AniBlack here, reporting from the dark, wet rainforest. I’m still undercover and officially MIA. However, I’ve managed to create a primitive computer and internet uplink from twigs, stones, moss and a smaller computer.

I’ve got a surprise for you. It’s some old footage I dug up from that hard drive AniBlue burned. Quite how he managed to drop it in a saucepan, spill petrol on it, and set it alight by accident I will never know.

Anyways, it’s a mock-up of a “Zord” or mecha, and a miniature set. We had planned on making a full set of five, and a combined robot (“AniKing”) but financial restraints, as always, have delayed proceedings.

AniBlue spent a long time making all this, trust me. We even built a full size cockpit! It was never finished, unfortunately, and the wood has since been used to build the Aniranger HQ. The wheel of life turns.

Enjoy!

(I did have the title in Morse Code, but the silly auto-formatting changes three dots to an elipsis and two consecutive dashes to a… a… longer dash, thus rendering it completely unreadable. Anyways, for the enthusiast in you, and the tenacious indominitable me, here’s the title:)

AniBlack here, scribbling a message by torchlight under the bedsheets. I’m on a covert mission, the details of which cannot be disclosed. Trust me, you’ll sleep better not knowing.

The others will keep you entertained, I’m sure. Pete and Miles have yet to upload their “Ani-Animals” segment (why, oh why didn’t I choose a better name?), and we may upload a comedy video or something soon, to keep the wind in the sails.

AniGold is taking shape in my mind, I look forward to getting my hands dirty with my top secret helmet-making materials. (I get the fibreglass, but what’s with the jar labelled ‘Andros Tears’? – AniBlue).
Episode 2 has been written, planned, re-written and budgeted for quite a while now, it’s just a waiting game for the finances to become available. That money tree I planted should come into bloom around Octobruary. If you can’t trust a strange man selling ‘magic beans’ on a street corner by moonlight, who can you trust?

Of course, my covert mission may yet prove successful. If I make it back, you’ll be the first to hear about it. Well, probably not the first… but you’ll hear about it pretty quick. If I don’t survive, tell my friends I love them. And if somebody could do me the courtesy of cancelling my direct debit on the, er, Gentleman’s Literature, I’d be grateful. Those envelopes aren’t as “discreet” as they should be, and the landlady would die of shock.

Peace be with you, friends,

AniBlack

Alas, there can only be one winner…

Let’s get to it, shall we? First, the non-winning, but greatly appreciated entries:

Well done, all those above. You’re not “losing” the competition, nor did we consider your designs bad or unworthy, we just have to take many things into account when choosing something to be constructed in real life. Some things look great on paper, but don’t translate into 3D very well. Other things simply exceed our budget. What matters is that you put pen to paper and created something! Well done!

Next, we move onto the ‘runners-up’, as it were. These are designs that we thought were deserving of special mention, as they really look the part. Most people tripped up when it came to making their creation fit in with the existing Anirangers. He or she had to look like part of the team, like they belong. A round of applause to:

Created by: Zer0_Rang3r

Who knew that we would get two purple snakes? After much debate and violence (unspeakable, terrible violence) we chose this one, as it’s AniGreen’s favourite. We liked the bold, clean nature of the suit, and the interesting cobra-like hood. Great stuff!

Created by: Konrei-sama

Next up, this design by Konrei. She did quite a few sketches, and clearly thought hard about the appearance and character. The suit design is intricate yet clear and well-defined. The helmet, too, is nicely done. AniBlack sees emotion in the face, and considers this indicative, and a necessary part, of a well-designed character. AniBlue loves it, too. But, sadly for Konrei, a winner slips over the line by a whisker:

Reyn, A WINNER IS YOU

Reyn really hit the nail on the head with this one.  AniGold really looks like he was cut from the same cloth as the Anirangers. The lightning bolt is an interesting touch, and we’re sure he will look striking in real life. The possibility of a metallic gold helmet is intriguing, and the physical design is bold and simple. Of course, AniBlack will add facets here and there to bring it up to team-spec, but the simplicity of the design won’t be lost.

It’s been such a close competition, and we really couldn’t call it. Blood was spilled and friendships ruined. AniBlack (with whom the responsibility for making the suit rests) would love to make all three of these designs. They are unique and fascinating. Unfortunately, money is the issue. We can only afford one.

We thank all of you for your interest in the Anirangers, and for taking the time to draw these wonderful designs. Keep in touch, keep the faith, and never stop chasing those dreams!

- AniBlack, AniBlue and AniGreen

AniBlack here, officially cutting the umbilical for our “Design an Aniranger” competition. The entries have been collated, and we’ve debated and discussed them at the Aniranger HQ roundtable. AniRed and AniYellow were a little quiet on the issue… but we rarely understand Red’s accent and who knows what language Yellow is speaking (I say Tagalog, but Malay has also been suggested) so it’s no great loss.

