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iMed Publishing fell for Bohannon's chocolate hoax, but that's not the worst thing about them
The first introduction to iMed Publishing (iMed.pub) for most people was not a good one.
In October 2013, John Bohannon — a self-styled 'gonzo journalist' — announced that he had pulled off a sting of dodgy open access journal publishers by submitting a made-up article and seeing which took the bait — and many did. This triggered a debate about OA, peer review, and publishing ethics, as well as Bohannon's tactics.
On 26 March 2015, International Archives of Medicine published a small German clinical trial showing that eating dark chocolate can help in losing weight (article now removed but archived). Not that many people noticed: a few people tweeted the link, and the story was covered by some low-quality science and health news sites that are effectively mirrors of press releases and a handful of tabloid newspapers — most notably the British Daily Mail, Express, and Daily Star, and the German gossipmonger Bild (Google News search; Google search).
Bohannon had struck again.
This time, with two German documentary makers, he'd had an even more audacious plan: to hoodwink lazy journalists — churnalists — by running a real clinical trial, fiddling the stats, and publishing it in an apparently peer-reviewed journal. As 'Johannes Bohannon' of the 'Institute of Diet and Health' in Mainz he submitted his study to 20 journals; of those that took the bait he selected the International Archives of Medicine, who had agreed to publish without peer review, and he then press released it.
On 27 May 2015, Bohannon did the big reveal of his #chocolatehoax on the news site io9. Many got the impression that Bohannon had indeed fooled millions into believing a clever lie; Bild published a retraction notice, and Mother Nature Network confessed "Well, this is embarrassing. Turns out this 'study' was a stunt to see who was paying attention — and we weren't." The focus in the science communication world largely turned to whether the trial and the reporting of it by Bohannon was unethical.
The publisher of the journal, iMed.pub, tried some rather desperate damage control; iMed.pub told me on Twitter "That article has never been published" and said in a disclaimer on their website that the paper "accidentally appeared online for some days. Indeed that manuscript was finally rejected and never published as such." They accused Bohannon of lying: "what the pseudo-author was claiming is false". The article was available until 27 May; is two months "some days"? Nobody was convinced and the blog Retraction Watch took this claim to task. Few asked: "Who are the International Archives of Medicine and iMed Publishing, anyway?", but I was intrigued as I had heard of iMed.pub and their journals before — what was going on?
So who are iMed.pub? International Archives of Medicine (IAM) was formerly published by BioMed Central (BMC) from April 2008 to December 2014, under the Editor-in-Chief Manuel Menendez-Gonzalez of Universidad Oviedo. For the avoidance of doubt, BMC (my former employer) had nothing to do with the Bohannon paper. For on 31 December 2014 the International Archives of Medicine was sold to iMed.pub, and in February 2015 a relaunch was announced. Within months, IAM and iMed.pub would have its first major scandal: publishing the Bohannon chocolate hoax.
iMed Publishing (Internet Medical Publishing or iMed.pub) would like to be known as "the fastest growing publishing house on the net", an open access publisher based in London, UK, publishing seven journals and affiliated to the Fundación de Neurociencias and the Internet Medical Society. iMedPub Limited is a company registered in the United Kingdom (company number 08776635, though 2,215 companies also use the same address as iMed.pub, likely a mail forwarding service). iMed.pub and their associated organizations seem to trace back to two Spanish clinical researchers: CEO Carlos Vázquez and the director of iMed.pub and the Editor-in-Chief of IAM, Manuel Menendez-Gonzalez.
Publishing Bohannon's hoax is not the only suspect act made by iMed.pub.
A tangled web
The founders of iMed.pub have been busy. Alongside the journal publishing wing — including the Open Journal of Medicine (publishing only 10 papers since 2011 and none this year) — there are:publishopenaccess.com - a mirror site for iMed.pub
Fundaciónde Neurociencias
Internet Medical Society
Asociación Española de Médicos Internos Residentes (AEMIR)
A tonne of blogs, and some more
Various traces and abandoned sites around the web, including some old Twitter archives
The connections are not always openly declared. For example, Carlos Vázquez announced on Facebook that "We have partnered with peereviewers.com so we have an extra database of reviewers available to find suitable reviewers for manuscripts submitted to International Archives of Medicine http://www.peereviewers.com". The relaunch of IAM also gave the impression of independence. Two of their sites (and only those sites) are awarded their own 'eHealthQ seal'.
They are perhaps not so keen to maintain this empire — they tried to sell their social network Medicalia in 2014, and they offloaded a number of their journals at about the same time. More on that below...
Paper mill
In IAM, one author Luiz Carlos de Abreu has published a stunning 48 articles in just 2015 — a feat I have never seen from a single author in a single journal in a single year, and we're only eight months in.Copying other publishers
My old BMC colleague Tom Mowlam, now at the open access publisher Ubiquity Press, tweeted: "http://iMed.pub copy @ubiquitypress model; forget to update name!".Oops |
And compare iMed.pub's about page: "Vision: As a service to doctors and biomedical scientists, iMed.pub is driven by clinicians and researchers for themselves, while serving the interests of the general public. iMed.pub disseminates research in a tiered system, beginning with our specialty books and journals and then working upwards. The grand vision of iMed.pub is a world where all medical researchers and health professionals have an equal opportunity to seek, share and create knowledge.
Mission: iMed.pub aims to address the needs of authors and foster a rapid, convenient, unbiased, and comprehensive publishing environment, which not only guarantees the highest quality constructive peer-review process, but also provides an evaluation system that involves the entire research community. To fulfill this mission, iMed.pub applies the most advanced Internet technologies to bring scholarly publishing into a new generation."
to that of the OA publisher Frontiers: "The Frontiers journal series are a new approach to scientific publishing. As a service to scientists, it is driven by researchers for researchers, while serving the interests of the general public. Frontiers disseminates research in a tiered system, beginning with our specialty journals and working upwards. Our research evaluation system is democratic and objective, and based on the reading activity of not only scientific communities, but that of the general public. It drives the most outstanding and relevant research up to the next tier, the field journals.
VISION: The grand vision of Frontiers is a world where all people have an equal opportunity to seek, share and create knowledge. To help actualize our grand vision, Frontiers provides open and free access to all of its publications."
The dubious aim to "aid pharmaceutical companies in reinforcing their brand messages, and to produce customized content to integrate with global and local communication plans" is taken from Springer Healthcare. iMed.pub's "Before you submit" is taken from Springer's "Before you start". The "Statement of Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent" is taken from the Korean journal CEEM, leaving "CEEM" in the text. The Article Processing Charge page is taken from BMC. And so on.
They have also ripped off the PLOS Medicine collection "No Health Without Research" and rebranded it without attributing the source — a breach of the Creative Commons License. They are even selling it on Amazon for $10 — shades of VDM's practice of ripping off Wikipedia articles to sell as books. Other PLOS collections have also been copied.
[EDIT: In April, it was noted on Twitter that peereviewers.com had copied wording from the peer review service Rubriq]
Keeping poor company
iMed.pub is easily confused with Insight Medical Publishing or imedpub.com, an imprint of the notorious publisher OMICS, whose website even uses some of the same wording as iMed.pub (and who Aries are letting use the journal management platform Editorial Manager). An indication that this may be more than OMICS simply ripping off iMed.pub is that on iMed.pub's old website they list Archives of Medicine, Journal of Universal Surgery, Journal of Neurology and Neuroscience, Translational Biomedicine, Archives of Clinical Microbiology, Health Systems and Policy Research, Archives in Cancer Research, and Journal of Biomedical Sciences — which are all now among OMICS/imedpub.com's own list of 75 journals.iMedpub.com was once run by the Spanish researchers, published in Spanish and owned by Fundación de Neurociencias. The website went through a number of changes of style and logo, then between 28 October 2014 and 8 December 2014 OMICS took over, moving the website to Hyderabad. The journal websites similarly transformed: before and after. However, Carlos may have regretted this, posting "Please, do not mistook this publisher with iMed.pub, International Medical Publisher, the publisher of International Archives of Medicine among others" on Insight Medical Publishing's Facebook page in April 2015.
Carlos/Carvaper (a username of Carlos Vázquez) popped up in the comments of a post by Jeffrey Beall on OMICS for "buying their way onto PubMed", criticising Beall. How... coincidental.
Losing track(ing)
iMed.pub celebrate IAM being indexed by the murky Index Copernicus, a common resort of disreputable publishers. But even this is untrue — they've not had an 'IC Rating' since 2011. They claim "IAM is included in the JournalGuide whitelist of reputable titles", but the entry says "This journal is not yet included in the JournalGuide whitelist of reputable titles." They claim to be archived in the Keepers register, but this has not continued beyond the acquisition from BMC. They claim IAM is in Q1 for Medicine in Scopus; it's in Q2.False identities?
Like Lambert Academic Press before them, the people associated with iMed.pub are more than meets the eye. The author of the iMed.pub books is listed on Amazon as a 'Samuel Barrack'. Samuel Barrack also appears as an editorial board member of the OMICS/imedpub.com journal, Journal of Neurology and Neuroscience, with the affiliation 'Southamptom'[sic]. Almost the only other trace of 'Samuel Barrack' is on Google Scholar as a lone author or co-author with Manuel Menendez of iMed.pub on articles posted to jneurology.wordpress.com, an old iMed.pub site. Samuel also has a Google Plus profile, which uses the stock photo "Doctor smiling in his clinic" aka CB106289.jpg.Samuel is not the only apparent sockpuppet in iMed.pub's drawer. Medicalia includes a profile for InternetMedicalPublishing, but this is not Vázquez or Menendez — this is someone else called Dr David Ryan. David's association with the site goes all the way back to November 2005, when the Internet Medical Society was founded. He is apparently the web admin and former co-chair, and is based at KCL: "Dr David Ryan, Public Health, Kings[sic] College London, UK". I can find two David Ryans who attended KCL: one did Classics in 1964, the other History in 1985. The profile pic for 'David Ryan' on Medicalia was also used as "denia telemedicina portada" on neurocien.blogspot.com, the Spanish language blog of Fundación de Neurociencias (run by Menendez) to illustrate "Consulta Médica Online" — this was itself taken from an image (also here) from Hospital Marina Salud de Dénia. Strangely, his Google Plus profile says he is at UCL, not KCL. He also lives in 'Londres, Reino Unido' — how odd that an English doctor would put that in Spanish. On Google Plus David uses the same image of a group of doctors as on his YouTube profile. These doctors are in fact dermatologists at UMass medical school (bonus points for spotting the doctor UMass themselves photoshopped in).
The Spanish language version of their website Medicalia is apparently hosted by 'Sandra Toledo', but her profile picture is also a stock photo.
David Garcia, whose Medicalia profile URL contains 'iMedPub', uses another stock photo. And he replied to a post in December 2012 as though he was Carlos Vázquez Perez.
By now I am even doubting that the CEO of iMed.pub Carlos Vázquez aka Carlos Vázquez Perez exists. His Facebook profile pictures are stock photos and there is little detail available about his background, just 'Clínica Virgen del Carmen, Zaragoza, Spain' (or 'Clínica del Carmen'). He has no publication record that I can find — just two articles on iMed.pub, one of which also appears under the names of Indian and Pakistani researchers. Another Facebook profile for him has the same stock photo as used by David Garcia on Medicalia. Carlos' Google Plus profile picture and Academia picture is actually the picture of a Microsoft employee (and Carlos has two more Google Plus profiles, one of which claims he attended UCL). His email address firstname.lastname@example.com was once used for a blog on Urban Trekking that was based in Oviedo — where Manuel Menendez-Gonzalez is based. The Managing Editor of iMed.pub Isabel Miguel might be real, but otherwise could this all be a one-man band run by the only registered company director of iMedPub Ltd, Manuel Menendez-Gonzalez of the University of Oviedo and Hospital Alvarez-Buylla?
iMed Publishing were not just Bohannon's dupes
They have repeatedly copied other OA publishers, churned out papers, associated with another disreputable publisher, given the impression of independence of their different organizations, misreported the tracking of their journals, and apparently invented several false identities. Editors on their boards, prospective authors, other publishers who may be associating with them —[EDIT:
* imedicalsociety.org said "All abstracts will be published only as preprints in the journal PeerJ"; PeerJ told me "PeerJ has never communicated w iMed & has no partnership to publish w them. We're investigating."
** Cureus says "To echo PeerJ, Cureus has no business relationship with iMed", but iMed.pub's Internet Medical Society has a channel and is promoting Cureus' inclusion in PubMed on social media]
p.s. An ethical aspect of Bohannon's 'chocolate hoax' that was less commented on was that it muddies the water for legitimate research. "Eating chocolate is good for you!" is great clickbait, which is why Bohannon chose it, but there is legitimate work that suggests, as summarised in systematic reviews, that cocoa may have benefits on lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
p.p.s. Some readers might be experiencing déjà vu, and indeed this story has played out before with another ex-BMC journal. In July 2012, the journal Head and Neck Oncology was discontinued by BMC after an investigation into its editorial practices. The Editor-in-Chief promptly founded an open access publisher based in London, imaginatively titled OA Publishing London, and a raft of associated organizations. The blogger Neuroskeptic had the scoop on their operations, so I need not repeat them here. The similarities between iMed.pub and OAPL are striking, and it seems to come down to a common factor — the hubris of the academics running these publishing operations.
p.p.p.s. I have archived snapshots of the websites involved in case they mysteriously disappear, which I can send to anyone who is interested.
p.p.p.p.s. Competing interests: I am a staff editor at PLOS ONE, but this post is written in a personal capacity. All opinions expressed in this post are mine and not those of PLOS.


