experience in the industry allowed Beveridge to learn how flavour can be manipulated through various technical processes something that continues to intrigue him today. Whisky has three simple ingredients that produce amazingly diverse flavours, so the chemistry of all of that, the technology, is fascinating, and it still hasnt been fully cracked yet, thats for sure.

This may be the case, but Beveridges work has been pivotal to the development of the Scotch whisky industry as a whole, and last autumn, he was awarded an OBE medal at Windsor Castle. It was pretty amazing. Its hard to describe, but it was really special, he recalls with disbelief. And not just for me but for also for all the people around me. I think this was as much their recognition as mine.

Beveridge may hold the title of Johnnie Walker master blender, and in many cases is the face of the brand, but he is keen to stress that the responsibility, and the glory, does not rest on his shoulders alone. Im working with a very talented team of people, and they are doing great work, so its more about what my role is in the team.

The Ghost and Rare expressions are some of Beveridges favourites

Day to day, Beveridge says his main tasks are to think strategically about the future in terms of where the challenges may be and where we need to be investing, and mentoring his team members. Its really important that they make their own discoveries I was given that freedom and was fortunate to be able to do that, he says. Its about giving them a framework, then after that they have to find out for themselves. To be too prescriptive leads to a bit of a dead end.

There are 12 members in the blending team, whose broad responsibilities can be divided into quality control, consistency and innovation. We also spend a lot of time making sure that the new distillate and the casks and the stock policies are all in place, says Beveridge. This is a critical task when you think about the scale of the brand, the number of distilleries it works with, and the vast range of age statements and styles needed for both the core range and new innovations. Stock management for Johnnie Walker must be dizzying to say the least.

Its quite a puzzle to be solved, admits Beveridge. As you can imagine, different distilleries use different types of wood matured in different ways and for different times. These are the three different dimensions that are inside the stocks, and you have to kind of unravel that puzzle.

It becomes more complex when recipe changes need to be made say, if a single malt becomes more successful than predicted and needs to claw back stocks.

Yes, that happens, says Beveridge, so the key thing is to make sure all our stocks are flexible. You need to make sure that you avoid committing individual casks to products until as long down the line as possible, to ensure theres freedom to accommodate those stock variations. Its all about stock management, albeit with the golden rule that you mustnt let it affect the flavour of the product.

Ultimately, Beveridge explains, one can cut through the complexity by deriving rules on flavour building blocks. He says: Think of a blend like, say, Johnnie Walker Red Label. What are the major flavour building blocks there? That approach takes us to the distilleries, the warehouses and the casks. Generally speaking, where there are challenges, they will be answered from a flavour point of view.

When it comes to expanding the Johnnie Walker portfolio and creating new expressions, stock management must be a key consideration: a largescale release needs sustainable and readily available stocks, while a smallscale, limited edition can use rarer parcels. Johnnie Walker has played mostly in the former category over the past couple of years with innovations such as the Game of Thronesinspired White Walker, a runaway success across the globe.

The Game of Thrones Single Malt Whisky Collection

LISTEN TO CONSUMERS

According to Beveridge, the most vibrant innovations from the brand have all come as a result of market demand. We listen to what the consumers are asking us to do, so most of our great innovations have come from the market very few come from us having a lightbulb moment at the bench and saying lets find someone who will enjoy that. It doesnt really work that way.

Beveridge believes that a consumercentric approach would help the wider industry avoid the mistakes of the past, and fend off a second catastrophic whisky loch. One of the big lessons from the 80s was to think consumerfirst; think about what expressions they like and make that the target. My sense of the 70s was that it was a largely productionled thinking, without real attention to who [was drinking the whiskies] or in what circumstances they would be consumed. But thats changed radically since then.

This approach is exemplified by Johnnie Walkers new Highball campaign, and its innovations relating to Game of Thrones. After the launch of White Walker was the A Song of Fire and A Song of Ice blends, and the Game of Thrones Single Malt Collection.

Among his personal favourite projects, Beveridge cites Johnnie Walker Blue Label and the more recent addition, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare, containing liquid from closed distilleries. They are joined by Johnnie Walker Double Black, the Blenders Batch series and Directors Blend (which evolved into the Private Collection) in his list of top hits. You can see theres a theme here, he says. Its just opportunities to create new expressions and try them out with our consumers to see how they will react. It helps us think about what to do next.

