Happy New Year’s Eve

Looking back on a wonderful year… and looking forward to an even better one!
Be safe. Have fun… and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE!!!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2LLt0Jy

Puppets & Profanity On Stage

Puppets with problems looking for their purpose!
Fifteen years after the original debut of AVENUE Q and those puppets are still struggling & singing!!! Glad we got to see it… as this production at The Mercury Theater closes tonight!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2rXWgn6

2018′s Trimmings

One last batch of reclaim clay… just felt right taking 2018′s trimmings
and making new clay for 2019. Starting the New Year off right
with another batch of “free” clay!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2ThjxMn

Downtown Memories

When playing downtown, I’m always reminded…
some may call it Macy’s, but it will always be MARSHALL FIELDS to me!!!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2EUo0kf

The Cadillac Palace Theater

Always impressed by the over-the-top beauty & craftsmanship of The Cadillac Palace Theater. It never ceases to amaze me how they used to build these magnificent buildings… and that somehow a few of them have been saved & restored to their original beauty!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2CEyRNz

Sunrise, Sunset

Another great show at the Cadillac Palace Theater… FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
just in time for the holidays?! Well-played with so many classic songs…
I tried my best to not sing too loudly… as I already knew the lyrics
from when we did the show in high school!

Thanks to my friend Pam for the wonderful Christmas gift surprise!!!

And we all know how much I LOVE a good “Sunrise, Sunset”!!!       … get it???

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2SsmwSe

Mixed-Up Chex Mix

So I received a holiday gift package in the mail that was set by my front door.
When I picked it up, I heard tell-tale sounds of things rattling, possibly broken,
but not quite like shards of pottery. I was intrigued… and concerned.

When I opened the box, I found it was a couple tins of treats from my cousins in Minneapolis.
Apparently one of the tins opened while traveling & spilled all over the inside of the box.
No tape. No rubber bands. Just tins that were closed once upon a time.

Needless to say, I scooped the ChexMix back into the tin…
and promptly ate it all for lunch!!!

Thanks Michael & Anna for the tasty holiday treats… mixed-up or not!!!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2Rrxme8

Good Friends in Goodfield

HOLIDAY GREETINGS from my good friends in Goodfield, Illinois…
who celebrated with some holiday bread served on a stamped platter
making their day more festive and their bread more tasty!!! Just guessing.

Thanks Keith & Julie for sharing your holiday photo!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2TkFLgJ

Family Biking: Share your new bike stories!

New bikes don’t care about the weather!
(Photos: Madi Carlson)

I don’t observe Christmas myself, but I’m happy to celebrate it with other people. One of my favorite parts of this season seeing kids and adults on new (or new-to-them) bikes.

Our Family Biking column is sponsored by Clever Cycles.

➤ Read past entries here.

Our first few years in the Pacific Northwest were spent in a Seattle neighborhood called Green Lake. The neighborhood’s most prominent feature is a lake surrounded by a three-mile multi-use path. I loved walking or biking to the lake on Christmas Day to watch all the kids trying out their new bikes. Seeing kids on their first bike — and remembering what it felt like myself — never gets old.

Nowadays our bikes are more for transportation and not just for fun (though also for fun, of course!). And as such, in our family we tend to get new bike stuff as soon as we need it (without waiting for the holidays). This means I don’t personally have any new bikes to share photos of. But I’d love to hear your stories of exciting new holiday bikes and bike accessories.

Hand-me-down bikes sometimes come with strings (or brothers) attached.

Have you seen any kids testing out new wheels over this holiday week? Did you gift your little one(s) the magic of a new bike? I hope to see many new pedalers in the coming weeks.

Happy holidays everyone!

Remember, we’re always looking for people to profile. Get in touch if it sounds like fun to you. I’d especially like to feature families of color so please get in touch or ask friends of color who bike with their kids if they’re interested in sharing their stories. And as always, feel free ask questions in the comments below or email me your story ideas and insights at madidotcom [at] gmail [dot] com.

