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Office Snapshots: Eventbrite
A rather representative tour of the Eventbrite space. They missed the kitchen though.
Office Snapshots: Eventbrite
A rather representative tour of the Eventbrite space. They missed the kitchen though.
The Oona: Backed
I've been looking for a nice solution for mounting my iPhone to the car windscreen, and other stand related duties. Boom. Sold, or Kickstartered, or however you put it.via Ben Brooks
Something Completely Different
On Tuesday, I'll be moving on from a life of graphic & web design at Creative Commons into a full-time software engineering position with Eventbrite. One passion for another, sort of.
Code and design both have well defined processes, and usually require creative problem solving. Most of the time they're logical and structured, and often spiral out into hard to manage blobs.
For as long as I can remember I've had an eye for design, with strengths in layout, structure, grid arrangement, and balance. But with visual design, I don't have quite the same enjoyment of the process, the journey to the end result, as I do when I work through a software implementation problem. Solutions in code are gratifying, but not as much as when you discover and learn new things while working toward those solutions.
At the heart of it, both of these interests stem from my desire to understand how things work and fit together. I often work on projects that aid in learning frameworks, tools, and abstract concepts. For instance, I started Gedit to learn the GTK+ framework, and fill a gap in a very immature platform; Mercury was a way to improve my knowledge of Cocoa and the iOS frameworks (and scratch an itch); my portfolio web app, Portishead, got me up to speed on Rails 3.0 and new Javascript techniques.
This inquisitiveness has also led me to tinkering with photography, video production, 3D modeling, and a mechanical understanding of cars & motorcycles. But that's for another time.
For the past five years at CC, I've balanced coding (HTML, CSS, JS, PHP, etc) with more Creative Suite related design, coming up with print and online concepts, and often implementing them. I've done my best to design and build great user experiences, coming up with those concepts just isn't really where my passion lies.
By letting go of that aspect, I'll be able to focus on where I really excel, working with a larger team to bring visual ideas to life, creating great user experiences through code wrangling, and following my engineering passions to a greater degree.
At least, that's the plan.
It was never my goal 10 years ago, while starting at art school, to end up in a programming role. Design was my long-term interest and passion at the time, but my engineering skills were indeed a definite influence in my hiring at Creative Commons. It only recently became clear what I'd really prefer to be doing with my time, and I definitely don't feel like I wasted the past decade. The knowledge I've gained is invaluable and likely to influence everything I do in the future. If I didn't follow my passions and lofty goals now, I would certainly be doing a disservice to everyone who relied on me.
With almost 20 years of hacking and tinkering on code, I'm fairly certain this is an excellent idea. Maybe I'll finally have the chance to fill in the engineering knowledge I lack. After all these years of self-taught programming experience, there are holes.(Section title borrowed from Nathan Yergler, who I'll be joining at Eventbrite after our respective stints at CC)
There's room for another nail in Flash's coffin, right?
I'm sure this app will inspire a lot of the cutesy and unnecessary animated hijinks, the likes of which we haven't seen since the early 90s. At least my CPU will be happier this time around.
Weather Apps
Ben Brooks wrote about iPhone weather apps a couple weeks ago, including some nice words about the app I wrote.
In response to his implicit cons: I'd definitely like to add doppler maps, and figure out ways to present more information on the main screen, while keeping the UI concise and clean. More forecast data certainly wouldn't hurt.
A number of memcached solutions exist for Sinatra, but I couldn't get any of them to work quite right with the current — 1.2 — version. So put together a very simple implementation, loosly based on gioext/sinatra-memcache, using the memcached gem.
jQuery 1.6 Released
jQuery's new, faster release schedule brings a nice update today, with notable changes to attribute and property handling; relative CSS updating; deferred handling for animation completion; and obligatory speed improvements, with graphs to prove it!
Back to Front
Well, well, well, here we are again. Another year, another blog, another attempt to write in something approaching a consistent manner. This year, things are different. I've started, well and truly, from scratch.
