text:
Content Count23
Last visited
Everything posted by Stan Hayes
JFK shooters, Underhill assassin, Lady Clare
Stan Hayes replied to Stan Hayes's topic in JFK Assassination DebateI completely agree, David. DeLillo's magnum opus, Underworld, inspired me to begin my first novel, The Rough English Equivalent, which was published in 2002. It introduces, among other things, a character who'll terminate one squad of JFK shooters flying out of Dallas. The Sixties were notable for all manner of bizarre activity, political assassinations, of course, at the top of the list. I offered Mailer's book as Libra's diametric opposite because I was curious to see what opinions Forum members would have of it. In Quintessence, I portray Underhill's killer carrying out a model hit for the still-unsolved murder of LCDR Bruce Pitzer, who's thought by some to have been at Walter Reed to photograph the pre-Bethesda modification of JFK's body. It's a stretch to imagine that these killings will ever be solved, but I hope at least to generate some new interest in the tragic deaths of these two men, both of whom were quite accomplished in their chosen fields.
JFK shooters, Underhill assassin, Lady Clare
Stan Hayes posted a topic in JFK Assassination DebateMy newly-released novel, The Quintessence of Quick, looks closely at several aspects of the assassination and its impact on several of the characters. Since a great deal of what we do on the Forum must be classified as informed speculation, I cordially invite the membership to enjoy my addition to the category of outright invention. As you might imagine, I believe that well-executed fiction can and will inspire new research. When time permits, please vote in the poll and take a look at The Quintessence of Quick.
Jack, given what's emerged about him since 11/22, Novel looks to be a very likely TUM to me, too. He's rather proficient in handling various sorts of hardware. Assuming a flechette was employed, what bothers me in the umbrella-as-flechette-launcher is its design, at least in the only sketch that I've seen. At what appears to me to be a minimum distance of 25 feet between him and JFK, that rig just doesn't appear to have the necessary sighting mechanism to place a missile of any sort with precision. And precision seems to have been a definite requirement; the base of the throat's a small area. Unless a shot anywhere in the chest/shoulder area would also result in the flechette's complete dissolution, it's a reasonable assumption that the shot went where it was intended to go. The question is, if not from the umbrella, from where was the flechette launched, and with what hardware? Best Stan A quick follow-up on the umbrella itself; I was sufficiently intrigued with the umbrella question that, in my almost-finished sequel to The Rough English Equivalent, I include it in the inventory of weapons that the assassins spirit out of Dallas, hidden in three large golf bags. Wearing golf togs, the men board a Grumman Albatross that's waiting for them a few miles outside of Dallas on the seldom-used seaplane base, Lake Lavon. The idea was to dump the weapons in the Gulf, once the 100-fathom line was behind them enroute to Miami. An unfortunate accident involving the umbrella occurs that results in the death of one of the pilots. For a sneak preview, members are cordially invited to check my website (http://www.stanhayes.com) and for information on the publication of the new book, The Quintessence of Quick. Best Stan
Regicide: The Official Assasination of John F. Kennedy
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in JFK Assassination DebateBill, FWIW, fromTBRNews: April 2, 2007 by Brian Harring On October 8th, 2000, Robert Trumbull Crowley, once a leader of the CIA's Clandestine Operations Division, died in a Washington hospital of heart failure and the end effects of Alzheimer's Disease. Before the late Assistant Director Crowley was cold, Joseph Trento, a writer of light-weight books on the CIA, descended on Crowley's widow at her town house on Cathedral Hill Drive in Washington and hauled away over fifty boxes of Crowley's CIA files. Once Trento had his new find secure in his house in Front Royal , Virginia, he called a well-known Washngton fix lawyer with the news.of his success in securing what the CIA had always considered to be a potential major embarrassment. Three months before, July 20th of that year, retired Marine Corps colonel William R. Corson died of emphysema and lung cancer at a hospital in Bethesda, Md. After Corson's death, Trento and a well-known Washington fix-lawyer went to Corson's bank, got into his safe deposit box and removed a manuscript entitled 'Zipper.' This manuscript, which dealt with Crowley's involvement in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, vanished into a CIA burn-bag and the matter was considered to be closed forever. A small group of CIA officials gathered at Trento's house to search through the Crowley papers, looking for documents that must not become public. A number were found but, to their consternation, a number of files Crowley was known to have had vanished. When published material concerning the CIA's actions against Kennedy became public in 2002, it was discovered to the CIA's horror, that the missing documents had been sent by an increasingly erratic Crowley to others and these included devastating material on the CIA's activities in South East Asia to include drug running, money laundering and the maintenance of the notorious 'Regional Interrogation Centers' in Viet Nam and, worse still, the Zipper files. The originals had vanished and an extensive search was conducted by the FBI and CIA operatives but without success. Crowley's survivors, his aged wife and son, were interviewed extensively by the FBI and instructed to minimize any discussion of former CIA files that Crowley had, illegally, removed from Langley when he retired. A massive disinformation campaign was readied, using government-friendly bloggers, CIA-paid "historians" and others, in the event that anything from this file ever surfaced. The best-laid plans often go astray and in this case, one of the compliant historians, a former government librarian who fancied himself a serious writer, began to tell his friends about the CIA plan to kill Kennedy and eventually, word of this began to leak out into the outside world. It came to the attention of Dr. Peter Janney, a Massachusetts clinical psychologist and son of Wistar Janney, another career senior CIA official, colleague of not only Bob Crowley but Cord Meyer, Richard Helms, Jim Angleton and others. Dr. Janney has personally researched the life and murder (or should we say assassination?) of Mary Pinchot Meyer for more than thirty years, ever since the story broke in the National Enquirer in 1976. He knew the Meyer family well, his best friend was Michael Meyer, Mary and Cord Meyer's middle son, who was hit and killed by an automobile when they were both 9 year old boys. For a long time, all Dr. Janney had were supposition, opinions and circulating rumor and without any kind of concrete proof, his thesis was interesting but unproven In the midst of his investigations, Dr. Janney discovered the original Zipper file and began the lengthy and time-consuming process of authentication. He was in a unique position to accomplish this because of the extant archives of family and friends. Signatures and other identifying information that would be impossible for an outsider to locate were available to him. For the last three years, Dr. Janney has collaborated on a Hollywood film script entitled Lost Light about the life and romance of Mary Pinchot Meyer and JFK. The project is currently being represented by one of Hollywood's top deal-makers and is now being packaged for production. Peter Janney grew up in Washington with the families of top CIA brass. He is now at work on a book tentatively entitled 'Mary's Mosiac, that he hopes will be published when the film is initially released. According to Janney, Mary Meyer was not murdered by a young, innocent Afro-American male by the name of Raymond Crump, Jr., who happened to be ensconced in a tryst adjacent to the C&O Canal Towpath in Georgetown on October 12, 1964. Crump was framed, according to Janney, and he believes he can now prove it. The real assassin was interviewed, according to Janney, by the late author Leo Damore in March of 1993 who was writing a book on the subject (Damore committed suicide in 1995; his book was never published). Janney told us that the assassin was a former FBI agent and CIA contract agent who was assigned to surveillance of Mary Meyer right after the Warren Commission Report was released in late September, 1964. Janney is not the repository of all of Damore's research. It had always been rumored in the elite CIA circles that James Angleton, head of CIA's counter intelligence and a fellow Crowley plotter, had ordered her murder because she was threatening to reveal what she knew of her lover's murder, and the fact that the Warren Commission Report was nothing but a farce and an egregious public-relations venture. For a long time, all Dr. Janney had were supposition, opinions and circulating rumor and without any kind of concrete proof, his thesis was interesting but unproven In the midst of his investigations, Dr. Janney discovered the original Zipper file and the Driscoll Report and has now embarked on a lengthy and time-consuming process of authentication. He is possibly in a unique position to accomplish this because of the extant archives of family and friends. Signatures and other identifying information that would be impossible for an outsider to locate may, in fact, be available to him. The hitherto unknown role of the very secret Naval Security Group surfaced when a former member recalled the activities of Marine Corps Lt. Colonel Bevan Cass while he was discussing his own role in the assassination of Dominican dictator Trujillo and contemporary conversations he had with Cass who was involved in this assassination as well as the Kennedy one. In spite of the burn bags, the top secret safes and the vigilance of the CIA to keep its own secrets, the truth has an embarrassing and often very fatal habit of emerging, albeit decades later. When it is complete, the Janney book on the Mary Mayer murder will certainly spill over into areas the author never thought he would be able to explore. While CIA drug running , money-launderings and brutal assassinations are very often strongly rumored and suspected, it has so far not been possible to actually pin them down but this book will do this with their own reports.
What is it with George H.W. Bush's crying?
Stan Hayes replied to Ron Ecker's topic in JFK Assassination DebateUnless they include someone blowing Jeb's head off and massacring his family, Godfather Bush should just spare us the hypocricy go back to barfing on people. Myra, you make ME puke. Sincerely, Stan Hayes
Roger E. Ailes
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in Political ConspiraciesJohn- You seem to believe that the only bias in U.S. news media is that of Fox News. I hope that you'll be open to observations of some of the more blatant left-wing utterances of NBC, CBS & ABC. How about balancing the Ailes probe with one of, say Dan Rather? Best Stan
Historians, Journalists and Political Conspiracies
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in JFK Assassination DebateThe experience of a lifetime, including military service, academia and business, prompts my conclusion that most professional chroniclers of human events are (a) employees and ( respecters of the status quo. This both directs their areas of interest and subjects their final drafts to way too much "reinterpretation" before they reach an audience. John Newman may be the exception that proves the rule. In any case, fear is a powerful motivator, whether it's of peer ridicule, being fired or, in extreme circumstances, death. What the boss wants said is generally what is said.
Jack, given what's emerged about him since 11/22, Novel looks to be a very likely TUM to me, too. He's rather proficient in handling various sorts of hardware. Assuming a flechette was employed, what bothers me in the umbrella-as-flechette-launcher is its design, at least in the only sketch that I've seen. At what appears to me to be a minimum distance of 25 feet between him and JFK, that rig just doesn't appear to have the necessary sighting mechanism to place a missile of any sort with precision. And precision seems to have been a definite requirement; the base of the throat's a small area. Unless a shot anywhere in the chest/shoulder area would also result in the flechette's complete dissolution, it's a reasonable assumption that the shot went where it was intended to go. The question is, if not from the umbrella, from where was the flechette launched, and with what hardware? Best Stan
George H. W. Bush and Assassination of JFK
Stan Hayes replied to Tony Frank's topic in JFK Assassination DebateThanks, John. It's obviously been "out there" for awhile, and not quite as provocative as I imagined. No wonder he keeps Felix happy, though! Best Stan
George H. W. Bush and Assassination of JFK
Stan Hayes replied to Tony Frank's topic in JFK Assassination Debate
Allen Dulles said that covert operations should remain secret from "inception to eternity." Another favorite of mine is his "Think of the CIA as the State Department for unfriendly countries."
Fascinating article. Why is Hunt so reluctant to talk about Watergate? Why the "no comment" to the questions about the JFK assassination? Hunt's a subscriber, it would seem, to the "no snitch" rule, possibly harking back to his OSS days. I think this old prolific scribbler's saving the best for last. The VERY last. Don't think he could resist telling the whole story in his inimitable style...
Who Killed JFK?: Poll and Discussion?
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in JFK Assassination DebateBarr McClellan phrased it best "Blood, Money and Power" (That's) How LBJ Killed JFK. That's what I think. How about you? Hi Glen- Welcome to the forum! I've really enjoyed The Guilty Men DVD that you sent me. No doubt of LBJ's deep involvement, but I'm including several of the usual suspects in my rogue's gallery, i.e. Dulles, Lansdale, Helms, Hoover, Marcello, Shackley, Morales and Hunt. Too many Cubans to itemize... Best Stan
Hi Stephen- Thanks for the welcome! Just ran across this relatively recent interview of the (now) peg-legged pirate... Best Stan interrogation Scavenger Hunt E. Howard Hunt talks about Guatemala, the Bay of Pigs, and what really happened to Che. By A.L. Bardach Updated Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at 8:04 AM ET MIAMI, Aug. 25, 2004—E. Howard Hunt is one of the most notorious spies of the 20th century. The son of an influential Republican leader in upstate New York, Hunt began his career as a founding member of the OSS, the precursor of the CIA in the 1940s. After beginning as an intelligence operative in China, Hunt trailblazed the path for the CIA in Latin America from 1950 to 1970, ever on the lookout for the Communist menace. By his account, he was the architect of the 1954 U.S.