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Monday, Jan. 23, 2017
An "Earie" episodePosted Wednesday, February 27, 2008, at 9:05 PM
My apologies to bloggers across Blogland. I have indeed been remiss in my duties as a bloggist…is that what I have been reduced to…a bloggist? Hmmmmmm, a blogographer might be a more impressive title. No matter, Miss Minnie is back, and in the nick of time, as I see there are messages from two of my favorite supporters, GT and Cake. Sorry, dearies….a social life calls.
It couldn't have been a more appropriate day for the makings of a blog. Let me begin.
Having awakened with a bit of a scratchy throat Monday, and having a fun weekend planned to begin Friday morning, and having had these symptoms some time ago and knowing that I was headed for nothing less than bronchial pneumonia, I made an appointment with, you guessed it, my favorite physician…yes, the one to whom, as explained a few blogs ago, I announced that the day was still young when he inquired as to whether or not I was "active."
And so today, I sat patiently, though he was over half an hour late in appearing at the door (I always wonder…is there another professional for whom folks would sit for "patient"ly after being kept waiting for that length of time? A carpenter?…nope, I'd hire another one. A plumber?….nah, I'd call someone in the Yellow Pages. Even a lawyer doesn't keep clients waiting for that long without offering an excuse. Of course, the doctor doesn't charge you $200 an hour while he sees you either…close, but no cigar. But I digress…
SO, finally the good doctor arrives and I tell him of my symptoms and that I wish for nothing more than an antibiotic. I even go into detail as to what my doctor of thirty years ago used to prescribe for me….like that prescription still even exists. I just wanted to make it clear that I wanted an antibiotic and nothing more or less. I know my body and right now, it's screaming, "ANTIBIOTICS, NOW!!"
So, the good doc, still sheepish, I suppose from the memory of my last visit, proceeds with the exam to determine if my self-diagnosis is correct. He takes a look in my throat with his light and has me voice the usual "Ahhhhhh." And then he proceeds to the ears. The left one first….He looks for longer than what I think is appropriate. What's going on here? Just give me an antibiotic and I'll be on my merry, overweight way, with slightly elevated blood pressure, due no doubt to having to wait for 35 minutes past my appointment time when I have very important things to do….like most blogographers.
"SO," he says, "when did you lose the back to your earring?"
I'm thinking, "Is that a question that is addressed to me…WHAT?" And that's what I said, "What?" And he repeats his question….and then he says, "You have an earring back down in your ear canal…When did you lose it?"
Well, if I knew the answer to that question, I guess I'd know that I lost one, which I obviously did not. SO, I responded most appropriately, "I don't know…maybe a few weeks ago." I recalled waking one morning…I believe it was still in 2008, and realizing at some point in preparing for the workday ahead, that I lacked an earring back. I looked on the sheets, as I recall, but it wasn't like I suspected that the thing was anywhere that it shouldn't be…it was just gone…maybe in the carpet or in the bedding somewhere. At the time, I recall that it really wasn't a concern. I got another one and secured the earring and never gave it another thought…..until today, when the good doctor found it not only in my ear, but imbedded in the ear drum, more appropriately referred to as the "tympanic membrane," I do believe.
And so, an endeavor ensued to remove the foreign material from the membrane. It reminded me of the old scavenger hunts…remember? "Find a chicken feather near and a pine needle." Only this time it was…Find an earring back in an ear canal.
The quest was on. He first attempted to remove it with a pair of tweezers…very long tweezers. No luck. It was at that point that he told me he feared it might be imbedded in the eardrum. A nurse was summoned, who was instructed to hold the light while he used both hands to try to remove the little culprit. I was told (very kindly, mind you), to sit very still while he tried to pry the little thing off the membrane, which by all indications had taken up residence there and had burrowed itself into the newfound home. Still, no luck. There was discussion of going to get a special tool that would be "just right" to retrieve the back thingy, but the office in which it was housed was already closed…the thought crossed my mind that if he hadn't been 35 minutes late in arriving, that office would still be open.
Another tool was attempted and a statement was made that it was really down in there… "Well, no wonder," I said, "I use a Q-tip every night, so I'm sure I've managed to jam it down there good and tight."
The third tool worked. While I focused on the "February" name on the calendar across the room, trying to see how many words I could make out of the letters…bury, ferry, rube (I've met a few of them)…the good doc managed to pry the little silver thing off my eardrum and presented it to me with a smile. I thanked him profusely for saving me the expense of having to purchase another one.
The ear did not bother me in the least until he removed what should have been making it hurt. Now it hurts. Maybe I should have left it in place…like a little interior decorating.
I thanked the good man and got my prescription (yes, for an antibiotic and some Musinex) and went on my merry way, but not without second thoughts. WHY didn't I ask him to take another look in my throat and tell him I'd recently lost a diamond pendant. Or better yet….suggest another pap smear…might have unearthed an emerald or a ruby. And there's no telling what a colonoscopy would have produced. Think I'll go back tomorrow. If I'm lyin'….I'm dyin'.
Showing most recent comments first
[Show in chronological order instead]
Ducky, it says that everytime I post a comment...and I believe it shows them being posted at 6 a.m. or p.m. Oh well...so long as it's right when it gets here!
-- Posted by mrsdolphin on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 4:12 PM
Ahhhhh. Now that the comment is posted the day and time are correct. Maybe its my computer who's having a meno moment.
-- Posted by Ducky on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 12:39 PM
Hmm. GL posted on Mar 24, but nothing since then. Has anyone seen dear Sean lately? Should I say the late, dearly departed, dear Sean? I notice Minnie has a new blog. Are the two issues related? Inquiring minds want to know.
Hey??? I just noticed when I previewed my comments that it said I posted this on December 31, 1969. Is the internal (infernal) clock having a meno moment?
-- Posted by Ducky on Tue, May 13, 2008, at 12:38 PM
Dear Cake, you are so, so right!
Perhaps you should whip up a delicate little concoction for that crafty Scotsman, Sean. I fear he has stolen our Minnie away from us, and we all feel the loss most excruciatingly...
(Shhhh...don't let Minnie hear our secret conversations!!! No need to unsettle her sensibilities...Mum's the word!)
-- Posted by goat lady on Mon, Mar 24, 2008, at 8:23 PM
A wonderful idea, GL, I must extend an invitation to all for refreshments. I have some lovely pastries already prepared. Perhaps we could lure Minnie out for a bite. She seems quite preoccupied lately though...something about her social life calling. What was his name? Sean? It does seem that something (or someone) is taking up a lot of our dear Minnie's time. Perhaps it is time for her loyal followers to stage an intervention - lest she forget us totally.
-- Posted by letseatcake633 on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 9:38 PM
Cake, cake! How did your Irish Soda Bread turn out? It sounds positively vile!! And, did you make any ciste milis?
We must all get together one day at Cake's house for cake and coffee - or tea and ciste milis. But you must promise not to use your "special recipe" on us, dear Cake!
Speaking of which, how is your dear husband...??
-- Posted by goat lady on Sun, Mar 23, 2008, at 7:13 AM
GL...ciste milis is Gaelic for sweet bread...at least that's what they always told me!
-- Posted by letseatcake633 on Wed, Mar 19, 2008, at 8:27 PM
Yes, mrsdolphin, you do have a good start on practical medical information. I can only imagine what you'll be like at 80!!
-- Posted by goat lady on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 10:32 PM
I understand "nice cuppa tea," but I don't know what "ciste milis" is!
-- Posted by goat lady on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 10:29 PM
GL, turns out I'm a glutton for information! The more I can round up and make sense of, the happier I am!
I've always loved reading books, magazines, watching the news, etc. And I try to stay up-to-date on medical product information so I better-know my choices when speaking with doctors about my, my husband's, or my children's treatment options. I've still got lots of info to go!
-- Posted by mrsdolphin on Tue, Mar 18, 2008, at 7:53 AM
It's been awhile! I had a wonderful Irish grandmother myself who never asked for just a cup of tea....'twas always "a nice cuppa tea." I recall that at 94, she couldn't figure out from watching TV commercials why anyone would name product using the word, "rotten." Seems she was seeing Kraft packaged "Potatoes AuGratin." With her Irish brogue, she thought they were selling something potatoes that were rotten. Guess it was that rolling "r" thing! Happy St. Patty's to all!
-- Posted by bringwine on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 10:31 PM
GL isn't everyone Irish today? And as my dear father used to say "pass the ciste milis please and pour me a spot o' tae".
-- Posted by letseatcake633 on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 7:48 PM
Blimey, Cake Lady, who knew you were Irish?!!!
-- Posted by goat lady on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 4:28 PM
Top of the mornin' to Minnie and all my fellow bloggers...I'll be up to my eyeballs in baking soda today whipping up my Irish Soda Bread.