Age statements arent high on Beveridges list of priorities when it comes to new product development (In a way I dont like age statements because they restrict you, he says), but, luckily, consumer expectation of an agestatement blend is perhaps less than an agestatement single malt. On the perennial question of blends versus single malts, he argues that the best expressions of whiskies are in blends. There are some amazing single malts, thats the reality, and the success of single malts is great for the category. The blends play a major role in that, and I almost exclusively prefer blends to single malts, just because of the differentexpressions and nuances of flavour you can achieve. They are just much more interesting, and I find them easier to understand and enjoy. I think single malts are very bold expressions in quite a narrow sense, whereas blends are much more varied and the layers of flavour are much more complex.

Both styles of whisky have been afforded greater flexibility under amended regulations that came into force last year, stating that Scotch can be finished in a wider variety of casks. However, Beveridge stresses that the regulation remains pretty tight, and, regardless, the key is not so much about the rules; its about what those casks can do in terms of flavour.

He adds: The rules are a way of helping us navigate, but they are not the be all and end all. Id much rather be thinking about what kinds of flavours we can make and how we can achieve that. The barrelageing bits were secondary to that ambition.

Made with mixing in mind

FLAVOUR INNOVATION

Beveridge is clearly a modern blender, with a focus on pushing the boundaries of flavour innovation, but as Johnnie Walker strides towards its 200th anniversary this year, how important is it to bear in mind the brands historical style? How does the past influence the future, and is this a help or a hindrance?

Its an interesting question, Beveridge replies, thoughtfully. Throughout my career you could argue that the Walker tradition is looking over your shoulder all the time. Thats kind of where we started from [the whiskies] were all very much in the context of Johnnie Walker and that tradition. It was always based on tradition we inherited you could argue that todays practice becomes tomorrows tradition.

Recently we have had the opportunity to experiment and create new styles, albeit with the Walker stamp of quality. Id like to think that whatever we do, it would be recognised as a Johnnie Walker blend.

Johnnie Walker has big plans for 2020. A major attraction is set to open in Edinburgh before the end of the year as part of Diageos US$150 million investment in Scotch tourism, which will also see the groups network of Scotch whisky visitor centres renovated and revamped. Beveridge and his team are working on a 40yearold blend, which he says has been worked on around my 40 years of whisky making.

As only the sixth master blender in Johnnie Walkers history, Beveridge says he is honoured to be working with the brand during its milestone year, but he brings the conversation back around to his team. Its incredibly heartening and quite humbling to be honest when you see them in action and think, wow, thats pretty amazing.

With so much focus on gearing his team up for succession, are there any plans to start slowing down? Its an amazing industry and I work with some amazing people, so its incredibly difficult to let go when youre part of that. There are still some amazing challenges and I would love to be a part of [solving] them. One day that will need to change, thats the reality, but right now I am quite happy where I am. Its a great place to be.

More:

Jim Beveridge on pushing the boundaries of flavour - The Spirits Business

In Norman Rockwells paintings, life was picture perfect too perfect.

But when the iconic artist began to treat the last part of his career as a blank canvas, it generated both hate and hope.

Born in Manhattan, Rockwell dropped out of high school, went to art college, and soon began 45 years with the Saturday Evening Post magazine.

Like Frank Capras movies (A Wonderful Life), he painted life as people wanted to see it: homey and wholesome, wry and whimsical, and above all patriotic and at peace.

His most famous subjects included lovestruck teenagers gazing at the moon, a cop at a lunch counter with a runaway boy, a lion looking balefully at a zookeepers sandwich and a family sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner.

Critics sniffed at Rockwells work, calling it sugary sweet and overly sentimental, sanitized and safe. Rockwellesque came to mean anything out of touch with reality, and writers said the artist had immense talent but put it to banal use.

But when Rockwells second wife, Mary, died in 1959, the artist joined a weekly mens club that discussed the issues roiling America: the arms race, race relations, womens rights and counter-culture. Life was changing, and so was the artist.

Banned for years from showing minorities in his art, Rockwell painted The Golden Rule in 1961, with people of different races and religions under the caption Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You.

But that was just a warm-up.

In 1964, Rockwell stunned everyone with The Problem We All Live With, a painting for his new employer, Look magazine. It depicted four U.S. marshals escorting, past a howling mob, six-year-old Ruby Bridges into a newly desegregated school in New Orleans.

You dont see that mob, or the faces of the police. The focus is on Ruby, walking bravely past a wall spattered with a thrown tomato and grim racist graffiti.

Hate mail poured in, for the first time in Rockwells life. But there was praise, too.

Thank you for showing this white Southerner how ridiculous he looks, wrote one man.

