Bad Economy Bloggery

So, I work in Short Sales, which means every day I go to the office, to my little cubicle, I log into a phone, sip my tea and I talk to people who are looking for alternatives to foreclosure. Sometimes  can help these people with short sale of their homes, other times I have to tell them, unfortunately, that they will lose their home and there is nothing to be done about it.
I work very hard at not getting trapped n the guilt and shame and anger that comes with this job and focus on trying my best to help people and moving on if I cannot.

That being said...there are a few Pagans on YouTube who have done videos in regards to foreclosure, bad economy, etc. I thought  would share a few here:

I love Madame Dubois and her Real Witches of Orange County Videos and she did a very genuine video about foreclosure here:



Mrs. Fiendish Bat has a few political, economical, talking videos on her channel but I wanted to share her Get a Job Spell for those of you interested in prosperity magick:



And of course a Witch Bottle ^_^

Pagan Prompts: Familiars

I have a cat who could be considered a shared familiar between myself and Damon. Her name is Halloween – due to the day we found her and her calico coloring of pumpkin orange, midnight black, and ghost white with moth green eyes.

Halloween talks to us in a way I’ve never seen of another cat (we have 2 others that are very intelligent but not quite at this level) and I’ve also done guided meditations with her – and she was the guide!

Halloween’s astral form varies from looking like herself now, to a larger white cat, to a human form that is tall, white and blonde. The same thing about all these forms is her eyes, the same luna moth color. The feel of her astral projection is both feral and protective, as if she would kill any ill meaning interloper on our journey.

On the down side, Halloween insists on being a part of all of our magickal activities and will yowl and scratch at the door of our bedroom during private meditations. She also in a bit of an energy hog and will snuggle everything from spread tarot cards to crystals laying in the lunar light.

She is also our surrogate fur-kid, especially for Damon. I believe if anything happened to that cat, he would be just as devastated as someone who had a hurt or lost child. 

And The Beat Goes On - More Fallout From the Mens Grand Final

Sourced from the Canberra Times http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/olympic-hit-with-1000-fine/2306115.aspx

The article below was published in the Canberra Times yesterday, but things have moved on since then - again!

As you may be aware, CFC were to meet yesterday (Wednesday) with a Capital Football Tribunal to discuss the Capital Football breach notice that was served on CFC (and advised the penalties made on CFC) for the conduct of a small group of CFC supporters at the Mens Grand Final.

The meeting did not take place and is no believed to be scheduled for 12 October 2011. The NPL is not aware of the precise reasons for the postponement, but the NPL believes the following things may have influenced the decision to postpone:

1. CFC is believed to have engaged legal representation in relation to the matters put to it and the penalties imposed by Capital Football, via the Breach Notice. Not surprising, given the seriousness of the matters contained in the breach notice and the magnitude of the penalties.
2. Capital Football have now engaged their legal representatives and time is required to brief the lawyer(s) of their situation.
3. Finding a suitable time to get all parties to the table as soon as practicable.

As  noted previously, if CFC do not agree with the situation following their meeting and any subsequent decisions by the Capital Football Tribunal, CFC is able to appeal the decision. Presumably, the first level of appeal would be to the Capital Football Board. If CFC is still dissatisfied, it may appeal to the FFA. Action then goes out of the what we might call the FFA environment and to the civil courts. Every step takes time - and money for both Capital Football and CFC.

An unexpected and troubling development was the attempts by individuals to organize a protest at the Capital Football offices yesterday, to voice their dissatisfaction toward Capital Football, on the basis that Capital Football had acted toward several clubs ( in the words of the author(s) of the email) in a fashion that was described as "unfair treatment, disqualification, fines and racial discrimination". The NPL is not aware of the identity of these persons, but has been told that the organizing was attempted through email. It is troubling to think that people in the football community sort to engage several clubs in this protest. This unwelcome development must have been extremely irritating to both Capital Football and CFC. The protest in the end, did not eventuate. At some future date, perhaps Capital Football will pursue this matter. They should!

The CT article below indicates that Capital Football have also fined Canberra Olympic because some of  its supporters smuggled alcohol into the ground and used offensive language. The Clubs response was commendable and pragmatic: 

 Vice-president John Athanasiou said the club was disappointed by the sanction but ''overall we can't complain''.

''Olympic will take this on the chin and look to better improve our relationships with our spectators in the coming season,'' he said.


One matter that is mentioned below is a potentially serious one for Canberra FC - the unacceptable conduct of some of its supporters, may impact adversely on CFC's application to be included in the Football NSW State League 2 competition in 2012. . If it does, it would be a dreadful outcome for football in the ACT. Football NSW are under no obligation to accept ACT teams into their competitions and they have NSW teams that also wish to be prompted to their State League 2 competition. The Football NSW Board considers CFC's application (and others) next week The timing of the conduct of the CFC supporter group who caused the difficulties at the Grand Final could not have been worse for CFC. They have a lot to answer for to their players, Club officials and all other supporters. Delays between Capital Football and CFC in resolving the disciplinary matters seems unlikely to be to CFC's advantage at the Football NSW Board meeting.

So often, these disputes in sport turn on one thing more than anything else. For me it is this - CFC must find its way clear to acknowledge that it is the Club  that is responsible for its supporters at a game, no matter where or who runs the event. Individual Club supporters are required to abide by the FFA's Code of Spectator Behavior. Whether Capital Football could or could not have done better in organizing the mens Grand Final is a separate, but important matter, one that the CF Board must consider going forward, but it does not seem to provide relief to CFC in any matters contained in the breach notice.