Stay tuned, for we shall announce the winner in a matter of days. I’m trying to come up with some sort of runner-up prize, to no avail. I could send a lock of my hair, perhaps. And I’m sure if I sweep the floor of the Aniranger HQ I’ll find something…

Kelp the firth!

- AniBlack

The Montana Open Meetings Law legislates the methods by which public meetings are conducted. Part 2, section 3 of the Montana Code define the law.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose of the Open Meetings Act states,

” The legislature finds and declares that public boards, commissions, councils, and other public agencies in this state exist to aid in the conduct of the people’s business. It is the intent of this part that actions and deliberations of all public agencies shall be conducted openly. The people of the state do not wish to abdicate their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. Toward these ends, the provisions of the part shall be liberally construed.”^[1]

Which government meetings are open to the Public?

The law defines meeting as any gathering of a quorum of the members of a public body, including the use of electronic equipment, so as to deliberate and decide on public policy. ^[2]

What government bodies are subject to the Laws?

The act defines government body as all public agencies of either the state or any of the political subdivisions that are either funded through public funds or dispense public funds, including the Supreme Court.^[3]

Legislature

The legislature falls under the definition of public body found at Montana statute 2-3-203 and is subject to the Montana Open Meetings Law. In addition, the Montana Constitution requires that “The sessions of the legislature and the committee of the whole, all committee meetings, and all hearings shall be open to the public” without exception. ^[4]

Notice requirements

The act does not specify a time-line for notice but requires that all public agencies allow sufficient notice so as to permit public participation. This requirement can be meet by placing an add in the local media or holding an open public hearing about the question. ^[5]

Meeting process

The act requires all public bodies to record and make available minutes of meetings, including all public officials in attendance, subjects discussed and any votes taken. ^[6]Public agencies cannot prevent the media from photographing and recording public meetings. ^[7]

Executive sessions

The act permits the chairperson to close an open session for a number of reasons, including:

• To discuss matters of a personal nature, assuming the individual in question has not waived his right to privacy
• for materials associated with the attorney-client privilege, in order to discuss pending litigation, this exemption does not apply to litigation between public agencies
• Courts may close meetings for judicial deliberations ^[3]

If violated

Anyone may bring action against a public body who has violated the open meetings law. If a court finds a violation it may void any action taken at the meeting in violation, if the action was commenced within 30 days of the meeting. ^[8] Courts may also award attorney fees. ^[9]

See also

• Montana Public Records Act

External links

• Montana Open Meetings Act

References

	[show] v • d • e State of Montana Helena (capital)

Find your State Sunshine Laws Open Records laws Open Meetings Laws How to Make Records Requests Sunshine Headlines Across the Country or by State Major Records Requests Sunshine Legislation 2010 Sorted by State, Year and Topic Sunshine Litigation Sorted by State, Year and Topic Sunshine Nuances Private Agencies, Public Dollars Deliberative Process Exemption

AniBlue here again, making my second-ever post on my own website.

Our little contest is drawing to a close, so if you’ve got anything planned then get to it. Or forever wonder what might have been if you’d just got your act together and scribbled something down. We’ve enjoyed going through your entries very much – some of them gave us a run for our money. Some didn’t.

We’ll put every one on the site and give you our thoughts. And then -be still my wagging tail – we’ll announce the winner.

A shiny suit will be made from the winning design which, of course, we’ll keep.

Later dudes.

Howdy folks,

AniBlack here (isn’t it always? Why’d I bother building the Aniranger HQ if nobody ever uses it? God. I’m lonely).

Thanks to a submission by Aniranger fan Reyn, I have been inspired to start a ‘thing’. Reyn submitted a design for “AniGold”. It’s a good design, and sticks to the motifs and critera established for the Anirangers.

So, the channels are now open. We want to see YOUR designs for future Anirangers. Upload them somewhere (such as Photobucket, Tinypic, Imageshack), and send us the links on the “Anirangers” page.

We’ll upload them for all to see, if we get a good response. If we get enough entries, we’ll even MAKE ONE OF THEM REAL, and introduce the character in a future episode. Spread the word on your various forums and things, we need to get a good amount of submissions to make it worthwhile.

Rules: No copies of existing characters. No “Mega Green Ranger” or normal rangers with frilly bits on, no re-coloured Kamen Riders or barely-disguised Pizza Cats. It must fit in with the rest of the team, and be your own work.

Get to it, AniFans!

An update!

We’ve had some wonderful entries, and we all appreciate them very much. Keep up the good work! For anyone who is struggling to draw, or just doesn’t have the time, we’ve provided a TEMPLATE ( also in FEMALE) to use. Click to view/download.

No preference will be given to anyone based on their drawing ability. What matters is the design itself, and the thought behind it. 