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The distinctive branch from the Forestland jewellery collection bents an hoop creating another beautiful, sparkling necklace that you can wear throughout the day. Choose the hue that looks best on you and match it with your outfits!
The branch hoop pendant and the chain are made of silver 925 and is pink gold plated.
Total chain length: about 41.5 cm
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CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2007 – Ford Motor Company today announced it is bringing back the well-known Ford Taurus name, introducing a new name – Taurus X – for its three-row crossover and returning the Mercury Sable to the lineup as upgraded 2008-model versions of all three vehicles go on sale this summer.
"Taurus has been an icon for Ford's family sedan for more than two decades, and it's time to return this powerful name to where it belongs," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of The Americas, at the Chicago Auto Show. "Consumer awareness of the Taurus name is double the Five Hundred that it's replacing, and awareness of Sable is triple that of Montego.
"By giving these vehicles the names that consumers recognize at the same time we're making significant upgrades, we're confident that even more people are going to be attracted to these great products in the future," Fields added.
The 2008-model Taurus sedan will go on sale this summer, replacing the Ford Five Hundred. The new Taurus features a Ford Fusion-inspired exterior design, a new powertrain with 60 more horsepower, a new all-wheel-drive system, more standard safety features – including standard electronic stability control – and other refinements to make it more distinctive, quieter, faster and safer.
The 2008-model Taurus X crossover will go on sale late this summer – replacing the Ford Freestyle – with the same design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as three row of seats, one-touch flip-and-fold second-row seating and an available power rear liftgate.
The 2008-model Mercury Sable also goes on sale this summer – replacing the Mercury Montego – with extensive design, powertrain and safety upgrades, as well as unique touches that make it a Mercury. They include Mercury's signature satin aluminum waterfall grille, jeweled projector beam headlamps, distinctive LED tail lamps and a two-tone interior trim with unique accents. Customers preferring a technical appearance can opt for Cyber Carbon – a deep, high-gloss accent resembling carbon fiber. More traditional sophistication is available from two modern wood grain accents – Guitar Maple and San Macassar.
Ford Taurus: An Automotive Icon
The Ford Taurus was a milestone in automotive design when it was introduced in 1985. It was the best-selling car in America for five straight years, starting in 1992. At its peak, Taurus posted annual sales of more than 400,000 units. When production of the original Taurus ended after 21 years on Oct. 27, 2006, nearly 7 million cars had been sold – and an estimated 3.5 million Taurus models remain on the road today
The Taurus name remains powerful today. In fact, it is one of top three most recognized Ford nameplates, behind only the F-Series and Mustang. Consumer awareness of the Taurus nameplate remains at an impressive 80 percent.
"The Ford Five Hundred has been a solid product, and it has one of the highest satisfaction rates in our lineup," said Cisco Codina, Ford's group vice president of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. "Once people discover the vehicle, nearly 60 percent end up buying a one.
"The Taurus will be even better thanks to significant upgrades – and, now, a name that people know. Going forward, we're going to cherish this iconic name with the same clarity, confidence and intensity as we do with F-Series and Mustang," Codina added.
The new Taurus X crossover builds on the strength of its namesake, while underscoring Ford's commitment to leadership in crossover vehicles. Crossovers already have surpassed SUVs in annual vehicle sales, and Ford predicts they will become the largest or second largest segment in the U.S. by the end of the decade – with sales of 3 million units.
The three-row, seven-passenger Taurus X will complement the sporty and popular two-row, five-passenger Ford Edge in the lineup. The two crossovers will be joined by yet another large Ford crossover – based on the Ford Fairlane concept vehicle – which will debut later this year and go on sale in 2008.
"The Taurus and Taurus X draw design cues from the Fusion sedan and Edge crossover. This family relationship will be a huge asset. The Fusion is an unqualified success, and the Edge is off to an even faster start than we saw for the Fusion," Codina said.
Sable Returns to Mercury
The Sable name today maintains an impressive 60 percent consumer awareness level. With the new 2008-model, Sable will offer the same differentiation that already is proving to be a success in the marketplace with the Mercury Mariner and Mercury Milan.
"Our newest Mercurys are attracting new customers and doing a great job at appealing to women," Codina said.
"The Mercury Mariner attracts more new customers today to Ford and Lincoln Mercury than any other nameplate, except the Ford Mustang. And about half of Mercury Milan customers are women, which is a higher rate than for the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry or Volkswagen Passat," Codina added.
Mercury's signature design cues – including satin aluminum accents, high contrast interiors and upscale trim and detailing – will differentiate the new Sable from the Taurus in the same way as the Mariner and Milan.
About Ford Motor Company
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Cyberinfrastructure: An Opportunity for Enhanced Education in the Geosciences
The publication of earth science data in electronic format and the archiving of that information in large web-accessible relational databases are some of the more significant and consequential changes to have occurred within the geoscience community during the last decade. The development and rapid expansion of cyberinfrastructure has produced increasingly data-rich, linked networks which open up new possibilities and challenges for using data in geoscience education. The possibilities are as large as the global scale of some of the databases.
While the use of data in geoscience education is gaining widespread support, educators seem to be somewhat divided on the utility of using large online databases. In the course of contacting college instructors about this project, the writer of this website heard a common response: "I'd love to use these databases more in my teaching, but...". Other instructors have invested considerable time and energy in designing ways to integrate these resources into their teaching, but these advances have not been widely disseminated to the larger educational community. For these and a variety of other reasons, cyberinformatic databases are not being widely used by instructors or by students, especially in the form of active learning experiences, in higher education.
What is the purpose of this site?
This site will help college-level educators
- to appreciate the benefits and challenges of using the newly-emerging cyberinfrastructure in their courses and other educational activities
- to locate potentially-useful large digital databases, highlighting differing strengths, features, ease of use, and potential educational applications
- to download, contribute, and comment on examples of how cyberinfrastructure can be applied in a variety of educational settings and activities (e.g., lectures, problem sets, in-class exercises, lab exercises, student research projects, etc.)
This site will enable undergraduate and graduate students
- to locate and navigate selected online databases, as well as evaluate, screen, and manipulate various types of data available from these sites, many of which were not originally designed with student needs and abilities in mind
Finally, this site will motivate database developers
- to consider and plan for educational applications and requirements as they expand current databases and create the cyberinfrastructure of the future