We need to get past CFC's objections to the breach notice and Capital Football needs to to get on with calling the individuals they have positively identified as breaching the Codes of Conduct / Spectator Behaviour before a Capital Football Tribunal hearing.

For now we wait for the Lawyers at twenty paces! And a fat lot of good that will do, that could not have been done with a liberal dollop of common sense!

The false accusations of racism / discrimination against Capital Football and inciting people to take action against Capital Football must stop. Those who engage in Hooliganism at Football games should receive no comfort from their Clubs nor anyone else in the football community.

And what about the players? I wonder how they feel. CFC has an outstanding playing roster, they have dominated ACT Football for a decade and they deserve far better than the louts that caused problems at the Grand Final and they definitely don't need the people who have falsely accused Capital Football of racism. This baggage may just deprive these players of an opportunity to play their Football at a higher level in NSW.  It wouldn't take long for CFC to break into the NSW Premier League. What a wonderful pathway for talented young players in the ACT.

CFC management needs to get focused on the important things in Football for their Club going forward and in this case, its breaking into the NSW Premier League. To do that, they need to jettison some unhelpful baggage. The Football NSW Board meeting to consider which Club(s) will be accepted into the NSW State League 2 competition, now seems likely to be held before the disciplinary matters are resolved. How does that help CFC and what guarantees can CFC now give the Football NSW Board that there will be no repetition  by their supporters of the disgraceful conduct last week? And will Capital Football feel able to continue to support the CFC application? Guess we will find out. The CT article below certainly indicates that Football NSW is alert to the troubles.

As an aside - the NSW Premier League Grand Final to be held on Monday next week, will be between Sydney United and Sydney Olympic. Funny old world in Football!

Olympic hit with $1000 fine

BY DAVID POLKINGHORNE

28 Sep, 2011 04:00 AM

Canberra Olympic has been hit with a $1000 suspended fine following the turmoil at the men's premier league grand final on September17. Meanwhile, Football NSW said its grand final opponent, Canberra FC, might have its application to join the Sydney-based competition rejected because of the behaviour of its fans.
Capital Football issued Olympic with a breach notice but with a smaller penalty than FC received.
Olympic's fans were charged with smuggling alcohol into the ground, as well as using offensive language.
FC was fined $8500, with a $10,000 good-behaviour bond, and was docked six premiership points for the 2012 season for lighting flares, invading the playing arena and abusing Capital Football staff and officials.
It is appealing the decision at a tribunal hearing to be held tonight.
Olympic, however, will accept its sanction.
Vice-president John Athanasiou said the club was disappointed by the sanction but ''overall we can't complain''.
''Olympic will take this on the chin and look to better improve our relationships with our spectators in the coming season,'' he said.
Football NSW head of soccer competitions Bill Kostandas said a decision on Canberra FC's acceptance into the association would be made at next Thursday's board meeting.
Even if FC ticks all the boxes it could still find itself omitted because of the behaviour of its fans.
''Being up-front and honest, it would have to be a consideration,'' Kostandas said.
He said ''it won't be easy'' for FC to get in as it wasn't the only club applying for entry into state league two - NSW's fourth tier.
Canberra FC didn't return The Canberra Times's calls. 

My Mabon Etsy Picks 2011

Check Out my Mabon Picks on Etsy...including treats, clothes, and more

Here

Boomerangs FS Start the Futsal NSW Premier League in the ACT - Be There!

Sourced from Capital Football website and Boomerangs FS website.

Ethnicity / Racism / Hooliganism - The Three Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Football Around the World

Sourced from a variety of locations - work done in USA, Israel, Canada and Holland

This program was broadcast on 2xxfm (98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network on Tuesday, 27 September 2011 at 7:00PM.

An image from the Capital Football Mens Grand Final. This was taken after the pitch invasion.

An image from an A League game early this year involving Melbourne Victory.


This is what the Victoria Police Spokesperson had to say on the subject of VICPOL responding to crowd behavior in Football (source is The Age - video content athttp://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/police-scared-off-by-melbourne-victory-soccer-louts-20110218-1ayus.html?comments=61 ) :



"Victoria Police have confirmed that some officers are asking not to work at soccer matches as officials grapple with the issue of crowd violence and loutish behaviour.
Superintendent Rod Wilson said a rogue element of Melbourne Victory supporters went to matches with the intention of causing a ruckus, but stressed the violence was not ethnically related.
Police were particularly concerned about the use of flares and physical and verbal clashes between rival supporter groups and towards police, which Superintendent Wilson said had escalated in the past seven matches."
"Security screening is expected to be beefed up at soccer venues to prevent supporters taking flares into stadiums, Superintendent Wilson said.He said there had been reports of 14 flares lit at a recent match involving Melbourne Victory, and 24 people being evicted at one match from a crowd of about 8000."
"

"I'm not saying police fear for their safety. I said that police were reluctant (to work) because .... the policing of these sporting events is done voluntarily," Superintendent Wilson told SEN.

"We ask people who want to volunteer for Saturdays and Sundays on their days off .... all they're saying 'we'll come and work at the football, we'll come and work at the tennis or the racing, we don't want to work at the soccer."

He admitted there was a flaw in the screening process that allowed supporters to smuggle flares into stadiums.

"Yes, that is an issue that we're going to have to look at," Superintendent Wilson said.

"There are a number of issues. Do the clubs adequately stand up and denounce inappropriate behaviour? Do we see the players coming out and calling for better behaviour by spectators? These are all the things we want to discuss with Victory."