It seems as though every year I try to write online (or, really, anywhere), and while the intentions are great, it never really works out. Like a poor carpenter, I could blame my tools, and while they're a part of the problem (see below), the main problem is me. Partially not having the confidence the words I write are written well, partially having trouble having anything to write about, and a whole heaping of laziness. This is probably true for a lot of people trying to write.
I can't say I've figured out those problems, but I'm willing to try again. Try, try again. I'll generally try to write about things I know about, or learning about. And link to nifty things. It's really about just getting down to it and making that clackity noise (to awfully paraphrase Merlin Mann).
For this attempt at consistent writing, I decided to build a blogging platform from the ground up, and with it including the bare essential features necessary to publish. I'm often picky about the tools I use, and there are lots of platforms for writing on the web today. The most popular being Tumblr or WordPress. But for me, Tumblr is unstable and ugly; Wordpress is a huge mess and ugly. I understand my needs when it comes to a tool like this. I wanted something lightweight and fast; something I could update from anywhere; and quite selfishly, something using technologies I've been learning lately. So I wrote my own, on top of Sinatra and MongoDB.
I'm not exactly advocating everyone should rush out, ditch well tested blogging tools, and write new solutions. I do recommend, however, the evaluation of tools — Maybe try something else if your current tools frustrate you.
Like many web developers, I've hacked together my own blogging tools many times, and I've used various pre-built systems. But after some time dabbling with Sinatra and MongoDB, I made the decision to actually build the software I needed with them.
At some point in the near future I'll make the Github repository public, after a little refactoring and adding all-important testing code (shame on me for not doing that already). I will almost certainly write some articles documenting parts of the project, problems that came up, and the things I've learned from developing it. As such, a few things first…
Sinatra — I knew I wanted to keep the code light and fast. While I'm most comfortable in Rails these days, I know full well how much overhead it has. I just didn't need all the bells and whistles, and the ones I did need (partials, content_for), were easily replaced.
MongoDB - I'm a big fan of it's performance, and query interface. A blogging system seemed like a nice use case for storing arbitrary data consisting mostly of text. I also exploited map/reduce to precache the archive listing.
On the ORM side of things I went with MongoMapper with its friendly, ActiveRecord-like API.
Memcached — The secret sauce for high-performance websites everywhere, or at least this one. An extremely simple Sinatra extension using a fast Ruby gem, allows this blog to be faster, and as light on the server as plain HTML files.
I also tried using various other caching methods including Sinatra::Cache and Rack::Cache, with varying degrees of success. But support and incompatibility with Sinatra's sessions forced me away. So much so, I almost gave up with this project entirely for a Jekyll implementation.
Jekyll is really nice and all, but flat files aren't my thing. I felt having to update files too constraining, without the ability to easily update things on the fly without lots of tinkering and hacking. I personally really like database backed systems and remote APIs.
Dropbox — I would be remiss if I didn't mention this essential tool. I've been using it for years with my personal documents, and as anyone who uses it with multiple computes knows, it's a great way to quickly and easily transfer files between systems. It's definitely easier than building a complex file attachment system.
I followed these handy instructions to have multiple instances of Dropbox on my Mac, without forcing me to publish the contents of my personal account and keeping things nicely siloed.
With that out of the way, the page is blank and fresh for all manner of words.
FotoTable at 10K ApartFotoTable at 10K Apart:
Remember when you would dump all your photos onto the table and sort through them? Maybe putting them in sorted piles… Well now you can do it again! This time in your web browser, using Flickr searches, without spilling water on those precious memories.
FotoTable, my entry for 10K Apart — The challenge to build a fully functional web app in less than 10K. Reminiscent of the 5K Awards, some 10 years ago.
Supporting Safari 5, Chrome 5, FireFox 3.6, and IE 9, FotoTable exploits some fun drag and drop effects; various CSS3 features; and even a hint of LocalStorage. As strange as it may sound, to some, making it work in IE9 didn't take much effort. A real testament to the developers at Microsoft, after the years of hassle with IE6.
And while the contest was limited 10K, I have a few more ideas left for this app, and intend to develop it further with more search features; multitouch for your iPhones and Androids; and perhaps even more. Maybe with a limit of 20K instead.