A former critic wrote, Permit me to choke on my words. YOU have just said in one painting what people cannot say in a lifetime.

In his thank you letter, Rockwell replied, I just had my 70th birthday and am trying to be a bit more adult in my work.

When some pleaded for the sweet pictures of old, Rockwell was firm.

You cant make the good old days come back, just by painting pictures of them, he said. That kind of stuff is dead now and I think its about time.

Rockwell went on to paintMurder in Mississippi, depictingthe 1964 killing by the Klan and police of three civil rights workers two white and one black.

He also didNew Kids in the Neighborhood, showingblack and white kids sizing each other up near a moving van as a white woman peers from a window with near-hostility.

Sidelined by dementia, Rockwell died in 1978 at 84, amid a whole new respect for his art. In 2011, his painting was displayed in the White House when Ruby Bridges met with Americas first black president, Barack Obama.

Ive had my own Rockwellian struggle. Over the years, this column has been criticized, rightfully, as trite and superficial. Not everybody likes my style or approach, and Im OK with that.

I do try to connect faith with real life, with varying degrees of success, but theres a bigger issue. And that is that each of us is an artist, painting a daily picture of life and faith.

I fear too many of us are stuck in an early-Rockwell mindset.

Among Christians, I often hear a hankering for the good ole days. Many see the 1950s and 60s as a simpler, more religious, more mannered and respectful time, free of todays messy issues.

And, in many ways, they were. But only if you were white, middle class, straight, and part of the normal majority. For anybody else, those decades were fraught with bigotry, discrimination, and exclusion, if not outright fear and danger.

Even faith was largely about tradition, appearances, and fitting in. Its not that the old days were less troubled. The hard issues were simply ignored, repressed, or beaten into submission.

And, usually, the church was in on it.

But if anything is obvious about Jesus, its His heart for the poor and oppressed (even those whose conduct He didnt endorse), and His insistence that we get down in the messiness to lift the hurting and excluded.

Each of us needs to take a stand and paint our own version of The Problem We All Live With. That problem is not just racism, but sin in general: anything that stops us from loving God and each other as we should.

Finding a Jesus response to the different or difficult people around us is tiring and unsettling. It makes us confront what we believe, it challenge our assumptions, and it forces us to see that faith is not about nostalgia and escapism, but about meeting people where they are and helping them with todays gritty realities.

That will take humility and love that gets us off our duffs. But if we refuse to engage, pining for the past and sending the message that todays world is beyond redemption, faith will become even more irrelevant because of its perceived disconnect with reality.

Dont long for the good old day, for this is not wise, says Ecclesiastes 7:10. Thats because we look back with selective memories and paint only the pictures we want.

Instead, look around and ahead, commit to making a difference in your own circle, and use your faith to create a more loving and inclusive life, filled with the bold strokes and courageous colours found in Christ.

Share your thoughts with Rick Gamble at info@followers.ca He pastors an independent, nondenominational church in Brantford called Followers of Christ (www.followers.ca) and teaches media at Laurier Brantford.

View post:

Nostalgia isn't what it used to be - Brantford Expositor

April 2nd, 2020 by WCBC Radio

Letter from Rebecca Sparks, High Sierra Music:

Dearest DelFest staff~

I apologize for the mass email, and hope to connect individually with you as the next few weeks unfold. I hope this email finds you healthy (first and foremost), and safe AT HOME with your people. Wild times indeed. While this won't come as a complete shock, we have made the decision to postpone DelFest.

At this point in time we have a glimmer of hope that there's a possibility of holding the festival later in the summer, but it's also very possible we may have to postpone until 2021. More on that very soon.

We are feeling all the feels sadness, disappointment, and mourning the loss of what would have been. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us in the coming weeks to either just check in, or if you have specific questions. We are so, so sorry this is happening. Stay safe, STAY HOME, and hoping and praying for our crazy festy family to be together soon. ~Rebecca (on behalf of all the DelFest partners and McCoury family)

Follows is a letter to the fans from Rob and Ronnie McCoury:

Folks~ First, let us start by saying, since this is unfortunately coming out on April 1, this is not some sort of April Fools prank. This is all very real.

We want to thank you for all the prayers and well wishes youve sent our familys way. They are very much appreciated and needed. Dad, Mom, and all of our family are healthy and safe, and we send our prayers back to each of your homes.

Even three weeks ago it wouldve been impossible to imagine the place we now find ourselves in. Weve watchedas have all of youas the reports have changed daily. We've wrestled with where DelFest fits into the grand scheme of things, but so many of you have asked that we take our time and remember what this festival means to all of us.

