| Oakland Pot Facts
A fascinating report from the Measure Z oversight committee provides answers to some questions we have been asking ourselves ever since NovoMetro moved its world headquarters not far from that part of downtown Oakland known in its heyday as Oaksterdam. Passed by Oakland voters in 2004, Measure Z makes adult cannabis offenses Oakland’s lowest law enforcement priority. The oversight committee was part of the measure, and this is its first annual report. It has a clear agenda. The report seeks to demonstrate that Oakland is missing out on at least $3.5 million of potential sales tax revenue because taxing the sale of medical marijuana remains an unresolved issue. As tantalizing as that may be to city officials facing a $15 million budget deficit, state and federal laws keep those potential proceeds mostly out of reach.
Voulez-vous shop-ay avec moi?
When Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City went to Paris to be with her Baryshnikov babe, she wore a darling French-inspired outfit and matching hat for the occasion. Alas, when I discovered these charming French-inspired shops in Rosedale recently, the only French accessory I was wearing was my wool toque.
But Im an optimistic shop-aholic, so Im always prepared to see la vie en rose when Im researching new shops. So as I strolled along Yonge St. in the early-spring chill, I imagined myself a stylish pashmina-clad Parisian with market bag in hand, strolling along some cobble-stoned street in search of retail romance....
I pop into Belle poch first and — quelle surprise — I find a market bag beside the Provenal tablecloths.
Owners Andrew Dymecki and Katheryn Botsford have a business card with fleurs-de-lis on it, and fittingly so.
How sweet it isn't: up go chockies
"Two anarchist spaces means double the fun for us and double the trouble for the rulers," said a flyer to anarchist book readers. Big new jet airliner After multiple delays there is growing confidence that the first commercial flight of an Airbus A380 superjumbo could still arrive in Sydney late this year. The French aircraft maker announced it had completed another series of "commercial route proving flights". Airbus failed to provide any comparisons on the jet as it has on previous occasions, suggesting it has given up on its plans to fill an A380 with 35 million ping-pong balls and 57 fully grown Asian elephants. However, Reflux is concerned the aircraft maker's first A380 customer has thrown up some new comparisons that could delay the planned October delivery of the first superjumbo.
Porthole Players hold auditions for 'Sweet Charity' April 14
Some of the more well-known songs from "Sweet Charity" are "If They Could See Me Now," "Hey, Big Spender" and "Rhythm of Life."There are a number of men's character parts available and excellent roles for women who both sing and dance. Those auditioning for a leading role are asked to come with a song prepared. An accompanist will be provided. Vickie Steen, choreographer and co-director for "Sweet Charity" states, "There is lots of choreography in this show. Come dressed and prepared for movement." The audition team plans to cast approximately 30 people in the musical which is scheduled to open Nov. 2, 2007.Co-directing with Steen is Carl Miller, and Dr. Mary Lee Scoville has been selected as the music director. Producer is Sue Labasan and Jerry Smith will serve as artistic consultant. A script is available at the PAC or a detailed synopsis of the play can be found at http://www.theatrehistory.com/american/sweet_charity_001.html.
Former Governor Brings Life Lessons into Bowdoin College ...
BRUNSWICK, Maine, April 13, 2007 - It's not unusual for a Bowdoin College student to take a class with a professor of renown. The College's faculty includes a mix of nationally and internationally recognized scientists, scholars, artists and writers. But students get an improbably practical take on the subject of leadership when they enroll in Angus King's interdisciplinary Leaders and Leadership course. King is a former two-term Maine governor who throws his own life lessons into the mix while studying leaders great and small. "The first year I taught the class," he recalls, "every time I would mention one of my experiences as governor I would apologize and say, 'This class is not about me, but when we had the ice storm ...' Finally this student spoke up and said, 'Stop apologizing for being Governor.
Owners spend big bucks spoiling pets
BLOOMINGTON — During a typical trip to the store, Kari Bigger buys food, treats, toys and clothes — for her dogs.The Pontiac woman doesn't spare much expense when it comes to her greyhound, Nide, and Italian greyhound, Vinny. Monthly bills for basics and perks can reach $200 to $300.“My dogs are really spoiled," Bigger said. “I don't have kids, so they're kind of like my kids. They're great companions for me."Bigger was one of many shoppers who contributed to the $38.5 billion people spent on pets in 2006, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. National spending is almost double the $21 billion pet owners spent 10 years earlier.Pet owners increasingly treat their four-legged friends like family, and businesses are responding in kind with high quality pet food, gourmet treats, elaborate toys, clothes — even jewelry.“There's a growing trend for people to spoil their pets," said Mike Harpest, owner of Premium Pet Supply in Bloomington.
Raving Brands Partnering Highly Successful Moe’s Southwest Grill ...
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Raving Brands, the global multi-concept franchise company, announced today that Moe's Southwest Grill, L.L.C. signed a definitive agreement this past weekend to be acquired by FOCUS Brands, which is the franchisor and operator of over 1,750 ice cream stores, bakeries, sandwich shops, and cafes in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 33 foreign countries. Moe's Southwest Grill was launched in 2000, and in just seven years has established itself as one of the most successful fast-casual restaurant concepts in America. Raving Brands, which has grown Moe's so successfully in the last several years, will begin to leverage the tremendous depth of resources from FOCUS Brands for Moe's, while continuing its efforts to nurture and grow its eight concepts – Shane's Rib Shack, Planet Smoothie, PJ's Coffee of New Orleans, Mama Fu's Asian House, Doc Green's Gourmet Salads and Grill, Boneheads Grilled Fish and Piri Piri Chicken, Monkey Joe's, and The Flying Biscuit Cafe.
|
