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One critical from tornado
March 24, 2007
A tornado that struck before 8 p.m. Friday caused extensive damage throughout southeast Clovis. Clovis Body Shop, 2024 S. Prince St., was among the hardest hit businesses. (CNJ Correspondent Photo: Roger Hatcher)
Throngs of Clovis residents waded through tatters of their lives Saturday as officials plodded to piece together a broken town.
Casey and Alanda LeClear stood with their hands clasped in their Brady Avenue yard. Behind them, family members heaved wooden beams, insulation and shingles from their ruined home into the bed of a truck.
A mattress shielded the couple and their two young sons from the tornado that ripped through southeast Clovis on Friday night.
"That's the only thing that saved us," Alanda, 25, said of the mattress.
The twister that touched down at 7:54 p.m. toppled motor homes and wreaked havoc in patches of east and south Clovis. Moving northeast, the storm left 35 injured, including one critically.
Names of the injured were not released.
Plains Regional Medical Center Chief Operating Nurse Liz Crouch said four of the five people admitted to the hospital Friday remained there Saturday. One was listed in critical condition and another was transferred to a Lubbock hospital, Crouch said.
Betty Denton of Clovis said her mother, 90-year-old Heleneta Blevins, was critically wounded by the tornado.
She said her mother lived in a trailer on South Prince Street that is now demolished. Her brother, who was also in the trailer, was injured, too.
"The tornado picked them both up," said Denton on Saturday, flanked by friends and family outside the hospital.
She said her mother was unresponsive Saturday.
"We love her. We know God will take her," she said.
"This feels like hell," she said. "It's not an easy thing."
Roads remained closed into Saturday night, including U.S. 70 to Portales, and downed power lines snaked through pockets of the city, Clovis officials said.
About 1,000 homes remained without power late Saturday, according to Clovis Xcel Energy engineer Terry Randall.
He said roughly 60 power lines were knocked down by the storm. Portions of Clovis may remain without electricity for at least three days, Clovis officials said.
About 100 homes and businesses received major damage in Friday's storm, officials said.
"I feel like I'm in a dream," said Clovis resident Martha Valadez, who huddled underneath a table with her pregnant daughter Friday as the tornado tore through her east Clovis neighborhood.
The windows of her home burst and a tree smashed through her living room. She spent Saturday cleaning up the mess.
Her neighborhood and others filled with good Samaritans who hauled away debris and offered food and drink.
"It's our duty," said Eric Uranga, 24, of Clovis, who combed the streets of Clovis with members of his church to distribute water and offer help.
Clovis officials declared the city in a state of emergency Saturday.
Director of the New Mexico Emergency Operation Center Jeff Phillips said Gov. Bill Richardson endorses releasing state funds for disaster relief in Clovis.
Damage assessments were still under way Saturday evening and the exact number of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed in Clovis was not known.
State officials were still assessing damage, "house by house," Saturday afternoon, Phillips said. Obtaining federal aid for Clovis depends on the extent of the damage, Phillips said.
"Public grounds — roads, easements — seem to be in good shape," he said.
He said he would not speculate on the extent of damage Saturday.
Clovis City Manager Joe Thomas said "complete recovery" from the storm would likely take months.
The city of Clovis condemned two Mabry Drive businesses and another 50 to 60 buildings were declared OK to enter, but too dangerous to occupy, according to Clovis Building and Safety Director Pete Wilt.
One city building, the Baxter-Curren Senior Citizen Center, was damaged, Wilt said.
Two schools, Yucca Junior High and Lockwood Elementary, were severely damaged, according to Clovis officials. Parkview Elementary School sustained minimal damages, they said. Clovis Municipal Schools dismissed for spring break on Friday and classes resume April 2.
The Salvation Army sheltered six people Friday night at the Clovis High School Rock Staubus Gymnasium. The shelter shuttered early Saturday, with 15 families shuffled to local hotels. The Salvation Army remained stationed at the gym Saturday to provide food and assistance, according to Clovis Salvation Army Capt. Tammy Ray.
Countless more would need shelter if not "for neighbors helping neighbors," Ray said.
Richardson also ordered about 20 soldiers from the New Mexico Army National Guard to provide support in Clovis. The soldiers will help assess property and business damage under the direction of the Clovis Police Department, said spokesman Maj. Kenneth Nava.
Richardson is slated to arrive today in Clovis.
A few residential electric water wells also stopped Saturday, Randall said.