-- Posted by letseatcake633 on Mon, Mar 17, 2008, at 8:24 AM
Oooh, I always HATED visits from my "aunt..."
Mrsdolphin, how can someone so young have so much information? You and Yellow Rose should start a "Practical Advice" column. Oh, wait, maybe that's what these blogs are!
-- Posted by goat lady on Sun, Mar 16, 2008, at 9:53 PM
The main drawback to getting the shot is the amount of weight you can gain. It makes you wanna eat like a cow. Oh, and if you stop getting it, your "aunt" can come and visit for weeks and weeks if you're not careful.
-- Posted by mrsdolphin on Sat, Mar 15, 2008, at 12:16 AM
Wow!! A bunch of my family members suffer from endometriosis: I had no idea there was help! My sister had to have a hysterectomy because of endometriosis.
Thanks for the good advice for my dr visit, bringwine! That oughta shut him up! Maybe he won't ask next year!!
-- Posted by goat lady on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 7:10 PM
Yes they have a shot now for BC, but, I don't use it for BC, I've got my tubes tied. I have had surgery for endometriosis and was recommended to get this shot because it stops you from having your "aunt" come to visit every month.
-- Posted by lilmamma on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 3:43 PM
Good one, bringwine! Now we have two snappy comments from which to choose.
-- Posted by Ducky on Fri, Mar 14, 2008, at 1:30 PM
I'm thinking when the big question comes, just tell the doc, "Not yet, but my name and number are on the wall down at the pool hall and I'm expecting my cell phone to vibrate any moment now, so ask me tomorrow."
Oughta teach 'em.
-- Posted by bringwine on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 10:27 PM
Well, well...I am certainly out of the loop. No doubt about that! I guess I should watch Maury more, but one episode makes me wanta shoot myself...so I guess that isn't a good avenue for my sex education... (as if I needed any...)
I had to reschedule my gyno app't, so I can still look forward to the BIG QUESTION: (Are you active???)
-- Posted by goat lady on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 6:48 PM
Yep,GL,but the problem is making sure you get it every three months. Like everything, except abstinence and 99% of correct condom use,it is for birth control,not STD prevention.
Some people like the shot better,a lot of older people prefer the new IUD,and of course they brought back "the sponge",made famous by Elaine on Seinfeld.
I think that's why teen pregnancy is down,there are a LOT of choices,but the ignorance is up,so that's why there are more STD's. You really have to wonder any more how "accidental" some pregnancies are,with all the choices and easy access. Boys are just as culpable,you would think with the thought of child support for 18 plus years loomimg over,they would also take advantage of the access to BC.
Have we learned nothing from Maury Povich's every Thursday show,"Which one of Y'all is my Baby Daddy?"
-- Posted by Yellow Rose of Essex on Thu, Mar 13, 2008, at 11:50 AM
I go to the DAEOC there in the Libery Center. My paps are done for $12, and I also get the birth control shot every 3 months, which is also $12.
-- Posted by lilmamma on Wed, Mar 12, 2008, at 4:19 PM
Well, Amanda, I haven't been back to my ob-gyn since my last 3 month check-up, so I'm not sure if they came back again or not. I know my "system" has been 10 kinds of messed up as of late...so I really do need to go.
Sorry GL for your sadness. I got somewhat the same notions whenever Heath Ledger killed himself, because my mom did the same last year. It's unreal what will bring up the pain all over again, no matter how long ago it happened.
-- Posted by mrsdolphin on Mon, Mar 10, 2008, at 1:35 PM
Oh my goodness. I forgot and left a pair of earrings in Saturday night. When I woke up Sunday morning the back of the left one was gone!!!!! I didn't find it in my bed, but so far it hasn't shown up in my ear canal. How soon afterwards did you feel it in your ear, Minnie?
Sorry about the pancreatic cancer coverage GL. It must be hard. I know you and your husband did everything you could and everything you thought best at the time. Some times it does absolutely no good to insist to the doctors. They've got their minds made up and they won't be swayed by mere mortals like us patients. You can't beat yourself up over the past. No one deserves to hurt like that more than once.
-- Posted by Ducky on Mon, Mar 10, 2008, at 12:39 PM
Wow, if you get your cervix taken out, do they have to do an entire hysterectomy, I assume?
This morning is a little depressing for me - CBS is doing a bunch of coverage on Pancreatic cancer, since they learned that Patrick Sweazy (spelling???) has it. That's the cancer that killed my husband. I keep thinking we should have been more insistant that the doctors check out the "new" back pain that he described. The results may have been the same, since that disease is incurable, but at least we could have tried harder...
-- Posted by goat lady on Fri, Mar 7, 2008, at 10:13 AM
I had to have my cervix frozen too. It really hurt, and you're right...was kind of like contractions. After that I kept having those abnormal cells coming back again and again and then had to have the bottom portion of my cervix cut off (cold-cone). The nasty rascals STILL came back and finally my OB-BYN said let's get it out of there. Way too aggressive...it was quite scary!
-- Posted by Amanda on Thu, Mar 6, 2008, at 2:55 PM
Thanks so much for the info Wine. I haven't been to the Health Center since I was 16 and needed a copy of my birth certificate!
I know a lot of people who have no insurance and they really need to get their exams done.
-- Posted by Yellow Rose of Essex on Tue, Mar 4, 2008, at 10:18 AM
GL, I had to have my cervix frozen to have abnormal (cancerous) cells removed from my cervix. It's become a very common procedure, but I can tell you that it's quite painful...kind of like contractions. Thanks you wine for the info...think I'll have to look into that whether I wanna change docs or not.
-- Posted by mrsdolphin on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 11:04 PM
Actually, they do perform Paps at the County Health Center. Call first(568-4593) to make sure the needed personnel are on hand. If there is a charge, it's minimal. They actually have many useful services for all ages and most are not income-based...it's our tax dollars at work, remember.
-- Posted by bringwine on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 10:30 PM
I can't imagine that they'd do pap smears at the Stoddard County Health Center.
-- Posted by goat lady on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 8:03 PM
Oh, my, why would the doctor have to freeze your cervix?
-- Posted by goat lady on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 8:02 PM
I see my doctor toward the end of March and I know we'll have the same fight we have every year. Good to have more verbal amunition at the ready. Yes, paying for it is getting harder and harder. Just paying for the gas to make the trip is getting harder. Ouch.
-- Posted by Ducky on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 12:21 PM
I know here in Dexter, many clinics (or at least the MSH clinic) and the ER at Missouri Southern Healthcare have went to sliding scales. I don't know if my ob-gyn has done so, and I would really prefer to go to him...since he's "seen" me before.
I'm sure most of the ladies understand what I mean about being "seen" by your ob-gyn. I get nervous if I ever have to substitute doctors, especially that kind. In 2003, I had to have my cervix frozen, and staying with the same ob-gyn after situations like that is almost critical.
We had to use our income taxes for new tires YR. I've never gotten a college education, so I'm below entry-level almost everywhere I work. The pay is definetely something to sneeze at.
-- Posted by mrsdolphin on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 11:28 AM
Do they do pap smears or testing like that at the Stoddard County Health Center? I know we got our immunizations there when we were younger,and my grandparents got their flu shots there. Is there anyplace in Stoddard County that does sliding fee scale for people underinsured or uninsured?
Many of my friends lose their parent's health insurance when they graduate from college,and have to choose between car and health insurance,so the car wins. Believe me,when you are making student loan payments,car (not even new) payments,auto insurance,rent,food & utilities on an entry level salary,if an employer doesn't offer benefits,you really can't buy it.
I had to scrape to put new tires on my car,it took forever to save less than $200! Boo hoo,it does suck being a grownup sometimes.
As for GL,hopefully the Q & A portion of your exam will be limited,but if you're questioned about your activities,remember the replies you can give. I think Minnie's "Nope,but the day is young" is a classic.
-- Posted by Yellow Rose of Essex on Mon, Mar 3, 2008, at 9:27 AM
Don't forget, GL, the question he will probably throw out there at you first...why has it been so long since you've graced us with your presence? I haven't been in 2 years, and I'm sure my ob-gyn will be very unhappy with me for it. But if he wants to foot the bill, I'll come everytime he wants me there! Good luck GL on the questions.
-- Posted by mrsdolphin on Sun, Mar 2, 2008, at 11:02 AM
It occurs to me that I have an app't with my gyno Wednesday (for the first time since 05, I think), so I shall use the knowledge gained in Minnie's informative blogs to guide me through the mental maze of physician questions he levels at me. The "Are you active?" inquiry shall hold no trauma for me. This time, I will be ready and will not try to strangle him with his stethoscope!