-backed coup ("Operation Success") in Guatemala that deposed democratically elected President Jacobo Arbenz. Adept at psych ops (propaganda and subversion) and running "black flights" (covert operations), he also played a role in the Bay of Pigs: He was responsible for propaganda operations and the organization of a post-Castro government. Such exploits and excesses led to the scaling back of the CIA's prerogatives following hearings by the Church Committee in 1976. In July 1970, Hunt went into "private practice," taking with him the tools he acquired during his 25 years in the intelligence business. His most famous black-bag jobs were breaking into Daniel Ellsberg's psychiatrist's office and, later, Watergate, where Hunt's "plumbers" cadre, recruited from among his Cuban exile comrades, rifled and bugged the offices of the Democratic Party in May and June of 1972. Since pleading guilty to his role in Watergate and spending "33 months in 13 federal prisons," Howard Hunt has lived in Miami where he met and married his second wife of 27 years, Laura. An expert storyteller, Hunt has had a second career as a spy novelist. The couple live in a modest ranch house at the end of a cul-de-sac in north Miami. Posted around his door are warnings against trespassing, which seems somehow appropriate for a man with a history of illegal entry. Hunt answered the door in a wheelchair. One of his legs has been amputated due to atherosclerosis, and for the past few months, he's battled lymphoma localized in his jaw (it is now in remission). He wears a hearing aid and sports rimless, bifocal glasses. While no longer the dapper spymaster, he remains salty and unremorseful. As a general rule, Hunt said, he doesn't talk about Watergate or "the old days." But with his 86th birthday soon to occur on Oct. 9, he was feeling a bit more chatty. Slate: You started the CIA's first bureau in Mexico in 1949. Did you first start working on Guatemala from there? Hunt: In Mexico, I had a few agents from Washington with me, and I had recruited a few others … [including] a young Catholic priest. So the priest came to me one time, and he said, "I'm sending down several young men to Guatemala to get a view of the situation there. It's not good." He said, "My people were beaten up and put into jail, and then exiled from the country." And he sort of sat back expectantly. And I said, "That's certainly not right. I'll let Washington know what's going on in Guatemala." So I retold the story of Guatemala and the treatment of my young Catholic friend. I found that there was a lot of intense interest in what I had to say. Slate: We're talking about the time after 1952, the year Jacobo Arbenz was elected president of Guatemala. Hunt: He was in power then, yes. But his wife was by far the smarter of the two and sort of told him what to do. She was a convinced communist. … I waited for orders [from Washington]. A couple of [CIA and military] officers came down to join me, and it became apparent that there was going to be an effort to dislodge the communist management [laughs] of Guatemala. Which indeed happened. We set up shop and had some very bright guys working against Arbenz, and the long and short of it was that we got Arbenz defenestrated. Out the window. [Laughs] Slate: But President Arbenz ended up in exile—not really out the window? Hunt: Yeah. In Czechoslovakia. With his very bright and attractive wife. Slate: So it seems you were the architect for the Guatemalan operation? Hunt: It was mine because nobody else knew more than I did. I would say that I had more knowledge about it than anybody did. I knew all the players on both sides. Slate: How did you run the Guatemalan operation? Hunt: We set up the first Guatemalan operation/shop at Opa-Locka [airport in Miami, formerly an Army base]. There were three barracks, and we used the airstrip to fly in people from Guatemala and to send our people into Guatemala. These were known as "the black flights." They always occurred at night; they are a secret and officially do not exist as having happened. Slate: Do you think the Guatemala coup went well? Hunt: Yes—it did. And I'm glad I kept Arbenz from being executed. Slate: How did you do that? Hunt: By passing the word out to the people at the airport who had Arbenz to "let him go." Slate: To whom did you give the word? Hunt: It was a mixed band of CIA and Guatemalans at the airport and their hatred for him was palpable. Slate: You were worried they would assassinate him right there? Hunt: Yeah. … And we'd [the CIA and the United States] get blamed for it. Slate: Some 200,000 civilians were killed in the civil war following the coup, which lasted for the next 40 years. Were all those deaths unforeseen? Hunt: Deaths? What deaths? Slate: Well, the civil war that ensued for the next 40 years after the coup. Hunt: Well, we should have done something we never do—we should have maintained a constant presence in Guatemala after getting rid of Arbenz. Slate: Did you ever actually meet Jacobo Arbenz? Hunt: They [he and his wife] were neighbors of mine—years later—on the same street in Montevideo, Uruguay. Slate: What were you doing there? Hunt: I was the CIA chief of station. They had come from [exile in] Czechoslovakia, and nobody in Washington had told me they were coming and so it was a big surprise to me, to my wife and me. We went to the country club for dinner one evening and lo and behold, the Arbenzes were seated a few tables away. Slate: What did you do? Hunt: Well, nothing. I sent a cable to Washington saying, "In the future when we have important arrivals, please let me know." It's the least they could do. Slate: I'd like to talk about Cuba now. Did you have a lot of responsibility during Bay of Pigs? Hunt: Leading up to it. Slate: How so? Hunt: I came to Miami, and of course there were [Cuban] exiles, all anxious to take weapons in hand and charge back [to Cuba]. And the CIA was given the responsibility of a twofold action against Cuba. There was the psychological warfare branch which I headed [propaganda, covert operations], and the paramilitary which oversaw the training [of Cuban exiles] that took place in Guatemala. My [other] responsibility was to form and manage the future government of Cuba. At that point I formed the Cuban government-in-exile with Manuel Artime [bay of Pigs veteran designated by the United States to succeed Castro]. I had told them [the exile trainees] to meet me in my safe house in Coconut Grove. An FBI guy whom I knew came to me and he said your neighbor has reported you to the police saying that men are coming and going at all hours of the night. … He said he thought it was a gay brothel. Slate: Did you go to Cuba after Castro took power in January 1959? Hunt: I did go to Cuba. I went there under a very flimsy cover. Batista was out—it was 1959. I'd been sent to Havana to nose around and get a grass-roots feeling and talk to the proverbial taxi drivers and find out what their likely response would be to a possible U.S. invasion. And I did. And I told them don't count on it because it's not going to happen. But that is exactly what happened. Slate: Did you help in the planning of Bay of Pigs? Hunt: Not the military [planning]. And I couldn't find anybody who thought that it was a good plan. Slate: What were the objections? Hunt: There was an objection on the part of Dean Rusk, secretary of state under Kennedy. He didn't want a "go-and-see invasion"—that was the term he used. And our people [CIA planners] had planned an invasion that combined both a seaborne assault and an airlift. Dean Rusk was a great naysayer—he was not a fellow with useful ideas. When our plan was submitted to Rusk for his OK, he said, "This is too noisy, you gotta do something else." So the assault point was moved to the Bahia de Cochinos—the Bay of Pigs. Which had nothing in its favor. It was a beach that came down from the jungle. A lot of mosquitoes. Our people made that beach landing and they were scooped up pretty soon thereafter. Slate: Did you ever think there was a way to get rid of Castro, short of a military coup? Hunt: No. When Castro went into Cuba and took over, this was the moment—with all the chaos and disorganization—that our forces could have gone in and unseated him. But we always confronted this dreadful organization called the Department of State. Who needs it?! Slate: What was your feeling about Batista? Hunt: Well, I thought he ran a good government there. There was a lot of corruption, but there's always been corruption in Latin America. We can't be too purist about these things. Slate: Let's talk about the finals days and execution of Che. Do you know what the real story was there? Hunt: I do. El Che was becoming a popular threat to Castro. Castro was a gradualist; his view was that great changes couldn't take place immediately. But El Che had a different idea—he had wanted the entire continent of Latin America to become Communist. And Castro, sort of to get rid of him, said, "Take a band down to Bolivia. Here's money, and radio phones, and all that." So Che went down there. But Che's very first [radio] transmissions were picked up by our people at the National Security Agency. The agency was able to track him wherever he went with his little forlorn band. The Bolivians wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible, and our people kept the Bolivian army informed as to where he was. Slate: So you knew where he was all the time? Hunt: Yes. There was no question about where he was or what he was trying to do. The Bolivians had gone through this kind of BS before, and they wanted to put an end to it as soon as possible. Eventually they just said, "We're gonna put an end to this farce," and they rounded up this little band of Che's, and they didn't kill anybody except Che. Slate: I thought it was Felix Rodriguez, the Bay of Pigs Cuban exile, who says he killed Che. Hunt: No, the Bolivians did. Slate: What did the Americans want to do with Che? Hunt: We wanted deniability. We made it possible for him to be killed. Slate: Do you think anybody back then was thinking this guy would become a cult figure, that he might be more trouble dead than alive? Hunt: No, nobody had the foresight for that. … What I thought was great foresight was that the Bolivian colonel had Che's hands cut off. Slate: Why did he do that? Hunt: So he couldn't be identified by fingerprints. That was a pretty good idea—if you don't want somebody identified. People still shiver a little when they think about hands being cut off. Slate: Did that idea come from the Bolivian colonel or from the CIA? Hunt: I have no idea. But I talked with Felix about it. I said, "You were there when Che expired." He said they had taken him into this room, and they shot him there and killed him. And they had kind of a medical examination table. They put his body on that and cut off his hands. They fooled around for a day or so before they disposed of the body. And that was done in a very sloppy fashion. The colonel had a shallow grave dug and his remains were dumped in there. Laura Hunt: [interjects] For all we know, Felix [Rodriguez] did shoot him. Hunt: It was just important that it was done. Slate: Maybe Rodriguez arranged for the Bolivians to do the killing and then took credit? Hunt: What we certainly didn't want was a public monument to Che. We wanted his memory to vanish as soon as possible. But it never did. Even my son goes on about Che. Slate: What do you think of Felix Rodriguez campaigning these days against John Kerry, who questioned him at the Iran-Contra hearings? Hunt: I think that's great! Felix can do no wrong in my book. Slate: What led you to leave the CIA? Hunt: I found out the CIA was just infested with Democrats. I retired in '70. I got out as soon as I could. I wrote several books immediately thereafter. Slate: I still don't understand how you get involved in Watergate later. Through the CIA? Hunt: I had been a consultant to the White House. I greatly respected Nixon. When Chuck Colson [special counsel to Nixon] asked me to work for the administration, I said yes. Colson phoned one day and said, "I have a job you might be interested in." This was before Colson got religion. Slate: How long were you in prison for the Watergate break-in? Hunt: All told, 33 months. Slate: That's a lot of time. Hunt: It's a lot of time. And I've often said, what did I do? Slate: Did you get a pardon? Hunt: No. Never did. I'd applied for one, and there was no action taken, and I thought I'd just humiliate myself if I asked for a pardon. Laura Hunt: He was sort of numb because all of this happened to his wife and his family, his children went into drugs while he was still in prison. Slate: Wasn't your first wife killed in a plane crash? Laura Hunt: She was killed when her plane crash-landed at Chicago's Midway Airport. And there was all this speculation from conspiracy buffs that the FBI blew the plane up or something … so that she would never talk, all this ridiculous stuff. Slate: How do you feel about Chuck Colson? Hunt: He failed to come to my assistance, which would have helped Nixon and me. Slate: Do you hold anyone responsible for Watergate? Hunt: No, I don't. Slate: And you didn't apologize? Hunt: No. It never occurred to me to apologize. Slate: Should Nixon have resigned? Hunt: No. Slate: I know there is a conspiracy theory saying that David Atlee Phillips—the Miami CIA station chief—was involved with the assassination of JFK. Hunt: [Visibly uncomfortable] I have no comment. Slate: I know you hired him early on, to work with you in Mexico, to help with Guatemala propaganda. Hunt: He was one of the best briefers I ever saw. Slate: And there were even conspiracy theories about you being in Dallas the day JFK was killed. Hunt: No comment. Laura Hunt: Howard says he wasn't, and I believe him. Slate: Any regrets? Hunt: No, none. [Long pause] Well, it would have been nice to do Bay of Pigs differently. A.L. Bardach regularly writes "Interrogations" for Slate. She is the author of Cuba Confidential: Love and Vengeance in Miami and Havana and the editor of Cuba: A Traveler's Literary Companion. Article URL: http://www.slate.com/id/2107718/ Copyright 2006 Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive Co. LLC
E. Howard Hunt, the man the Washington Post called the "Great Gatsby of the cloak and walkie-talkie set," had been sent to Cuba to check things out for himself and upon returning submitted an itemized list of suggestions geared toward toppling Castro: 1. Assassinate Castro before or coincident with the invasion (a task for Cuban patriots); 2. Destroy the Cuban radio and television transmitters before or coincident with the invasion; 3. Destroy the island's microwave relay system just before the invasion begins; 4. Discard any thought of a popular uprising against Castro until the issue has already been militarily decided. Hi Tim- I'm still in the early stage of getting a feel for the forum, and as yet haven't run across any speculation about why, given all he knows about so much, Hunt's still alive. So many who knew less have died, more or less prematurely and under more or less questionable circumstances. My guess is that he's put the full story in the hands of one or more unknown/unassailable custodians, "to be opened in the event of my death." I'd be interested in your opinion, and in those of other members, concerning this or any other explanation of Hunt's charmed life... Best Stan
The Political Views of Tim Gratz
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in JFK Assassination DebateStan: I did answer your question as best I can. I am not ashamed of a particular nationality. I meant that I am ashamed to see what is taking place in America. I guess I simply worded it wrongly. I would not want to live elsewhere. In fact I am not sure why are are even posting on a thread dovoted to Tim Gratz' political views. What is our view on this case? Dawn Hi Dawn- Appreciate your clearing the air! Re the case, I can only speak for myself, but curiosity "R" I. I suspect that's why most of us signed on to the forum... Best Stan
The Political Views of Tim Gratz
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in JFK Assassination DebateI'm new here, Dawn, so I'll open with a question. What nationality would you be unashamed of? Stan, I am an American by naturalization. I moved to the Boston area, from Canada, in 1968, becoming a US citizen in 1976. I was so proud to become a citizen that day. There were a lot of things wrong with this government, coming out daily in the news back then, but I was (and am) a firm believer that if you don't like something, be involved in affecting change, not just complaining. I believe this last election was stolen. The policies that W and his neocons have put forth are erroding very important Consitutional privileges. That our attorney general could actually SAY that torture is acceptable horrifies me. That people can be held without being told of the charges or given the right to consult with an attorney flies in the face of the principals we hold dear. That the press has become so gultless is troublesome. For example: Are you aware that 11 US seaports are operated by a shipping company owned by the Chinese government ? Do you see this in the news? We need to be vigiliant about seeing that our once- taken- for granted rights are not further eroded. In the name of "national security" the current administration has shown utter disregard for the rule of law, or the checks and balances necessary to ensure that we don't have an imperial presidency. If citizens dare question Bush's policies they are called unpatriotic. It's the Patriot Act that is unAmerican, not we who criticise these undemocratic measures. Dawn Hi Dawn- Thanks for sharing your views (with most of which I'm in profound disagreement), but, with respect, you didn't answer my question... Best Stan
The Political Views of Tim Gratz
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in JFK Assassination DebateI'm new here, Dawn, so I'll open with a question. What nationality would you be unashamed of?
Who Killed JFK?: Poll and Discussion?
Stan Hayes replied to John Simkin's topic in JFK Assassination DebateJohn, I think that most reasonable people would include Howard Hunt as the holder of an "insurance policy," and it could well be one that might implicate one or more of Morales' superiors...
Biography: Stan Hayes
Stan Hayes replied to Stan Hayes's topic in Biographical DetailsMr. Carroll is too kind; in any case, old Jack will more likely call Buck Mulligan to mind...
Does anyone have any information about Banister's last days? People with whom he was seen, etc., other than his usual associates?
Does anyone know if Banister was autopsied?
Biography: Stan Hayes
Stan Hayes posted a topic in Biographical DetailsA while back, well before writing this first of three books about the adventures of the reluctant rogue, Jack Mason, I quit college and took off for Pensacola to cast my lot with Naval Aviation. Saw a nice chunk of the world as a Naval Flight Officer with the Hurricane Hunters and the Military Air Transport Service. Never fired a shot in anger, but sniffed strong Commie spoor during the Cuban Crisis and in the ever-fragrant Congo. After that, the pesky last year of college, graduate school, a tad of corporate strife in New York, and a Big Apple bailout about half an hour before my liver morphed into a bookend. Now my battered skidlid hangs in Atlanta, GA, by the banks of the Chattahoochee, where I indulge the tendency to overrev my ol' Honda VFR, sail now and then, shoot a rapid or two and generally operate at the limit of public tolerance. If you're ordering, mine's an arid Stoli Gibson, up.