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The claims in the books are rumors not fact. #thatisall
First Lady Michelle Obama responds to claims:
Additional deets via Huffington Post:
First lady Michelle Obama is challenging assertions she's forcefully imposed her will on White House aides, saying she's tired of people portraying her as "some kind of angry black woman."
Mrs. Obama tells CBS News she hasn't read New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor's new book that characterizes her as a behind-the-scenes force in the Executive Mansion, whose strong views often draw her into conflict with President Barack Obama's top advisers.
"I never read these books," she told CBS's Gayle King in an interview broadcast Wednesday. "So I've just gotten in the habit of not reading other people's impressions of people."
In the book, Mrs. Obama is said to have occasionally bristled at some of the demands and constraints of life in the White House.
In the interview, Mrs. Obama said, "I love this job. It has been a privilege from day one."
"Now there are challenges," she added. "If there's any anxiety that I feel, it's because I want to make sure that my girls (Malia and Sasha) come out of this on the other end whole."
The Kantor book portrays a White House where tensions developed between Mrs. Obama and former White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and former press secretary and presidential adviser Robert Gibbs. The book, titled "The Obamas," describes Mrs. Obama as having gone through an evolution from struggle to fulfillment in her role at the White House, while labeling her an "unrecognized force" in pursuing the president's goals. Neither the president nor his wife agreed to be interviewed for the book.
"I do care deeply about my husband," Mrs. Obama said in the CBS appearance. "I am one of his biggest allies. I am one of his biggest confidants." But she sought to put aside "this notion that I sit in meetings."
"I guess it's just more interesting to imagine this conflicted situation here," she said. "That's been an image people have tried to paint of me since the day Barack announced, that I'm some kind of angry black woman."
"There will always be people who don't like me," Mrs. Obama added, and said she could live with that.
Mrs. Obama said that she's "just trying to be me, and I just hope that over time, that people get to know me."
Asked specifically about an assertion of dissension between herself and Emanuel, now the mayor of Chicago, the first lady said she has "never had a cross word" with him. The same, she said, applies to Gibbs, whom she described as "a good friend, and remains so."
"I'm sure we could go day to day and find things people wished they didn't say to each other," Mrs., Obama said. "And that's why I don't read these books. ... It's a game, in so many ways, that doesn't fit. Who can write about what I feel? What third person can tell me what I feel?"
Mrs. Obama said that when questions or conflicts arise involving her and the White House staff, her East Wing staff resolves the issue with her husband's staff in the West Wing.
"If there's communication that needs to happen, it's between staffs," she said. "I don't have conversations with my husband's staff."


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by guest blogger William Douglas Horden, author and spiritual teacher
Fear-based thoughts are part of our DNA passed down through the generations—our species succeeded in part because we were constantly vigilant for any potential threat to our welfare. While this worked well to keep us alive, constant vigilance produces worry and stress as our minds continually scan the environment for things to be concerned about.
And because our sense of welfare expands with increased understanding of the workings of the world around us, the kinds of things we perceive as potential threats also expands beyond the merely physical: Am I good enough? Am I worthy? Am I lovable? Can I trust? What is the future bringing? When we latch on to one or more such thoughts, and relive them in our minds, we form habits of thought and emotion. This "habit-mind" can pull us out of the present moment and into worrying about the future or regretting the past.
Every spiritual tradition I am aware of agrees that it is essential for us to take time out from our daily routines and spend some time in quiet prayer, contemplation, meditation, or other form of spiritual exercise. Regardless of the spiritual tradition, the goal is the same: to establish our awareness more firmly in the present moment so that we can experience our soul more consciously. Or, to put it another way, to quiet the habit-mind and concentrate fully on the moment at hand.
I would like to recommend a few exercises that many of my students have found useful in reaching this goal.
Relax with eyes closed. Instead of following your normal thoughts, however, silently repeat the word Enough! as a way to block habit-thoughts before they get started. If self-defeating thoughts arise, silently repeat the word Enough! in an authoritative manner, as if you were cutting off a trivial and insulting conversation before it could even get started. At first, it's necessary to practice this exercise nearly all the time, but as it replaces the old habit of self-defeating thoughts this new habit of inner dignity and self-possession become the rule—at which point, you begin hearing the word Enough differently, for it has subtly taken on the connotation of Having Enough and Being Enough.
Visualize yourself as a ball carried along on a swiftly-moving stream. As you sense yourself flowing along on the surface of the rushing water, repeat to yourself the phrase, Keep Moving. As any particular thoughts, emotions, or memories arise, visualize each as a rock or branch sticking out of the water that you bump into and then flow around. With some practice, visualize yourself flowing around them before even reaching them. With more practice, hold on to this sensation and carry it around with you in your everyday activities, keeping your attention moving with the present moment. Whenever old attitudes threaten to capture your attention and hold it back, return to the sense of it being an obstacle in the stream that you are flowing around as you repeat the phrase, Keep Moving.
Sit quietly with eyes closed, silently repeating to yourself, My heart is another sun. Concentrate your attention on the center of your chest, visualizing a grapefruit-sized sun there radiating light and warmth out into the world. Allow the visualization to sink into your emotions, so that the heart-sun within your chest emits unconditional loving-kindness and goodwill out into the world. Allow the emotional feelings to sink deeper yet into your material body, producing physical sensations of a corporeal sun from which emanate emotional healing rays of golden light. Carry the exercise out during all your daily activities until it becomes second nature. Keep in mind that no shadow can ever fall upon the sun as you silently repeat the phrase, My heart is another sun.
Sit quietly with eyes closed, breathing slowly from the abdomen. Visualize yourself as an open window in an ancient stone wall that runs across a vast plateau ringed by mountains and crowned by clouds. The wind blows this way and then that way, constantly shifting, rushing first from one side of the ancient wall and then from the other. As the wind pours through you, first this way and then the other, silently repeat the phrase, One. After practicing this for a while, visualize the wind passing through you in one direction with each inhale and then shifting to pass through you in the opposite direction with each exhale. With each inhale, silently repeat the phrase, One. With each exhale, silently repeat the phrase, One.
Sit quietly with eyes closed and visualize an upwelling of joy, a rejoicing in the perfection of all creation, surging out of you as you silently repeat the phrase, I am a well of happiness, overflowing into the lives of others. View all around you as perfect. Allow the emotional logic to sink in: a well of happiness is not changed by happy or sad things around it—it changes things around it by nurturing their deepest essence at that point where perfection recognizes perfection. The important thing here is to feel the emotion of joy upwelling in you and flowing out toward everything all at once, silently repeating the phrase, I am a well of happiness, overflowing into the lives of others.
The goal of these exercises is real freedom, spontaneity, and bliss. It is the freedom to think, feel, and act according to our best intentions, without being compelled by any force within or without. It is the spontaneity to respond to everything we encounter without preconception, uneasiness, or artificiality. And it is the bliss that comes when we clearly perceive the miracle of being alive.
The path of the cocoon does not lead to the cocoon—it leads to the path of the butterfly. For the butterfly, the blissful life is found flitting from one perfect blossom to the next, consuming only the nectar produced by perfect beauty and, in so doing, propagating the next generation of perfect beauty.
For us, the blissful life is no different.
William Douglas Horden is spiritual teacher who has spent the last 40 years researching the religious traditions of the world. Trained in the Chinese classic text I Ching by Master Khigh Alx Dhiegh, he has a uniquely modern approach to the ancient arts. His book, The Toltec I Ching: 64 Keys To Inspired Action In The New World, recasts the ancient Oracle of China in the symbology of the Native Americans of Mesoamerica. Two companion volumes, The Five Emanations, and The Spiritual Basis of Good Fortune, explore how to carry the practices forward in the modern world. williamdouglashorden.com
Top photo by William Douglas Horden