-- Posted by goat lady on Sun, Mar 2, 2008, at 6:38 AM
Girls, girls! What is it about Minnie's blogs that makes your imaginations run away with you?? A doctor curled up in a fetal position - frightening thought! I can only imagine that Mr. Doogie runs for cover when he sees Ms. Minnie coming up the sidewalk to his door!(Ah, there I go - off on a wild mental excursion at the thought!)
Minnie, dear Blogzinni Extraordinaire, you must take your earrings out of your ears before you go to bed at night, no matter how tired you are from the wild excursions of the day! As your fans, we cannot bear the thought of our favorite blogmeister in the hospital, undergoing an earringectomy!
Our lives would simply be too dull and mundane without you!
-- Posted by goat lady on Sat, Mar 1, 2008, at 4:06 AM
We all bow to the great Blogmeister! So, so good to see you back Minnie.
I like the idea of your leaving Dr. Doogie Houser in a fetal position, sobbing his little teenage heart out. Good image.
He's probably wondering what on earth you'll come up with next. Oh No! He may think the reverse Yellow Rose - he may be thinking that our beloved Minnie has a crush on HIM. Therefore, she does things like tell him the day is still young when he asks about sexual activity and putting earring backs into her ear canal just to get to see him.
-- Posted by Ducky on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 3:38 PM
Oh Minnie,what would he have done if you said,"I don't have pierced ears,but my special friend Sean does" or,"I haven't worn pierced earrings since I was a teenager,why do you ask?"
Someday Minnie, the good Dr.Doogie Howser will have a breakdown after you leave,sobbing in the fetal position.
I think he probably has a little crush on our Dear Minnie,and he makes her wait,so he can make himself pretty for her visit.
-- Posted by Yellow Rose of Essex on Fri, Feb 29, 2008, at 9:49 AM
YES!! MINNIE IS BACK!!! Now we can return to our lives as we know them, secure in the knowledge that all is right with the world! No more checking the blogs each day, only to find that same final comment, moldering sadly on Minnie's "The Things We Save" blog.
I once lost a diamond stud earring at the beauty shop, and it turned up a month later in the toilet! Turns out that the back came off, and the earring fell on the chenille tank cover, where it stayed a month, until my beautician was cleaning and obviously knocked it down into the (clean) water, where she saw it sparkling. True story!!
Tricky little things, aren't they?
Glad to have you back, dear Minnie! Now we need to pick on some of the other bloggers!
-- Posted by goat lady on Thu, Feb 28, 2008, at 7:01 PM
You're blogs are certainly entertaining. That's my first sincere smile all day. That made me laugh (sorry). You're such a "JEWEL" of a person! :)
-- Posted by Amanda on Thu, Feb 28, 2008, at 1:08 PM
Oh Minnie - I'm so relieved that you are back - and in your best blogomist form too. I was beginning to worry. Your blogisms always brighten my day!
-- Posted by letseatcake633 on Thu, Feb 28, 2008, at 8:12 AM
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Editor for this issue: Sarah Murray <sarahlinguistlist.org>
University or Organization: Volt Computer Services Department: Linguistics/Foreign Language Technical Rank of Job: Senior Technical Recruiter Specialty Areas: Computational Linguistics, Language-related Microsoft product testing Required Language(s):French (Code = FRN) Description: STE1 and STE2 CSG openings with Microsoft's Office International Management team through Volt. What is this team? This group is working on various projects in Romance Languages. The new CSGs will work with the new version of the French Grammar Checker that goes with every version of Office. Position starts mid to late August, in Redmond, Washington State. Length of assignment: One year. Position Description: Primary responsibility is the creation and maintenance of linguistic test data. This involves analyzing a set of sentences and generating the expected linguistic analysis based on the specification. Other responsibilities include evaluating linguistic coverage, reporting accuracy, generating linguistic bugs, and tracking regression of the products and technology. Skills Required: * Skills in detailed analysis of language, including knowledge of linguistic terms for parts of speech, morphological terms, syntactic and semantic structures. * General investigative and problem solving skills, and ability to track details. * General knowledge of personal computers, and the ability to install, upgrade and use MS applications and operating system(s) preferred. * Willingness and ability to work as part of a team to ensure consistency and quality of work required. * Native French language skills required. Canadian, Belgian and African French speakers are welcome. * Bachelor's degree in French Linguistics or related field, or equivalent work experience/training required. Soft skills: * Proactive and self starter. Interview: The new CSG candidates will be interviewed by the team in both English and French. They interview will focus on hands-on knowledge of Grammar skills, problem solving, general C/S knowledge. Schedule: 40 hrs per week, no overtime. Flexible schedule, but generally 9-4 will be the core hours. Address for Applications: Attn: Ms Andrea Schwartz 11261 Willows Road NE Redmond, WA 98052 United States of America Position is open until filled Contact Information: Ms Andrea Schwartz Email: v-andsmicrosoft.com Tel: 800 253 9605 Website: http://www.volt.com This announcement was accompanied by a donation to the LINGUIST List!Mail to author|Respond to list|Read more issues|LINGUIST home page|Top of issue


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Quebec police: 5 dead in oil train derailment
LAC-MEGANTIC, Quebec — As firefighters doused still burning oil tanker cars, more bodies were recovered Sunday in this devastated town in eastern Quebec, raising the death toll to five after a runaway train derailed, igniting explosions and fires that destroyed the downtown district. With dozens of people reported missing, authorities feared they could find more bodies once they reached the hardest-hit areas.
Quebec provincial police Lt. Michel Brunet said Sunday that about 40 people have been reported missing, but cautioned that the number could fluctuate up or down.
"We met many people who had reported family members missing. Right now I can tell you about 40," Brunet said.
Brunet confirmed two more deaths early Sunday afternoon after confirming two people were found dead overnight. One death was confirmed Saturday. The charred remains have been sent to Montreal for identification.
All but one of the 73 cars were filled with oil, which was being transported from North Dakota's Bakken oil region to a refinery in Saint John, New Brunswick.
The eruptions early Saturday morning sent residents of Lac-Megantic scrambling through the streets under the intense heat of towering fireballs and a red glow that illuminated the night sky.
Local Fire Chief Denis Lauzon likened the charred scene to "a war zone."
"This is really terrible. Our community is grieving and it is taking its toll on us," Mayor Colette Roy-Laroche said.
On Sunday afternoon, Prime Minister Stephen Harper toured the town where a large part of the downtown area has been leveled.
"This is an unbelievable disaster," Harper said. "This is a very big disaster in human terms as the extent of this becomes increasingly obvious."
Harper said the whole country is worried about the missing and is praying for the town.
"This is an enormous area, 30 buildings just completely destroyed, for all intents and purposes incinerated," Harper said. "There isn't a family that is not affected by this."
The search for victims in the charred debris was hampered because two tanker cars were still burning Sunday morning, sparking fears of more potentially fatal blasts.
Lauzon said firefighters are staying 500 feet (150 meters) from the burning tankers, which are being doused with water and foam to keep them from overheating.
The multiple blasts came over a span of several hours in the town of 6,000, which is about 155 miles (250 kilometers) east of Montreal and about 10 miles (16 kilometers) west of the Maine border. It is a picturesque lakeside town in Quebec's Eastern Townships.
The derailment caused at least five tanker cars to explode in the downtown district, a popular area packed with bars that often bustles on summer weekend nights. Police said the first explosion tore through the town shortly after 1 a.m. local time. The fire then spread to several homes.
Brunet said he couldn't say where the bodies were found exactly because the families have not been notified. Many feared for the lives of those who were at the Musi-Cafe bar where dozens of people were enjoying themselves in the wee hours of a glorious summer night.
Residents who gathered outside a community shelter Sunday hugged and wiped tears as they braced for bad news about missing loved ones.
Henri-Paul Audette headed there with hope of reuniting with his missing brother. Audette, 69, said his brother's apartment was next to the railroad tracks, very close to the spot where the train derailed.
"I haven't heard from him since the accident," he said. "I had thought ... that I would see him."
Another man who came to the shelter said it's difficult to explain the impact this incident has had on life in Lac-Megantic. About a third of the community was forced out of their homes. David Vachon said he has one friend whose sister is missing and another who is still searching for his mother.
The cause of the accident was believed to be a runaway train, the railroads operator said.
Edward Burkhardt, the president and CEO of Rail World Inc., the parent company of Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, said the train had been parked uphill of Lac-Megantic because the engineer had finished his run. The tanker cars somehow came loose and sped downhill nearly seven miles (11 kilometers) into the town before derailing.
"We've had a very good safety record for these 10 years," Burkhardt said of the decade-old railroad. "Well, I think we've blown it here."