Vote FotoTable, and tell your friends, colleagues, and pets.
ProGuard Pro Tips
With my launch of Proton, I decided to incorporate the recently released License Verification Library (LVL), which is meant to improve security of Android apps by adding a licensing layer to help ensure you're running an app legally.
Google's own documentation for the LVL notes code obfuscation is strongly recommended. What they don't mention are the specific ProGuard settings (or any other Java obfuscator, for that matter) to use when LVL is in place. The default ProGuard configuration example will cause your app to force quit with an enumeration related exception.
The only documentation online that deals with the LVL/ProGuard combination is a lot of people complaining about their apps crashing after obfuscation. Not very helpful.
After much time spent tweaking settings, and searching for solutions, I found a combination that works without causing any force quits or license verification errors.
Add the following to your ProGuard configuration:
-keep class com.android.vending.licensing.ILicensingService -keepclassmembers enum * { public static **[] values(); public static ** valueOf(java.lang.String); }
The main problem lay with allowing ProGuard touch enumerations (as noted in documentation I can't easily link to). A secondary issue was a missing entry point to the LVL service.
The enumeration fix may also be of use if you're experiencing problems with ProGuard and not using the License Verification Library. Your mileage may vary. Document any further related problems or fixes in the comments.
With all of the above said, I'm still not sure LVL is quite mature enough to rely on yet. Unless I'm just doing it wrong.
New HTML Parser: The long-awaited libxml2 based HTML parser code is live. It needs further work but already handles most markup better than the original parser.
Keep up with the latest Advogato features by reading the Advogato status blog.
If you're a C programmer with some spare time, take a look at the mod_virgule project page and help us with one of the tasks on the ToDo list!


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Afghanistan and Pakistan are in crisis. More U.S. troops, more money, and attacks into Pakistan's lawless tribal areas will do little to counter the growing threats or avert chaos. U.S. strategy must seek a diplomatic grand bargain-forging compromise with insurgents while addressing an array of regional rivalries and insecurities.
You can listen to a podcast of this article here.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Well I decided to come back after a looong absence. Forgot all about this site until I came across some documentation of mine and saw an entry about the advogato website.
Maybe I might start writing some stuff here again. Who knows!...
Well I decided to come back after a looong absence. Forgot all about this site until I came across some documentation of mine and saw an entry about the advogato website.
Maybe I might start writing some stuff here again. Who knows!...
Well it really does seem someone is playing games here. Bouncing up and down between Journeyer level and back to nothing over the last few weeks seems a bit odd. I have read other peoples entries over the last couple of days and although they haven't written anything in months, some dating back to last year, their level never seem to be affected. Oh well...... :)
Tax time again *sigh*..... Need to go through all my reciepts today and try to work out how much I might get back. If its a large amount I better be careful or else I'll be forced to listen to "Buffy" and "Angel" from the lounge room again.
Not much else happening this weekend except eat, drink and relax a bit...
Tomorrow: Clean up a bit of the design and some of the code.
Friday: Start testing !
Yesterday I was given a deadline of 20th Aug 2001 to have this project completed. Boy it feels good being 3 weeks ahead of schedule :) However, over the next couple of weeks, Lito and I will get a few users to test the diary to ensure it functions correctly and that the design meets the users liking. I'm sure there will be few minor changes to make, but its great to be able to have that little bit of extra time on your hands. I can definately see a drink or two being washed down this weekend!
Ok.... As promised I have placed links below to screenshots of the diary application I have been working on with Lito Lontoc. They are only shots of the login screen but they will give you an idea of the CSS styles that I have implemented for the users. At the top right hand corner you will see the style buttons users can choose which will allow them to pick their favourite colour. Once chosen, every page (form) they then go to will default to that chosen colour. Sorry about the OS and browser that is shown, but heck, thats what I have to use whilst at work ;-)
I will eventually post more screenshots of the diary itself which will include a calendar, scheduling, court lists etc etc.... which will give you more of an idea of the work that has gone into converting the mainframe app to a web interface.