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- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Human Resources
Human Resources
Welcome to the City of Taylor Human Resources Department homepage. You can search for job openings and apply online to open positions, view collective bargaining agreements, and other important information. If you need any assistance, please contact us at (734) 374-1369.
Services delivered with quality, consistency and efficiency for the highest level of applicant, employee, retiree, resident, and leadership team satisfaction. The Human Resource Department provides a full range of human resources and risk management services to the City of Taylor which includes the following: Recruitment, selection, and retention of high quality candidates, Policy Development, Employee/Labor relations and organizational development strategies, Payroll and Benefits administration, Safety training and compliance, Risk management, and Pension plan administration.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Non-Discrimination Policy:
The City of Taylor is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of such factors as race, color, age, sex, national origin, religion, citizenship, handicap, height, weight, and marital status. Under the State Persons With Disabilities Act and the Federal Americans With Disabilities Act, an employer has a legal obligation to accommodate an employee's of job applicant's disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer. A person with a disability may allege a violation against an employer regarding a failure to accommodate his or her condition under Michigan law only if the person notifies the employer in writing of the need for accommodation within 182 days after the date the person knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require reasonable accommodation during an interview or examination process, or to complete an application, please contact the Human Resources Department at (734) 374-1369.
Employment Verification:
Please fax a signed release (obtained within the last thirty days) to (734) 374-1559.
Richard Hopper
Director of Human ResourcesPhone: (734) 287-6550
Human Resources
Physical Address
23555 Goddard Road
Taylor, MI 48180
Phone: 734-287-6550Fax: 734-374-1559
The HR Office is located on the second floor of City Hall
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Employee Contact Line For Office & Building Closures
Phone: 734-287-1627 (recording only)


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This time last year, Jennifer Berger never thought she would be the star of a beautiful engagement story. The house manager from Putnam Valley had been dating IT director Michael Weller of Mahopac for seven years, but he claimed he never wanted to get married. Berger had no idea that a routine trip to the mall with her sister-in-law would lead to the dream engagement she always hoped for.
Under the pretense of returning a wedding gift, Berger's sister-in-law brought her to Tiffany & Co. in their local mall. She was then directed to a private room filled with champagne, strawberries, and roses dyed "Tiffany blue." Weller suddenly appeared and bent down on one knee. When he asked if she would like to see the ring, Berger's father emerged in a tuxedo, carrying a Tiffany's box. As the rest of her family poured in to celebrate, Berger selected her favorite ring from five that Weller had picked out.
Berger's father (left) presents her with the ring - Advertisement -
To top it all off, the couple and their families had lunch at a nearby castle where Weller revealed yet another surprise: He had booked a romantic trip to Disneyland to celebrate and they would depart that evening. "As I think back to my amazing and unforgettable day that my wonderful now-fiancé planned, it still brings tears to my eyes," Berger says. "It was the most magical and memorable day of my life."
The wedding will be held at The Shrine of Saint Anne in Waterbury, CT on December 7, 2013 with a Christmas-themed reception at Winvian in Morris, CT. Berger says there will be many surprises in store for their guests in celebration of the holiday season.
Even though Weller initially showed some hesitation about getting married, the couple is optimistic about the future. "Looking back, not expecting it made it so much more incredible," Berger says. "Mike always wanted to marry me, he just wanted the time to be right. And that day was not only oh-so right, it was the definition of perfect."
» Share your engagement story
» More Hudson Valley Engagements
» Find a Hudson Valley wedding vendor


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Capital Punishment in New York State: Statistics from Eight Years of Representation (1995 - 2003)
People v. LaValle and People v. Taylor
On June 24, 2004, the New York Court of Appeals in People v. LaValle held part of the death penalty statute unconstitutional. Specifically, the Court found that the statute's so-called deadlock provision – a sentencing instruction that trial courts were obligated to give the deliberating juries – was unduly coercive. Concluding that only the Legislature could repair the statute, the Court directed that, in the meantime, first-degree murder cases could proceed noncapitally. The Legislature has not acted to repair the statute.
On October 23, 2007, the Court of Appeals handed down its decision in the case of John Taylor, the last person remaining on death row. The Court of Appeals, following LaValle, overturned Taylor's death sentence. Taylor will now be resentenced noncapitally; he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
With Taylor's departure, death row will have been cleared. New York City's Legal AId Society prevailed in one capital appeal. The Capital Defender Office prevailed in LaValle, Taylor, and four others.
No death-noticed cases remain. Nothing points to a return of the death penalty to New York State. The Capital Defender Office has now closed out operations.
Capital punishment was returned to the criminal statutes of New York State by Chapter 1 of the Laws of 1995, which took effect on September 1, 1995. The new law expanded the crime of first degree murder, and provided two new penalties for persons convicted of first degree murder: death and life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Capital Defender Office [CDO] was established under New York State's death penalty statute and was given the statutory mandate of ensuring that defendants who cannot afford adequate representation in capital cases receive effective assistance of counsel. The statute also charged the CDO with creating an effective system of capital defense throughout New York State. This system of capital defense is ensured through several means, including:
Agency Structure
The CDO was governed by a three-person board of directors which met on a regular basis to review office policy. The Capital Defender, appointed by the Board of Directors, ran the agency and was responsible for building the state's capital defense system. In 1995, the CDO established three offices to provide capital representation, one in Albany, one in Rochester, and one in New York City. The Rochester office was closed on October 31, 2005, and the other two on June 13, 2008.
Capital Representation Direct Representation by the CDO
The CDO's most important duty was to defend persons accused of crimes that might have been punishable by death. The CDO represented its clients from arraignment through trial, and upon conviction on direct appeal. Any person who was charged with first degree murder and was financially unable to obtain adequate representation, was entitled under the new law to capital counsel appointed by the court. Also, any indigent person who was accused of second-degree murder was entitled to appointed capital counsel if (1) the District Attorney was investigating with the aim of charging the person with first degree murder, and (2) the court found it reasonably likely that the District Attorney eventually would charge the person with first-degree murder.
Lawyers in Private Practice
The CDO, in consultation with the Administrative Board of the Judicial Conference, developed minimum standards for lead and associate capital counsel. Using these standards, the four Screening Panels established pursuant to the law reviewed applications from lawyers interested in handling capital cases, and created rosters of lawyers eligible for such appointment. The CDO assisted the Screening Panels in developing an application process for attorneys who sought to handle capital cases.
The CDO frequently had called on criminal defense lawyers in private practice during the previous four years. Each lawyer had substantial criminal defense experience and had attended a CDO training session.
Public Defender Organizations
The law permitted the CDO to enter agreements with legal aid societies, public defender offices, and other not-for-profit organizations providing criminal defense services. Since 1995, the CDO entered into agreements with the Legal Aid Society of New York to provide capital representation in New York City and with the Public Defenders of Broome, Chautauqua and Wyoming counties. At present, the CDO is closed and no agreements are still in place.