— Madi Carlson, @familyride on Instagram and Twitter

Browse past Family Biking posts here.

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The post Family Biking: Share your new bike stories! appeared first on BikePortland.org.

from Latest headlines from BikePortland http://bit.ly/2Ve906v

The Oregonian: Saudi government helped Fallon Smart’s killer flee the US

The Oregonian reported on Monday that the Saudi Arabian government was actively involved in helping Abdulrahman Noorah flee the United States and circumvent justice for his role in the death of 15-year old Fallon Smart.

Noorah is the man who drove recklessly down Southeast Hawthorne Blvd in August 2016 and struck Smart as she tried to cross at 43rd Avenue.

Almost immediately after we first reported on this horrific tragedy, many in the community predicted Noorah would evade authorities. He was in Portland on a student visa living off a monthly stipend paid for by the Saudi government. On June 12th, 2017 just before his scheduled trial, Noorah removed his GPS monitoring device and went missing. That wasn’t surprising to prosecutors or Smart’s family — both of whom considered Noorah a major flight risk. He would likely have still been in custody if the Saudi government hadn’t paid off $100,000 of his $1 million bail.

Here’s how Noorah’s escape went down, according to The Oregonian:

He [Noorah] received permission from his release supervisor, Deputy Kari Kolberg, to study at the community college’s Southeast 82nd Avenue campus on Saturday, June 10.

That afternoon, according to investigators, a GMC Yukon XL arrived outside Noorah’s home on Southeast Yamhill Street and picked him up.

GPS data from Noorah’s monitor bracelet shows he traveled east along Southeast Division Street until the SUV arrived at Portland Sand & Gravel on 106th Avenue, prosecutors said.

This past July, more than 13 months after Noorah first disappeared, the Saudi government contacted Homeland Security, the Marshals Service said. It informed the agency that he arrived back in the kingdom on June 17, 2017. That leaves seven days after Noorah cut off his monitor to the date of his return to his country that remain unaccounted for, Wahlstrom said. The Saudi government hasn’t answered U.S. questions about how Noorah made it back to the kingdom or provided additional details about him.

Federal investigators at this time believe the Saudis issued Noorah a new passport, probably under a different name, to make the long journey home, according to the marshals. He would not have been able to clear customs or cross international borders without one, Wahlstrom said.

Based on their unsuccessful canvass of airports and commercial flights, federal law enforcement officials also believe Noorah most likely traveled on a private carrier, which have less rigorous oversight, according to Wahlstrom.

On June 13th 2017, just three days after The Oregonian has now confirmed Noorah was whisked back home on a private plane, Multnomah County District Attorney Shawn Overstreet downplayed the Saudi government’s ties to the case. Overstreet told BikePortland that the Saudi government wouldn’t help such a low-level character like Noorah. “They wouldn’t do that for this guy,” he said. Overstreet went so far as to say that if Noorah did return he’d get a very cold reception from his native country — and that he might even face jail time.

Of course back then the U.S. and Saudi Arabia were not involved in a major diplomatic row over the gruesome killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In response to Smart’s death, the City of Portland updated the crossing at Hawthorne and 43rd with a concrete median and a striped crosswalk.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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The post The Oregonian: Saudi government helped Fallon Smart’s killer flee the US appeared first on BikePortland.org.

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In push to save lives, Oregon Senator wants to lower DUI limit to .05

Chart from the NTSB comparing impacts of BAC levels.

In 1983, Utah was the first state to lower the level of blood alcohol content that would qualify for a DUI arrest when they went from .10 to .08. Then Oregon followed suit.

Now we’re poised to follow Utah again as the second state to reduce the DUI limit even further to .05.

That’s the intention of a bill (PDF) that’s been introduced by Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney, which is still in draft form until the legislative session formally begins next month.

A one-pager (PDF) released by Sen. Courtney’s office, says Senate Bill 7 follows a 2013 recommendation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that all states adopt .05. The NTSB reports lowering BAC limits from .10 to .08 led to a 10.4% reduction in alcohol-related fatalities between 1982 and 2014. They also estimate a lowering to .05 would save 1,790 lives a year.