Over the years, our family has come to truly understand that DelFest belongs to the fans, the community, and the artists who have made it so special, so we take any decision to postpone very seriously. So many of you have said this is your annual get together with family and friends from across the countrymilitary families plan their leaves together, kids meet up with other kids who've grown up with the festival, etc. We also can't overlook that its vitally important to the economy of Western Maryland. With all of this in mind, we have acted on the advice of many trusted counselors and taken the time to review all options.

Even a week ago, we thought it might be possible to hold the festival safely at the end of May, and now we have come to realize that holding an event at the end of May could risk the health of the attendees, artists, staff, and community we hold so dear. At this time we can say with certainty that having the event on Memorial Day weekend is not a possibility. We are currently looking into the possibility of moving it later this summer or postponing until 2021, and will have more information about that soon. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

We are asking you to hang in there with us while we put these plans in place. Once we have a final decision, we will let you know how that impacts your tickets, and what the options are. However, as this is a trying time for many folks, we dont want to make it any harder. If your circumstance is such that you absolutely need a refund at this time, please click here and we will work with you. If you can stick with us, knowing that your tickets will be valid for a future DelFest, we appreciate it.

Let us assure you, there is no possibility that we would ever make a decision that would put our dad and mom at risk, so we would never ask you to put your family at risk. We are talking with local, regional, and state authorities every few days to gather as much information as possible so that we can make the best decision for all of us.

Regardless of the decision we ultimately make, you can trust that our family has always tried to operate by the Golden Rule, and nothing will ever change that. We will treat each of you the way wed like to be treated.

Be safe, love on your family, and stay tuned for more information. Rob and Ronnie on behalf of the entire McCoury Family

Continued here:

Blog Archive Letters from DelFest Organization Regarding Change in Festival - WCBC Radio

A representation of what their live map could look like, courtesy OurStreets.

When Mark Sussman and Daniel Schep came together and madetheOurStreetsapp (foron Android and iOS)back in January, it was designed as a crowdsourcing tool to report unsafe road conditions in the Washington, D.C., area. Now, with the strange conditions we all share due to the coronavirus pandemic, they're releasing another feature called OurStreets Supplies.

OurStreets Supplies wants to maintain a real-time inventory of essential supplies through crowdsourcing. Users will be able to reportkey items as fully stocked, running low, orsold-out, as well as submit photos from the store they visited.

Instead of issues that you could be reporting around street safety, [the app] is going to show you different supplies that you may be shopping for, such as toilet paper or hand sanitizer, fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, etc., says Sussman. Shoppers will also be able to log if they felt safe with the social distancing measures taken at their location.

The original appalready has a significant user base in the D.C. area. With the release of the new feature, they'relooking to partner with local government and commercial entities, like they already have with Union Kitchen. Oncethe platformgathers a critical mass of data on sopping conditions, they'll be able to publish real-time maps to both the app and their website.

Working as intended, OurStreets supplies will help shoppers make safe and smart decisions, minimize the stress from shopping around, and get what they need. As Sussmanobserves, Theres not necessarily a lack of supplies, theres just a lack of information around where those supplies are located."

However, like social distancing in general, it's a team effort.

"People and retailers have to contribute to this for it to work. Everybody needs to start cataloging what the stores have," Sussman continues.

They also encourage shoppers to employ the Golden Rule when using their appthis isn't a tool for more effective panic-buying.

Hoarding is the exact antithesis of what were trying to accomplish," he says.

For more information, you can check theirarticle here, which contains information on how you can help. (They're looking for commercial and government contacts, software engineers, and more.) You can download here in anticipation of the release.

How are you holding up? Would a product like this be useful for your forays to the store? Chime in with a comment.

Visit link:

OurStreets App Helps DC Shoppers Find the Supplies and Groceries They Need - Our Community Now at Virginia

What Car Should You BuyThe experts at Jalopnik answer your car-buying questions.

Tracey is an ICU nurse who is also continuing her education. She has a little one on the way and likes to drive fun cars, but her current car got totaled and she needs a viable replacement without breaking the bank. What car should she buy?

(Welcome back to What Car Should You Buy? Where we give real people real advice about buying cars. )

Here is the scenario:

My car was totaled! I was rear-ended at a traffic light on my way home from work. Right now I am using my fiancs Focus ST to get to and from work as an ICU nurse. I am currently doing an online RN to BSN program, we are saving for a house, and our first child thats due in November so I cant spend too much. It has to be a manual, but since I live in CO, I really do not want something rear-wheel-drive. Also, it needs to be practical enough to handle a car seat and baby gear, so four doors is likely a must.