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This week Five Jobs brings you our "foot in the door" list, a collection of jobs that may not seem super glamorous but will offer access to the world of gainful employment.
Associate Copy Editor at Artnet (New York, NY)
How to Apply
Artnet's magazine may have gone the way of the Titanic, but the site's still in need of an editor for its auction, valuation, and artist databases. This position will involve writing the occasional feature-length text.
Associate for Administration in the Asian Art Department at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, NY)
How to Apply
The Met is looking for someone with a minimum of one-year experience in an administrative position, a BA, and proficiency in some dull software ("The Museum System, Kronos Timekeeping System, and ADP expense report system preferred"). While this job may help you get your foot in the door at the Met, it is really just a desk job that doesn't require you know Japanese, Chinese, or Korean.
Art Consultant at Axelle Fine Arts (Boston, MA)
How to Apply
This full time permanent job at Axelle Fine Arts centers on sales, client relations, and the like. For gallerists who have only ever worked in New York, it's a chance to build your contact book. Also, the description asks that you work Saturday and Sunday. But it's a five day a week job with health benefits, and who can argue with that?
Head of Research Unit and Senior Researcher at Spear's (London, England)
How to Apply
Across the pond Spear's Magazine is looking for a Head and Senior Researcher in the Spear's Research Unit. The job description doesn't make either role sound particularly artsy, but you would be answering to Josh Spero, who does write about art. The real appeal of these jobs comes at the end of the posting:
"There are plenty of perks to working at Spear's: as well as building your contact book, there are luxury travel assignments, restaurant and bar reviews, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the freedom to explore and develop your own interests within journalism and a young, ambitious, friendly team."
Advertising Sales at MODERN Magazine (New York, NY)
How to Apply
MODERN is looking for someone with sales experience and a working knowledge of the design world to sell print advertising to design galleries and private dealers. The job's only part-time and temporary, but it sounds perfect for those with a flexible schedule, especially since you get to work from home.


text: Fluorescent Orange PIM LC is part of the "PIM" Low Cure ink matching system which consists of 17 colors, including fluorescents, that can be used to match PANTONE colors or as direct print inks. All colors have great wet-on-wet print properties and contain a creamy body making them easy to print with. All colors are evaluated by our stringent QC process to ensure the colors are consistent from one batch to the next so you PANTONES match every time.


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Alaska State Flag
Alaska adopted the flag for official state use in 1959. The blue field represents the sky, the sea, and mountain lakes, as well as Alaska's wildflowers. Emblazoned on the flag are eight gold stars: seven from the constellation Ursa Major, or the Big Dipper. The eighth being the North Star, representing the northern most state. Alaska's flag was designed in 1926 by a 13-year-old Native American boy, Bennie Benson, from the village of Chignik. Bennie received a 1,000-dollar scholarship and a watch for his winning entry in the flag design contest.


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Planeteers get to see the whole event AND save the planet! We want to leave a good impression in the neighborhood and leave no traces behind of the fun had during the event. Volunteers are needed to help pick up the trash and recycling along the route, and help sort waste in bins during the event. Volunteers with more experience may be asked to remain in the sustainability zone to lead education & waste reduction efforts at waste bins. Gloves, bags, pinchers and praise provided.
There are 3 shifts to choose from:
10:30am-1:15pm, 12:30pm-3:15pm, 2:30pm-5:15pm


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Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Test Overview
A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for thyroid gland problems. TSH is produced when the hypothalamus releases a substance called thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then triggers the pituitary gland to release TSH.
TSH causes the thyroid gland to make two hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 help control your body's metabolism.
Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are needed for normal growth of the brain, especially during the first 3 years of life. A baby whose thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone (congenital hypothyroidism) may, in severe cases, have below-average intelligence. Older children also need thyroid hormones to grow and develop normally.
This test may be done at the same time as tests to measure T3 and T4.
Why It Is Done
A test for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is done to:
- Find out whether the thyroid gland is working properly.
- An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, constipation, a feeling of being too cold, or frequent menstrual periods.
- An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, nervousness, diarrhea, a feeling of being too hot, or irregular menstrual periods.
- Find the cause of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). TSH levels can help determine whether hypothyroidism is due to a damaged thyroid gland or some other cause (such as a problem with the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus).
- Keep track of treatment with thyroid replacement medicine for people who have hypothyroidism.
- Keep track of thyroid gland function in people who are being treated for hyperthyroidism. This treatment may include antithyroid medicine, surgery, or radiation therapy.
- Double-check the diagnosis of an underactive thyroid gland in a newborn (congenital hypothyroidism).
How To Prepare
Tell your doctor if you have had any tests in which you were given radioactive materials or had X-rays that used iodine dye within the last 4 to 6 weeks. Your test results may not be correct if you have had iodine contrast material before having a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test.
How It Is Done
The health professional drawing blood will:
- Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
- Clean the needle site with alcohol.
- Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
- Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
- Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
- Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
- Put pressure to the site and then put on a bandage.
How It Feels
The blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. An elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. It may feel tight. You may feel nothing at all from the needle, or you may feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of a problem from having a blood sample taken from a vein.
- You may get a small bruise at the site. You can lower the chance of bruising by keeping pressure on the site for several minutes.
- In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is taken. This problem is called phlebitis. A warm compress can be used several times a day to treat this.
A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is used to check for thyroid gland problems.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
Results are usually available in 2 to 3 days.
Adults: |
0.4–4.2 microunits per milliliter (mcU/mL) or 0.4–4.2 milliunits per liter (mU/L) |
Children: |
0.7–6.4 mcU/mL or 0.7–6.4 mU/L |
Newborns ( 1-4 days): |
1–39 mcU/mL or 1–39 mU/L |
A slightly high TSH value may not require treatment. The doctor will consider any symptoms you might have along with other test results to determine if treatment is needed.
High values
High TSH levels may be caused by:
- An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism.
- A pituitary gland tumor that is making too much TSH. This is uncommon.
- Not taking enough thyroid hormone medicine for treatment of an underactive thyroid gland.
Low values
Low TSH levels may be caused by:
- An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). Causes of hyperthyroidism include Graves' disease, a type of goiter (toxic multinodular goiter), or a noncancerous (benign) tumor called a toxic nodule.
- Damage to the pituitary gland that prevents it from making TSH (a condition called secondary hypothyroidism).
- Taking too much thyroid medicine for treatment of an underactive thyroid gland.
- Pregnancy during the first trimester.
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Taking medicine, such as corticosteroids, levodopa, heparin, dopamine, or lithium (such as Lithobid).
- Having had a recent X-ray with iodine dye or test using radioactive materials.
- Having severe stress or a long-term (chronic) illness.
What To Think About
- The thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test is the best screening test for conditions that can affect the thyroid gland.
- The results of a TSH test should be considered along with the results of thyroid hormone tests, especially thyroxine (T4) results. To learn more about T3 and T4 testing, see the topic Thyroid Hormone Tests.
- Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Other Works Consulted
- Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
- Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.
Current as of: November 6, 2018
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD – Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD – Family Medicine & Matthew I. Kim, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.


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Jacek doesn't like being totally totally clean shaven on his face. And I, too, prefer him with a one day stubble...aesthetically that is. He looks hot with a little shadow. But, at the risk of sharing too much, when we make out, anywhere below the chin, it scratches, it's uncomfortable, or it tickles, like on the inside of the leg. Which isn't to say we only make out when he's shaved, obviously, I just prefer it when he is.
So I wonder then what goes on for Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge, seen here after lunch in London yesterday. I mean, does she get mouthfuls of it when they kiss? Does it get stuck in her teeth?
Oh f-ck, ew. I just pictured that while eating lunch - chicken corn chowder, delicious, from Soup Nutsy.
I like how quiet Sienna's been lately. Quiet...but not not dramatic. Never not dramatic. It's Sienna. Come on. This is a girl who cries over noodles. How could you expect her to walk down the street without exhibiting some feelings? Here's how the photographer described these pictures:
"Tom is seen putting his arm around the Layer Cake star, who was slightly tired and emotional. Sienna had earlier tripped whilst embarking a taxi, smashing her head on the door. But as she disembarked the vehicle Sienna had clearly cheered up, sharing a joke with the driver as she made her way into the restaurant."
OF COURSE she was "slightly emotional". What have I told you, over and over again, about this girl? It always has to be "slightly emotional". There is emotion in everything. There is drama everywhere. And she must always be at the centre of it, even if it's something as innocuous as knocking her head on a cab door.
Photos from Bauergriffinonline.com


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Sixty-six international air sports athletes competed in three different air sports at the World Games in Poland from 20 ot 23 July 2017.
Three disciplines of Air Sports saw gold medals awarded at The World Games in Wroclaw, Poland on Sunday evening.
Ferenc Toth (HUN) won Gold for Glider Aerobatics; Nick Batsch (USA) won Gold for Canopy Piloting; and Wojciech Bogdal (POL) won Gold in Paramotoring.
It followed three full days of Air Sports competition at The World Games, a large multi-sport event that takes place every four years. Held this year in Wroclaw, Poland, it featured 60 different sports and disciplines and 3,500 athletes. Air Sports was represented by Glider Aerobatics, Canopy Piloting and Paramotoring.
The FAI Media Team was there for the duration of the Air Sports events at The World Games and was posting to social media and the World Games website for air sports throughout the event.