The agriculture industry was also hit hard by the tornado. Scores of cows were dead in Roosevelt County and a handful died in Curry County, according to officials. Two horses were also found dead in Curry County and livestock wandered outside torn fences, Phillips said.
Thirteen twisters touched down Friday in New Mexico, according to the National Weather Service.
"These storms were coming in just like freight trains," Albuquerque National Weather Service senior forecaster Tim Shy said.
They moved from south to north along the border of New Mexico and Texas, he said.
One tornado touched down in Quay County, five in Lea County, four in Roosevelt County, and two in Eddy County, Shy said.


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Entrepreneurial Endeavors: The Interviews
Q&A's with trail runners who've started their own businesses
Chris Herbert and Caleb Simpson, co-founders of Bearded Brothers snackfood and energy-bar company. See page 3 of this story for our Q&A with Simpson.
In Making Tracks in our September 2013 issue (on newsstands August 1), we published an article called 'Entrepreneurial Endeavors: Lessons from those who had dreams and "ran" with them'—a story on three trail runners who own their own businesses, and the five lessons they've learned in the process.
We hope you have a chance to check out the print story, but in the meantime, enjoy the bonus Q&As with each on them here online, beginning with Jenn Hughes of Run Pretty Far women's running apparel ...

subset: commoncrawl


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McCartney Unveils Secret DVD Website with Never-Before-Seen Footage and Performances
On December 16th the #1 Stand Alone Music DVD in Sales History Becomes a Front Row Ticket to an Exclusive McCartney Performance and More;
New Technology Marks an Industry First On December 16th, Paul McCartney's "Back In The U.S. Concert Film" DVD will become one of the country's hottest tickets when a 30-minute secret performance is unveiled through a web-link embedded on what is now the fastest selling stand-alone music DVD in history. This link will give fans access to never-before-seen performances taken from Macca's triumphant, sold-out, record-setting tour. The secret website will also contain rare unseen moments with Macca, his band and backstage crew.
"The album, DVD and this secret website are a constant memory of the tour with a built-in ticket to the future," said McCartney. "We couldn't get everything into the DVD feature and the television special, so the idea to be able to give both PC and Apple users a 'secret' concert and more of the backstage footage is just fantastic to me."
This web-based content marks the first time in history that both PC and Apple users will be able to access the same content. After learning that to date only PC-users were able to access web-based content of this nature, McCartney met with Steve Jobs of Apple and Todd Collart's staff of InterActual, Inc. and history was made. Now Apple users with OS9 or better are capable of experiencing the highly secretive and exclusive web-based content found on the "Back In The U.S." DVD.
"Back In The U.S." DVD features a 2-hour "rock 'n road movie," which includes footage of more than 30 classic songs filmed at shows across America. Additional content takes fans inside McCartney's just completed tour, giving access to areas previously kept private from the public such as the dressing rooms, the back seat of his personal limo and even aboard his chartered jet. The DVD is presented in 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound.
The 2-CD live set of his most triumphant tour since The Beatles, released just this past week, was the fastest selling album of McCartney's solo career. It features a 36-song set list of new live recordings from the all-hits show that rocked America.
Access to the Paul McCartney Secret Website is only available through the "Back In The U.S." DVD. Users can simply insert the DVD into any computer and click on the web link on the main menu. It is available with the following minimum integrated system and software components: InterActual(TM) Player (included); Microsoft Windows 98SE with Internet Explorer(R) 5.0 browser or Apple Mac(R) OS9; 128 MB RAM; Internet connection: DVD-ROM drive.


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0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
I dropped mine to 56% and my dough comes out pretty "tear" resistant. Also make sure you aren't overkneading the dough.
I always think that I underknead the dough. I guess that is another thing I am trying to get a solid grip on. And don't get me wrong, I made some amazing pies tonight. Did 60% hydration, but just did a counter top rise for a couple hours. Still turned out great. Today I played with cheeses. 4 10" pies. Two with part skim low moist, one with whole low moist, and one with fresh. All Precious brand. They all were good, but the whole milk one was a nice compromise.


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Church members answer call for God
January 13, 2005
Don McCasland carries a world atlas with all of his important paperwork. He said he is always thinking about spreading the Gospel worldwide.
McCasland, an elder at the Church of Christ at 16th and Pile streets in Clovis, has been helping run a program that broadcasts a 25-minute sermon on television and radio stations across the country and around the world.
McCasland has been involved in the "Key to the Kingdom" program since the church began oversight of the Christian broadcast in 1995.
McCasland's son, Bret, recently became the new voice of the program. He said his sermons will begin being broadcast in February.