While I only have about $10,000 to spend I cant have something that is too unreliable as I need to get to work.

G/O Media may get a commission

Budget: Up to $10,000

Daily Driver: Yes

Location: Colorado Springs

Wants: Fun, manual, four doors

Doesnt want: Rear-wheel drive

Tracey, Im sorry to hear about your old car and Im grateful you came out okay. Hopefully, with this coronavirus situation, you can stay out of harms way. I know that is not easy for anyone in the healthcare industry right now.

The good news is I was able to find what I feel is the perfect car for you, which is a Subaru Outback. Yes, I know that every other person in Colorado drives an Outback, but this one is special.

A local shop has this 2005 Outback XT with a manual trans, rebuilt motor and a bunch of performance upgrades. At one time I owned a very similar Legacy GT wagon and I still miss that car. These turbo long roofs are the perfect car for someone who wants a WRX but needs to do adult things. They are very quick, very comfortable, and can handle car seats, strollers and whatever else you need to haul with your eventual new house. Of course, its also an AWD Outback so getting to work in bad weather is no problem.

Seeing as you already live in Colorado, theres nothing that I need to do to put Subaru on your radar. And you have a Focus ST in your life already, so I dont need to introduce that or the even more lovely Fiesta ST.

But I love this prompt, because jumping on a local Craigslist and searching for whats affordable with three pedals is a hobby of mine. Normally this shows me things like this remarkably clean Saturn SC2 for $875. Given your budget, though, its also easy to turn up an impeccably restored Volkswagen, like this one asking $11,000. If I were looking for charming, trusty transportation, I would scoop up a nice old Bug, and indeed, thats what I did! (How did that go? Nevermind!)

But since you want something that has four doors and wont spin the back wheels all through the winter, I would say youd want to go find something else perfectly restored but otherwise overlooked. And in that, well, its not all that hard to find a vintage Scoobie, spotless inside and out, right around what youre willing to spend. This $9,999 1978 in Boulder will brighten the day of everyone you drive past.

Hey, Tracey! Ill admit, I love Raphs suggestion there, and for me, Id jump all over that, but for once Im going to try and be rational (it hurts, but Ill try) and suggest a manual, fun, reliable car for you that really isnt an insane proposition. Heres what you need: a first-gen Scion xB.

Ive had one of these little charming boxes for years as our modern car, and I can honestly say its been one of the most useful and hassle-free cars Ive ever owned. Its shockingly roomy inside, extremely reliableand, when I have had to fix things on it, thats proven to be relatively easy and cheap, gets fantastic gas mileage, and, somehow manages to be fun to drive as well.

I have a 5-speed manual one, just like this one here for sale in Colorado, and its a blast to drive. Light and nimble, and while its not a speed demon, its quick enough and, at its limit, can be a real hoot.

Hell, I had Tiff Needell fling my little refrigerator around a track and it was hilariously fun.

Ive hit a deer in mine, taken it on long trips, hauled a full-sized washing machine in it, used it with my kid in the car-seat era and beyondits just a really well-designed do-anything car that Im never unhappy to get into.

So, yeah, this is what you need, and this one here is only $4,000 and has new struts on all corners and looks very well maintained. Save yourself six grand and a lot of hassle.

There are certain rules in this life that just arent worth breaking. Perhaps the most important among them: Never go backwards in horsepower.

Youve been driving your fiancs Ford Focus ST to and from work, and have likely gotten used to feeling 252 horsepower under the hood. Going to the 108 horsepower Scion xB that my coworker Jason is recommending will make you feel like youre piloting a tractor-trailer. And the old Subaru DL that Raph suggested will make you feel like you arent moving at all.

I can get onboard with Toms 250 horsepower Subaru Legacy XT pitch, but again, it technically breaks the aforementioned golden rule. So, to ensure that your life is moving in the correct direction car-wise, you should buy this 2012 MazdaSpeed 3. Its turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four sends 263 horsepower (thats more than 252, you may have noticed) to the front wheels, and drags around a car with lots of space for kids, strollers, pacifiers, oil filters, diapers, and whatever else one needs to maintain of children.

Sure, it costs $2,500 more than your budget allows, but maybe a bit of negotiation will get you closer to 10 grand.

Do you want us to help you find a car? Submit your story on our form.

See the rest here:

I'm An ICU Nurse That Needs Something Fun And Cheap With A Manual Trans! What Car Should I Buy? - Jalopnik