There are echoes of the CF Grand Final in this report. We need to learn from these situations.


The recent disgraceful behavior by a group of  Canberra FC supporters at the Capital Football 2011 Mens Premier League Grand Final game, has given rise to a lot of comment in the football community. For all the details  read the various posts and comments with each post.

It may be useful for some to see how far this has gone overseas. For those that have forgotten or never experienced the ugliness that infected the beautiful game here in Australia, and may not know just how hard the federal Government (s) and the Football Federation of Australia and through it the Member Federations (eg Capital Football) has worked to change the game and move it to a better place for the community, then this program serves as a warning. Gives pause for thought.

A clear statement by FIFA at the last World Cup Final. The 'No" to racism encompasses all forms that it presents itself in at Football.

As ever, you have to be ever vigilant on these matters. Unacceptable, dangerous, threatening and violent behavior can spark up in the crowd with or without warning. Clubs now stand at the forefront of maintaining the FFA Codes of Behavior which are reflected in the member federations competition rules. Clubs are responsible for the action of their supporters at the game - home or away. Where Clubs or member Federations find supporters in breach of the various codes of behavior and/or their competition rules on related matters, its time to act swiftly and firmly, it is not a place for misguided loyalty, no matter how well intentioned. For member federations who run events, the message is clear - do your homework, look for the signs of troubles, act on them, don't give any individual or Club the benefit of the doubt, keep a tight lid on behavior (and all the elements that affect it - alcohol, perimeter security, baggage search etc, removal of offenders from the venue) and above all, keep the environment safe for the football community and players. Yes, its come to this in the ACT and we have a Socceroo game and W League games ahead of us in 2011.

There is a lot to be learned ( or re-learnt) for the future in the current CFC supporter / Capital Football debacle. Its a long way from finished and it must be resolved in favor of Football.

Download the Podcast here:

The Dalai Lama's Great Plan Part 1.m4v

See Part 2 here

Announcing the Refugee Resources Library Guide

Are you a student in a Service Learning course this semester, and are you volunteering with refugee agencies and familes around the Treasure Valley? Are you a faculty member teaching a Service Learning course? Does your Service-Learning course include volunteer work with the refugee community in Boise? You are probably needing to find broader information on this topic, and context, to meet your needs. You might be looking for assistance, articles, reflection questions, or other information pertinent to your experience. Look no further! We have a library guide full of amazing resources to help you:

http://guides.boisestate.edu/refugees

[QR Code will take you to the library guide. Need info on QR codes? Check this guide out: http://guides.boisestate.edu/qrcodes]

Through a partnership between Albertsons Library the Service Learning Division of the Center for Teaching and Learning, this helpful guide was developed to help you with your local refugee information needs.

This guide is meant to provide you with relevant and timely information centered around refugee issues, including research resources & databases, cultural guides, volunteer resources, and more.

Included in the guide is a list of resources specific to each individual country of origin with materials relating to the refugee experience from that location. This material can be found on the tab that says: Refugee Info - Specific Countries (Use Drop Down Menu).

Come into the library during the month of October to view our display of books on this topic. If you walk into the library, pass the Reference Desk, and take a left, you'll see a variety of books that will help you with your research.

Do you have any questions? Let us know! We're here to help!

On display this month in Albertsons Library is a number of resources, books, films, and more, that will be on display during the month of October. Stop by to pick up some books, or check out the guide, today!

Grounding and Transformation

I was taught this Kundalini mantra by a friend to help me ground myself. Now I do it when I'm upset, when I feel my blood pressure rise, when I feel dizzy, etc and it works in a matter of seconds.

The Grounding Excersize

With both hands, press your thumb to your forefinger and say "Sa" (pronounced S-ah), then your middle finger and say "Ta" (pronounced Tah), your ring finger and say "Na" (pronounced N-ah), then pinky/little finger and say "Ma" (pronounced Mah) then back to fore finger and work your way through the procession again.

You do not have to say the mantra out loud for it to work so this simple exercise can be done in public, at work, where ever.

This works with the meridians of the body and by pressing each finger to the thumb is representative of pressing each element in the body to the earth element (the earth meridian resides in the thumb), thus grounding them.

The Sounds

SA TA NA MA represent the words Sat Nam, which is the bij mantra or seed mantra. It is the mantra that sows the seeds of truth in our consciousness. The sounds of the mantra, Sa Ta Na Ma, connect consciousness to the evolution of existence itself and can be transformational when used regularly with meditative practices such as Kundalini yoga.

Sa represents both beginnings and infinity - all that ever was or will be.
Ta is life, existence, creativity.
Na represents death and change
Ma is rebirth

SA TA NA MA is said to help not only ground and lead towards transformation but can be used to break bad habits and addictions because it strongly effects the subconscious mind.

A Veterinary Student's Summer Experience with Mountain Gorillas in Africa

Guest Blog by Matt Marinkovich, Cornell Class of 2014

Posted September 27, 2011

I sometimes tell veterinary students that the most important course they will take in their first year is not at their college, but what they decide to do during the summer. Especially in today's competitive job  environment, students have an invaluable opportunity to experience the real world and learn from people whose life stories may open up new prospects for career opportunities. Matt Marinkovich spent summer 2011 pursuing his career goal in conservation medicine in Africa. This is his story.        
Donald F. Smith

With a desire to see what role veterinary medicine plays in modern-day conservation, I traveled to East Africa and spent seven weeks with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP). For 25 years, this program has sought to protect the world’s remaining 750 mountain gorillas that live in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mountain gorillas are currently the only great ape with increasing population numbers, and their success is owed in large part to the work of the MGVP. Veterinarians with the MGVP understand that sustainable conservation will only be effective if they work closely with people in the communities that surround the gorilla habitat. Monitoring disease outbreaks, caring for orphan gorillas, and removing poachers’ snares require the support of the indigenous populations because the efforts of the MGVP do not end at the boundaries of the national parks where the apes live. By adopting a “One Health” approach, they have also launched programs that address human health and livestock herds as well as protection for the great apes.