"Our mission is to reach as many people as possible around the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ," said the younger McCasland, who lives in Amarillo and has been a preacher since 1987.
The sermons will be simple, he said, with the intent of reaching a non-Christian audience.
"God loves people. Jesus saves people. There is hope for people," are some of the basic messages, Bret McCasland said. The radio and television shows are broadcast in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, 37 countries in Europe and seven countries in Asia and Africa.
Don McCasland and the four other elders of the Church of Christ raise and distribute the funds to pay for these broadcasts around the world.
The older McCasland's binder is full of broadcast contracts he has signed with television and radio stations that send signals to places that include India, Canada and Scotland.
During the sermons, a phone number scrolls across the television screen, offering those interested in a free Bible study course.
At 11 p.m. each Sunday, five members of the Church of Christ in Clovis are at church. They are there to answer phones. Those who call in the United States reach the Clovis Church of Christ. Bret McCasland said the group receives 30 to 40 calls each week.
Fred Eichenberger and his wife have been two of those five trading the bed for the call center cubby each Sunday night. They have been volunteering to support "Key to the Kingdom" for about four years, Eichenberger said.
Eichenberger said people call from all over the United States.
"Some of them are people that are up for some reason, either sick or they're depressed," Eichenberger said. "Most of them are just wanting to learn about Jesus, and that's what we're really there for. And hopefully, they'll be baptized."
Along with the tests that get sent back often come letters. And callers also share how the preacher's sermon reached them.
Don McCasland said he never imagined how much of the world the broadcasts would reach.
Right now, the older McCasland is pursuing broadcasting in Brazil. He said once they work that out, the "Key to the Kingdom" program will be broadcast on six continents.
"This is reaching the masses," Don McCasland said. "There are other religious programs and they are all good. They're real good. We might be a little bit more response driven. We never put it up any place into the world without giving people a toll-free number to call or an address to write to."
"We want to study with everyone in the world at no cost to them," he said.


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In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese government has been reluctant to accept foreign assistance to help the estimated 1.5 million people affected. On Friday, the Burmese government seized food and relief supplies provided by the UN. In response, the UN temporarily suspended its airlifts but resumed flying food aid into the country Saturday.
When a government is incapable of, or unwilling to protect its people, how far should the international community go to deliver humanitarian assistance?
Ronald in New York writes:
Myanmar's Crisis is an Opportunity.
The Myanmar Regime is now faced with the highest degree of political exposure in the post-Nargis period. Global humanitarian aid should be ramped up regardless of the Junta's response. The aid is for the people, and responsible
world leaders must maintain their focus on their needs. The regime will do what they do best; and eventually be held to account. This is a clear case of crisis as opportunity for change.
Luke writes:
This would probably require a bit more work but couldn't we drop small boxes with parachutes, and scatter them all over the place whereever people are? That would get the food/supplies right to the people and make it harder for the army to confiscate.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
In present circumstance, the sovereignty of a nation is secondary to that of a global responsibility to protect populations, if that government cannot or is unwilling to.
Lot of folks (upwards of a million or more) are homeless. 100,000 dead, unknown total injured.
What's the possibility of a visa waiver (visa application - post arrival) for survivors on an international level to get them out of harm's way and provide shelter and the basics? Or how would current U.S. policies approach such a task in this context?
As I see it, the local infrastructure can't cope with the displaced, regardless if the regime were doing back flips to help render assistance.
If the international community is willing to open its doors wide to those willing to leave Burma, upon realizing that Burma has lost over 60% of its cropland for a number of years and the nation can no longer support the surviving population over an extended period of recovery and land reclamation; Then deeds will match words spoken in acceptance of "responsibility to protect" at the 2005 UNGA.
It is odd to think that it might be necessary to deliver aid backed up by the use of force to deliver it in the face of a regime seemingly unwilling to provide for its people, and indeed interfering with the aid provided by the UN and others.
But there is no time to debate the matter, or wait for the government of Burma to act with rationality for folks are a week late as it is getting massive amounts of aid in, with a lot of folks lives depending on it.
I think it is fair to ask folks globally to simply act now in the people's interest, because they are the ones that we all will be answering to if we let them perish.
Do so regardless of what the regime thinks, does, and if they have a problem with aid being delivered, remove them from power for the legal premis exists to do so under these dire conditions.
Matt in Louisiana writes:
We used air-drops to deliver food to the Afghans in 2001 - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1588630.stm - why can't we do the same thing for the Burmese in 2008?