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Video Review - Shadowrun Returns
Kevin VanOrd hacks his way into Shadorun Returns in this review.
Kevin VanOrd hacks his way into Shadorun Returns in this review.
Coyte is taking in the city sights while looking for Paco.
Jacked in and ready to take out some sentries in the Lone Star Data Store.
The team makes their way into the next room filled with Lonestar Gunners.
Highlights from Erick and Benito checking out Shadowrun returns.
Street samurai, Smurfs and Swiss detectives are in the offering in this week's new releases.
Shadowrun Returns launches on Steam July 25th, 2013.
Kevin VanOrd is joined by Jordan and Mitch from Harebrained Schemes to talk about Shadowrun Returns!
Shadowrun is finally back, check out the alpha gameplay footage.


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People who eat pasta have a better diet
It boosts consumption of vegetables, lean meats, fish and fruit, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, say scientists.
The humble spag bol, a mainstay of Italian Mediterranean cuisine, has soared in popularity in the UK.
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBrits now consume about 80 grams of pasta a week - about three times more than four decades ago - while Italians eat more than 450 grams.
And the good news is it not only tastes good, but does you good.
Pasta is a low sodium and cholesterol-free food with a low glycemic index - foods that keep blood sugar levels in control.
The study found eating pasta leads to lower consumption of saturated fat, which can help reduce harmful blood fats to protect against heart attacks and stroke.
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdPasta eaters had a greater intake of nutrients and minerals that most people lack in their diets such as folate, which boosts red blood cells and reduces the risk of defects during foetal growth.
They also consumed more iron which keeps tissues healthy by carrying oxygen in the blood, magnesium which boosts bones and muscles and dietary fibre which lowers the risk of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
In addition, eating pasta also led to more intake of essential nutrients and less of added sugar, like sucrose and high fructose corn syrup, that contain a lot of calories..
The research, presented at The Obesity Society's annual meeting in New Orleans, found pasta consumption was associated with better diets when compared to adults who did not eat it.
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIt analysed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001-2012, a program of studies in the US, and was carried out by Nutritional Strategies, Inc. on behalf of the National Pasta Association (NPA).
Registered dietitian Diane Welland, nutrition communications manager for the NPA, said: "The new 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines encourage the consumption of all types of grains for the many nutrients they provide.
"Pasta can be an effective building block for good nutrition, as it serves as a perfect delivery system for fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish and legumes.
"This analysis underscores the nutritional importance of grains, such as pasta, as consistent with a healthy diet. It shows that pasta eaters have better quality diets than those who don't eat pasta."
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe study examined associations between pasta consumption, shortfall nutrient intakes as defined by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines (2015 DG) and diet quality in comparison to non pasta consumption in US adults.
The data review did not look at any health outcomes associated with pasta consumption.
Pasta consumption was defined as all dry domestic and imported pasta/noodle varieties made with only wheat and no egg.
Pasta has long been celebrated as one of America's favorite foods and advocated by nutritionists for its good nutrition.
In addition to the nutrients mentioned in this new research, pasta also provides important carbohydrates, which the body uses for energy.


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Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal today transmitted the following memorandum and proposed resolution on state sovereignty to the Wyoming Legislature's Management Council.Â
(h/t Mike Johnson, EverythingCody.com)
Freudenthal, a Democrat, was previously a US attorney for the Clinton administration, and is currently serving his 2nd term as Governor of Wyoming. He endorsed Barack Obama for president and is commonly referred to as one of the most popular governors in the country.Â
To: Management Council Members
From: Dave Freudenthal, Governor
Date: July 28, 2009
Re: Sovereignty Resolution
As you know, individual states have been adopting Sovereignty Resolutions over the past few years. Such resolutions have been considered by the Wyoming Legislature over the years as well. Representative Illoway is working on one for this session.
The attached version expands slightly on the versions currently circulating. The resolution includes a list of specific federal laws and a reference to the idea that retaining lands in federal ownership runs afoul of the "equal footing" doctrine. I am enclosing a possible resolution for your consideration. Clearly this is ultimately a legislative prerogative.
From time to time we all wonder whether sending resolutions to Washington, DC really does any good. On the other hand, it's nice to at least get our view on the record.
A JOINT RESOLUTION requesting Congress to cease and desist from enacting mandates that are beyond the scope of the enumerated powers granted to Congress by the Constitution of the United States.
WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads as follows: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people"; and
WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as being that specifically granted by the Constitution of the United States and no more; and
WHEREAS, the scope of power defined by the Tenth Amendment means that the federal government was created by the states specifically to be an agent of the states; and
WHEREAS, today, in 2010, the states are demonstrably treated as agents of the federal government; and
WHEREAS, many powers assumed by the federal government and federal mandates are directly in violation of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment assures that we, the people of the United States of America and each sovereign state in the union of states, now have, and have always had, rights the federal government may not usurp; and
WHEREAS, section 4, article IV, of the Constitution provides, "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government," and the Ninth Amendment provides, "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people"; and
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has ruled in New York v. United States, 505 U.S. 144 (1992), that Congress may not simply commandeer the legislative and regulatory processes of the states; and
WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States frequently considers and passes laws, and the executive agencies of the federal government frequently promulgate regulations, the constitutional authority for which is either absent or tenuous, including, without limitation, the Real ID Act (which imposes significant unfunded mandates upon the states with respect to the traditional state function of driver's licensing), the Endangered Species Act (which, as construed by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, authorizes a federal executive agency to require specific legislation related to the traditional state function of wildlife management), the Clean Water Act (which, as construed by the Environmental Protection Agency, authorizes a federal executive agency to exercise regulatory jurisdiction over waters which are not subject to federal regulation), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (which implements a policy of federal lands retention in derogation of the "equal footing" doctrine); and
WHEREAS, a number of proposals from previous administrations and some now pending from the present administration and from Congress may further violate the Constitution of the United States;
Section 1. That the Wyoming Legislature claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States.
Section 2. That this resolution serve as notice and demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, from enacting mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.
Section 3. That all compulsory federal legislation that directs the states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties or sanctions or that requires states to pass legislation or lose federal funding be prohibited or repealed.
Section 4. That the Secretary of State of Wyoming transmit copies of this resolution to the President of the United States, the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States Congress and to the Wyoming Congressional Delegation, with a request that this resolution be officially entered in the congressional record as a memorial to the Congress of the United States of America.