text:
What's your "song of the year"?
My favorite song of the year was definitely I Will Be The End Of You by HIM!
What's your favorite CD of the year?
What was your favorite book of the year?
What was your favorite movie of the year?
What was your favorite TV show of the year?
Definitely Doctor Who!
We only started to watch it in December but it definitely turned out to be my favorite series of 2013. I knew Torchwood before Doctor Who so I was kinda familiar with some elements of the story, as I looked up some things like Captian Jack's backstory and such. But it was really great to finally see all those stories wholly and to also meet again characters from Torchwood.
I don't really know why we didn't start to watch Doctor Who earlier. I remember that I saw an episode with the ninth Doctor in Austrian TV some time ago and found it utterly weird and confusing. Now I know that Doctor Who, just like Torchwood, is just something you can't just really jump into somewhere in the middle of a season. I also refused to watch Torchwood for quite a long time because I found it to be so weird, but when I started to watch it from the beginning I really grew to love it.
Oh god that reminds me I dreamed of a Doctor Who themed Lolita meet up last night. Hahaha.
What was your videogame of the year?
3 things you could have lived without:
~ The chaos and stress related to my start at the new university
~ The chaos and stress related to our apartment.
~ Generally, the time between June and December.
Your best idea this year?
Probably to go to the University of Vienna. I spent roughly the first half of the year wondering what I should do with myself after my Bachelor. I have a dream job that I'd love to have one day but I know that I'm probably not good enough to get it. However, studying at the university of Vienna also showed me a lot of other possibilities and I got to know many institutes that would employ people with my profile after I graduate. So I am now more confident that if I don't get accepted at my 'dream university' it won't be the end of the world.
The other great idea I had was to finally consult a psychologist with my various little problems. I never talked about this before, and I probably won't do it again, but I wanted to mention it, because after literally years of struggling, I am glad I finally found the courage to go and ask for help. Because as much as I wish I could, I can't handle everything by myself anymore.
The worst thing that happened this year?
I honestly can't really think of a particular event that I would describe as 'the worst'. I was really sad when I left Finland, but also happy to be back with my boyfriend in Austria. I was disappointed when our apartment renovation didn't go as planned but I am really happy and thankful to have this place. I was devastated when I got a rejection for the summer job I had applied to, and the other job I found was hard work and not much fun, but in the end it turned out really well and I am even able to get it accredited as practical course for my studies.
So, I can't really say that there was one really bad thing this year. Maybe the fact that I stopped Pilates and gained weight? But that's just my own fault, haha.
The best thing that happened this year?
The best thing is probably that I got chosen to model for Innocent World at the Tea Party in Vienna. I think I have never in my life received a larger confidence boost. It was such an honor to be part of the fashion show!
New Year's Resolutions?
I already started with one of my resolutions last week - I started to write a dream diary. As I mentioned before I had a lucid dream for the first time of my life. For a long time I wanted to train the ability to have lucid dreams but never really had the persistence to do it properly. Especially writing a dream diary was always very tough for me because I dream an awful lot of stuff. But now that I experienced for the first time what lucid dreaming truly feels like I want to give it another try. I started a dream diary on my computer, because typing is faster than writing, but I'll have to get used to getting up a bit earlier and writing down what I dreamed before I start my usual morning routine. I'm really motivated to do it, though.
The second resolution is, as every year, to start to be more healthy and fit. I did a lot of Pilates during May and June when I studied for my exam at the university, and I felt pretty good during that time. Then came the renovation and I was just so tired and exhausted all of the time that I couldn't keep up with the training and clean eating. And when autumn arrived and it got a bit cooler again we were in the middle of the moving mess and my motivation was sub zero. I found excuses all the time - first I was ill, then I had no time or was too stressed, then I broke my toe... but with January 2014, I wanna start taking up Pilates again and I set myself the goal of doing one full year of Cassey's Blogilates program. I won't be mad at myself if I can't keep up but I'll just try my best to be back on track again. I don't mind about my weight or anything that much, it's more the 'feeling' that matters. I wanna feel good again. That's what's important to me.
Oh, and in January I also wanna do the 30 Days Lolita Challenge, but I'm unsure how to split the posts. I don't wanna do one post every day, because I think it would probably be boring for my non-Lolita interested readers, so probably it will be every 5th or 6th day a collection of questions from the challenge :)
Oh, and I really hope I'll be able to show you some pics or a video of my apartment soon™ !
The year 2012 was really full of changes. I moved three times this year, first from Turku to Vienna, then to my parents' place on the countryside, and then to our own place and our new apartment. Living alone with my boyfriend is wonderful and I love our apartment, but I'm also currently in a kind a"unstable" mental state and I have problems with daily tasks, which was one of the main reasons that really made me realized that it's time to seek professional help.
I sometimes kinda miss our life we had in Vienna. Living together with other people was just different, often challenging, but also lots of fun. Most of the time we got along, and I guess I'm just the kind of person who will always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. While I am socially awkward and probably not much fun to be around, it was somehow good to be around other people. And living in Vienna was just very convenient too.
And I also miss the life I had in Finland. While living at the student village was troublesome most of the time, and my social awkwardness inhibited me from making many friends during my stay abroad, it was an experience a cherish a lot. And I also think this distance from everything in Austria was good for me too at that time. And the two weeks I spent with my boyfriend in Turku and Lapland was among the best of times I ever had.
I don't think I changed very much during the last year. Neither did I gain a lot of confidence nor did I learn anything truly insightful about myself. From time to time I still look at myself in a mirror and just want to cry because of the face I see. At other times I feel okay and even think I look fine. I think I still have a long way to go before I can forget about all this, and I sometimes feel ashamed of being so vain. I wonder why beauty is so important to me, when I care about appearance so little in other people, yet I make myself crazy about it when it comes to myself.
Ironically I think Lolita and my love for the fashion helped me deal with that - to some extent. I doll myself up and wear wigs and unusual clothes and change myself completely, have my few hours of fun at a meet up, and then I go back to being 'normal' and just my usualy (ugly) self. I can separate the two things and knowing that there is Lolita fashion to cheer me up helps me get through days where I am just boring old ugly me. It sounds weird, but that's how I feel at the moment. Also, I look at pictures of myself in doll make up and find that I don't even look that different from usual. Yet I get a lot of compliments. It makes me realize that what makes me beautiful during such times is the confidence I have hen i wear these clothes and that makeup. The only danger is that this sometimes can backfire and make me think I'm ugly, no matter how much make up I wear. But these incidents are rare, and I hope I'll get rid of these nasty thoughts one day entirely and be a happy, joyful person.
Well, that was my year 2013 for you.
I truly can't believe how fast time passed by. It feels like yesterday that I was still living in Turku, and sitting here in my own apartment in a small town in Austria can only be described as very surreal. I am glad though, no matter how much I complain I am very, very thankful for what I have and appreciate everything. I know it sometimes doesn't come across like that, but it's a fact.
I hope you lot had a fantastic year 2013 and I wish you all the best for the next year.
Thank you for reading my blog during all that time, and welcome to the new readers who came along during this year, and I hope you all will enjoy reading about the things I want to share with the world in the future too!
So thank you, everyone, and have a great New Year!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Antigen: Interleukin 4 (IL4)
Improved Detection of Regulatory Cytokine IL-4/IL4
The various interactions between T- and B-Cells have always been an area of major interest for immunologists. The cytokine Interleukin-4 (IL-4/IL4, uni prot ID: P05112, and entrez gene ID No. 3565 is playing a crucial role for the activation of B-cells and thus, we are happy to offer researchers an extended product portfolio for its detection now. Here you can find an example of both an interleukin-4 / IL-4 antibody and interleukin-4 / IL-4 ELISA Kit for a variety of applications.