I learned many lessons this summer, but one stands out: conservation is about communities.  Conservation in the developing world has often failed in the past because it did not incorporate members of the local community in efforts that can only be sustainable by their commitment and long term practices. The people in the local communities surrounding the national parks now realize that the only mountain gorillas alive today are in their own backyard. They recognize that their national parks have a resource that is unique in the world and they now stand with the MGVP to counter poaching, and to support the disease surveillance and treatment work of the veterinary staff.

During the summer, I witnessed the bravery of the conservationists and rangers working in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over 140 rangers have lost their lives since 1996, protecting the broad biodiversity and pristine habitats of Virungas. When one Congolese conservationist was asked how he is able to work in these conflict-ridden areas, he replied simply, “When I am in rebel territory, I am a rebel, and when I am on government lands, I stand with them.”  Being around these men and women, who are nothing short of heroes, was humbling and a true inspiration.

In early June, I attended the “Gorillas Across Africa” inaugural conference in Uganda that brought together 40 researchers, conservationists, and veterinarians who work to protect the various gorilla species and subspecies throughout Africa.  I was struck by the incredible diversity of nations represented.  These passionate conservationists from all over Africa came together for the collective purpose of protecting vital gorilla habitats in their countries and beyond.



Some of attendees at the "Gorillas Across Africa" conference in Uganda.
Matt Marinkovich is second from left in back row.  (Photo @ Martha Robbins)

Though there were representatives from many of the large international conservation organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society, Max Planck Institute, and San Diego Zoological Society, 75% of the attendees were Africans. This testifies to the critical role that indigenous communities play in effective conservation. The phrase “capacity building” is popular in conservation literature, and the idea encourages organizations to develop skills within the local communities so that the work can be handed over to them when the time is right.  It was amazing to see the theory of “capacity building” not only in action, but bearing incredible fruit in conservation across Africa. For example, of the 13 veterinarians in the MGVP, only one expatriate is on the ground full time -- the other veterinarians are all African.

Dr. Jan Ramer is MGVP’s Regional Veterinary Manager and is ultimately in charge of the health of all mountain gorillas alive today. She works tirelessly with a group of highly skilled great ape veterinarians in each of the three countries where the mountain gorillas live, ensuring that this species has the optimal opportunity to flourish.  

Matt Marinkovich examining an anesthetized gorilla.

The summer experience left me optimistic about the state of conservation for the mountain gorillas, and for African wildlife in general. Continuing challenges remain, but having witnessed the passionate work of sustainable organizations on the ground, especially MGVP, I am very hopeful for the future of conservation in the developing world.

The experience has helped to show me what it is like to be a veterinarian on the front lines of species conservation, and it has fueled my passion for the field of conservation medicine even more.  My dream to pursue a career in this field is now reinforced by a realistic and practical understanding of the challenges in modern-day conservation.  I hope someday to have the chance to work face-to-face with these incredible gorillas once again.

I acknowledge and extend my gratitude to the Expanding Horizons Program at the Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine for the generous financial grant that made this trip possible.  (Photos above by author, except group picture provided by Martha Robbins).  Matt Marinkovich.

FORWARDS documentary about Dutch football supporters

Sourced from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XInr6LeK074&feature=related

This is a 2004 documentary on Dutch football fans. It is fascinating.
The documentary  is directed by Sutyrin [Russia], camera Floris Van Der Weiden [The Netherlands], a collaboration between the Russian State Film Academy [VGIK] - Utrecht School Of Arts

Take the time to watch this documentary.

Racism in association football

Sourced from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2CX5633olM&feature=related

Racism in association football (known in the US as soccer) is the abuse of players, officials and fans because of their skin colour, nationality, religion or ethnicity. Some may be targeted (also) because of their association with an opposing team. However, there have been instances of individuals being targeted by their own fans

Racism in Football presents in many forms - sometimes it is devious and insidious.

I have vivid recollections of the taunts by several fathers of boys in an interstate team at the Kanga Cup about three years ago, who played out their racist beliefs by calling out to their boys and telling their boys on the field what they felt about the other team. Ugly, nasty and devious.

Just listen to what Head of FIFA said he would do if racism emerged in World Cup games. He got that right. If it occurs in any form at our games in the ACT, there is only one action to be taken - abandon the game and deal with the offenders and the Club they belong to. Call the police if it gets dangerous (flares etc) or violent. Why would you do anything else?

Don't accept it or encourage it, however and wherever it appears. Report it!

Racism in soccer - Toronto Canada

Sourced from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BqtZQt0Qk8&feature=related

This video was put together by a group of young Football players in Toronto Canada. It is pitched at a community grassroots level. This is good work.

Kick It Out - Kick Racism Out of Soccer

Sourced from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKB4vToUqfw&feature=related

The New Israeli Fund (NIF's) Lets Kick Racism Out of Soccer campaign to combat racism in Israeli society. NIFs campaign has put the subject of racism in Israeli society on the public agenda. Achievements have included new legislation specifically outlawing racist chanting at soccer matches and subsequent arrests and convictions.