Catherine in Texas writes:
To the base of the question, when a state's government is unwilling to help its own people, it is then that the international community must step up the most to fill its place. Burma is obviously an exclusive case to this, though, because its past history makes the United States and the international community particularly unwilling to work for its aid. However, it is clearly unfair to the Burmese people to punish them for the actions of their government. It is safe to assume that the Burmese government is not acting without reason. The U.S. and the international community need to find the motivation for their actions (is this a power grab? A retaliatory response to sanctions?) and if possible, do everything to dissuade them from their response. If that means temporarily lifting sanctions or complying with their rules in order to get aid to the Burmese people, so be it. Once the crisis has passed and the international community can ensure that the Burmese people are safe, normal relations can continue. But the international community should definitely not use this as a staging ground for political action. In the end, does it really matter to us who gets the credit for the relief, assuming it happens at all?
Bill in California writes:
The tragedy in Myramar/Burma is a world Health event. We as a nation and a world cannot allow Burma's leaders to think ,we the world, have abandoned them. We can also not allow the diseases that will inevitably be bred in the aftermath to be spread throughout the world.
We have to let the Burmese Admin know that we will hold them politically responsible for the 38,000 plus still missing, and that they will face charges in the world court. It is their responsibility to Govern themselves, But we cannot let their addiction to power supercede the rights of the people to food and shelter in the aftermath.
Why is no one voicing these concerns on a state level?
Joe in Tennessee writes:
Why not simply drop some food with banners and leaflets that say: The World Cares. Even if we or the UN has to use escorted flights and actually use military power in Defense. They have no real government per se. What could they do if food was dropped all over Burma?
How is that a violation of law - Violation of Air Space for feeding destitute citizens?
Maybe this is an opportunity for the UN to show it DOES care before there are massive deaths.
James writes:
The difficulty is that, as a sovereign nation, not a lot can be done and international law is a slow process. This junta do not seem overly interested in anyone else's opinion.
By the way, I'm running a little review of your blog now.
DipNote Bloggers write:
Thanks James! We're doing our best to incorporate suggestions like yours as we move forward with DipNote. Keep the suggestions coming!
Eric in New Mexico writes:
The Disease That Kills All dictatorial Regimes
May 06, 2008
Iran Press Service
Safa Haeri
In a speech on 4 May in the small southern city of Kazeroun, Fars Province, where he was on a visit, Ayatollah Ali Khamenehãi, the megalomaniac leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran warned ãanybody who try to divide the people from the Government and drum on differences, he is acting against the interests of the regime and the nationã, touching on the very disease that destroy all dictatorial regimes.
Like any other dictator, Mr. Khamenehãi do not like to hear the truth and not see the realities, prefers sitting in his ivory tower, flanked by courtesans that equipped his tower with loudspeakers that bring to his ears things he would like to hear, like ãevery thing in Iran is better than anywhere else, thanks to your wise leadership. Under Islam, people of your country are the happiest, the freest, the smartest, and the more intelligent of the world, particularly the young onesã
Looking outside from the prism-like windows of the tower, the Leader do not see but what he wants to see: A beautiful land, full of modern factories, flourishing agriculture, soldiers training with some of the most deadliest weapons, including one named "Suicide", a happy people busy thanking God for having send to them the one of his sons, the Great, Beloved, Mighty, Wise, Fearless Ayatollah Ali Khamenehãi, the most intelligent of all leaders of the world.
As the above may speak of the mindset of ethical infants in general, I believe mother nature in Burma's case has rendered the "emperor" without cloths.
Implementing existing international law only requires that nations act upon it, without debate or delay and with all the means at their disposal to execute a successful plan of action, both physically and diplomatically.
There is no excuse for the international system to fail the people of Burma, or anyone else for that matter. Especially perhaps, not to collectively fail each other.
John in Greece writes:
Again, I agree Joe. Totally!
People need help there. And their regime has no right to say "we do not accept U.S. humanitarian help", because it's American.
Flaps 15 / use Air. Sky is the limit.
Especially when their "friends", Russia and China, cannot do anything at all for them. Besides, I am not sure if they want to.
This is ridiculous!
More than 100,000 people have lost their lives. Maybe itãs 1,000,000. (We will never learn the real numbers)
Who knows with these guys?
Thousands of others need help, food and water.
Burma regime is constituted of common killers.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ James -- A little feedback on your "review" of DipNote:
As a professional house painter, I can tell you that the physics of "black" is such that it isn't the total absence of light, it is the total absorption of it, in all spectrums.
