Words About Things

David Berman has decided to finish recording and performing with his band the Silver Jews in order to “[move] over to another category. Screenwriting or Muckraking.” Berman made the announcement on the Drag City message board.

The Silver Jews were formed in 1989 by Berman, Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich. They released six albums including the frankly amazing American Water. They avoided touring until 2006 when David Berman and his wife Cassie took the band to Israel, Europe and around the US.

Berman has now spoken publicly about his father who he describes as “a despicable man”. Richard Berman is a lobbyist who has campaigned against groups which attempt to raise awareness about obesity, the dangers of smoking, mad cow disease, drunk driving, and the minimum wage in favour of the corporations that employ him. Most references to Richard Berman online make him seem like a cartoon villain.

Richard Berman is a Washington, D.C.-based hired gun who uses front groups to defend his corporate clients against the public interest. Using his lobbying and consulting firm, Berman and Company, as a revenue vehicle for his activities, Berman runs at least 15 industry-funded projects, such as the Center for Union Facts, and holds 16 “positions” within these various entities.

www.bermanexposed.org

David Berman in the meantime has canceled his upcoming tour of the States

Two schoolgirls from Dursley, Gloucestershire have been told they are ‘too blonde’ to attend lessons and will be excluded if they don’t dye their hair brown. Raegan Booth, 16, and Aby Western, 15 have been told that their hairstyles do not adhere to the school rules as their hair is not a natural colour.

While the girls admit that their hair is not naturally Blonde they argue that it is a natural colour.

“Unnatural hair colours are blue, purple, green and bright red. Blonde is considered a natural hair colour and there are many different shades. I believe this is wrong and no amount of hair dye affects a person’s ability in school.”

Raegan Booth

Their head teacher has said that he is trying to be consistant in making all pupils conform to the school’s rules. He says that the girls will be allowed to sit their GCSEs but that the rules need to be made clearer to students.

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Popular posts: T-mobile Flashmob Advert |  The 16 Key Flavours Of Coffee

Did you know that there are 16 key flavours and 18 aromas you could potentially find in a good cup of coffee? Coffee produced in different areas will have different characteristics just as wine from different vineyards are distinct. The tasting chart below was produced by Ted R. Lingle of the Coffee Quality Institute and features tastes and aromas (acidic, fruity, spicy, chocolatey) as well as comparisons with other foods such as Toast and Garlic!

Some of the flavours may sound a bit pretentious but if the beans are good enough (and preferably from a single estate) then the resulting brew should taste of more than just coffee. I have noticed that Indian coffees such as Monsoon Malabar tend to be smooth and chocolatey and African beans more fruity with hints of spice although I’m certainly no expert.

If you are drinking decaffeinated instant half and half then I’m afraid that the only flavour you are likely to taste is brown water. It’s also worth bearing in mind that as fresh beans cost more it’s more likely that the grower will receive a decent price for his crop if you buy the good stuff.

Aromas

Tastes

I have yet to have any coffee that I would call Nippy or Phenolic but some of the aromas certainly ring true.

Travel agents are beginning to worry about the future of their businesses but it’s not all bad news. Despite news that many companies are ill prepared to ride out the recession some areas are doing rather well. Camper hire is taking off as people stay in the UK during their holidays to save money. More people are choosing to hire vans such as the VW California to explore areas closer to home rather than fork out for overseas travel.

VW van hire has always been popular during the summer months (in particular the Run to the Sun event in Newquay) but is now becoming more popular at other times of year.