text:
In May we told you about a lawsuit againstHarris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia
which claimed he was blocking or dragging out the process or releasing public information.
If you like this story, consider signing up for our email newsletters.
You have successfully signed up for your selected newsletter(s) - please keep an eye on your mailbox, we're movin' in!
That was notable because Garcia has often spoken about his wish to have the fortress-like mentality of the HCSO transformed into one of openness.
Score one for Garcia: He's been granted a summary judgment in the suit.
The suit is by two former deputies suing over their dismissals; the dispute concerns various paperwork and records of the office.
The plaintiffs filed asking for a writ of mandamus forcing Garcia to produce certain evidence; the judge in the case granted a motion for summary judgment dismissing the case August 31.


text:
Good evening guys, hope you had a good weekend. We just caught up with friends and finally celebrated our engagement with my parents. So didn't do a lot of cooking. I have been feeling really tired lately. It's not as hot as it was, but still a bit sticky. I have been finding myself craving meat, chicken mostly. Its strange because I really don't want to eat it and it's been the only thing I think I haven't even tasted since I stopped eating it all together. I am still eating a bit of fish, but I know my body is craving whole grains and fresh greens. So I have been trying the past couple of days to get back on track.
I have also been trying to get back into exercising. Six months ago I was walking every where all day and all night. Now I have been barely walking, except for the occasional dog walk. It's started to cool down as I said so there is no more excuses for not going for more walks and started back up with pilates. I went for a couple of walks today and it was really nice to get out by myself. The sun stays out till 6.30 and there are lots of people about walking. I won't take the dogs by myself again, after what happened a couple of days ago. My dogs went crazy at a woman who walked too close to us, then they saw a cat, then a man walking a baby, then two people walking two boxes, then another couple walking a dog. They were out of control. I still have sore arms and blisters on my hands from them trying to pull away from me and attack all these 'threats'. It was very embarrassing and scary situation. They were scared and they knew I didn't have full control of them. But it is not their fault, so more walks are needed for them to get more social and for me to get back in shape.
Tonight I wanted to make something with a little bit of barley I had in the cupboard. I didn't have enough so I also used brown rice to make a risotto. I adapted this recipe, Red Wine Barley Risotto with Silverbeet & Mushrooms, from Madison. I was a bit scared using merlot in the cooking, so I used a bit less then I could have, but it turned out lovely with a mild hint of the wine and gave the grains a beautiful color. Although not a traditional risotto, the vegan butter really brought a creaminess to it at the end.
Since I couldn't use parmigiano, I looked for a vegan alternative. I found this lovely recipe for a Vegan Parmesan Cheese from Veggieful. It is made from cashew nuts and nutritional yeast and it tastes amazing. I actually never liked parmesan. Even my Nona knows not to put parmesan on my pasta from when I was a little girl. I always thought it smelt like throw up. But this parmesan is delicious! It is soft, with a creaminess to it and a bit of a cheesy salty taste. I really recommend it, even if you don't like parmesan either.
Lastly, I put in a simple recipe from the night before. We weren't going to have dinner, since we had such a late lunch. We made turkish burgers with Fry's Traditional Burger patties (can't get enough of these). But after a long walk with the dogs we got really peckish late that night. So this is what we came up with.
Red Wine Barley & Brown Rice Risotto with Mushrooms & Spinach (vegan, gluten free option, soy free, nut free)
4.5 cups (1 Litre) vegan chicken or vegetable liquid stock
1.5 cup filtered water
1.25 cup merlot
1 cup pearl barley (use another cup of brown rice instead to make gluten free)
1 cup brown rice
4 tablespoons olive oil
20g dried skiitake mushrooms, soaked & sliced if not already
5 white mushrooms, sliced
4 garlic cloves, diced
1 red onion, diced
200-300 g baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, diced
50g vegan butter
sea salt & pepper to taste
vegan parmesan to serve (optional, recipe below)
1. Take a large pot and bring to the boil the liquid stock, water and wine. In the meantime rinse the barley and brown rice.
2. Once pot comes to a boil, add the barley and rice and let that come to a boil. Then let it continue to boil uncovered for 30 mins. Most of the liquid should be absorbed during this time. Remove any excess material from the top of the liquid as it cooks. Once it is finished take off the heat and put the lid on it and leave it for at least 5 mins before adding the rest of the ingredients.
3. Take large pan and heat the olive oil on medium heat. Then add the red onion, garlic and all the mushrooms. Cook for 10 mins.
4. Add the baby spinach and parsley to the mushrooms and cook for 2 mins or until spinach has wilted.
5. Then add the barley, rice and any extra liquid from the pot to the large pan and stir through.
6. Add the vegan butter and season with sea salt & pepper. Heat through on a medium heat for 1-2 mins
* Serve with vegan parmesan
* Serves 5-6
Vegan Parmesan (from Veggieful) (vegan, raw, gluten free, soy free)
1 cup cashews
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1. Whiz in the processor or grinder until it becomes a powder.
* Makes about 1 cup
* Store in the fridge in air tight container. Should last a few weeks.
Turkish Bread Pizzas (vegan, nut free)
1/2 whole turkish bread
olive oil
cherry tomatoes
garlic, crushed
roasted capsicum
marinated buffalo-style tofu mozzarella (or store-bought vegan mozzarella)
baby spinach, chopped
fresh basil or parsley
sea salt to taste
2. Slice the turkish bread in half, lengthwise.
3. Combine the tomato, garlic and olive oil in a small bowl. Then spread onto the turkish bread base. Then add roasted capsicum, tofu/vegan cheese, baby spinach, herbs and sea salt.
4. Grill in the oven for 5 mins or until the bread is toasted
* Serves 2