A delete function for double entries would be good :-)
Went a saw the movie swordfish last night. Rating: 5 (out of 10)
Just a quick update. My java-script to import images into different styles when you click a style button (see previous diary entry) is working. Things just keep getting better!
oo la la.... today I managed to get my diary that I'm developing from the mainframe into a web interface to change to 4 different styles/themes by a click of a button. Hmmm.... this is very cool indeed! What I wanted to achieve for the users that will be using the diary, is for them to be able to choose a particular style/theme that they prefer from any page and then store their choice into a cookie so that the next time they use the diary it will default to that particular style/theme. All the java-script and different styles sheets work perfectly. The only thing left to do is to import the correct graphics into each style/theme which shouldn't be to hard to do with a bit more java-script code. Hopefully by the end of next week, Lito and myself will have the prototype of the diary up and running and we will get some users to do some test on it. This is all very exciting and like I mentioned below, I will have some screenshots soon :)
In the meantime, if you like art, take a look at some of my work on my personal page and feel free to let me know if you like it or think its rather crappy... click here
You know.... some people are good, some are nice and some just always think of others and don't really care much about themselves or their own status. ncm is one of those people.
Today (yesterday to some of you) ncm gave me a bit of a boost in relation to my certification. It wasn't a big boost (apprentice level) but one I probably rightly deserve. Now the reason why I mention ncm, is the fact that I decided to take a look at his page and I noticed that he is certified at "Master" level. He has been the second at that level to visit my little section, and actually certify me. Thanks ncm! :)
The other thing I do admire about this chap is the fact that he himself considers that he should only be at "Journeyer" level and has actually asked people to withdraw their certifications on him so that he can drop to that level. Christ!! most people (99%) would want to retain that level of status! Another thing he also does, is to withdraw certifications on certain people and then certifies others he thinks deserves to be certified.
There should be more people like him, unselfish and fair.
Oh... and thanks to arozell to. I didn't forget you either ;)
New HTML Parser: The long-awaited libxml2 based HTML parser code is live. It needs further work but already handles most markup better than the original parser.
Keep up with the latest Advogato features by reading the Advogato status blog.
If you're a C programmer with some spare time, take a look at the mod_virgule project page and help us with one of the tasks on the ToDo list!


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Latest Headlines
Position Battles Remain Focus in Spring Practice for Ducks
Posted on 19 Apr 2012 by Rob Parness.
With a little over a week left until Oregon holds its spring game, the Ducks continue to practice out of sight from the media and some concerns about positions battles remain. One area that Oregon needs to address is the wide receiver position. Last season freshman De'Anthony Thomas was the team's leading receiver, but he will need to play more running back this season to replace LaMichael ...


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Janice Min: Britney Spears has the worst mom style
By Stacie Anthony
You may not know her by name, but if you love all things Hollywood, you definitely know the celebrity magazines that Janice Min has ruled over. This hard-working mom is the editorial director for The Hollywood Reporter and is the former editor-in-chief of Us Weekly. And when she's not working with her team to bring you the latest scoop from the celebuverse, she's on mom duty. Wonderwall recently caught up with Janice to chat about her new book "How to Look Hot in a Minivan." We talked about stylish celeb moms, the not-so-stylish ones, and more.
Wonderwall: Which celebrity do you think has the best mommy style?
Janice Min: "I love the way Heidi Klum dresses, and I love the way Reese Witherspoon dresses. I feel like they both just have that kind of casual cool mom look going on, but they always manage to look put together. I think that there are a lot of moms, who look at them and say 'I like jeans and T-shirts, but I don't quite dress like they do' and if you really dissect what they put together, it's all about the accessories and just sort of being able to throw that look together by just owning the right pieces in your closet."
WW: Which Hollywood mom has the worst mom style?
JM: "Oh boy. The worst I would say is Britney Spears. [She] hasn't really improved over the years. Pamela Anderson. You know the photos of her standing on the side of the soccer field -- that's a little rough. The book points out Miley Cyrus and her mom. One of the rules in "How to Look Hot in a Minivan" is 'You shouldn't be sharing clothes with your daughter.' I think those are probably the standouts… if you're showing under-cleavage either under your breasts or your rear you should probably go home and change."