You have to be vigilant. Pride in your ethnic / cultural heritage is not a licence to impose it on other Football players, Club supporters or any other part of the Football community.

Streaming media at Albertsons Library

In addition to its 270+ research databases, a revamped mobile website, and a growing collection of e-books, the Albertsons Library also offers 24/7 access to thousands of streaming videos from the Alexander Street Press and Films on Demand databases.

Alexander Street Press offers multidisciplinary databases of streaming video via your computer and, where available, via your mobile device:

• American History in Video - Videos of historical events and analysis.
• Counseling and Therapy in Video - Videos that support the study of social work, psychotherapy and psychology.
• Dance in Video - Dance productions and documentaries.
• Ethnographic Video Online - A comprehensive resource for the study of human culture and behavior.
• Education in Video - The first online collection of streaming video developed specifically for training and developing teachers.
• Opera in Video - Videos of the most important opera performances, captured on video through staged productions, interviews, and documentaries.
• Theatre in Video - Streaming recordings of thousands of original plays.
• World History in Video - Documentaries that explore human history from the earliest civilizations to the late twentieth century.

Films on Demand is an online collection of 6000+ videos in 28 subjects areas. These include many of Films Media Group’s best selling and most popular titles in the areas of Anthropology, World Languages, History, Mathematics, Criminal Justice, Business & Economics, Psychology, and many more.

In addition to the above databases, you can also access these streaming media sites for free online:

• Folkstreams - A National Preserve of Documentary Films about American Roots Cultures
• Internet Archive - This library contains thousands of digital movies uploaded by Archive users which range from classic full-length films, to daily alternative news broadcasts, to cartoons and concerts.
• PBS Video - From the Public Broadcasting Service, PBS.org award-winning national programming and locally produced shows.

Find these databases and additional image/video resources at the "Finding and Citing Images and Videos" library guide at http://guides.boisestate.edu/imagesvideos. To access this library guide on your mobile device, simply scan this QR code:

Halloween Movies: Witchcraft

So Halloween is my favorite time of the year, and because of that I thought I would get a jump start on some Halloween blogging including lists of favorite Halloween witchiness including movies, books and more.

My Favorite Witchy Halloween Movies include:

Hocus Pocus - very cute and the soundtrack is full of campy fun ^_^

The Craft - loved this movie since I was twelve and trying to bespell my black lipstick from being seen and thrown away by my parents.

Halloweentown - this is also one of Damon's favorites and he'll watch it every time its on TV without fail.

The Witches - Raold Dahl movie I've liked since I was a kid

The Witches of Eastwick - the book was terrible and gave the impression that women are either virgin goddesses or sluts...or so I thought, but the movie is hilarious and one of my favorites with Cher.

Teen Witch - another hokey teen movie complete with dance numbers but cute all the same and another of Damon's guilty favorites.

Practical Magic - of course!

The Worst Witch - I somehow sympathize and am jealous at the same time o.o

And all of the Harry Potter movies ^_^ I love going to Harry Potter Halloween Parties as Bellatrix Lestrange.


This year I also plan to watch:

Season of the Witch
Bell Book and Candle
Both Wicker Man movies back to back and decide which one I like best o.o
The Worst Witch series
and all the Hallmark, Family Channel, Disney etc Halloween series of movies and shows that will be played next month! Green make-up not included...wish me luck!

Halloween Tea Party

I will be attending Frosted Petunia's Hallween Tea Party blog event this coming month along with my many other Halloween events I have planned. I plan to get some witchy friends together, complete with glorious witch hats, for a picnic style tea party if the weather allows. The menu will includ Witch's Brew tea, scones, cookies and more ^_^ Thanks to Frosted Petunia for another excuse to party it up! Will you be joining the party, dear reader?

Update

I know, I'm lame. Sorry for the month + of no blog or word from me. There's no excuse for it, I know, dear reader.

In order to play catch up and make ammends...I'm going to let you in on a little secret!

I am looking into starting my own business! Now, its not going to be terribly huge and I'm not quitting my day job, but, it should be fun, yes?

What am I doing?
Selling small spell kits and zodiac kits online. I haven't decided whether I'm going to use Ebay, Etsy, Poppyswap or WitchMarket yet, I'm still comparing notes. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to comment them ^_^
I'm also starting to push my card readings more and offering them for Halloween parties and the like.

So not the cats out of the bag. I'll let you know when the shop goes live and where...for now, back to blogging.

Canberra FC Have Their Say to the Press

Press release provided by CEO Capital Football, after giving CFC authority to forward the press release to the Canberra Times.

Not sure how much of this CFC press release will make it into the Canberra Times, so is the full text. You will note that the CEO Capital Football forwarded this press release to the NPL, having previously given permission for CFC to make it available to the Canberra Times. Can't say fairer than that.


The CFC press release is an interesting document - most instructive! Just not sure it indicates that CFC have come to grips with their situation. They are correct to say that it was a Capital Football event, a fact which I am certain has not escaped the CEO and Board of Capital Football. Just not sure that offers much comfort for CFC going forward. This is starting to get very personal, a fact that I have observed in a number of the comments to this blog that I have not posted, because they are little more gratuitous  ignorant personal vilification. That sort of comment serves no purpose. You will note that the Croatian "ethnic" card seems to be played in the press release. An outrageous suggestion and one that might perhaps draw further attention. CFC's seeming lack of willingness to acknowledge full responsibility for their supporter behavior and the place it has taken them now, is a continuing and serious point of difference between CFC and Capital Football. 