Joe McGonigle, Montreal, Maine & Atlantic's vice president of marketing, said the company believes the brakes were the cause. He said the rail company has been in touch with Canada's Transportation Safety Board.
"Somehow those brakes were released and that's what is going to be investigated," McGonigle said in a telephone interview Sunday. "We're pretty comfortable saying it is the brakes. The train was parked, it was tied up. The brakes were secured. Somehow it got loose."
The company later released a statement that said air brakes used to hold the locomotive in place may have been released after the train was parked.
Lauzon, the fire chief, said that firefighters in a nearby community were called to a locomotive blaze on the same train a few hours before the derailment. Lauzon said he could not provide additional details about that fire since it was in another jurisdiction. Nantes Fire Chief Patrick Lambert couldn't be immediately reached, but McGonigle confirmed the fire department showed up after the first engineer tied up and went to a local hotel and after someone reported a fire.
"We know that one of our employees from our engineering department showed up at the same time to assist the fire department. Exactly what they did is being investigated so the engineer wasn't the last man to touch that train, we know that, but we're not sure what happened," McGonigle said.
McGonigle said there was no reason to suspect any criminal or terror-related activity.
Because of limited pipeline capacity in North Dakota's Bakken region and in Canada, oil producers are increasingly using railroads to transport much of the oil to refineries on the East, Gulf and West coasts, as well as inland. The Canadian Railway Association recently estimated that as many as 140,000 carloads of crude oil will be shipped on Canada's tracks this year. That's up from just 500 carloads in 2009.
Harper has called railroad transit "far more environmentally challenging" while trying to persuade the Obama administration to approve the controversial Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the Gulf Coast. He declined to comment on
The proliferation of oil trains has raised concerns of a major derailment like this. McGonigle said it is a safe way to transport oil.
"There's much more hazardous material that moves by rail than crude oil. We think it is safe. We think we have a safe operation. No matter what mode of transportation you are going to have incidents. That's been proven," McGonigle said. "This is an unfortunate incident."
Myrian Marotte, a spokeswoman for the Canadian Red Cross in Lac-Megantic, said there are about 2,000 evacuees and said 163 stayed at their operations center overnight.
Patrons gathered at a nearby bar were sent running for their lives after the thunderous crash and wall of fire blazed through the early morning sky early Saturday. Bernard Theberge, who was outside on the bar's patio at the time of the crash, feared for the safety of those inside the popular Musi-Cafe when the first explosion went off.
"People started running and the fire ignited almost instantaneously," he said.
"It was like a movie," said Theberge, who considered himself fortunate to escape with only second-degree burns on his right arm. "Explosions as if it were scripted — but this was live."
According to Montreal Maine & Atlantic's website, the company owns more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) of track serving Maine, Vermont, Quebec and New Brunswick.
Montreal, Maine and Atlantic carried nearly 3 million barrels of oil across Maine last year. Each tank car holds some 30,000 gallons (113,600 liters) of oil.
Maine state officials were notified regarding concerns about the smoke from the fire but staff meteorologists don't believe it will have a significant impact, Peter Blanchard of the state Department of Environmental Protection said Sunday.
The Maine environmental agency had previously begun developing protection plans for areas in the state through which the oil trains travel.
But Glen Brand, director of the environmentalist Sierra Club's Maine chapter, said the Quebec derailment is reason enough to call for an immediate moratorium on the rail transport of oil through the state.
"This tragic accident is part of the larger problem of moving oil through Maine and northern New England," Brand said. "It reinforces the importance of moving away from dirty fossil fuels that expose the people of northern New England, Maine and Quebec to a host of dangerous risks."
French President Francois Hollande's office issued a statement offering condolences to the victims in the predominantly French-speaking Canadian province.
Associated Press writer Rob Gillies and Charmaine Noronha contributed from Toronto.


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Parkway still has hurdles to clear
NASHUA — The right-of-way for the future Broad Street Parkway has not yet been cleared, as there are still four properties that have to be acquired before the two-mile urban roadway is constructed.
"There are still a number of right-of-ways we need to acquire," project manager John Vancor recently told the Nashua Board of Public Works. "We don't have all of the property yet for the (Nashua) River Bridge."
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation is managing the acquisitions needed along Broad Street to pave way for the three new bridges that will be built as part of the parkway.
"In each case, offers have been made by the DOT on the city's behalf for the property that is needed. Offers are under review by the owners," said Vancor, of Hayner Swanson Inc. of Nashua.
Because the Federal Highway Administration previously issued a Record of Decision, and the property needed for the roadway has already been identified through a public hearing process, Vancor said DOT has the ability to obtain the properties through eminent domain if an agreement is not reached.
Meanwhile, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau has requested that the FHA grant the city permission to advertise for the Nashua River Bridge contract — one of three bridge contracts for the project — before all of the rights-of-way have been acquired.
"In this case, Federal Highway has indicated they are uncomfortable with proceeding on that basis," said Vancor. Typically, all of the properties must be acquired before a construction contract can go out to bid, he said.
The FHA has expressed concerns about possible delay claims being filed by contractors if work is stalled because of land acquisition disputes, according to Vancor."They have not slammed the door on this," Vancor said of advertising prior to obtaining full right of way, explaining DOT and the FHA are exploring all of the options and looking at specific parcels.
Vancor did not identify the parcels or partial parcels that have yet to be acquired, but did note that they are all void of any buildings or homes. He said the right-of-way acquisition in the parkway south section is taking longer than hoped, partially because appraisals are taking a while to be completed, he said.
"In the worst case, the properties would be obtained by the end of October (via eminent domain)," said Vancor.The new Nashua River Bridge will be the largest of the three bridges to be constructed. Lozeau said last week she would like to have a second joint meeting between the Board of Public Works and the Board of Aldermen to discuss design elements of the Nashua River Bridge.Earlier this year, city officials were presented with different options for the facade of the three bridges. At the time, some aldermen agreed that the Nashua River Bridge should receive some type of visual enhancements such as decorative rails, lights or overlooks, while other city officials and members of the public said the beautifications are unnecessary.
Final designs have already been completed on the two smaller bridges — the Fairmount and Baldwin street bridges, according to Vancor.
The parkway north contract, or the Baldwin Street Bridge contract, has already been advertised. Vancor is estimating about a $13.9 million contract for that portion of the work, although a more accurate number will be available on Tuesday when the bids are opened.
The Broad Street Parkway is an $82 million road project, with a portion of that price tag being spent before it was approved by the city in 2008. The estimated cost to complete the roadway is about $68 million, with $37.5 million being paid by the city and the rest through federal funds. The project is on schedule to begin construction this year, with completion expected by the end of 2014.The Broad Street Parkway is currently the largest municipally-managed project in New Hampshire. Its goal is to provide another crossing over the Nashua River and potentially attract more businesses to the millyard firstname.lastname@example.com


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Freedom From Famine - The Norman Borlaug Story
A documentary film about Norman Borlaug, the Iowa farm boy who saved over a billion people from starvation. (1:06:47) Americans have little knowledge of one of their greatest sons. Why do schoolchildren in China, India, Mexico, and Pakistan know the name and work of Nobel Peace Prize winner [His speech] Norman Borlaug while so few of his countrymen have never heard of him? How did a dirt-poor farm boy from rural Iowa grow up to save a billion people worldwide from starvation and malnutrition and become the father of the Green Revolution? What were the inherited traits and environmental factors that shaped his astonishing journey and led to successes that surprised even him? What can we learn from his life and views that might help the human race survive the next critical century? [more inside]
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School equality isn't so equalPosted Monday, November 26, 2007, at 1:33 PM
A state statute says schools must waive fees for low-income students to participate in school-day fundraising celebrations, according to the Associated Press.
This was made clear after, according to AP, "a parent of a student at Mufreesboro's Central Middle School complained about paying a $25 fee for the Tiger Prowl fundraising celebration even though his son qualifies for a reduced-price meal. Students who didn't pay stayed inside instead of attending the outdoor games."
Am I reading this right? Students who sold products had to pay AGAIN to celebrate raising the funds?
Fund-raising "reward celebrations" could easily be seen as a form of social discrimination between the haves and have-nots.
Not every child's fortunate enough to have glib, popular parents who can go out and sell hundeds of dollars of items for their kids -- or fortunate enough to have a county full of relatives with open wallets.
Children will learn soon enough that not everyone's going to be equal. Don't ostracize them by leaving them out of activities. They aren't adults yet.
On a related note, "school uniforms" aren't going to make everyone equal, in spite of what Bedford County school officials may think.
I'm not sure if uniform dress codes are worth the effort locally. In spite of what's been said in meetngs, I'm still not sure exactly what results are wanted or the motives behind proposed changes.