text:
Newgrange Lodge is located one minute from the world famous UNESCO sites of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. Older than... More Info »
Video guides, travel podcasts, city maps & free city guides. What to eat, where to stay and things to do and see - our travel guides have it all.Find a guide »
We want to make sure that you get to explore as much of Paris as possible and that includes the nightlife scene. We've compiled some of the best places in Paris to check out if ...Read more »
We offer the most comprehensive selection of hostels on the internet with over 33,000 great places to stay in 170 countries. The ultimate online resource for hostels everywhere.Find great value hostels »


text:
Courageous Bakery was born out of mine and my sister Kathryn's love of baking and her courage to fight blood cancer.
Kathryn, my elder sister, was diagnosed in May of 2010 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. During her treatment to keep our spirits lifted, we dreamed up many different cupcake flavors and baked and tested the winning ones when back home.
What started as a cupcake food truck that we call the "Green Machine", has since expanded to two food trucks and two brick & mortar locations. Cupcakes and baking were an escape from the realities of battling cancer, little did we know it would become what it is today!
We are very happy to share that our story has a happy ending. Kathryn has been in remission since 2011, is happily married and the mother of a beautiful girl born in 2014.
They say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade...we bake cupcakes, and we hope you enjoy ours which we bake with love and charity in mind. With every delicious bite a portion of our proceeds is donated to finding a cure and increasing awareness of this illness affecting so many.
To learn more about our story visit our About page to read about the charities that are supported by our mission.
Locations & Hours
Elmhurst, IL
Monday - Friday: 6AM - 4PM
Saturday: 7AM - 4PM | Sunday: 7AM - 4PM
••• Cafe kitchen open until 3PM daily •••
Oak Park, IL
Open 7 days!
••• Cafe kitchen open until 3PM daily •••
I've been to the Elmhurst location and loved it. Today was my first time visiting the Oak Park location and omg. I love this place! Cassidy was the frosting on my experience! She was so friendly and helpful, the food was great! (I had the corned beef and hash with Gouda cheese). The atmospher was so warm and inviting. I really love this place!
-Keesha V., 12/1/17, YELP
As you walk in.....the smell of fresh pancakes, coffee and cupcakes fill the air. You know you're in the right place. You're greeted with a warm good morning from not only the locals from oak park but from the employees and the amazing owner.
I've been here 13 times since they've been open and I'm
Sure there will me more visits.
-Samantha L., 10/18/17, YELP
Baby Friendly: 5 stars, Kid Friendly: 5 stars, This place is great!
It's in a great location, downtown Oak Park, walking distance from the Greenline. It's very cute inside! The staff are friendly and helpful.
They have a great story, and they donate part of their proceeds to a cancer charity.
-Anne S., 11/13/17, YELP
THIS PLACE IS AMAZING!!! I live in the area and have been driving by. My best friend has been raving about and we went together today. First of all, the food was FANTASTIC! I was so surprised to see both baked goods and a full menu. The breakfast sandwich I ordered was delicious. I also ordered a London Fog (my favorite hot drink ever) and it was the BEST one I have ever had. The staff is so nice and the owner has such a sweet spirit. I even brought my husband home some croissants (pistachio- they had multiple flavors). He LOVED them. This is going to be my new favorite spot!
-Jene, 12/2017, GOOGLE
We had a baby shower there recently and it was great!! Food is delicious, the staff is so nice and helpful, cupcakes were amazing...highly recommend it!!
-Jorie, 06/2017, GOOGLE
Terrific addition to our community. Super fresh salads, omelets, sandwiches and the best homemade soup in town. And the cupcakes rock and some of the profits go to charity. A win win. And Cassidy behind the counter is a joy.
-Lynda S., 12/17/17, YELP
Cute little place with great food options and good service. Would highly recommend.
-Miri, 12/2017, GOOGLE
Our Guarantee
We work hard every day to provide the highest quality product, but if for any reason you are not completely satisfied, contact us within 7 days of your original receipt and we will gladly provide you with a replacement item or credit towards future purchases at our store.
Not only do we guarantee our product, but also our service! We welcome all feedback - we want to know how we can improve to create a better experience for our number one - YOU!
Please visit our contact to send us any and all feedback.


text:
Debbie Berry, a 60-year-old retail worker, was forced to go on social assistance in order to stay at home with her elderly father, who has liver cancer, dementia and mobility challenges.
Lyndon Blackbird, a 50-year-old business analyst, put his career on hold to provide round-the-clock care to his wife, who has early-onset Alzheimer's.
Colleen MacDonald, 49, doesn't know how she will manage when a Milton hospital discharges her 47-year-old husband, who is recovering from an ischemic stroke and cannot shower or dress without assistance.
Distress among unpaid caregivers who bear the heavy burden of looking after ill, elderly or disabled relatives has doubled in four years, according to Health Quality Ontario, the provincial adviser on quality of health care.
A report released Tuesday suggests these factors, along with Ontario's aging population, may be creating a perfect storm for the provincial health system: a growing need for family caregivers at a time when distress is making them increasingly unable to do the job.
The proportion of family caregivers who had to stop looking after their loves ones due to stress more than doubled over four years ending in 2014, rising from roughly 7 per cent to 14 per cent, according to the report. The findings come from surveys conducted by community home-care workers who support patients and their families.
This increase in family caregiver burnout occurred as the population of patients needing at-home care in Ontario became older, more physically impaired and increasingly burdened by dementia.
The research raises a troubling question: What happens to patients and the health system if unpaid caregivers are unable to provide care?
"People need to understand how important caregivers are in our society writ large, and specifically in our health care system," said Dr. Joshua Tepper, president and CEO of Health Quality Ontario. "These are people that basically across the province are involved day in and day out in the care of some of the sickest, oldest and most frail people."
"We don't expect distress to be zero, but what we do need to recognize is that it is increasing rapidly and we want to try to reverse it or at least slow this growth and bring it down."
If distress rises further and caregivers increasingly step away from the role, their family members may have nowhere to go but long-term care homes and hospitals. Patients will suffer if they can no longer live in their own homes, "as most wish to do," the report says, and "there could also be a substantial cost to the health system."
The report notes that demographic and social changes make it likely that more caregivers will be needed, not fewer. The proportion of older people in the province is on the rise and Ontario's long-term care homes don't appear to have the capacity to absorb the growth of the senior population. And as families become smaller, so does the potential pool of caregivers.
Some strides have been made, the report acknowledges. The Ontario government has made home and community care a priority in its patient-first strategy for health system transformation and has recognized the importance of supporting caregivers as part of home and community care.
However, the authors stress that further study — better data and more precise measures — is needed to understand what may be contributing to the distress and what has changed in recent years that may have contributed to the increase.
A panel of caregivers consulted for the report offered these suggestions:
Caregiver Stories
Colleen MacDonald, 49, and Dave Rajbansee, 47
Dave Rajbansee had a severe stroke six months ago that left him with extensive brain damage. Colleen MacDonald, his wife of five years, was shocked to learn two weeks ago that Milton District Hospital wants to send him home — imminently — even though she says he has limited verbal abilities, can't dress by himself, bathe unassisted, or get into or out of bed without help. He walks with a quad cane.
Colleen feels strongly that Dave needs more rehabilitation in hospital, and she is panicked at the idea of her husband being sent home in his current condition. But she says the medical team managing his care, including an occupational therapist, believes that he is ready to make the move. (Paul McIvor, a spokesman for Halton Healthcare, which represents the Milton hospital, said he could not comment because he didn't have the patient's permission.)
Colleen works full-time and has only been offered two hours daily of publicly funded home care. She doesn't believe Dave should be left alone. With her husband on long-term disability, Colleen can't afford to reduce to part-time hours. All of this puts her in a tough spot.
"(Doctors) were expecting Dave to die," she says, in tears. "Miraculously he didn't, and against all odds he's made a lot of gains. And all he needs is more rehab. Why can't he get more rehab? That's what I'd like to know."
Lyndon Blackbird, 51, and Evelyn Davis, 54
Lyndon took a leave of absence from work last June to spend the summer with his wife, Evelyn, who was in the late stages of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. He wanted to spend as much time with her as possible while she still recognized him, and he planned to use the time to begin the arduous process of applying for long-term care. With every ability Evelyn lost, Lyndon gained a new responsibility. He took over the cooking, shopping, cleaning and bill payments. He did all the research and paperwork necessary to manage her illness, while ignoring his own health. The stress caused panic attacks, and he had a seizure.
Lyndon continued to care for Evelyn full-time, with the help of home-care workers, throughout the fall. His employer, the Bank of Montreal, allowed him to work from home and take more time off as he began to plan her transition into a nursing home. She moved into long-term care just after Christmas 2015 and is now in palliative care. Lyndon continues to visit her every other day and remains actively involved in her care. He is now in his fourth year as a caregiver, and he knows it may be his last.
"It's a difficult time. Four hours of being with her, and if I can get one smile . . . oh my god, what I yearn for now."
Debbie Berry, 60, and James Berry, 80
When it was time for Debbie Berry's father to be released from hospital after a knee operation last September, she thought he would be going into long-term care. Then she learned she was expected to take him home. Debbie was already working full-time to support herself and her adult son, who has schizophrenia. In addition to mobility challenges caused by the operation, her father has liver cancer and dementia, making him a high-needs patient.
The family's publicly funded home care started at 35 hours per week, but the visits were spread throughout the day — a few hours in the morning, afternoon and evening — making it impossible for Debbie to work outside the home. Now home care has dwindled to 11 hours. Debbie has not been able to work since September and is on social assistance. At 60, she is beginning to have health challenges of her own, including arthritis in her knees and chronic pain. "I don't think people understand what you give up and what you lose to do these things," she says. "It changes your whole life."