Below are the selling points of this legislation as per Sen. Courtney’s one-pager that’s making the rounds to safe streets advocates and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) staff (note, they were drafted before Utah passed their law):

• BAC limits have been changed before, and fairly recently. Oregon and Utah were the first states to move from a 0.10 to 0.08 in 1983, Delaware was the last state to adopt 0.08 in 2014.
• Many countries have enacted a .05 BAC limit, including Australia, most of the EU, Hong Kong, Israel, and South Africa.
• A 160-pound man would have to drink 4 alcoholic drinks an hour to reach a BAC of 0.08, verses 3/hour to reach 0.05.
• Drivers with a BAC of 0.05-0.79 are 7 times more likely to be in a fatal crash than drivers with no alcohol in their system.*
• According to the NTSB, lowering BAC limits from .10 to .08 reduced annual alcohol related fatalities by 10.4% nationwide. NTSB estimates a reduction from .08 to .05 would result in an 11.1% decline in fatal crashes.*
• Decreasing BAC limits does not reduce average alcohol consumption.*

The bill as currently written would make one simple amendment to ORS 813.010, changing every instance of “.08” to “.05”. Utah just passed a similar law that goes into effect December 30th.

Lowering Oregon’s BAC level has been a goal of ODOT for years. It’s currently listed as a “Tier 1” priority in the state’s Transportation Safety Action Plan (PDF). That plan reports impaired driving (alcohol and/or drugs) was a factor in 22 percent of all fatal and serious injury crashes in Oregon between 2009 and 2013. That equates to 625 fatalities and 1,087 serious injuries.

And yes, in Oregon bicycle riders can be arrested for DUI.

Lisa Taylor, an assistant legislative director in Sen. Courtney’s office, says they’re seeking public feedback on the bill. She can be reached at (503) 986-1604 or at lisa.taylor@oregonlegislature.gov.

Another place for feedback and debate about this bill will be the Governor’s Advisory Committee on DUII, whose mission is to, “… Generate public support for increased enforcement of state and local drunk-driving laws. Educate the public as to the dangers of driving while under the influence and its effects on life and property.” Their next meeting is on January 4th in Salem.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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The post In push to save lives, Oregon Senator wants to lower DUI limit to .05 appeared first on BikePortland.org.

from Latest headlines from BikePortland http://bit.ly/2Q6jBwm

LAB DUR X Semi Pro 003 Pin Kit | Mr. Locksmith Calgary

LAB DUR X Semi Pro 003 Pin Kit | Mr. Locksmith Calgary

For more info and to purchase a Lab pin kit go to Mr. Locksmith Calgary

My favorite Lab pin kit for the locksmith service vehicle is the Lab Dur X Semi Pro Pin Kit. This Lab Pin kit is good for the beginner to advanced Locksmith and is great for Institutional locksmiths.

DUR-X Semi-Pro Universal Rekeying Kit .003 will rekey Kwikset, Schlage, Weiser, Yale, Arrow, Sargent, Weslock, Corbin, Russwin and most popular pin tumbler locks.

LDKU3
– .003 Increments
– 124 Pin sizes, 1 Spring size 115L
– Top/Master Pins sizes: .010 – .200
– Bottom sizes: .156 – .360

Description:
– Lightweight and made of super tough polyethylene
– Triple latches with double snap protection
– Center lid carrying handle
– Seal-Tight Lid prevents pins from mixing
– 50 pins per pocket, 100 springs per pocket
– Key slots for mounting to workbench
– Color Passport Pin Chart Pin sizes printed the same color as the Pins
– Dimensions: 22-1/2″ x 8-1/4″ x 3″

To purchase the LAB DUR X Semi Pro 003 Pin Kit click the following link.

My next most favorite Lab Pin Kit for my Tool Case which I take to every job site is the Lab Mini Universal .003. Click on the following link. LAB MINI UNIVERSAL PIN KIT.