It was voiced in the T-G newsroom that some students will still be dressed more neatly than others just based on age of, and care for, those clothes. Some kids will still be wearing worn, dirty or wrinkled clothes.
And, by the time they get to high school, children who work and/or have wealthy parents will be driving nicer cars than some of their classmates. Some of those parents will make sure of that.
It'll be interesting to see what happens in the next few months, but if school officials think class differences are going to be eliminated, it won't happen.
Showing comments in chronological order
[Show most recent comments first]
Eastside just did the same thing as far as making kids pay to participate. I don't know how they handled the free lunch kids. Other Bedford county schools continue to reward the kids who sell the most. They either have tons of relatives or their parents have many coworkers to sell to. Why do schools need all this money for frills? I thought the county paid for books.
-- Posted by clarabelle on Mon, Nov 26, 2007, at 4:49 PM
I would bet that the students who hit a certain level of sales did not have to pay again to attend. Instead it was the student who did not reach those goals who needed to have Dad pay the extra $25. If the law states that low income students fees are waived, then this school was out of compliance.
That said, the whole school fund raising thing is out of whack and in some cases, out of control. BUT, I do not think we need the "state" stepping in to tell us that. Instead, we the parents, community and even teachers need to say enough is enough.
The problem with that is "enough is NOT enough". It may sound like the school system is always asking for money and they are, but that is just to keep their heads above water.
Mix in with the teachers and you will find out that they are paying for many of their school supplies or doing without. They are buying Christmas gifts for the students they know will get nothing.
They are either buying coats or doing extra things to make sure their kids stay warm in the winter or have a few new pieces of clothing, etc. And this is from teachers that are not making piles of money in the first place.
Schools may not be able to make enough to add new classrooms, but that extra fund-raising is helping with school trip fees, books for the library, pay for team uniforms, band instruments, choir gowns or maybe spruce up the halls. BY NO MEANS are our schools in Bedford County overflowing with money.
The method of fund raising may need to change but the schools need to raise extra funds.
All this "progress" is choking us to death. Look at the statistics on how much it costs to educate one student, then look at the pitiful "impact fee that is not an impact fee" and you will see that this recovers a pittance of what it costs, let alone educate several students in one family.
Until we get a realistic approach to paying for the growth occurring in this county, our education bank accounts will be running on vapors.
Just my humble opinion.
-- Posted by stevemills on Mon, Nov 26, 2007, at 8:36 PM
Clarabelle - Most of the money our school raises during a fundraiser is used to purchase the "big ticket" items such as computers, mobile computer labs, projectors, and other tools to help our students compete in the technology driven world we now live in.
Steve - Your humble opinion is, in MY humble opinion, well thought out and very truthful. A good portion of my paycheck goes right back into my classroom!
David - I always seem to agree with the points you make in your blogs. It was nice to finally see someone at the newspaper voice their opinion about the proposed dress code. :)
-- Posted by amori_da_viaggiare on Mon, Nov 26, 2007, at 9:53 PM
Eastside just did the same thing as far as making kids pay to participate. I don't know how they handled the free lunch kids. Other Bedford county schools continue to reward the kids who sell the most. They either have tons of relatives or their parents have many coworkers to sell to. Why do schools need all this money for frills? I thought the county paid for books.
-- Posted by clarabelle on Mon, Nov 26, 2007, at 4:49 PM
Sorry Clarabelle, but I am not understanding what you mean by paying to participate.
My child has gone to Eastside for 4 years now and she only has to pay if they are going on a field trip where a ticket price is set or they have to pay for the gas and driver if a bus is needed.
The fall foot race is our only fundraiser for the year and kids are asked to colect pledges or donations. The levels are set so that each child can enjoy at least one celebration for just bringing in $1 and many times the staff and especially the teachers will use their own money to make sure that every child gets to participate in that party- lollipops and dancing in the gym as a whole school with no one left out.
Yes life is not fair and everyone can not be included in every happening. Also there will always be some who can outshine or outdo others. Dress codes won't change it but it does help a little bit. I have mixed feelings about the new "rules" but what is the great harm in having to look like everyone else when at school? You can still wear anything you want when not at school.
I know that most of the kids at Eastside will not be showing up in $100 jeans( I know mine won't) and may not be able to get all of the latest styles or shoes but they will get a good education and that is more important than what they wear.
-- Posted by EastSideMom on Mon, Nov 26, 2007, at 11:35 PM
As long as teachers and parents continue to pay, then the school system and taxpayers will not see the need to put the funds in. I am "old school" and I am a parent and I do not see the need for all the extras. I don't consider half the field trips to be educational and as far as sports go, I don't see them being rewarded for raising a certain amount of money.
The fund raisers are fine, but kids should not have to feel like they are being punished because they didn't sell enough.
Whatever anyone's opinion regarding the need for fundraisers, the kid with no one to sell to still gets left out.
As a parent, I "donate" so that my kids can make the cut. They don't have half the county as relatives and we do not have coworkers to make up the difference. Even if it doesn't make the kids feel bad, if does pain the working parent who can't give their kids what other kids get.
I am not going to keep going with all I have to say about it because I know that those parents who can provide the reward will not give in and stop the fundraising "reward" system and teachers will continue to buy extras when they don't have to.
Education and extras don't mean anything if you are constantly made to feel less.
--and I also mix with teachers and know their opinions.
-- Posted by clarabelle on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 6:06 AM
I often don't make more than one comment on a subject before I move on. Basically because I do not like getting into arguments, but this is a discussion and a very important one, so.....
While it should not be, school funding is a never ending struggle. I grew up in a small school system, but I never knew that schools did not have art, music, gymnastics, chorus, newspapers, etc. These all seem to be extras in many schools now and are funded more as a second-thought than as a necessity.
They may not seem to be hard, cold necessities, but there are many studies that show that these same programs are able to reach students that are otherwise lost. Even though I feel that we tip the scales toward team sports WAY TOO MUCH, I believe that sports programs also reach many students and teach them discipline, teamwork and give some a meaningful purpose to finish school.
I believe our objective in education is to turn out a well-rounded student and not just a geek or a jock. They will learn to specialize naturally based on their skills and interests. The more we expose them to, the more opportunity they have to find their niche in this world.
Now back to funding dilemma. While I did not seem to lack for school programs and supplies, I also chose not to live in that state because of the excessive laws and taxes. The taxes are what fed the school system. I would pay more taxes here for a stronger school system, but alas, I do not trust the politicians to assign the money wisely.
I believe the burden of funding for school growth should fall on those who are part of the growth. "Well Steve, that will slow the growth of our county." My response is, "Well yes, but your point is?"
I do not believe that progress is only measured in "GROWTH". I believe it is also measured by improvement and they both don't necessarily go hand in hand. If we had one of the best education systems in Middle Tennessee, folks would be knocking on our door to get in and happy to pay a $5,000+ impact fee.
Right now they are coming because we are cheap and have a more rural lifestyle, away from the expensive, congested, crime laden, confusion of "growth".
Yes I know folks, growth fuels good things too but a balance is needed to bring out the best. I do not think we are truly looking at all the costs to our community, and instead allow the money seekers to dictate our future. I was on the other side at one time so I understand many of the motivations.
There is much more to be said, but we will see where the conversation leads us. Candy, magazine, nicknack sales are out of hand, but what is the alternative?
-- Posted by stevemills on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 7:15 AM
I could have swore, but won't, that my school board member, Ron Adcock, stated that taxes would HAVE to go up another 25 cents if we didn't have those fundraisers.
He said they are a fact of life that have exsisted a long time and obviously didn't want to hear anymore complaints about it.
-- Posted by countrymom on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 5:01 PM
IF you heard correctly, that does not sound very responsive, but I don't know that a school board member can do much more than keep asking for funds.
Our lawmakers are the ones who need to listen and come up with solutions. If they do not want to tackle the tough job, or do not recognize the seriousness of it they should not run for office or step down.
Any comments from our lawmakers? Are they reading the blogs. Shouldn't they?
-- Posted by stevemills on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 5:15 PM
If anybody knew how to get anything with grants or free or reduced it would be Mr Adcock.
-- Posted by mmp84 on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 7:37 PM
The issue is not so much the fundraisers, but the reward system. I like the ones which do not provide individual rewards--like the sundaes on the principal's heads, etc.
The overall goal should be rewarded and provided to all students, not the same kids every time.
All of the schools are guilty of the individual prizes and if they are given by the company--change companies or tell them to keep their prizes and not present them as incentives.
I also think the schools get a minimal amount--that's why they have become tempted to let parents "pay" for the reward. Then they get all the money.
-- Posted by nellie on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 8:35 PM
The amount of profit to the schools varies but the principals and PTOs try to get the best deal. Sometimes they change to avoid selling the same thing as everyone else or to change things up for those of us lucky enough to have to buy it.