Q. Why do we need burning permits.

A. Burning permits register the address of district residents who have gone to the Fire Station given information on what is to be burned, what equipment and how many people they have to control their fire, and received advice from fire personnel on when to burn, safety issues, and the possible availability of assistance if needed. Calling in before lighting your fire lets the 911 center post your location/address so that all dispatchers know your are burning. Knowing the address of a controlled burn helps the 911/Emergency Response folks recognize reports that identify controlled burns.

Q. How do I get a burning permit?

A. Every Thursday night the Fire Department has training from 7 to 9 PM From March 1st to June 1st every Saturday morning from 9 to Noon.The Florence Fire Department puts out information on other times there will be someone in to issue permits. We can also make appointments for mutually convenient times for individuals.

Q. Can the Fire Department help me with a controlled burn.

A. Yes, but as a volunteer organization we can only help with a limited number of burns. Priority is given to higher risk burns, and then first come/first served.

Q. When is burning season open, how do I find out?

A. In Missoula Co. call 258-4900, Ravalli Co. call 363-3033 for information. Burning Season is based on fire risk, when temperatures, humidity and winds make burns unsafe for an extended period, burning will be closed. When the long term forecasts indicate safer conditions burning season can be reopened.

Q: What is a Fire Cadet?

A. The Cadet Program provides training to interested youth who are between 14 and 18 years old. Read More

Q. How do I contact Florence Volunteer Fire Department?

A. Florence Fire Station is not manned unless there is an emergency call. Call 911 with any emergency. Routine matters can be left on the department answering machine, or call the company officers. Read More

Q. How does the Florence Fire District get money to operate the Fire Department?

A. There is a property tax levy within the district that provides basic operating funds, donations ,and earnings from supporting other departments and the USFS. Read More

Q. What does a Fire Engine cost?

A. That question depends on what type of engine you’re discussing. Florence Fire has two Type 1 Structural Engines, two Type 3 Wildland Engines, and Two Type 6 Wildland/Rescue/Ems Engines. Additionally there is a 1,800 gallon Tender (water tanker) and a Crew Cab Pickup that carries Fire/Rescue/EMS gear in a sliding rack mounted to the bed. The current fleet varies from 5 to 25 years old. Some were bought used, some of our fire equipment has been moved from truck chassis to truck chassis four or five times. New fire equipment is prohibitively expensive a small truck costing $100,000 up to half million dollar structural engines. The Florence Fire District shops new, used, and surplussed equipment to get the best value out of the tax dollars being spent.

Q. Why do OUR Engines go out on fires in other places?

A. Our engines are sent out on “Mutual Aid” to other fire departments who have a signed agreement to help us when we need additional manpower and engines. Our engines are also sent out to support the State and Federal agencies responsible for wildlands fire protection. These trips bring in payment for each day an engine sent out, keep your taxes low, and allow the Fire Fighters crewing those engines to earn money as well.

Q. What do Florence Fire District Firefighters get paid?

A. Florence Firefighters, including the Chief and other officers, are unpaid volunteers. The District Board employs a part-time paid secretary.

Q. Why does Florence issue so many radios to Fire Fighters?

A. Florence Volunteers live spread out throughout the Fire District. Two-Way radios allow them to go directly to an emergency, survey the situation and insure that the right vehicles and equipment are brought to the scene. In the case of multiple injuries they can call directly to dispatch to get additional ambulances assigned, sometimes before the first engine rolls from the station.

Q. Will I get charged for calling the Fire Department?

A. There is no charge for calling 911.

Q. Should motorists stop when they see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with emergency lights and siren operating?

A. Yes. Montana law states the following: “Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of 61-9-402 or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the operator of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle has passed”

Q. When drivers approach an emergency vehicle scene, what precautions should they take?

A. Do not make the emergency scene worse. Drivers should maintain a safe driving speed, keep their eyes on the road and follow directions from authorized personnel. Be aware that other emergency vehicles may be approaching the scene.

Q. Should motorists stop when they see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with emergency lights and siren operating?

A.Yes. upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle that is displaying visible signals of flashing or rotating amber, blue, red, or green lights, the operator of the approaching vehicle shall:

(a) reduce the vehicle’s speed, proceed with caution, and, if possible considering safety and traffic conditions, move to a lane that is not adjacent to the lane in which the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle is located or move as far away from the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle as possible; or
(b) if changing lanes is not possible or is determined to be unsafe, reduce the vehicle’s speed, proceed with caution, and maintain a reduced speed, appropriate to the road and the conditions, through the area where the authorized emergency vehicle or police vehicle is stopped.

Q. When drivers approach an emergency vehicle scene, what precautions should they take?

A. Do not make the emergency scene worse. Drivers should maintain a safe driving speed, keep their eyes on the road and follow directions from authorized personnel. Be aware that other emergency vehicles may be approaching the scene.