At some point Capital Football Board and CEO must meet with the CFC Board (or reps from both) and finalize this matter. From comments made previously by the CEO Capital Football that may this coming Monday.


As before, we will see what unfolds. 

Press Release 23 Sept 2011

Canberra FC Response

The Premier League grand final held on 17 September 2011 between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic was an outstanding success. All but very few of the crowd conducted themselves in an exemplary way and it is from a crowd of over 2000 at a community sports event that all participants can learn. The club and social media, including the Canberra Times website, have received effusive accolades about the success of the event.

Canberra FC seeks to correct the great number of allegations made against it in recent press and radio interviews. Those reports have been made only by Capital Football.

To be very clear the issue being raised are the verbal abuse of an official (hours before the main game) and flares being released during the game. None of these incidents are condoned by Canberra FC. The participants in the abuse were wearing shirts of other clubs. The flares ought to have been found in bags by Capital Football organized inspectors. There was no violence in the crowd, there was no confrontation between the supporters, there were no police arrests despite a sun seeking streaker

No invitation was received from Capital Football to discuss any issues until after 5pm on Thursday 22 September. It was only through the press and radio commencing on Wednesday 21 September did Canberra FC actually knew of any official investigation was being undertaken.

The facts of the day have not been made clear by Capital Football who should share in any blame. On 15 September 2011 board of Canberra FC wrote to Capital football advising that some social media site showed some intended disturbances planned at the game. The club requested that, as it was a Capital Football sanctioned event, that Capital Football ensures that there was sufficient.  security including police presence. Canberra FC has no authority to inspect private bags or visitors. Capital Football requested four vested officials be provided by the club “to look after their own spectators thus avoiding any confrontation between the clubs”. That was successfully undertaken by both finalist clubs.

The two security guards provided by Capital Football did not arrive until well after the commencement of the earlier scheduled U18 Premier League final. At no time did Capital Football station any security at the gates of the grounds to inspect bags of spectators upon entry to the ground.

It appears that the CEO of Capital Football is taking exception to the nationality of some of the founding members of Canberra FC and the vilification of the Croatian community cannot be tolerated in any form. Canberra FC has a proud history of involving and welcoming people from every walk of life. As a community organistation is has contributed to the spirit and strength of football in Canberra. Australian international footballers have emerged from the club and the club hopes that within its junior ranks that several other Australian representative will emerge.

The club has now received, after the announcements in the press, notifications of breaches of the Capital Football Men’s League Rules. Capital football seeks to impose pecuniary and arbitrary fines totaling $8,500, impose a monetary bond of $10,000 and deduct six championship points from Canberra FC in the next competition. Canberra FC will appeal those fines, bonds and sanctions.

The alleged verbal abuse of Ms Reid, or any other person, is regrettable and if Canberra FC is at all responsible it unequivocally apologises. The club will investigate the identity and actions of 6 identified people. At this time Canberra FC has not had an opportunity to review the situation as it only received those names from Capital Football on Thursday afternoon.

In view of what was a very successful community football event, the actions of Capital Football have brought unprecedented media attention to itself, has handled the entire review poorly and has not taken into account the concerns of ground roots Canberra football.

Canberra FC will continue to work with Capital Football to bring football to the whole of the Canberra community.

23 September 2011

Authorised by Canberra FC

Pixi Hollow

After the Crawl on Thursday I was really excited to get home and post my blog on Pixi Hollow, this week's coffee shop.  First, though, I had to get to the gym, give a few piano lessons, make dinner and, of course, catch the Broncos/Raiders game that we had recorded.  So, here I am on Friday hoping to get my post up so those PE readers who are out on Saturday morning know where to go for breakfast!  Hope my directions are okay..... Pixi Hollow is inside the Emerald Square Centre on Buffelsfontein Rd. in Mount Pleasant.  Just as you exit the Spar (after picking up meat and rolls for the braai) look up and to your left and you will spot the Pixi Hollow logo.  Head straight in and order a coffee from barista, Travis.  He makes a mean cappuccino and his filter coffee is just as good.  Oh, and if you happen to have your laptop with you, you can check out the Rugby World Cup stats because Pixi Hollow has free WiFi for all patrons.  After you've ordered your coffee, choose a table (upstairs or downstairs) and check out the full breakfast/lunch menu.  The cakes on display look tempting as well.  Pixi Hollow's hours are Monday-Saturday, 8-6 and Sunday, 9-4.  You have all the info you need.... now, get going!!!

Meet the Owner
Joyce Mossop

This week's Crawlers, Gail Darne, June Nash, Leanne Waller, Nomusa Nkomo, Les Baldwin, Fran and Keith de Beer, were all thumbs-up when voting on their Illy espresso and Puro Fairtrade filter coffees.  I was impressed with both but when owner, Joyce Mossop, and I sat down for a cup after all the Crawlers left, I ordered black filter coffee, no milk, no sugar.... just as nature intended.  Joyce has owned Pixi Hollow for six months and has some very creative plans to decorate the shop as a "hollow" you may read about in fantasy literature, complete with gnomes, fairies, crooked bonsais, and maybe a few goblins thrown in for good measure.  Very cool ideas, Joyce.  It will be fun to watch this transformation!!!

Along with the coffee shop Joyce also owns the Trade Beads and Gifts Shop adjacent to the upper level of Pixi Hollow.  MJ, the manager of Trade Beads, designs, custom makes, and repairs jewelry, and offers beading workshops for children and adults.  If requested, the workshops may include refreshments provided by Pixi Hollow.  How awesome is that?!?