text:
Is it possible to learn a new foreign language in 30 days? Many people will laugh at the idea without giving it a deeper thought. The answer to this question depends on our understanding of:
What it means to know a language
There are two options.
- To my mind, knowing French means being able to communicate in French with other people. Simple and obvious.
- However, some people say that knowing French isn't about communication as much as it is about knowledge. Knowing French means just that: full knowledge of French language. All the words in use, rules, grammar. Although this seems literally correct, I don't agree with it. Because it's actually false. Not even native French people know all the words of their language. Does it mean they don't know French? Of course, it doesn't. Plus, nobody learns a language just to know it. We learn it to use it in communication.
So, now we know why people laugh at the idea of learning a language in a month. It's because they think that learning a language means acquiring full knowledge of this language. This is almost impossible. That's where the quotes like:
"Life is too short to learn German"
…come from. On the other hand, if you think that knowing a language means the ability to use it, then the answer is yes.
YES, you can learn a language in 30 days
You may think: "I can't communicate in Spanish if I don't have a good knowledge of Spanish rules and vocabulary"! Knowledge comes before practice! I agree with you. We need this knowledge to put it to use. However, we don't need full knowledge. We don't speak about rocket science, advanced linguistics or exotic animals with our friends and family every single day. As a result, we don't need the words specific for these topics. (There are exceptions. I will cover them later.)
How many words do we actually need for everyday communication? These numbers will vary from language to language. However, on average:
- 20 most frequent words will give you an impressive 24% language coverage!
- 1,000 most popular words equal 74% language coverage.
- 2,000 most popular words equal 81% language coverage.
- 20,000 words equal 98% language coverage.
This logic is very simple. For example, the word "hello" is more commonly used than the word "benign", so its language coverage is much larger. This blog post contains less than 300 unique words in total (yet much more words overall). Therefore, 1,000 words are enough for a start. You can understand most of the casual conversations with such a base. And you can acquire that much language in 30 days assuming you spend enough time and effort. 1000 / 30 = 33 words per day. You can do it if you learn the right way and start practising from day 1.
Personal preference
Of course, there will still be some problems with more advanced texts or conversations. That's why you can focus on the topics that are important to you. That's the exception I mentioned before. If you know you'll want to talk about economic topics in a foreign language, you should learn the economic terms and expressions of that language. This way, you can easily reach an advanced level of, say, Italian (in the fields of importance). Without having to learn how Italians call fennec fox or an orbital spacecraft.
What's next?
The base you'd learn in a month isn't enough to cover every single conversation or text. You'll want to expand your language experience. The good news is that it's going to be so much easier! Since you know the basics and can understand quite a lot, you can learn from anything and anyone.
At this point, you will say: "If I must continue learning after 30 days, all this post is wrong!" Is it? Even native speakers are continuously learning their own language. There are always things that Americans don't know in English, their native tongue. How do they learn their own language? They use it every day. If YOU want to keep this language in your head, you must use it anyway. There's no way around it. So you're going to learn it inevitably. Unless you drop it altogether, which raises the question: why were you learning it in the first place?
Usage and learning come together. Therefore, after the first 30 days, we don't actually "learn" a language only for the sake of learning it. We use it to communicate. So, acquiring a new language in 30 days is possible. And "possible" doesn't mean "almost impossible". You can do it just like many people before you. It's a challenge. However, nothing comes without an effort.


text:
Facts and fictions of UI crisis
The current financial crisis rocking the University of Ibadan (UI) in which the Management team says it can no longer pay some allowances, after struggling to pay salaries, confirms what has always been suspected: insolvency, if not bankruptcy. Following the crash of prices of crude oil in the international market, observers had predicted that there would be tough time for the country.
Indeed, tough time is here. Many states across the country are not only impecunious; their workers are as indigent as their dependents that are in the poverty trap as a result of non-payment of salaries. The distress scenario is fast spreading to federal government's agencies and institutions with major shortfall in financial allocation. In UI, workers are giving the new Vice Chancellor, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka sleepless nights over non-payment of what they called "earned allowance" for the month of February.
This "earned allowance" which is a fallout of the 2009 agreement between the Government and Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is being paid in instalments through the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), pending when the government will reimburse the university. But when bubble bursts with the shortfall in personnel grant released by the government, the VC cries out that the university will not be able to pay the allowance. The workers, under different unions, including Non Academic Staff Union (NASU), National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) scoffed at the dilemma, insisting that the allowance must be paid.
To douse tension, Prof. Olayinka in a release dated 22 February, explained the financial situation to the workers, citing paucity of funds as his headache. According to him, "In 2015, we received N932, 714,026.24 from January up to November, but in December 2015, our allocation on Personnel Cost was drastically reduced to N663, 972,634.60. This is a reduction of N268, 741,391.64. This shortfall accounted for why deductions for the month of December 2015 could not be paid to all deserving Cooperative Societies and Unions ".
Surprisingly, Olayinka disclosed, "we received the sum of N782, 346,495.95 as Personnel Cost for the month of January 2016. This sum is a far cry from our expected Personnel Cost. Our budget in 2016 for Personnel Cost is N12, 971,458,377 net of National Health Insurance Scheme and Contributory Pensions. We therefore expect monthly allocation of N1, 080,954,864.75; instead, we got N782, 346,495.95, a reduction of N298, 608,369.16. The import of this is that again in January 2016, we were not able to meet up with 100 percent of our commitment on Personnel Cost ".
A congress was called recently in which all members of the three unions, excluding Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) were enjoined to converge on the main entrance of the University. As early as 7am, staff members had taken over the place, itching to be updated. The gates had been locked as usual. Vehicular movement had been effectively paralyzed.
"Great Nigerian workers!", the SSANU Chairman, Mr. Wale Akinremi who spoke on behalf of other leaders, psyching up the members in salutation. "Great", replied the members tumultuously. He began to speak. "They said they would sack me if I address you! There is no peace on this campus if our allowance is not paid." Akinremi who somewhat ignited negative passion by his grandstanding lashed out at the VC for refusing to yield to pressure, rather than addressing the issue and proffering solution to the financial problem raised by the VC. This is a sad commentary on civility, coming from a decent academic environment of Ibadan status. Respect for elders is one of the cardinal imperatives of our traditional customs. A union leader who is worth his salt must employ cultured language and definitiveness of logic to fight his battle. Insulting the VC is a desecration of culture of civilisation.
Perhaps it is relevant to ask for Prof. Olayinka's offence in all of this. Is he the one who caused economic crisis? Did the VC get more allocation than he has disclosed? Mr. Akinremi alleged that Prof. Olayinka did not behave as his predecessor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole! But no two individuals are ever the same. Not even twins who passed through the same womb. In 2009, the late President Umaru Yar'Adua offered amnesty to the Niger Delta boys and achieved peace. The former President Olusegun Obasanjo had approached the same problem with force and failed. Does it mean Yar'Adua was the wisest president ever? Does it mean Obasanjo did not succeed in other areas? Every leader comes to the stage with his own peculiar style and flavour. Therefore, it is invidious comparing Prof. Olayinka with his predecessor.
Again, the VC was accused of reporting the union leaders to the security agents, the move, which they said, exacerbated the crisis. However, going by Mr. Akinremi's temperament, only a VC who will like to see UI 'burn' will not report to the Directorate of State Security. Clearly, the threat deserves the attention of the Commander-in-Chief in Abuja!
Prof. Olayinka deserves apologies. Although that is part of the sacrifices he has to make as the 12th UI VC, he nonetheless deserves respect. His office commands regard of those who truly cherish intellectualism. Here is a man who has been demonstrating maturity and wisdom since he took over on December 1, 2015, the mindset you associate with humble and confident learner-leader. He is the symbol of our collective academic excellence and achievement. Why then should anybody take joy in disparaging him?
However, the earlier the workers in UI adjust their budgets to the current economic reality in the country the better. Manna does not fall in perpetuity. Heaven will not fall if the government directed the Management to reduce the workforce because there is no money to pay everyone. Many will lose their jobs. They won't be able to protest and lock gates. Already, many state governments have started retrenching. Who says federal government cannot do the same? It is better we don't push our luck too far. Incessant strikes over agitation for sundry allowance should be checked. It may sound unreasonable to those who have capacity to challenge their opponents to a roadside brawl, and dance naked in a market place, the fact is that the universities across the country should watch it.
• Saanu is with the Directorate of Public Communication, University of Ibadan. Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
1 Comment