One aspect that used to tick me off was that if too many fund-raisers were held, the state then wants to tax all of the fund-raisers by that school. I don't know if that has changed, but that seemed absurd to me.
The reason they are raising money is because the state had not allocated enough money, but if you try to do it yourself, the state wants some of the income so they can waste it somewhere else.
Makes perfect political logic, I guess.
-- Posted by stevemills on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 8:48 PM
Here is an idea that I will post in an individual blog as well as here.
It may come as no surprise to many of you who read the blog that I am involved with eBay education. During the holidays coming up, I would be willing to teach a free Basic of Selling on eBay to two people from each school in Bedford County, if they want to set up an eBay account to sell donations from the community.
There are numerous ways they could also use this as an educational exercise, like teaching high school students how to manage a business, collect and categorize merchandise, write listings, work up the photography, fulfill orders, packaging, shipping, accounting, cost analysis, etc.
All the while, they are making money for their school, clubs or whatever they decide is right.
-- Posted by stevemills on Tue, Nov 27, 2007, at 9:12 PM
Is the dresscode all that Administrators and School Board members have to talk about at their meetings. It seems like they all decided to do the same thing.
-- Posted by clarabelle on Sat, Dec 1, 2007, at 10:16 AM
Fundraising for the extra things needed by students and teachers in the classrooms and our schools is a good thing. I always try to help outbut, I am not a rich person.I have 4 granddaughters,2 that have very serious medical conditions, expensive too.At Southside Elem.this year as in years past,if the children couldnt raise a certain amount of money (even though they tried)They had to sit inside the classroom and watch the other kids play on special toys rented for the occasin.What did this teach the kids? Maybe that trying dosnt count.
-- Posted by elaine-carebear on Fri, Dec 7, 2007, at 6:23 PM
I think we need to either start a petition at each school and have the parents sign enough is enough and reward the whole student body or no one--or send home a voting stub to let the parents decide what to reward.
-- Posted by stardust on Sat, Dec 8, 2007, at 7:51 AM
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@USA_Volleyball - @USAVBeach - USAV Facebook
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (July 12, 2012) – The U.S. men's beach volleyball teams of Jake Gibb/Sean Rosenthal and Phil Dalhausser/Todd Rogers are slated to go head-to-head in Friday's playoff match at the smart Grand Slam Berlin, part of the 2012 FIVB SWATCH World Tour.
Both teams will represent the U.S. at the 2012 Olympic Games.
On the women's side, Summer Ross (San Diego, Calif.) making her debut on the FIVB World Tour with veteran teammate Nicole Branagh (Orinda, Calif.), earned her first tour victory after one day of competition.
Dalhausser (Ormond Beach, Calif.) and Rogers (Santa Barbara, Calif.), seeded No. 2, closed pool play on Thursday with a win over Poland's 15th-seeded Grzegorz Fijalek and Mariusz Prude 24-22, 21-19 in 47 minutes.
The Olympic-bound duo advanced to the single-elimination bracket and tallied a win by forfeit over Norway's Tarjei Skarlund and Martin Spinnangr (No. 20).
Dalhausser and Rogers are slated to face U.S. teammates Gibb (Bountiful, Utah) and Rosenthal (Redondo Beach, Calif.) in the second round of single elimination on Friday.
The quarterfinal matches will also be played on Friday.
Gibb and Rosenthal, seeded No. 3 in Berlin, are coming off gold-medal appearances in Rome and Gstaad. Their win in Rome secured their spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.
The duo closed pool play with a win over the Czech Republic's No. 14-seeded Premysl Kubala and Petr Benes, who forfeited due to injury.
Gibb and Rosenthal's undefeated record in pool play earned them a bye in the first round of the single elimination.
Matt Fuerbringer (Costa Mesa, Calif.) and Nick Lucena (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), seeded No. 7, concluded pool play with a loss to Brazil's 10th-seeded Pedro Solberg Salgado and Marcio Henrique Barroso Araujo 21-17, 21-18 in 44 minutes.
Fuerbringer and Lucena fell in the first round of single elimination to Poland's No. 21-seeded Michal Kadziola and Jakub Szalankiewicz 24-22, 23-21 in 52 minutes. They finish Berlin ranked 17th.
Brad Keenan (Westminster, Calif.) and John Mayer (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), seeded No. 28, closed pool play with a loss to Poland's No. 21-seeded Michal Kadziola and Jakub Szalankiewicz 21-16, 18-21, 17-15 in 54 minutes.
Keenan and Mayer did not advance to the single-elimination bracket and ended their run at Berlin ranked 25th.
On the women's side, Jen Kessy (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) and April Ross (Costa Mesa, Calif.), seeded No. 4 at Berlin, kicked off pool play on Thursday with a win against the Italian team of Gioria Daniela and Giulia Momoli (No. 29), 21-13, 21-17 in 36 minutes.
Next, the Olympics-bound team defeated Brazil's 20th-seeded Vivian Danielle da Conceicao and Taiana Lima, 21-16, 21-19 in 39 minutes.
Kessy and Ross will conclude pool play on Friday against Germany's No. 13-seeded Karla Borger and Britta Buthe.
The first and second rounds of single elimination are also slated to commence on Friday.
Ross and Branagh, seeded No. 25 at Berlin, opened pool play with a loss to Germany's eighth-seeded Katrin Holtwick and Ilka Semmler, 21-15, 21-17 in 34 minutes.
In their second pool-play match, the U.S. duo defeated the Belgium team of Liesbeth Mouha and Katrien Gielen (No. 9), 21-17, 21-16 in 30 minutes, giving Ross her first FIVB World Tour victory.
Ross and Branagh will close pool play on Friday against Poland's Kinga Kolosinska and Monika Brzostek (No. 24).
Lauren Fendrick (Carlsbad, Calif.) and Brooke Hanson (Ventura, Calif.), seeded No. 17, opened pool play with a win over the Spanish team of Liliana Fernandez Steiner and Elsa Baquerizo McMillan (No. 16), 21-14, 16-21, 13-15 in 51 minutes.
In their second match, Fendrick and Hanson fell to China's No. 1-seeded Chen Xue and Xi Zhang, 21-14, 21-19 in 36 minutes.
Fendrick and Hanson will close pool play on Friday against Germany's Victoria Bieneck and Julia Grobner (No. 32).
Angie Akers (Fort Wayne, Ind.) and Brittany Hochevar (Fowler, Colo.), seeded No. 21, fell to Slovakia's 12th-seeded Natalia Dubovcova and Dominika Nestarcova, 2-131, 21-16 in 33 minutes in their first pool-play match.
Next, Akers and Hochevar fell to the Italian team of Greta Cicolari and Marta Menegatti (No. 5), 21-15, 16-21, 15-3 in 44 minutes.
Akers and Hochevar will conclude pool play on Friday against the Russian's 28th-seeded Evgenia Ukolova and Ekaterina Khomyakova.


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Q: What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
A: In the winter of 2008, my family and I went on a cruise to the Bahamas. We decided to do an excursion for some excitement. My cousin convinced me to go tandem parasailing with her, and we were flying in the air 250 feet above the water. It was definitely the craziest thing I've ever done, especially since I'm afraid of heights!
Q: Do you cook and/or bake anything? If so, what are your special dishes?
A: I'm not much of a cook, but I love to bake. Lately, I've become quite the truffle expert, but my specialty is monkey cake.
Q: If you were handed 10 million dollars, what would you splurge on?
A: I would take my family to Hungary to visit and relive my fathers childhood memories with him. The only other purchase I would make would be to build a house around my dream kitchen.
Q: If you could meet one celebrity, who would it be and why?
A: If I could meet anyone, it would be Andy Rooney. I can remember Sunday nights, waiting for the end of 60 minutes so I could watch his funny anecdotes.
Q: What is unique about you (something no other contestant can say about themselves)?
A: Everything I own or have received, I have earned or worked for. I have been working since I was 14 and have a work ethic that I think is hard to find in most people my age. From my first car that I purchased at a junkyard for $400, to my state pageant's entry fee, I have paid my own way the entire time.


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Orange Out: Be at Alamodome for Saturday's I-35 rivalry game against Texas State
SAN ANTONIO — UTSA is enjoying another exciting season, and with just one home game remaining, we need all Roadrunners fans to be in attendance at the Alamodome when I-35 rival Texas State comes to town this Saturday.
To help you get ready for the second annual "Orange Out" game, special T-shirts currently are available (while supplies last) for $10 at the UTSA Bookstore on the Main and Downtown campuses, as well Spirit of UTSA, which is located at the Bauerle Road parking garage.
Let's fill up the Alamodome one more time this season and show the Bobcats what it is like to get rowdy inside the Dome.