Meet the Barista
Travis van Eyk



Meet the Trade Beads Manager
MJ de Kock



Okay, on to the Crawl conversation.  Thursday happened to be World Rhino Day, a day set aside to raise global awareness of rhino poaching and how it is leading to the dramatic decline in numbers of this magnificent animal.  We talked about this a few weeks ago at the Crawl... it's been making the news quite a bit lately.  Another topic that is making news is the Rugby World Cup.  During Thursday's Crawl, South Africa played Namibia.  Keith left Pixi Hollow to go home and watch the game.  He returned later with the good news that the Springboks won, 87-0!  The Boks are on their way!!!!  U.S. Rugby update - the Eagles lost to Australia on Friday.  Rugby was the topic of Keith's useless fact-of-the-week.  I'd heard this somewhere before but Keith reminded us that the U.S. is the reigning Olympic champ in rugby.... last time rugby was played in the Olympics.... 1924! 

The Crawlers continued to talk sports, namely tennis and golf.  Nomusa, Gail, and I are looking for a fourth for doubles in tennis... anyone game?  And, by the way, where are there some public tennis courts in PE?  I know that poker doesn't count as a sport but I love the game and found that I will definitely clean up if I play with June... no poker face there!!!!!




This Week's Crawlers
Les, Nomusa, Gail, Keith, Fran, June, Ellen
not pictured - Leanne



Thank you so much, Joyce and staff.  We had a great time and I will definitely be back for coffee, cake, and conversation.  

Until next week,

Ellen

Capital Football Has Taken Action Against Canberra FC and More to Follow

Sourced from Canberra Times http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/sport/football-soccer/canberra-fc-fined-after-fans-flare-up/2301555.aspx


This story is not yet finished.


You will also find an excellent article by my colleague Eamonn Flanagan of the Nearpost, who makes the point that Canberra FC need to be leaders off the field as well as on the field - we expect that of our premier club. Go to http://nearpost.blogspot.com/ On the subject of the Croatian flags, colours etc I quote:

"Anyone following football in Australia over the last 20 years, and in particularly over the last 7, see clubs with ethnic flavour are out of favour, massively.
Why else are there no A-League clubs allowed to have an ethnic name, ethnic colours or their fans carry ethnic flags. There is no progress possible for clubs covered in ethnicity. Not my rules, just how it is these days"


"Canberra FC has got it wrong - will they be allowed into the NSWPL - they might - but they'll never represent the whole Canberra community because despite their name, their colours and their fans shouting Croatia loudly and proudly the club will never appeal to the broader Canberra football market."

Canberra FC fined after fans flare up

BY DAVID POLKINGHORNE

23 Sep, 2011 04:00 AM

Canberra FC is facing a hefty fine and has been docked six premiership points for next season because of bad behaviour by its fans at last Saturday's men's premier league grand final. Capital Football issued Canberra FC with a breach notice yesterday which contained a fine of between $5000-$7000 and they will need to win two games to get back in the black.
The club is also required to pay a good-behaviour bond of $10,000 for 2012.
The penalty comes from Canberra FC's fans lighting flares, entering the playing arena after the game, as well as alleged abuse towards Capital Football officials at their stunning 8-5 grand-final win against Canberra Olympic. Capital Football chief executive Heather Reid said the severity of the penalty sent a clear message.
''These penalties are all within the men's league rules, but we want to discuss them with the club and hear from the club officials about what they intend to do in relation to key people that we've identified as the perpetrators of the trouble, and they are registered players with Canberra FC,'' she said.
''Then we will proceed to take action against those individual players as well.''
At least four FC players are being investigated for their alleged involvement.
Canberra FC has the right to appeal against the breach notice and Reid planned to meet FC officials on Monday night to discuss the penalties, which were determined using a schedule of set penalties.
Canberra FC president Marko Vrkic was shocked by the penalties but did not want to comment until he had consulted his board about what action the club would take.
FC fans also set off a flare during the preliminary final victory over Belconnen United at McKellar Park two weeks ago.
Investigations are also under way into the behaviour of some Olympic supporters. Any resulting penalties are expected to be much smaller than those imposed on FC because of the relatively minor nature of the behaviour.
With a crowd of about 2000 watching, Reid admits the three security staff employed at the game were inadequate and more security would be needed in the future.

Capital Football Makes It's Position Clear On the Unacceptable Crowd Behavior at the Mens Premier League Grand Final

Sourced from the Capital Football website http://www.capitalfootball.com.au/site/news.php?id=1758

The following statement was placed on the Capital Football website today.

 Capital Football Statement - ROCK Premier League Grand Final

There has been much speculation and rumour surrounding events that transpired during and after the ROCK Premier League Grand Final between Canberra FC and Canberra Olympic at Deakin Stadium on Saturday 17th September. Capital Football would therefore like to outline its stance in relation to the behaviour of a small section of supporters at this match.
In the week leading up to the match Capital Football became aware of a campaign through Social Media to incite patriotic fervor between the clubs. Capital Football immediately contacted both clubs and advised their position and the club responsibilities. As a result extra security was added to the match by the clubs and contract staff.
Prior to, and during, the match the following announcement was made over the Public Address system at Deakin Stadium.