text:
Cheap flights to Male, Maldives (MLE) from Madrid (MAD) $335.10 RT
Table of Contents
What's the deal with cheap flights to Male?
You can grab a cheap fare on selected dates between Spain's Madrid and Male in the Maldives for a bargain $335.10 round-trip – that's an amazing 3 cents per mile!
For the sample dates January 27th to February 4th, 2016, flying to Male with Iberia, we found current availability at this price:
How do I get the cheap flights to Male deal?
More dates may be available. Check your dates and book on Priceline.
Fare class for this trip: To be updated
Miles to be flown: 10,700 miles RT (3 cents per mile)
Extra money for your trip: If you qualify and get approved for the Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard® or the Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card, they will reimburse you for travel charges as a statement credit.
Hotels for cheap flights to Male (MLE) from Madrid (MAD):
hotelscombined.com compares dozens of hotel websites – this is usually where I start my hotel search.
trivago.com has even more hotel sites to search from.
agoda.com – this Priceline subsidiary has great customer service and awesome rates, especially in Asia.
marriott.com – Marriott has the best BRG in the industry and has over 4,087 properties in 80 countries.
hyatt.com – Hyatt has some of the best properties worldwide – my favorite hotel chain if I could always afford it!
ihg.com – usually awesome promotions and earn rates – I love IHG.
hilton.com – Hilton has a wonderful global footprint and it is hard to find a place in the world without one of their hotels.
radissonblu.com – Radisson and Club Carlson have very competitive prices and a huge footprint in Europe and parts of the US.
Get Real Time Deal Alerts and access to 5,000+ Daily Flight Deals and more than 100,000 hotel rates sorted by deals with a Mighty Travels Premium Subscription.
Recommended for you:
See how to save $190 on ANY airfare ticket with Mighty Travels Premium. Plus get 95% off Business and First Class fares with Real-Time Mistake Fare Alerts.
Start your 30 Day FREE TRIAL now.
About the author: Torsten is a serial entrepreneur who started almost a dozen ventures on four continents. Torsten's love for travel has brought him to 130+ countries and travel with most of the world's airlines. You can reach Torsten at [email protected]
This post has been tagged with: cheap flights | deal | flights to Male


text:
For men who have taken a testosterone supplement and suffered a stroke, recovery is a lifelong process. For most patients, recovery begins with rehabilitation, which can renew independence by restoring physical, mental and emotional faculties. It is important for stroke survivors to know that no matter where they are in their recovery process, there is always hope.
Free Testosterone Stroke Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one suffered a stroke after taking a testosterone supplement, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer of the testosterone booster and we can help.
How Can I Recover from a Stroke?
To improve your quality of life after a stroke, you need to learn as many details as you can about how to recover. Use the following information to make as much progress in stroke recovery as possible:
Where to Live After a Stroke – Most people who have suffered a stroke will require rehabilitation so that they can recover once they leave the hospital. Stroke rehabilitation is designed to help the patient regain their ability to care for themselves.
Most forms of rehab can be accomplished in the patient's home. Stroke victims who can't care for themselves at their own home may require to be treated at a hospital or in a nursing center. Patients who are well enough to go home may have someone come to their home to help with the recovery process.
Speaking & Communicating – After a testosterone stroke, certain patients may have trouble finding a word or being able to speak more than a word or two at a time. This condition is referred to as aphasia. Other stroke victims may be able to put words together, but they might not make sense. Patients may not know that their speech is difficult to understand. They may become frustrated when they find out others can't understand. It can take up to two years to recover speech. However, not everyone will fully recover.
Thinking & Memory – After a stroke, patients may have changes in their ability to reason, behavioral changes, memory problems and poor judgment in everyday situations. These issues increase the need for greater safety precautions.
Clinical depression is commonly reported in stroke victims. Depressive feelings may begin immediately after the stroke; however, symptoms in some patients may not begin for up to two years. Treatments for clinical depression may include increased caregiver visits in the home or going to an adult day care center, prescription drugs and visits to a therapist or counselor.
Muscle, Nerve & Joint Problems – Moving around and doing normal daily tasks may be more difficult for many stroke victims. Muscles on 1 side of the body may be extremely weak or not move at all. Muscles on the affected side may be tight. Different joints may be harder to move. The shoulder and other joints can become dislocated.
Bladder & Bowel Care – A testosterone stroke can cause problems with bladder or bowel control. These problems can be the result of brain damage, not remembering the need to go to the bathroom, or problems reaching the toilet in time. Prescription drugs can help with bladder control. The patient may need to see a bladder or bowel specialist.
Swallowing & Eating After a Stroke – Swallowing problems in stroke patients may be caused by a lack of attention while eating or damage to the nerves that control swallowing. A speech therapist may assist with swallowing and eating problems in the weeks and months following a stroke. Dietary changes including thick liquids and pureed foods may be required. Certain patients will require a permanent feeding tube called a gastrostomy.
Can I File a Testosterone Stroke Lawsuit?
Only a qualified attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file a Testosterone Lawsuit, which is why we are currently offering free case evaluations. Simply fill out the confidential evaluation form below to contact our law firm now.
Most cases involving pharmaceuticals allege that a drug was sold with design, manufacturing, and/or marketing defects, which typically refers to a company's failure to warn of a certain side effect. In the case of testosterone supplements, our attorneys suspect that patients may be able to take legal action in light of claims that manufacturers failed to adequately warn doctors and patients about the risk of stroke.
How Can Filing a Lawsuit Help Me?
By filing a lawsuit against the maker of a testosterone replacement therapy product, you may be entitled to collect compensation for all current and future medical expenses related to the treatment of your stroke, as well as for damages for pain and suffering. Additionally, filing a lawsuit can help hold the drug's manufacturer accountable for releasing an allegedly defective drug into the marketplace, and to discourage other pharmaceutical companies from engaging in similar conduct.
Do I have a Testosterone Stroke Lawsuit?
The Product Liability & Defective Drug Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Testosterone lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new Testosterone stroke cases in all 50 states.
Free Testosterone Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one had a stroke after taking a testosterone supplement, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Testosterone Stroke Suit and we can help.


text:
Quick Reference
A very contagious strain of influenza that affects poultry and can switch species to infect humans. This was the source of the highly virulent 1918 pandemic strain, and the H5N1 strain is currently (2009) causing considerable concern.
Subjects: Medicine and Health.
Related content in Oxford Index
Reference entries
Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content. Please, subscribe or login to access all content. subscribe or login to access all content.


text:
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Amazing Megillot #4 - Papercut on Red Leather
This is a very special and contemporary Megillat Esther made by a personal frien, Uri Revach.
It's hard to do papercut in a Megilla since the Megilla becomes too delicate and thus hard to handle. Aside from this, the papercut work hardly gets its full value since there's nothing behind it - no contrast.
So this artist came up with a solution - he stuck the Megilla in red leather, enhancing the papercut work and also giving to the Megilla a "royalty" feel. He also made the case, which is made out of wood, silver, gold and ivory. All in all, a true masterpiece.
Price upon request.
3 comments:
- Bgg said...
Stunning. I'd love to see more pics. If it's still for sale I might be interested. What are the halachic implications of delibirately cutting the klaf outside of the columns? I have learned that while the decorated megillahs are kosher (assuming the ksav was done k'hilchasa), lechatchila one should not do so. It's been quite a few years since learning this and I don't remember the source.
Thanks, and great blog.
- January 3, 2011 at 2:54 AM
- YK said...
Sorry for the late response, I was on the road.
I will try to reach the artist to get info about availability.
In regards to the Megilla decorations, I haven't seen much Halacha responses about this practice. I will look into it. But the fact is that it has always been a very common practice.
- January 8, 2011 at 9:36 PM
- YK said...
Spoke with the artist and it's available. I don't make money from this, so feel free to contact him directly:
urirevah @ gmail.com
- March 2, 2011 at 12:14 PM