Black therefore may be a totally appropriate background for a blog that entices all spectrum of opinion, eh? Including your's I might add. An interesting perspective.
Why is it I suddenly feel like I'm in a fish bowl?....(chuckle).
Jason in California writes:
Honestly, the United States is one of many dominant countries on the world stage and while I support the mission of foreign aid, I sometimes question what would be appropriate diplomatic moves in this situation. The U.S.A. helps many countries but often with a big footprint, that has not always been positive. Honestly, the Chinese government could go in to Myanmar and deliver aid as they are the super power of the region. I think that instead of condemning Myanmar the U.S. may want to use leverage with the Chinese government to get aid delivered as Russia and China are the two security council members who oppose a UN resolution to enter Myanmar without permission. I do also feel that the U.S. is stretched to thin in our commitments around the world and it is time for more focus to be on the Interior and Commerce Departments, than having State and DoD events dominating our news and asking us to give while our country hasnot heard from the Secretary of the Interior or Transportation for awhile and our infrastructure continues to diminish. Thank you.
John in Greece writes:
@ James -- It's the second time I read a comment about the background color of the Blog.
I think that the site colors are balanced and absolutely appropriate for this serious diplomatic platform of discussion. The architecture (navigation) is also great and helpful. Besides, the content is very reach and always fresh on a daily basis.
DipNote Bloggers, you are doing a fine job!
All the other are nonsense and please let me say ridiculous, especially the part that attempts to associate black with Satan etc.
By the way, why the site is black and not white? When I read the posts, I read white characters. What would we say if the background was white, but the characters black?
It's the same common anti-American propaganda that always attempts to attribute U.S.A., dollar, Americans or anything that has to do with the New World to ...Satan.
THIS IS CLASSICAL ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA, but especially in this case, when the question comes to the black color of the Blog's background it ends up a really childish argumentation.
After all, who is the one that told us and persuade us that Black is associated with Satan? Orthodox priests wear blackã
So, concerning the Blog's colors, I have to say that "the cowl does not make the monk."
And in this case, both the cowl and the monks are great!
P.S. Why do you care so much about the "byline".
Who cares who's writing as long as the posts are interesting, intellectual and promote free debating?
Gail in Texas writes:
In a situation like Burma, I am at a loss. The first thing we need to understand is that the only thing the United Nations is united about is blaming America for all of the world's ills and using those problems to extort money and resources from us.
The UN is the most corrupt and despicable organization the U.S. is a party to. We cannot lead by example alone. We have demonstrated in Germany, Japan and now Iraq that we do know how to build democracies. We need to find a way to deliver that expertise to countries against which we have not declared war.
In the meantime, we should respect Myanmar's wishes. We cannot ask them to allow in UN aid because the UN has a history of raping and pillaging disaster victims as we saw in Darfur and other places where the UN peacekeepers were allow to act without U.S. supervision.
We are going to have to allow a little death right now because our own security is imperiled. U.S. first. We can offer aid, but not enforce it. As long as the rest of the world hates us, and most of it does, and we not only tolerate it, but we reward countries for despising up, we should not go to extreme efforts to help others.
We must not appease people who threaten our well being, and any country that is not helping us in the war on terror is threatening us. We must hold firm.
Best regards.
John in Greece writes:
@ Gail in Texas -- I really do not know about the UN and what's happening there (I mean the UN).
Maybe you are right. Maybe you are wrong.
However, you say:
"As long as the rest of the world hates us (U.S.A.), and most of it does."
Gail, many many (hundreds of millions) people overseas (We) LOVE AMERICA and the U.S. values. Some of them, may act sceptical due to the anti-American propaganda they have to face, but in fact they love the States and Americans and all these "things" that U.S. provided and keep on providing to the rest of the world.
So, as long as we are read all over the U.S. too, please, if you also love U.S., don't say that people all over the world hate us, because plenty of us love you there.
In other words, (according to my opinion) don't spread panic. Plenty of people like you guys!
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Gail in Texas -- Gail, are you suggesting that the U.S. mearly sit by and watch as 1.5 million people affected, suffer catostrophic misery, death, because the regime has not allowed the help needed to avert a far greater disaster and death toll among the survivors that will be aflicted with disease?
Is that the "little death" you find acceptable because you think the U.S. cannot take care of its own, and take care of those around the world that need our help at the same time?
We do both, have been doing both, for a long time now. So the premis of your reasoning has no basis in fact, and you would have the U.S. appease the Burmese gov. for neglecting it's own people?
Scuse me, but I find that quite hypocritical thinking as you say the U.S. must "hold firm".