County Fire Permits

It is our job as a Fire District to inform all Florence residents that reside in Ravalli County that you do not need an outdoor fire permit to burn in Ravalli County at anytime. The burns season runs from March 1st each season until the State or County close the season. Now for our Missoula County residents that reside in the Florence Rural Fire District you are responsible to have an outdoor fire permit to burn in Missoula County. You can pick one up on Saturdays from 8:00 am til 12:00 noon at the Florence Fire Station or at the Missoula Rural Fire Station in Lolo, MT. We at the Florence Rural Fire District do appreciate all fire district residents who come to the Florence Fire Station on Saturdays so our fire fighters can help you determine what you are burning, safe burning practices, and to help you burn safely. As a fire department we encourage all residents that reside in our fire district to ask if you’re not sure. In 2010 the Florence Rural Fire district met with the Ravalli County health department and talked over ideas for a fire permit county wide. To date nothing has been determined regarding the direction Ravalli County will take with fire permits. We thank you for taking the time to help us.

Sincerely,

Fire Chief and Fire District Board

http://www.florencefiredepartment.org/home.aspx

Click here to view the time-table for tutorial classes

For registration, please visit the Center during office hours or call Mr. Amrith Bdr. Subba at 328098 or 77235452.

VPOS is Coming...

VPOS is Coming

Follow @Williamebales

Yes the official countdown has begun for the a public’s release date of this new operating system. The official date of release will be unveiled on Twitter.com, Facebook.com and WordPress.com as well as other media as the release date draws near.

The official announcement will be released after the VPOS (Operating System) has been copyrighted.

Stay tuned to Twitter and Facebook for the official release date.

AniBlack here, bringing you an update live from Mutekiba HQ, a secret fortress of sanctitude deep in the Devon countryside. Don’t try looking for us on any map, we exist outside of three-dimensional space. If you do stumble accross us, though, please wipe your feet.

*ahem* The Japanese dub of episode one is fiiiiiinaly up, in the Episodes section. AniBlue cut out a lot of the fat, too, so it’s a bit leaner. Worth a watch!

Episode two is still in the making. It’s concrete now, we’re just waiting until we can afford to make the thing. It will require at least three new costumes, and those aren’t cheap. If love were money…..

The Mutekiba Sentai paid a visit to our capital city on the 29th, specifically the London MCM Expo. A good time was had by all. It was lovely to see all the folks in their wonderful costumes! And we were flattered to be hugged and photographed, too. We scarfed down pizza, played games in the Trocadero, and were frightened when a very loud, very confused man accosted us at the train station. A great day!

Excelsior!

- AniBlack

Good news!

Because you all enjoyed Episode One so much, and were all very good this year and did exactly as your mothers told you, we’ve decided on an Episode 2. Like, a proper one. With new characters and everything.

How would you like to see a new villain, like another Evil Machine, and not a fool in a halloween costume like we originally planned?

How would you like a new human character who could turn to the dark side and even – OH SHIT – become an evil ranger?

It’s all planned out. It’s solid. It’s going to be trailered eventually. And you’re going to like it.

(Seriously, I’ve spent about three hours editing and formatting it for the web, and I’m starting to think in HTML code now!)

Happy reading – I’m off for a bit of downtime, before I start work on chapter Two.

Take Care,

Pete / AniGreen.

AniGreen is hard at work in his underwater dungeon, bringing you the finest Aniranger fiction around. If enough of you download or view it, I’ll loosen the chains.

Hopefully, we shall have a slightly (I said slightly) improved cut of the film up soon, this time in one whole video (the Youtube gods have granted me powers to defy the 15-minute-limit). It shall also be in Japanese. This is of course a bonus for all Nihonjin out there, but it is also a small mercy for us; we cringe at our acting. Well…. I do. AniBlue isn’t half bad. He plays three roles in the film, and no-one’s called us out on it yet.

Just an update on that promised story – chapter one is on its way. I’ve posted a short snippet of the current draft in the ‘stories’ section. It’s nothing special, but its something, right?

Take Care,

‘Till Next Time,

Pete / AniGreen

We have a couple updates today, and these will be the last proper updates for quite a while. We’ve been working on this for many months (in my case, September 2009) and we all need a bit of a rest. Anyway, first up:

[Video Extras] We have two new videos on this portion of the site! Both are lighthearted, made just to give everyone a bit of a giggle. I’m also working on a brief  “slideshow”, showing the genesis and stages of the project. This will go up later today.

[Photographs] We’ve added a few more piccies to this section. Some of them are funny, some of them mysterious, but hopefully they are indicative of the work that went into the project.

Well, that’s that. For a little while, anyway. Stay tuned, feel free to send us messsages or feedback, and keep the faith.

- AniBlack

Keep the faith,

AniBlack