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Valley Theatre
44801 N. Sierra Highway,
2 people favorited this theater
The Valley Theatre was built by Whit Carter in 1927. It was destroyed in a fire in 1953.
Recent comments (view all 11 comments)
Operated by Western Amusements as the Antelope in the early sixties.
The Valley and the Antelope are actually two different theaters and for a time, they coexisted.
The Valley Theater was built in 1927 by Whit Carter; it was destroyed by fire in 1953. It faced what was originally called Antelope Avenue (present-day Sierra Highway) on the current site of the Lancaster Museum & Art Gallery at 44801 N. Sierra Highway. It is notable because it was operated by Frank Gumm—the father of Frances Gumm, better known as Judy Garland—from circa 1927 to the mid 1930s, after the Gumm Family had moved to California from Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
The Antelope Theatre was constructed by Dave Roach in 1948, on the site of today's Lancaster Performing Arts Center at 750 West Lancaster Boulevard. It had ceased operating as a movie theater by the mid-1980s, and in 1990, was torn down to make way for the new performing arts center, which opened in 1991.
I spoke to Norma Gurba, the author of the book you mention, before my October 2007 post, so that's where I got that September 1953 fire date. I do live in Lancaster, and will follow up on this as time permits (perhaps in late September). I'm not sure when the Antelope Valley Press (today's sole surviving daily) began publication, or where their morgue is archived, but they might be another resource.
At one time the Ledger-Gazette's offices were located on the corner of present-day Sierra Highway and Milling Street, literally across Milling street from the section of storefronts and bars that burned along with the Valley Theater. Whether the Ledger-Gazette was located there in 1953, I don't know. But if they were, I agree—they would've covered the event, wouldn't they?
If you're ever in town again, ronp, contact me via this website and perhaps we can compare notes over a cup of coffee at Katz 'n Jammers.
After a little Internet research last night, I found that the then-South Antelope Valley Press (now Antelope Valley Press) began publication as a weekly in May of 1950. So, if the Valley Theater burned circa 1953, they should have the article in their morgue. I'll let you know what I find out in a couple of weeks.
The actual date that the Valley Theater was destroyed by fire is evidently the 26th of February, 1953. (An article appeared in the Los Angeles Times on February 27, 1953.) I'll go to the Lancaster Library this week to see if I can find the Ledger-Gazette article to confirm it.
The Valley Theatre did in fact burn down in 1953 or 1954. The reason I'm not sure which year it happened, is because I was very young at the time when my father was transferred to Lancaster from another location working for the "Western Amusement Company" who also purchased the Antelope Theatre from Mr. Roach. My father managed the Antelope Theatre from 1949 until he passed away in 1981 all the while still employed by the Western Amusement Company, a total of over 50 years. In addition, he also Built, named and managed the Jet Drive-in theatre for them from 1955 (when it was built) until his passing in 1981.
To Dumpy, This must be Dumpy Myatt. I lived down the street from you in the early 50's and walked past your house everyday on my way to Park View Elementary. I remember that your dad was at the Antelope. We used to go there every Saturday from 1953 until 1956. $.25 admission, $.10 popcorn, $.05 candy (Neapolitan taffy, sugar daddy, big hunk). I also saw movies at the Valley before the fire with my dad. Glad to hear you are still around and still interested in movies.
1936 book image added via Norma Gurba-Kleit.
Additional history is on the image.
The Lancaster book by Norma Gurba-Kleit is the source
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The doctoral program in chemistry is designed to provide students with a background in advanced course work and chemical laboratory techniques that will prepare them to carry out, under the guidance of experienced scientists, an original, independent investigation that will lead to an acceptable contribution to the body of contemporary knowledge. Traditional areas of specialization are Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.
- Plan of Program
- Credit Requirements
- Written Area Examinations
- Analytical Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Research Proposal
- Chemistry Seminar
- Course Requirements
In cooperation with other departments of the University, the Chemistry Department offers the Ph.D. degree in additional areas of specialization. Information about these programs may be obtained by selecting the links below:
Plan of Program
The doctoral degree normally requires four years of study beyond the bachelor's degree or a minimum of two to three years beyond the master's degree. The plan of study pursued by each student is dependent on individual requirements and is developed through a conference with the Advisory Committee (or with his or her temporary advisor).
The initial part of the student's program, normally completed at the end of two years of study, is devoted to formal course work. The first year is usually given to subjects in the major branches of chemistry in preparation for area (candidacy) examinations. The second year is devoted primarily to advanced subjects in a special field of concentration.
The second and final part of the program is devoted principally to research leading to the doctoral thesis. However, the student is encouraged to begin research as early as possible in the program of study.
Credit Requirements
Of the 45 minimum credit requirements, a minimum of 27 credits in course work, exclusive of thesis and seminar, is required with at least 18 to be taken in chemistry. The remaining course credits (nine or more, with a student's Advisory Committee having the authority to add six additional credits to the minimum in special situations) may be taken in chemistry or in a related field such as biology, physics, mathematics or engineering. Credit is not normally allowed for undergraduate subjects in chemistry except for those so designated in the catalog. Research credits would then make up the remainder of the 45-credit requirements. Planning the program of courses with the student is the responsibility of a student's Advisory Committee. See graduate catalog for course requirements and descriptions.
Written Area Examinations
Upon admission to the Ph.D. program the student must pass exams in his/her major area of specialization. The method of conducting these area exams is designated by the staff in each field of specialization, as follows:
Analytical Chemistry
The area examinations for analytical chemistry will consist of a series of six (6) examinations. The first will be a qualifying examination to determine if the student is prepared to take the remaining five area examinations. The student will have two opportunities to pass the qualifying examination, which will be administered at the beginning of the student's second and third semester of residence. The remaining five examinations will be offered annually, commencing in October and administered at monthly intervals. A minimum of 3.0 out of a possible 10.0 points is required for each individual examination and a total of at least 30.0 out of a possible 50.0 points is required for the successful completion of the Written Area Examination. Failure to perform adequately may result in the student being required to complete a master's degree. Continuation towards the Ph.D. degree will be considered on a case by case basis.
Inorganic Chemistry
The area examinations in Inorganic Chemistry will be a series of cumulative examinations. The student is expected to begin the series of exams in the second year of study. The area examinations will consist of a series of five (5) examinations. The examinations are each graded from zero to a maximum of three points. A student must receive a total of eight (8) points to successfully complete the area examinations. Students who do not receive the necessary points may complete a master's degree and with special permission apply for readmission to the Ph.D. program in Inorganic Chemistry.
Organic Chemistry
Organic students take a series of eight cumulative examinations, given once a month (except December), beginning in September of each year. The examinations are graded pass or fail and a student must pass four of the examinations. The examinations must be taken in consecutive months. Typically, a student will start the examinations in the second year of graduate study and must complete these examinations by the end of the third year of graduate study.
Physical Chemistry
By the third year of graduate study, a Ph.D. student in physical chemistry must take a comprehensive examination. This is an all-day written examination with questions designed to test the student's physical chemistry background, and ability to set up models and solve them mathematically. The student has two chances to pass the comprehensive examination.
Research Proposal
As part of the area examinations a Ph.D. candidate must present an oral defense of an original research proposal within six months of completing the written area examinations although a specific program may require the proposal to be presented at an earlier date. With the aid and advice of the Advisory Committee the student selects a suitable subject for investigation, completes a literature survey, outlines the method of approach, and suggests possible results and conclusions. The oral defense of this proposal is conducted by the student's Advisory Committee with other faculty members in attendance. The proposal is defended by the end of the semester following completion of area exams. The topic of the proposal can not be closely related to or contained within the thesis project.
Chemistry Seminar
During each year of residence the student is required to attend and participate in 84-601,602, Chemistry Seminar, and 84-603,604 Chemistry Colloquium. Each doctoral student is required to present two seminars.
Course Requirements
Each student in any of the Ph.D. programs in chemistry shall take both an advanced course in Physical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry and two courses from Advanced Inorganic, Advanced Analytical, Biochemistry, or Polymer Chemistry unless such requirements have been met previously.
Since each division (Analytical, Biochemistry, Organic and Physical/Inorganic) has its own specific course requirements, a student intending to specialize in one of these areas is encouraged to meet with the coordinator of the division or consult the handbook of the division.


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Every Year During The Holiday Season I Giveaway A Painting; This Year I Put A Twist On It.
Finding new, fun and different ways to giveaway a painting can be a challenge and this year was no different. What was different was the amount of work that went into it.
I decided that I would give away the painting to one of the people I work with at Hobby Lobby. How to choose the recipient? With a game of course.
I spent numerous nights at my craft desk creating 2.5″ x 3.5″ Festive Boxes; 48 in all. I then filled 30 of those boxes with candy. Once the boxes were loaded I left the room and had my Lovely Lady Raychel place a "W" inside one of the lids.
I did not want to know which box had the "W" because part of my fun was to see how many boxes were opened before it was found. Whoever received the box with the "W" would win the special watercolor painting I had created just for this giveaway; "Stone Retreat".
I then made a special sign to be displayed next to the gift wrapped painting and displayed boxes:
"I Handmade A Box Just For You
Someone Will Win My Painting Too
You Don't Have To Buy, Barter or Bid
Just Look For The "W" Inside The Lid
But One Box Only For Everyone
You Don't Want To Ruin All The Fun
Even If The Painting You Don't Win
In Each Box A Prize Within
Lot's of Candy For You To Enjoy
Yummy Sweets For Each Girl and Boy
So I Say Merry Christmas To You
And Happy New Year Too
-Yours Truly J.A. George AKA; The GYPSY"
I arranged everything on a table in the Break Room on December 17th which was a freight day and would guarantee that almost every employee would be to work that day…. Let the fun begin!
All through the day people were coming to me and saying, "I didn't win." There was one employee however that was telling everyone, "I want to win, I want that painting." With 20 boxes gone and just 10 left that employee picked the right box and revealed the lid with the "W".
The irony in this particular employee winning my painting is just the day before the giveaway I had tattooed a memorial tattoo on her thigh. So now she owns two pieces of my original art.
Congratulations and Merry Christmas Shauna Staten I hope you enjoy "Stone Retreat".