Let us then firmly respect the wishes of the people of Burma to live, eh?
As long as people find an excuse not to, we have a long way to go in respecting our own values as a nation.
Food for thought.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
I think the following deserves an appropriate notable response, so I'll offer mine and see if it makes any sense to folks at State and beyond.
Ed Luck, a special adviser to the UN Secretary General, has argued that linking the "responsibility to protect" to the situation in Burma is a misapplication of the doctrine.
The World Summit in 2005, he says, saw this responsibility being applied in four very specific cases - genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing.
I would ask if Mr. Luck has ever heard of the "good samaritan act" whereby it becomes the legal duty of a US citizen witness to another injured, to render assistance.
I would ask him what catagory above would he place intentional criminal neglect leading to the loss of many thousands of lives in?
Myself, I believe I'm witness to a crime against humanity already in progress.
I don't know about anyone else's metrics, but if this situation isn't currently qualifying, then I suggest there really isn't much hope for humanity after all.
America has its own Katrina, we were not shy about accepting the aid from others of good will from around the world.
We had our problems in coping with such a large scale disaster on multiple levels. But one thing that kept it from being on the scale of what we see today in Burma is the fact that the US government warned its citizens in advance.
To do otherwise is to have intentional criminal neglect for a population. Then to deny them aid could be viewed as an act of genocide. Being that there is a convergence of opinion what will happen to the Burmese population without outside help in massive ammounts delivered in a very short time, this is hardly the time to offer a misapplication of logic as Mr. Luck has with his assesment.
Joe in Tennessee writes:
When we give world attention to despots, it only re enforces their power. If we ignore them and move forward, the world shows they have no real consequence in the grand scheme of humanity.
They took in over 3.5 million in the first day and did nothing with it but fill their coffers.
What is the purpose of sending money to thieves?
Reports are that even the food is being stored and not getting to their peopleã.until they relabeled the bags and disperse it themselves.
Airdrop the food directly to the people -- It has taken this county 17 years to even develop a constitution -- if you dare to call it that.
We are idiots. The people who make the decisions don't have to worry about medical, jobs, eating lunch or how much petrol cost. We are in an economic war here in America and getting to the point of not even being able to help our own. Why should Russia and China try to help? They have been draining us for the last two decades while many were asleep at the wheel.
The people getting the assistance could care less what is printed on the bags "and they are changing that anyway".
Sometimes simplicity and common sense works much better than all the diplomatic horse manure we levy to prove our people are well educated.
AGAIN: When we give world attention to despots, it only re enforces their power. If we ignore them and move forward, the world shows they have no real consequence in the grand scheme of humanity.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Joe in Tennessee -- Joe, I think the world needs to give despots all the attention they richly deserve, but not the kind of attention they crave or expect.
The only politics being played is by the regime, one cannot wish it away or ignore their malfunction of standing in the way.
They do so at the risk of being moved out of the way by force, if aid cannot be delivered any other way.
China just suffered a pretty devestating earthquake which may interfere in their ability to offer assistance to Burma, and the U.S. has offered China whatever assistance it needs to cope.
You wrote:
"We are in an economic war here in America and getting to the point of not even being able to help our own."
I don't see it that way, even though I live paycheck to paycheck.
John in Greece writes:
"What is the purpose of sending money to thieves?"
I agree with Joe, no matter our "conflict" about humanitarian help.
Joe is right.
Unfortunately, I also see, that in my country too, money that humanitarian help gave due to the 2007 summer fires never delivered to the victims.
William in Massachusetts writes:
You have got to distinguish between "unwilling" and "incapable". If the government is unwilling, the Iraq example is entirely appropriate. If it is incapable, that is another matter entirely, and entirely different measures are required.
The choices of Myanmar's government put it into the "unwilling" category.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ William in Massachusetts -- William,
The regime has demonstatable been both "unwilling" and "incapable" of rendering the assistance required both to their own people, and unwilling to accept that foreign intervention is required to safeguard its population.
Whether that intervention involves more than humanitarian aid and assistance is fully dependant upon their cooperation, or lack of it.
Then there is the question of the resolve of the international community, which is being put to the test.
If diplomacy is to work in this case, I believe that the alternatives should be put to the regime in very stark and concrete terms.
They should have no illusions of grandure about their future should they fail to grant access for a UN "aid corridor" and fully comply with the needs of their people.
President Bush has questioned whether they are "isolated" or simply "callous", but assuming someone has handed them sat. photos (BBC has a few) of before and after, they are not ignorant of the broad devastation.