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March 14, 2011
A meeting of the Governance Committee was held via videoconference at the Authority's offices at 501 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York, 123 Main Street, White Plains, New York and 95 Perry Street, Buffalo, New York at approximately 3:00 p.m.
The following Members of the Governance Committee were present:
Trustee Eugene L. Nicandri, Chairperson
Trustee D. Patrick Curley
Trustee Jonathan Foster
Trustee Mark O'Luck
Also in attendance were:
Michael Townsend Chairman, New York Power Authority
Gil Quiniones Chief Operating Officer
Judith McCarthy Acting General Counsel
Joan Tursi Senior Vice President – Corporate Support Services
Joseph Gryzlo Vice President – Labor Relations and Chief Ethics and
Compliance Officer
Patricia Leto Vice President – Procurement
Lesly Pardo Vice President – Internal Audit
Karen Pasquale Vice President Enterprise Shared Services
Brian McElroy Treasurer
Karen Delince Corporate Secretary
Dennis Eccleston Chief Information Officer
Rod Mullin Director – Fuel Planning and Operations
Mark O'Connor Director – Real Estate
Shannon Sramek Senior Treasury Analyst
Lorna Johnson Assistant Corporate Secretary
Louise Nestler Assistant Ethics Officer
Sheila Baughman Senior Secretary, Corporate Secretary's Office
Chairman Nicandri welcomed Ms. Judith McCarthy, Acting General Counsel, and other staff members to meeting.
The minutes of the Committee's October 26, 2010 meeting were adopted.
Ms. Karen Pasquale presented an overview of the Authority's Procurement activities, with
Ms. Patricia Leto, Mr. Mark O'Connor, Mr. Rod Mullin, Ms. Shannon Sramek and Mr. Joseph Gryzlo reporting on procurement contracts and disposal of personal property; acquisition and disposal of real property; fossil fuel; corporate finance and ethics and compliance.
Ms. Pasquale said that four sets of Guidelines and Procedures were being presented to the Committee for approval: Guidelines for Procurement Contracts; Guidelines and Procedures for the Disposal of Personal Property; Guidelines and Procedures for the Disposal of Real Property and Guidelines and Procedures for the Acquisition of Real Property. The following highlights as it relates to each Guideline were presented:
2.1 Guidelines for Procurement Contracts
The Guidelines for Procurement Contracts describe the Authority's process for soliciting proposals and awarding contracts. As a result of recently enacted state laws, chapters 174 and 175 of the Laws of 2010, that made substantial amendments to the Public Authorities Law, with several changes governing procurements, Authority staff is proposing several changes to its guidelines for procurement contract as follows:.
Additional non-substantive and stylistic changes have also been made throughout the Guidelines.
In response to a question from Trustee O'Luck, Ms. Pasquale said that the proposal for the approval of contracts in the amount of $1million or more does not relate specifically to M/WBEs but to all sole source or single source contracts within that limit.
2.2 Guidelines and Procedures for the Disposal of Personal Property
The Guidelines for the Disposal of Personal Property include, but is not limited to, the use, award, monitoring and reporting of contracts for the disposal of personal property, materials, tools, equipment and vehicles owned by the Authority, with a value in excess of $5,000. The proposed changes are to make the Guidelines consistent with the law, clarify or improve the Authority's disposal process and to reflect particular or organizational changes in the Authority. In summary, the proposed changes to the Guidelines:
Additional non-substantive and editorial or stylistic changes were also made throughout the Guidelines.
In response to a question from Trustee O'Luck, Ms. Joan Tursi said that the Authority conducted a re-sale of the 2008 –2009 vehicles because of issues with the cars. She added that the Authority generally dispose of vehicles within a certain timeframe or mileage, 5 yrs or 75,000 miles; however, with the referenced vehicles there was a cost benefit in replacing them at that time.
In response to further question from Trustee O'Luck, Ms. Tursi said that commission rates are based on the type of equipment being purchased; transportation fees are also included in the commission. She added that all Authority vehicle sales are done by an auctioneer, JJ Kane of Rome, New York.
The guidelines and procedures for the disposal and guidelines and procedures for the acquisition of real property allows for Authority acquisitions and dispositions to ensure that these transactions are transparent to the public while preserving the Authority's ability to assist in economic development. The only substantive change in the 2011 guidelines from 2010 is a title change, which reflects operational changes made within the past year. The Vice President – Enterprise Shared Services is named as the Authority's Contracting Officer in the place of the Senior Vice President – Enterprise Shared Services.
The members of the Governance Committee agreed to forward the proposed changes to the Guidelines for Procurement Contracts; Guidelines and Procedures for the Disposal of Personal Property; Guidelines and Procedures for the Disposal of Real Property and Guidelines and Procedures for the Acquisition of Real Property to the Authority's Board of Trustees for review and approval.
3. Procurement and Real Estate Reports
3.1 Procurement Contract Activity
Ms. Leto highlighted the following procurement contract activities:
In response to a question from Trustee Mark O'Luck, Ms. Leto said that the Authority plans to raise its goals as it pertains to M/WBEs and will also be posting construction contracts of $100,000 or more in value and contracts to M/WBEs on its Web Site. Also, the Diversity division will monitor the Authority's activities to ensure that it is in compliance with the new laws.
3.2 Disposal of Personal Property
Ms. Leto provided the following report:
2010 Annual Report of Disposal of Personal Property
The Public Authorities Accountability Act ("PAAA") requires the preparation of a report listing all personal property over $5,000 in value disposed of during the year. This information will be included in the Annual Report of Personal Property Disposal to be submitted to the ABO by March 31, 2011 and posted on its Public Authorities Reporting Information System ("PARIS").
WPO and Facilities
The Authority received $1,374,386.66 for Personal Property Disposal transactions in 2010. This included the sale of scrap metals conducted at the St. Lawrence/FDR Project ($65,186.66) and the sale of certain plant equipment/ materials in connection with the decommissioning and dismantling of the Charles Poletti Power Project ($1,309,200).
Ms. Joan Tursi provided the following report:
Fleet Operations
The Authority participated in three Fleet-related auctions conducted by JJ Kane Auctioneers. This auction resulted in the sale of 160 units of property comprising light duty vehicles, heavy duty trucks and special equipment; 64 units were sold for more than $5,000. The Authority received $647,750 for the 64 units. The net amount received, after commission and transportation costs were deducted, was $613,935.75.
The Authority also participated in an online auction on December 22, 2009 conducted by Auctions International. This auction resulted in the sale of three additional units, one of which was sold for more than $5,000. The net proceeds of this auction were $6,991. Since payment was not received by the Authority until 2010, this transaction is included in the 2010 Report. In addition to the aforementioned auctions, Fleet Operations staff also solicited bids for the sale of three crew cabs which resulted in additional net proceeds of $44,985.
In summary, the Authority's Fleet Operations disposed of 68 units of property with a sale price of more than $5,000, the net proceeds of which were $699,749. The net value of Fleet-related auctions during 2010 was $665,911.75.
An additional $104,389.60 was received for the sale of 98 units with a value less than or equal to $5,000.
In 2010, the Authority received $2,040,298.41, after commission and transportation costs were deducted, for all personal property disposed of that had a value of more than $5,000.
3.3. Acquisition and Disposal of Real Property
Mr. Mark O'Connor reported on the acquisition and disposal of real property as well as leasing and permitting activities during the period January 1, to December 31, 2010.
The Authority acquired three easements during this period: 1) an easement for underwater cable to support the St. Lawrence transmission; 2) a water and sewer utility easement to support the Authority's construction at Niagara Project and 3) an easement for the construction of an electrical grounding grid to alleviate a safety concern near the Authority's Flynn Plant in Holtsville, Long Island.
In addition, in order to support the Niagara Project's ice boom operations, the Authority had one major acquisition, the First Buffalo Marina, to secure permanent mooring rights for winter storage of the its tugboat, ice breaker and barge.
Danger Trees
With regard to danger tree permits, the Real Estate division continues to support the Transmission division with the acquisition of danger tree permits which gives the Authority the right to remove trees and other tall growing vegetation which pose a threat to the safe operation of its transmission system. During the period, the Real Estate division obtained 82 danger tree permits at a cost of $43,000.
Land Use Permits
The Authority controls the use of its lands and rights-of-way by others by issuing land use permits. During 2010, the Real Estate division issued 13 permits for the use of Authority fee-owned property or for activities within its rights-of-way.