For On-line and Hands-on Locksmith Training Dates and Cities near you for Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced Locksmithing as well as my Covert Methods of Entry, Non-destructive Methods of Entry and to purchase the Famous “Dumb Key Force Tool” that opens Smart Key locks in seconds go to Mr. Locksmith Training http://mrlocksmithtraining.com/

For Locksmith Franchise and Licensing Opportunities go to http://mrlocksmith.com/locksmithfranchise-opportunities/

About Terry Whin-Yates

Terry Whin-Yates is the president and CEO of Mr. Locksmith. Terry’s Grandad Frank, Dad (Brian) and Uncle Rob taught him how to be a locksmith and operate a locksmith business and most importantly, pick locks. Terry studied Criminology at Simon Fraser University. Today he lives in Vancouver and his children work in the business. Mr. Locksmith has several locksmith franchisees, all of whom are like extensions of the family business.

Terry Whin-Yates participates in locksmith podcasts, he writes blogs and posts locksmith videos on YouTube. Terry is engaged in the locksmith community and is actively working towards the improvement of the Locksmithing industry on a whole.

We at Mr. Locksmith encourage and endorse the proper regulation locksmiths in BC. We abide by all government licensing. All of our locksmiths are experienced, licensed, bonded and insured. Furthermore, all of our locksmiths are committed to providing the highest quality services. We are committed to producing the highest caliber locksmiths in all facets of the trade, including skill, knowledge, and adherence to ethics and regulation – and we are proud to say that our locksmiths will be the friendliest you will ever have to meet.

Recently, Terry Whin-Yates assisted CTV McLaughlin on Your Side team doing an Undercover investigation into locksmith pricing from unlicensed scammer locksmiths but also “bait and switch” tactics used by unscrupulous locksmiths. CTV “showed the website and rate sheet to master locksmith Terry Whin-Yates … to put the locksmith company to the test by installing a simple and easy to pick the residential lock on a condo door in Surrey.” Terry stated “It should have cost, by their rate sheet, it should have been $50. We charge and we tell people on the phone $95 to $150. That’s the cost to open your door.”

The post LAB DUR X Semi Pro 003 Pin Kit | Mr. Locksmith Calgary appeared first on Mr Locksmith Calgary.

from Mr Locksmith Calgary http://bit.ly/2QPuSXf

Yumminess

A little holiday yumminess at the Jackson Family Christmas yesterday…
with a homemade mint chocolate cheesecake with a toasted marshmallow top!!!…
and a few mint M&M’s on a handmade platter to make it extra festive!!!

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from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2QOfVEM

So Exciting, Right?!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2Sl6vgV

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and the merriest of Christmases today!
I hope you find yourself surrounded by family, friends
and tons of presents & Christmas yummies!!!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2Ah6rYC

Merry Christmas to Me !!!

Here’s a quick peek of the Christmas gift I bought myself a couple weeks back.
I’ve been following Matt Wilson of Airtight Artwork on Instagram for awhile now.
Completely enamored by his ability to create precise bird sculptures out of everyday silverware!!!
Each bird has it’s own personality & attitude. And when his last “flock” was released on Etsy,
I just had to go for it… Merry Christmas to ME!!!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2CySoPy

It’s Christmas !!!

Well, it looks like my advent calendar is finally FULL of ornaments… all done…
guess that means it’s CHRISTMAS!!!

from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2QSR3Mn

Six Flags “Holiday In The Park”

We had a wonderful day Saturday at Six Flags Great America for their first-ever
“Holiday In The Park.”

Sure, it might have been a bit chilly when flying on the high-speed roller coasters, but great with enough layers & freshly-toasted s’mores!!! It was remarkably empty during the daytime hours so there were no lines for any rides! Plus a beautiful sunset. It wasn’t until the sun went down and the place lit up with crazy cool Christmas lights everywhere – many LED displays synchronized to the music!!! Such a great way to kick-off the holiday weekend!!!

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from Gary Jackson: Fire When Ready Pottery http://bit.ly/2AhXiPg