Delays in communication at first can be overlooked due to circumstance, but that is no longer the case.
Ryan in Virginia writes:
I have heard of a few other possibilities for considering the Myanmar situation.
One, are there geologically isolating factors involved which should be taken into consideration before making a judgement? Furthermore, what is the carrying capacity situation for the population in this region?
Two, what cultural factors have we not yet understood which may be driving inaction? Are cultural factors linked to carrying capacity issues?
After all that, I guess the question then can probably start to look at what the government's motivations really are in ignoring international aid.
You'll forgive me if I took a bit of a population ecologists angle on looking at this when that isn't the fad of the day. However, I am fairly certain though that there is more that we need to know in this situation before we start thinking up a plan of attack. I like having all my information first.
Best of luck.
Joe in Tennessee writes:
Motto on the entrance of the United Nations building (Persian) Iranian poet Saadi, wrote a poem eight century ago that later became a motto on the entrance of the United Nations building. Saadi, eloquently manifested: The sons of Adam are limbs of each other, Having been created of one essence. When the calamity of time affects one limb The other limbs cannot remain at rest. If thou hast no sympathy for the troubles of others Thou art unworthy to be called by the name of a human... To what extent would God go to feed people?
@ Eric in New Mexico:
- Politics are always involved. Even if only perceived, which may well be the case, it sets a precedence in the decision making.
- What if you didn't have a pay check?
- Your blind: If your over 50 and a professional who loses his job you chances are under 35% you will be able to replace that job.
- Your dollar is worth less then 5 cents to 1972.
- Repossessions on autos have just had a 50% increase.
- Social Security is dissipating since it was borrowed against for the war. This fund was NEVER supposed to be used for any other purpose.
- We don't control our National Debt.
- We are printing money we cannot back up. Russia alone cost us 3 billion in less then a day by purchasing in Euro dollars and not American.
- The simple dynamics of the effect of the Oil crisis alone is devastating to average workers, especially in rural communities who have to commute. Public transportation is limited in most of Americas States. Even Trailways/Greyhound stopped many routes years ago.
- The average American is paying for people who spend their money without their consent. It's easy to spend other peoples money.
- Unemployment figures are totally inaccurate with intent. You don't poll a broad band spectrum of 100,000 people and say that is the way it is.
- Medical ...we have working class people with no medical coverage ...veterans with no benefits and living on the street.
- State Governments are having to provide less services and cutting jobs.
Why go on? In 1999, someone a very well educated man I was with from El Salvador already noted: "The United States I becoming like a modest third world country: The Rich, the Professional class, the Governmental class and the poor, with less opportunity for all but the rich and Government workers."
You sound like a legislator who has their head in the sand and a $75 lunch limit who forgot his constituents may have less then that to live on all week.
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Ryan in Virginia -- Ryan, perhaps I'm not being articulate enough. I'm not suggesting anyone attack Burma. In fact the whole idea of "forced assistance" is bizarre to contemplate, even in extremis.
But the reality that the regime sees is not jiving with reality on the ground given some of Admiral Keeting's statements to that effect, and a certain "lack of concern" has existed from get go.
Imagine if you will, what America's reaction to Katrina would have been if no one in government had bothered to warn folks in advance. Impeachment would be the least of Mr. Bush's worries had that been the case, I think.
Thus it is a very stark future indeed for the regime if it fails its people now.
It would also be highly probable that were the regime to give a hypothetical order to resist by force any aid deliveries, that open revolt of its rank and file troops would result by trying to enforce it.
Why? Because they all, or almost all of them have family members who are depending on this aid to arrive in a timely manner so they can survive.
So the rank and file Burmese military would shoot those delivering it? I don't think so.
Accepting aid should not be something to be embarrassed about nor "lose face" over, the regime should be much more concerned about its "loss of face" as it fails the people.
That may be one of those cultural aspects you mentioned, and pride has been a factor known to kill millions throughout history.
Tim in Maryland writes:
I think the best context for this question is to imagine how the story will be told in the aftermath of this tragedy. Imagine telling the story to your grandchildren. Will you be telling a story in the best tradition of the response to the San Francisco earthquake and the Berlin airlift? Or will you be explaining to your grandchildren how the responsible nations of the world, with the right resources at the scene, stood by helplessly as 1.5 million people died? How will you answer when they ask you why? Will you explain that their "government officials" didn't want us to help and didn't care about their own people? How will you explain why the responsible governments of the world were willing to let these "government officials" make such a disastrous decision against the interests of their own people? How will you explain why the responsible governments of the world decided that these "government officials" constituted legal representatives for their people? This is not shaping up as the story I want to tell my grandchildren. Will we tell this story in our places of worship as we ask our children and grandchildren to follow the tenets of the golden rule and the good Samaritan?