The Authority continues to perform leasing activities to support its operational needs. Its headquarters at123 Main Street, White Plains, generates approximately $3.2M of gross rental. During 2010, staff renewed a lease with a long-standing tenant, Hodagaya Chemical. The renewal was for 5 years at an annual rate of $70,000. In addition, staff renewed the office and hanger lease for the storage of the Authority's plane at Landmark Aviation, Westchester County Airport. This renewal was for three years at an annual rate of $82,000. Staff also modified and extended the lease term for the Authority's Albany Office for a 5-year term. Approximately 3,860 rentable square feet was added, bringing the total to 12,720 rentable square feet with an annual rental of $253,000; the expiration date was also extended one year to July 31 2015. Staff entered into an agreement with 501 7th Avenue Associates for a modification and surrender agreement because the Authority no longer subleases to the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. The effect of this agreement was to surrender approximately 40,000 square feet which the Authority had been subleasing to New York State Office of General Services. The effect of this early surrender was to save the Authority approximately $477,000 of direct rental payments. The Authority currently occupy approximately 7,185 rentable square feet on the 9th floor of 501 7th Avenue at an annual rental of $276K and a current termination date of August 31, 2011.
St. Lawrence Relicensing
As part of the Authority's license compliance efforts at its St. Lawrence/FDR Power Plant, 599 acres of Authority-owned lands was committed to municipalities or landowners who own lands adjoining the Authority's land. All the municipal parcels committed to in the relicensing of the Plant have been conveyed. Also, 360 of the 520 private parcels have been conveyed and 64 deeds have been finalized, closed and recorded in the St. Lawrence County Clerk's office. In addition, 57 deeds are awaiting final payment and closing. Funds collected, to date, for these transactions total more than $765,000. These funds will be returned to the local communities to fund local public projects.
In response to a question from Chairman Nicandri, Mr. O'Connor said that the Authority has not placed a time limit for the transfers. A 2-year time frame was anticipated for the transactions, however staff is having difficulty in getting some landowners to close; there are approximately 70 deeds awaiting final signature.
3.4 Supplier Diversity Program
Ms. Leto said in 2010, the Authority had awarded, $35.7 million ((11.7% of the Authority's reportable expenditures) to New York State Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). The Authority's goal for 2010 is 6% of "Reportable Expenditures." Also, seven different NYS certified MBE financial dealers transacted over $421 million or 27.6% in principal sales and purchases for the Authority.
The Empire State Development Corporation provided a template for submittal of agencies' 2011-2012 goal plans, due April 21, 2011. The template incorporates new requirements set forth in the recent M/WBE legislation and the new Article 15-A regulations adopted on December 22, 2010. A major component of the plan is to increase the M/WBE annual goal to help meet the Governor's goal for minority and women-owned firms to account for 20 percent of the state's business.
The Empire State Development Corporation also amended the M/WBE Guidelines which were used to update the Authority's M/WBE and EEO contract language respectively, as well as the Authority's procurement policies and procedures. The Guidelines also increased monitoring and reporting requirements to facilitate transparency in state procurement.
An inquiry was submitted to all agencies and authorities by the new Chief Diversity Office for New York State requesting specific information on the their Supplier Diversity Program and practices. This information was prepared and submitted on February 9, 2011.
3.5 Inventory Statistics
Ms. Leto reported that as of December 31, 2010, the total stock value of the Authority's inventory was $87,021,409. This figure includes $1.3 for B-G LEM spare materials purchases and transfers into inventory and $1.3 for blades, rings and control valves for the Flynn Plant.
The Construction of the new Niagara Warehouse continues. Construction completion of the new Niagara Warehouse and Office Facility is scheduled for July, 2011.
3.6 Fossil Fuel Activity
Mr. Mullin said that in 2010, the total fuel expenditures and related costs was $213 million. Of this total, $212.3 million was spent on natural gas and associated costs and $631,000 on oil storage and inspection. There were 27 natural gas and oil contracts in total, all of which were competitively bid.
The fuel prices for products that impact the Authority's cost of doing business are as follows:
Natural gas prices have been comparatively low due to weak demand, high storage levels and increased supply availability to the Northeast.
3.7. Corporate Finance Activity
Ms. Sramek reported that the "Corporate Finance Addendum" to the Annual Report of Procurement Contracts identifies certain non-procurement items paid throughout the year. Through December 31, 2010, the total is approximately $2.2 million. The firms listed in the addendum provide unique and specialized services in that performance of such services requires a broad depth of knowledge and experience and are therefore provided by a limited group of firms. These non-procurement items include trustee and paying agent services, commercial paper remarketing services, escrow agent services and fees paid for revolving credit agreements supporting the Authority's Variable Rate Debt Program. Of the $2.2 million spent to date, approximately $1.4 million is associated with the Authority's revolving credit agreements.
In response to a question from Chairman Eugene Nicandri, Ms. Sramek said that all of the contracts being reported on are existing contracts. She continued that, at the December 2010 Board meeting, the Authority's Trustees did authorize staff to enter into a Revolving Credit Agreement to replace the Authority's Revolving Credit Agreement that expired in January of this year. The new Revolving Credit Agreement went into effect on January 20, 2011 and will be included in the next report to the Committee.
Mr. Gryzlo provided an update of the Authority's Ethics and Compliance program. He said the ethics case load continues to increase. The Ethics and Compliance Office views this as a positive sign and attributes it to the Authority's Code of Conduct training program and certification to the NYPA Code of Conduct. The 2010 ethics training focused on conflicts of interest, outside employment, outside activities and gifts. In 2011, ethics training will focus on outside activities and employment. There are a number of employees engaged in various outside activities and employment; the Authority wants to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest with the Authority's mission, business interests or the individual employee's job duties. Employees who are interested in seeking outside employment will be asked to contact the Ethics & Compliance Office for an evaluation.
Financial Disclosure
With regards to the annual financial disclosure filing, due at the NYS Commission on Public Integrity ("Commission") no later than May 16, 2011, Mr. Gryzlo said that Ethics and Compliance Office staff will be communicating with employees required to file and all of the Trustees. The Commission will notify required filers and provide them with user IDs and passwords for electronic filing at their NYPA e-mail address. The Ethics and Compliance Office will work with the Secretary's Office to ensure proper notification goes out to the Trustees. Approximately one quarter of the Authority's staff are required to file.
In response to a question from Trustee Foster, Mr. Gryzlo said that Law Department has an Assistant Ethics Officer and a Compliance Specialist. The Power Supply Business Unit Group also has a Technical Compliance group that works in conjunction with the Internal Audit Department, Human Resources and other business units in the Authority on various aspects of the Authority's compliance activities.
Referrals from New York State Inspector General
Mr. Gryzlo said that during 2010, two referrals of allegations were received from the State Inspector General's Office, both of which were found to be without merit.
In response to a question from Trustee O'Luck, Mr. Gryzlo said that there were no firings as a result of allegations or cases reported.
In response to further questions from Trustee O'Luck, Chairman Nicandri said that the Authority does not currently have an Inspector General on staff. An internal review determined that the State Inspector General has statutory authority to investigate all issues that arise related to the Authority. In an effort to avoid any conflicts with that statutory authority, NYPA dissolved its internal Inspector General's Office.
Mr. Quiniones added that the statute does not require the Authority to have an Inspector General on staff, therefore it was determined that staff should refer cases to the New York State Inspector General's office. He then asked the Acting General Counsel to review the matter and report to the Committee the exact reasoning for the Authority's decision to eliminate the position.
Mr. Gryzlo added that the Authority conducted training sessions with staff from the Inspector General's office in 2009, and explained the Authority's obligation to work with their office on matters under their jurisdiction. He ended by saying that the Authority has a good working relationship with the Inspector General's Office
NERC Reliability Compliance
Mr. Gryzlo reported that NERC, which has standards and requirements designed to protect the power system and which utilities must adhere to, conducts continuing evaluations as to the appropriate level of resources and staffing for the Authority. The Authority is subject to more than 100 standards and requirements. In June and July 2011, the Authority is scheduled for an audit to be conducted by the regional entity of NERC that enforces its standards.
In response to a question from Chairman Nicandri, Mr. Gryzlo said that the Authority has an ongoing assessment of its staffing levels to be in compliance with NERC standards. Mr. Gil Quiniones added that the Authority increased staff last year in the technical compliance area and will continue to evaluate its needs in order to be in full compliance.
Anti-Retaliation in Policy
Mr. Gryzlo reported that the Authority revised its Anti-retaliation Policy in late 2010, to focus on whistle blowing events, and encourage staff to report concerns of alleged wrongdoing, misconduct, fraud, and policy and procedure violations, without fear of retaliation. Employees were encouraged to cooperate during investigations and inquiries. The Authority maintains a vendor operated anti-retaliation "hotline" which employees can use to report such incidents. Employees are protected if they participate in an investigation related to a whistle blowing event.
The next regular meeting of the Governance Committee will be held on a date to be determined. On motion made and seconded the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30 p.m.