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One hungry day I wanted pasta, so my true love gave to me…
Oat Flour Tortellini
2 cups oat flour
1-1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
2 Tbsp cooking oil
4-6 Tbsp water
Ricotta cheese
In mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center. Add egg and canola oil. With a fork, slowly whisk egg and oil into the surrounding flour/salt mixture until dough is coarse and crumbly. Add 1 Tbsp at a time of water at a time, incorporating with flour. Work dough with the heel of the hand for 5 minutes. Cover with inverted bowl and let rest.
To make tortellini: Divide dough into 2-3 parts and roll each as thin as possible on a lightly floured surface. Using a cookie cutter or glass, cut into 1-1/4″ circles. Place 1/4 tsp filling on center of each circle. Fold pasta in half moon and seal edges. As with cappeletti, streth dough around fingers and pinch ends together.
Bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil in a 4-6 quart pan on the stove. Add pasta. Cook for 6 minutes. Drain and serve. Makes about 120 tortellini.
Nutritional Information for 1/6 recipe: Calories: 120 ,Carbohydrates: 21g, Fiber: 3g, Net Carbohydrates 18g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 3 g


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Octomom -- Authorities To Seize Financial Docs In Welfare Fraud Probe
Octomom Authorities to Seize Financial Docs in Welfare Fraud Probe
Welfare fraud investigators have taken steps to seize Octomom's bank records and other documents that may prove she's been stealing taxpayers' money ... and what they find could land her in prison.
Welfare fraud officials obtained a search warrant to seize Octo's financial and employment records -- because they smell a rat.
We broke the story ... the L.A. County Dept. of Welfare Fraud Prevention and Investigation (WFP&I), has been investigating Nadya Suleman after getting a tip that she was collecting welfare in 2012 ... when she grossed more than $200,000.
According to the warrant -- obtained by TMZ -- investigators have targeted 2 locations -- the home and office of Octo's manager, the person who presumably has financial records showing what's up.
As we previously reported, Octo and her 14 kids are entitled to get welfare benefits if she earns less than $119,000 in a calendar year. But there's evidence she made a lot more and still grabbed public assistance money.
If the hunch is right, Octo can be prosecuted for welfare fraud, and if she's convicted she could face 3 years in prison.


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The most crucial step involves testing both in our laboratories and with our athletes on expeditions around the world. Our athletes often recommend an innovation that's outside the bounds of existing technology. The North Face® Research, Design and Development team accepts their challenges and turns to the laboratory for new fabrics and components. Our teams of designers and fabric technicians must turn those revolutionary raw materials into gear that maximizes an athlete's ability to survive and succeed in the most severe weather conditions.
STEP 1: Research & Design in Conjunction With World-Class Athletes
Athletes who constantly pursue their own limits help us push the limits of apparel and equipment design and technology. The North Face® Athlete Team gives us constant feedback on the clothing and equipment they depend on for success and survival in their adventures. We hear from our athletes through gear evaluations and regular athlete input sessions.
STEP 2: Advance Material Research & Development
We partner with the world's most innovative leading materials engineers to create the technically advanced fabrics needed to develop clothing and equipment that meet our high standards. For example, The North Face®, in conjunction with W.L. Gore, created the concept and helped to launch PacLite™ the most compressible, lightest weight GORE-TEX® shell fabric available - weighing only 3.2 ounces per yard. By adhering this new GORE-TEX® laminate to our proprietary, extremely lightweight nylon substrate, we succeeded in creating a shell material perfectly suited for the extreme lightweight requirements demanded in high-altitude expeditions.
STEP 3: Innovative Design & Construction
Exploring the frontiers of technology for better fabrics and components is only the beginning of the life cycle of a new piece of gear. A great example of this is our C130 Tent Test. Our entire tent line was tested against our competitors by placing them in back of a C130 plane. The plane's four engines produce 13,000 ft/lbs. of torque and are capable of producing wind speeds in excess of 80 mph and unlike wind-tunnel tests, the propellers can create wind currents that are irregular and multi-directional. The results speak for themselves - our tents outperformed all the competition.
STEP 4: Laboratory Tested & Expedition Proven
We save the most critical step in our product development process for last. In addition to subjecting our products to a tortuous battery of laboratory tests, we send our apparel and equipment on extended athlete expeditions to learn how new products perform under the true test of the great outdoors. After receiving feedback, we refine each product until it receives approval from our world-class athlete team.


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After 47 years since the first pony car rolled off a Dearborn, Michigan manufacturing facility, the Ford Mustang is a legend continuing to foster. With 51.564 examples sold in the first 8 months of 2011, the Ford Mustang outsells the Taurus and in falls just slightly behind the economy-priced Fiesta. Beyond the people who have the fortune to walk into a car dealership and drive away with a Ford Mustang, the car's fanfare as the pinnacle of American performance captivates the attention of so many drivers or prospective drivers.
Thanks to the miracles of the virtual world, effective illusions allow gamers or the web-savvy car lovers to experience some form of the Ford Mustang ownership experience. Simulations involving the latest or even classic examples of the Ford pony car, Blue Oval fanatics are enriched by the control of their favourite two-door performance vehicle. A new on-line feature provided on Ford.com, enthusiasts and potential buyers are given an interactive chance to style a 2012 Ford Mustang.
Automakers developing on-line showroom tools is nothing new. Before a potential buyer enter one of many car dealers, the chance to view a vehicle in virtual form has been exploited for many years. The Ford Mustang Customizer lends some of the greatest levels of detail found in an on-line vehicle modification program. Introduced late last week, the Ford Mustang Customizer program unveils a dizzyingly high selection of virtual dress-up options.
A process starting with the selection from four versions of the 2012 Ford Mustang, the V6, GT, Boss 302 and the GT500 are provided through the Customizer website. Upon choosing a desired 2012 Ford Mustang model, a user can pick from an assortment of wheels, body modifications and colouring options.
Despite the popularity of Ford Mustangs at custom car exhibitions including the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, this web-based simulation delivers a fresh prospective on the original pony car. Along with some defined colours, the primary exterior colour tone can be fine-tuned to almost any imaginable look for the 2012 Ford Mustang. Through the options presented in the Ford Mustang Customizer, a user can play with aspects of a vehicle making a Mustang V6 look more aggressive or even shaving the aesthetic teeth of a Shelby GT500. If anyone would want to see a non-existent 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 convertible, the Customizer program can compile an image of how a hypothetical 2012 vehicle would appear.
Unique to the Ford Mustang Customizer, all of the accessories and dress-up components are available through their local Ford dealerships. In fact, a future buyer of a 2012 Ford Mustang can acquire a parts inventory list in form of a PDF file. It is at this point the virtual world involving the 2012 Ford Mustang enters the real, waking world (with real money being invested into car and components).
With those limited in budget, the time dedicated to customizing a 2012 Ford Mustang does not have to be lost. Once completed, a personalized Ford Mustang can be shared on Facebook or downloaded as wallpaper as a convenient JPEG format image. A user can also enter their design in a 'Battle Mode' competition where creations are judged by others on Facebook.
As of late Sunday September 18th, the customizing tool has turned out 15,261 customized Ford Mustangs. Available on the Internet now, Ford will be launching a Mobile App version of the program in the near future. Quickly gaining acceptance either as an automotive accessories research tool or as pony car-oriented entertainment, the Ford Mustang Customizer is continuing to make the Internet a perfect starting stage for purchasing dream vehicles.
Information and photo source: Ford Motor Company


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The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea of two accused in the >December 16 gang-rape case that the FIR and subsequent proceedings against them be quashed.
Justice Pratibha Rani also upheld the order of a special court by which the plea of accused Mukesh and Akshay Singh against day-to-day trial was rejected.
In their petition, they had sought quashing of FIR on the ground that police manipulated it as the original complaint was silent about the names of the accused persons.
The special fast track court's March 28 order dismissing their plea for conducting proceedings on alternate days instead of on day-to-day basis was also challenged by them.
They had wanted proceedings to be held on alternate days so that their counsel can seek instructions on cross-examining witnesses.
The trial court had dismissed their plea, saying "such pleas are made to delay the proceedings."
Initially, five adult accused in the case were facing trial for allegedly gang-raping and >assaulting a 23—year-old girl in a moving bus here on the night of December 16, 2012.
With the proceedings against the main accused Ram Singh having abated after his death on March 11, the remaining four adult accused Mukesh, Vinay, Akshay and Pawan Gupta are facing trial in the case for rape and murder of the girl.
The sixth accused in the case is a juvenile, who is facing proceedings before the Juvenile Justice Board.
The >girl had died on December 29, 2012 in a Singapore hospital due to the grievous injuries she suffered when she was brutally assaulted by the six accused.