Spectator Code of Behaviour


Spectators are reminded that they must never use violence in any form towards another person including fellow spectators, players or match/team officials. Spectators must also not enter or attempt to enter the field of play or playing arena without lawful authority. Any person who does not comply with this Spectator Code of Behaviour, or who otherwise causes a disturbance, may be evicted from the venue and may be banned from attending future matches.


Capital Football has not, and never will, condone the use of foul and abusive language aimed at staff members, contractors or volunteers, or the use of flares in a public area. This kind of behaviour would not be tolerated in any employment workplace.
The atmosphere created by the majority of supporters at the game on the weekend helped to create a vibrant, colourful occasion, a backdrop against a tremendous match. Indeed, Capital Football encourages supporters to sing, chant and wave their club colours at matches in the region. However some of the behaviour at this match was out of control and measures will be put in place to prevent this happening again.
In June this year four people were arrested and fined $380 each for lighting flares at the Australia v Serbia match in Melbourne. Flares are banned from matches by the FFA and its member Federations.
The governing body of football in Canberra will not tolerate the kind of verbal abuse directed at contracted security staff and Capital Football employees during and after the Grand Final. As was noted in the Canberra Times article on Wednesday 21st September 2011, it was idiotic, vulgar, abusive, inappropriate behaviour that belongs somewhere else, it does not belong at our football games. The verbal abuse that was levelled at me and other staff and security will not be tolerated. Those people will be put on notice that we do not want them in our sport.
The club in question will receive a breach notice from Capital Football and the individuals responsible for these actions will face severe disciplinary action including possible police investigation.

FFA SPECTATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOUR


A spectator present at a Match or otherwise involved in any activity staged or sanctioned by FFA or an affiliated Member Federation, District Association or Club must:
(a) respect the decisions of Match Officials and teach children to do the same.
(b) never ridicule or unduly scold a child for making a mistake.
(c) respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, race, colour, religion, language, politics, national or ethnic origin.
(d) not use violence in any form, whether it is against other spectators, Team Officials (including coaches), Match Officials or Players.
(e) not engage in discrimination, harassment or abuse in any form, including the use of obscene or offensive language or gestures, the incitement of hatred or violence or partaking in indecent or racist chanting.
(f) comply with any terms of entry of a venue, including bag inspections, prohibited and restricted items such as flares, missiles, dangerous articles and items that have the potential to cause injury or public nuisance.
(g) not, and must not attempt to, bring into a venue national or political flags or emblems (except for the recognised national flags of any of the competing teams) or offensive or inappropriate banners, whether written in English or a foreign language.
(h) not throw missiles (including on to the field of play or at other spectators) and must not enter the field of play or its surrounds without lawful authority.
(i) conduct themselves in a manner that enhances, rather than injures, the reputation and goodwill of FFA and football generally.

Any person who does not comply with this Spectator Code of Behaviour or who otherwise causes a disturbance may be evicted from a venue and banned from attending future Matches.

Heather Reid
CEO
Capital Football

Boomerangs FS - The Futsal Success Story In The ACT Region

This program was broadcast on 2xxfm(98.3mhz) across the Australian Community Radio Network on Tuesday, 20 September 2011 at 7:00pm.

In this program we feature the Boomerangs FS, a genuine ACT Futsal Club that has spent the last year competing in the Football NSW Futsal Supa League. We speak to co-founder Kristian Collins on the season and challenges ahead and there are plenty.

The Boomerangs FS 2010 /11 season was an outstanding success and as a consequence, has been promoted to the prestigious, Premier League level, the most competitive Futsal environment in Australia. They have just held trials for the forthcoming season and have been swamped by the number of interested players. Boomerangs FS players are very well represented in the ACT Futsal Age Championship teams. It figures, they are playing top class Futsal week in week out. The players and parents know that if you want to improve in Futsal (and in so doing, improve your Football) and be more competitive at the Nationals, the Boomerangs FS is the place to be. The Boomerangs FS offer a top quality product to our players, their coaches must be qualified and experienced to be allowed to coach at the NSW Premier League level and most of them are ACT National coaches - and they do all this and keep the costs to a minimum.

Boomerangs FS will play their home games at the AIS training hall area and all games are played on an international size court. We'll let you know the draw as soon as it is confirmed. They games (mens / women, junior/youth/open) start about 12:15PM (usually Saturdays) and the last game finishes in the early evening. If you want to see top class Futsal, go to the home games. The game of Futsal is very different and a lot more interesting when played on the international size court.

The Boomerangs FS is the only serious development pathway for Futsal at the highest domestic level in the ACT. Nothing else comes close. Capital Football should talk to Boomerangs FS and have them be the Futsal development pathway (lets say Centre of Excellence) and have them run Futsal development for any other player that has a mind to improve their game. It could dovetail quiet nicely with the Football development solutions, just requires a bit of thought and talk.

Boomerangs FS is the perfect promotional vehicle for any corporate sponsor - so get in contact with them.

We will also cover the the 2011 Premier League Womens and Mens Grand Finals. Some terrific Football was played across the grades.

We then cover the appalling behavior by a section of the Canberra FC supporters at the Mens Premier League Grand Final. It was dreadful and Capital Football have given notice that they will pursue the individuals concerned, where they can identified. These miscreants will be given notice to appear before a Tribunal and if found guilty, you would think it more than likely that that they will be excluded from the game (in every respect) for a period of years. Enough time to reflect to their dangerous stupidity. Canberra FC seems unlikely to escape sanctions, after all, it was their supporters. They must be concerned for their desire to play in the NSW premier league competitions, after all, who wants a club with supporter problems. This story has only just begun and we will keep you posted.

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