text:
10 things to do in Thailand's Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Fishing cats sure seem to like the wilds of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park.
The park is also a great place for travelers to get away from the hustle and bustle of typical tourist destinations. The area's name is synonymous with the "Mountain of 300 peaks," with sheer limestone cliffs framed by mangrove forest and pristine beaches.
Khao Sam Roi Yot is Thailand's first coastal National Park. Clocking in at a more than 38 square miles, it also means there's plenty of space to roam. For you city-dwellers, that's a slightly bigger than Manhattan-sized patch of gloriousness. So, if you're headed Thailand way, or dream of getting there someday, here's our greatest hits list for making the most of this tropical paradise.
Camp on the beach
Let's just start with the epitome of the nature beach experience, a visit to Sam Phraya Beach. There's nothing quite like relaxing on a pristine beach to put you in the full-swing of vacation. Just 3 miles north of the main park headquarters, you can enjoy almost a mile of sand and surf. Pitch a tent, spend an overnight and get away from the crowds. Ahh, bliss! Click to view a gallery.
Go Caving!
Grab your torch and light up the darkness of Sai and Kaeo Caves. Nothing says mystery, like exploring a stalagtite and stalagmite riddled cavern. Sai cave is located about 6 miles from the park headquarters in the bush of Tanot, A half hour hike will bring you to the cave filled with spectacular stalagmite displays. Bring a flashlight or rent a lantern from Ban Khung Tanot. Tours take about 1 hour.
Kaeo Caves about 10 miles from park headquarters in Chan Valley also offers a little spelunking-style getaway. This cave system is a little more complex and requires a guided tour. It's sure to promise at least two hours of spectacular geology viewing. Click to view a gallery.
Give it up for the Birds
Khao Sam Roi Yot might translate to "Mountain of 300 peaks," but it's also the park of 300 bird species. If you enjoy looking out for our feathered friends, this is the place to visit. The park is located along the East Asian/Australian Flyway. From September to November, the wetlands become a major migratory stopover for birds from China, Siberia and Northern Europe as they head south for the winter. Sam Roi Yot Freshwater Marsh is ripe for such bird-viewing opportunities. Click to view a gallery.
Search for the elusive…
Serow, an elusive, black goat-antelope calls the mountainsides of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park home. With the right set of binoculars you may even be able to catch a glimpse of them. In the meantime, you can also keep your eyes out for monkeys, dolphins, the barking deer and of course fishing cats!
Visit a royal pavilion…in the middle of a jungle cave.
In Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park lies the Phraya Nakhon Cave, which shelters a gorgeous royal pavilion. Who wouldn't want to visit that? The cave is actually two sinkholes that collapsed, creating a sunlit cavern. Roots dangle down from above and trees grow up from the bottom. The cave was first discovered about 200 years ago by its namesake, the Thai ruler Phraya Nakhon, who was forced ashore during a storm. The pavilion is a symbol of the Prachuap Khiri Khan province, and traditionally visited by Thailand's rulers. It can be reached via a trail on Laem Sala Beach. Click to view a gallery.
For that matter, visit the Laem Sala Beach
This cape looks like an island from the water, with a beach surrounded by land on three sides. You can get to it by boat, and either stay in bungalows or camp along its shores. Enjoy the restaurant or hike to Phraya Nakhon Cave. Either way this will give you an island hideaway feel. Click to view a gallery.
Monkey Around, Literally
There are three types of primates that inhabit Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, and you're virtually guaranteed to have a close encounter with at least one of them. Dusky langurs abound here, and the park is reputed to be one of the best places in the world to catch sight of this primate's amusing antics. If you're lucky, you might also see the crab-eating macaque or slow loris. Check out our post on the one-armed loris. You don't get an animal much cuter than that, and Namfon, our biologist friend currently takes care of one.
Take a Boat Ride along the Canal
A popular activity for tourists is to hire a boat tour of the mangrove forests along the edges of the park. You can rent a boat or even kayak or canoe from Ban Khao Daeng about one mile from park headquarters. The tour takes about 1 hour, and it's a prime opportunity to see birds. We recommend visiting around sunset. Click to view a gallery.
Mangrove Boardwalk
The Mangrove Forest Nature Trail is a boardwalk, interpretive trail through, you guessed it, the park's mangrove forest. Here, you can learn about why these forests are so important, and also take in the wildflowers. Click to view a gallery.
Soak in the Scenery from Khao Daeng Viewpoint
Atop the more than 500 foot tall peak of Kha0 Daeng you can get a breathtaking view of the surrounding coastline (and a fair number of rice or shrimp farms). Rumor has it that this is also a good place to see crab-eating macaques. Visit at dawn to catch a glimpse of the sunrise from the sea, and watch the wildlife come out for breakfast. No feeding the animals though! Click to view a gallery.
So what are you waiting for?
Now you have no excuse not to enjoy your time, or make Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park a stop on that dream vacation to Thailand. You can learn more about the park, including getting there and lodging on the park's website. And if you go, please send us some photos. We will feature them on CAT in WATER!
CommentsOne Response to "10 things to do in Thailand's Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park"
TrackbacksCheck out what others are saying...
[…] the traveler's lowdown from Lonely Planet's Thailand website. Or check out our posts on 10 Things to Do in Thailand's Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park or Important Thai Phrases to Learn Before Going to […]


text:
Spend time in the sun creating new memories with family and friends in Hershey, PA this spring. Celebrate the warmer weather at Hersheypark® Springtime In The ParkSM and enjoy coasters, rides, games, entertainment, and plenty of chocolate - all in Hershey The Sweetest Place On Earth!®
Get a taste of the summer fun with your favorite rides and coasters!Learn More about Hersheypark
Spend the day at Hersheypark and visit our Hershey's Characters for some great photos and laughs!Learn More about Hershey Trolley Works
Break out of hibernation! Make a trip to see all of your favorite animals at our 11-acre walk-thru zoo.Learn More about Chocolate World store
Unlimited fun all year long! Season Pass Holders enjoy unlimited visits, FREE parking, early access, sweet discounts, and more!Learn More
Stay at Hershey LodgeSM for a warm and welcoming experience this spring.Plan Your Visit View Spring Packages
Visit The Hotel Hershey® this spring for a getaway enveloped in refined excellence.Plan Your Visit View Spring Packages
Enjoy a camping trip this spring with a getaway to Hersheypark® Camping Resort.Plan Your Visit
Relax and unwind with chocolate-inpired treatments at The Spa At The Hotel HersheySM and MeltSpa by Hershey.Get The Details
Make memories at Hershey's Chocolate World Attraction this spring! Enjoy a front row seat to Hershey's Chocolate Tour, customize & create your own candy bar, and more!Get The Details
Come and see the newly bloomed colors of spring and enjoy our indoor Butterfly Atrium with more than 500 butterflies from around the world.Get The Details
Enjoy a historic journey through Milton S. Hershey's life, participate in interactive activities with family and friends, and experience the taste of chocolate from around the world at Tastings!Get The Details


text:
Snetterton 10-11 May Class A
Snetterton 300 brings a new winner
The Snetterton 300 circuit provided the next test for the drivers in the BMW Kumho tyres 2014 championship. With 13 class A cars taking to the circuit for the qualifying session on a track that was beginning to dry out after heavy overnight rain and a dry line was appearing in places. The session lasted for 20 minutes and at the end of that time it was Garrie Whittaker ( E36 M3) leading the way ahead of Peter Seldon ( E36 M3) with Tom Wrigley (E36 M3) & Mike Hibbert (E36 M3) taking up the 2nd row on the grid. The time for Whittaker was 2:11.474 on a circuit which measures 2.96 miles and gave hi man average speed of 81:29 MPH and he was 0:75 seconds quicker than Seldon.
The 1st race for the class A cars which would be over a 20 minute duration took place later in the day and the sun was now shining and the track was fully dry which should lead to a good fast race.The cars lined up on the grid and when the lights went out to signal the race start it was Whittaker & Seldon leading the way but unfortunately there was a big collision between Kal Ezzat ( M3) James Card (E46 M3) & Colin Whitmore (E36 M3) and the race was instantly red flagged and stopped to remove these damaged cars which were just off the start line and in a dangerous place.
The race was restarted without any of the 3 cars involved in the accident and this time it was Seldon leading Whittaker as they headed off into the 1st hairpin on the circuit but Seldon drifted out wide and Wrigley then tried to take the lead but Whittaker had other ideas and nosed his car in front and into the lead of the race.Seldon himself dropped quite a few places and was towards the back of the race order and the race settled down. Whittaker was beginning to pull away.Wrigley was having a good battle with Colin Wells (M3 CSL).Seldon was also moving up the race order and getting back towards the front runners. Whittaker was looking comfortable out in front and with Wells & Wrigley having there race long duel this allowed Whittaker the time he needed to move on towards the chequered flag.Whittaker took another race win to make it 5 wins out of 5 this season with Wells & Wrigley coming home 2nd & 3rd.Seldon took 4th place ahead of Darren Fielding (E36 M3 EVO).
The fastest race lap went to Wells with a time of 2:07.119 which was over 4 seconds faster than the qualifying time.Whittaker had a fastest race lap of 2:07.834 and told the race interviewer ' that his car had a problem and it wasn't going as well as normal and felt very slow'
Sunday morning saw the cars come back out on track for there 2nd race of the weekend and the track was now wet after heavy rain had hit the circuit. Whitmore had repaired his damaged car and took his place on the grid but the other cars involved in the accident were not present.Seldon and Des Thresh (E36 M3) were also missing so there was only 9 cars taking the start.A good start by Whittaker who had Wells right alongside him as they headed in the 1st corner of the circuit and it was testament to both drivers that with the track conditions they both kept the racing line and no contact was made.With a lot of water and mist being thrown up by the cars visibility further down the race order was very poor.Whittaker made an escape and was putting some good time between himself and his pursuers behind him.Fielding & Wells were having a close race behind Whittaker.Piers Ross (E36 M3 EVO) was having a good race dice with Mike Hibbert.Whittaker was looking good for another race win when with only 2 laps to go Fielding closed the gap and as they both headed into the final lap of the race Fielding was withing striking distance of the lead and suddenly Fileding was through and Whittaker pulled off of the track and with his stricken car he was out of the race.fielding went on to take his 1st race win of the year ahead of Wells & Ross.Whiitaker finally limped across the line in 7th place just ahead of Whitmore.
Whittaker said he heard a big bang out of the car on the final lap which he later found out was an exploding drive shaft.This was the 1st race defeat this season fro Whittaker.
The fastest race lap went to Fielding with a time of 2:29.323 such were the treacherous track conditions.
The points total after this race still has Whittaker leading the way with 84 points ahead of Fielding 79 & Wrigley 75.So far this season 15 drivers in class A have scored championship points.
Winner of race 1 Garrie Whittaker
Race 2 start showing close but no contact in the conditions
Winner race 2 Darren Fielding


text:
This week brings the release of Witchblade #174, the fifth and final part of the "Borne Again" storyline that began with the new creative team of me, artist Laura Braga and colorist Betsy Gonia. The issue pays off the confrontation between former Witchblade bearer Sara Pezzini and the Angleus, who is presently in possession of most of the Witchblade.
The issue features another gorgeous art job by Laura and Betsy, wrapped in another great John Tyler Christopher cover. The arc concludes with #174, but the story really sets the stage for the anniversary issue #175, as well as the next year or so of Witchblade issues.
A six-page preview of the issue can be seen here:
Thanks for following me back to Witchblade. Sometimes you can go home again.