The question posed is how far should we go to help? My answer is that we should announce (and mean it) that we will go as far as necessary to deliver aid to those in need. If those "government officials" choose to shoot at our helicopters and aid personnel we should withdraw (temporarily) to ensure we don't catch cyclone victims in a crossfire. But we should announce that we are landing military forces with orders to keep the aid flowing and to protect the aid personnel. And that's what we should do!
I will be happy to tell this story to my grandchildren and to let this story serve as the precedent for the U.N and coalitions of responsible governments in the future.


text:
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What is your view of worship? Is worship what happens in church on Sunday? Do you identify it with an emotional experience, spiritual thoughts, or maybe performing certain rituals?
The fact is, true worship is not defined by a place, a feeling, or a ritual. God set the standard for worship in His Word, and the standard is much higher and more rewarding than most of us ever imagine. So to really answer the question, What does it mean to truly worship God?, the only place to turn is the Bible.
In True Worship, John MacArthur answers that most important of all questions. You'll learn how to worship the true God in the right way, the difference between unacceptable and acceptable worship, and how to worship in spirit and truth. If you desire to enrich your worship of God, this is the right study for you.
January 3, 1982 John 4:20-24 2004
Free Download: High Low
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February 21, 1982 John 4:20-24 2010
February 28, 1982 John 4:20-24 2011
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text:
Bower Heavy-Duty Gray Camera Case - Accessory
by Bower | Item #: 609529 | Model #: 8095096 |
Price includes shipping
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Non-members pay 10% surchargeJoin now!
- Shipping
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Delivery estimates, taxes, and fees are based on ZIP Code. Club Pickup orders are based on your club's current price and item availability on the day of payment.
About this itemWith a heavy-duty reinforced frame, this crush-proof gray camera case offers ultimate protection from the elements.
The Bower super durable gray metal-like camera case is made of heavy-duty reinforced plastic material that provides extensive protection for your point-and-shoot and compact mirrorless digital cameras. It is stylish, lightweight, crush-proof and weather-resistant. Its strong dual zipper design and padded bubble interior makes this case an ideal outdoor accessory for your digital camera.
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EDIT: Please see the new topic Otti "NEW and SIMPLE" Begin Here! http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=16242&start=0
I will let this "OLD" topic on the forum due to the discussion.
Greetings TeaChatters. Who wants to try something a "new?" I customarily sample pretty many teas ... as many of TeaChatters do, such is the nature of our love of the leaf. I also share these teas frequently through various tasting/sampling programs, etc ... again as many of us do.
I decided to try something a little more (semi) official. Thus the name ... the Official TeaChat TeaTasting Initiative, OTTI ... or the longer version OTTTTI .
The goal of OTTI is pretty simple, to enable members to try teas they might not try otherwise and to expand all of our horizons. Share the experience with other TeaChatters. And then to hopefully discuss these teas via the forum.
It is my hope that this will be a sustainable tasting/sampling program.
Any member in good standing may participate, as long as the member joined the forum prior to the current "Round" announcement and makes some effort to participate on TeaChat.
I hope we will be expanding on this and enhancing it as we go. However Round 1 is going to happen, ready or not. In the next few days, look for a "Round 1" topic under this forum.


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Beautiful and Intricate Ponytail for Long, Light Golden Blonde Hair
Long wispy blonde hair is woven into an unusual, eye-catching plait and underscored by a black ribbon. The plait is deliberately loose and soft, and runs at an angle across the back of the head, from about the top of the right ear down to the lobe of the left one. Hair sections from the top run vertically down the back of the head as they go into the plait, adding to the texture and visual appeal of the style. A few strands are left loose in front, softening the face. A black ribbon is tied around the head and just below the plait, finishing in a bow just at the end point of the plait, where the rest of the hair hangs down in a tail.


text:
# File drb/acl.rb, line 42 def match(addr) case @pat[0] when :all true when :ip begin ipaddr = IPAddr.new(addr[3]) ipaddr = ipaddr.ipv4_mapped if @pat[1].ipv6? && ipaddr.ipv4? rescue ArgumentError return false end (@pat[1].include?(ipaddr)) ? true : false when :name (@pat[1] =~ addr[2]) ? true : false else false end end
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