RELATED: Celebs without makeup
WW: How would you describe your own mom style?
JM: "Oh gosh, I would say my own mom style has definitely evolved. I decided along the way I have to wear and buy clothes that I can put on really quickly and know they're going to work. At some point along the way, I stopped buying things that I had to think about and required me to buy more things to go with them in order for me to wear them. Honestly, I wear a ton of dresses; I find dresses to be the easiest things to get out the door. I accessorize them with necklaces, and statement jewelry is really easy to dress up something simple. That way you can also have a dress that can double as dressy or casual depending on how you accessorize it. I would say my weekends, or after work, is very J.Crew and Gap. I feel like there are certain places, like J.Crew where the clothes are casual, but they have enough style that you look presentable on off-hours and you also won't bankrupt yourself."
WW: What are your fashion or beauty must-haves as a mom?
JM: "Definitely indulge in a nice handbag, and nice shoes. If you have those you can make everything else look … put together. I love having a long scarf … you can sort of hide underneath it … whether you're flying on a plane, going on a trip, or going to your kid's soccer game, you can throw it on and immediately look a little more put-together if your outfit is just a T-shirt and jeans. I love having a basic -- in the book we call it a 'Little Red Dress' -- it's fantastic to have a ittle red dress that you can wear. These are things you can wear to let's say, a school auction dinner, you could wear it to work, or on date night with your husband ... And the last thing I think every mom needs to have is dark denim, dark skinny denim, I say in the book that you need to look for dark denim that has about 2 percent Lycra in it, and the great thing with that is it holds the shape, it kind of acts like all-over Spanx without making you look like a sausage. Definitely stay away from the jeggings, no grown woman needs to be in jeggings."
RELATED: Fashion don'ts
WW: Why a little red dress and not an LBD?
JM: "It's just more fun. ... It's also a great way to pop and look a little alive. I think every woman looks great in red. It goes with blondes, brunettes and redheads. You see [red] especially in awards season on the red carpet -- you see Jessica Chastain wearing red. And it's funny, when Jessica Chastain was in my office … the day after the SAG Awards and she had worn a red dress there, she said, 'You know it sounds so obvious, but you just can't go wrong in a red dress.' And I thought, 'You know that is absolutely true.'"
WW: What are your key makeup pieces?
JM: "Lorac concealer. I use it for under the eyes because [until] my children are 18, I think I'll have dark circles every day. A good foundation, just to dab on where you need it. I love my Shiseido eyelash curler, which every makeup artist says is a must-have. If you're not going to put on mascara, just do one thing: Curl your lashes. And then also, the second thing all of the makeup artists say is just sort of a neutral lip gloss that you can walk out the door, I call it the five-minute face, you can walk out the door with concealer, curled lashes and lip gloss and you immediately look much more put together."
RELATED: Stars who are aging in reverse
WW: What is one thing fashion-wise that you will not sacrifice now that you are a mom?
JM: "I love getting a blowout, and in Los Angeles it's great that we have Dry Bar where you can get a $35 blowout. I think it's a time saver and an indulgence. When I have to wrestle with my own hair sometimes it takes a long time, and a blowout will last for days so I have justified this in my mind as a time saver. … I let manicures and pedicures slide because I think they're very time-consuming and only I will know if my toes look gnarly, no one else will know."
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- Apr. 28, 2017 You'll never believe these stars are the same age!


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*Note: for this iTunes CD burning tutorial we're assuming that you already have iTunes installed and have added music to your library. If you need help importing your music, head on over to Apple's tutorial.
Create a new playlist. To do this, click File, and then New Playlist. When you do this, iTunes will create a new tab labeled "Untitled Playlist" in the sidebar under the Playlists category. Feel free to name it whatever you like.
Next, add songs to your newly-created playlist by dragging and dropping them into it. Highlight multiple songs by holding the Shift key and pressing the up or down arrow keys. Don't get overzealousthough – keep in mind that CD's generally hold about 80 minutes of music. To know how long your playlist is, just look down to the bottom of the iTunes window.
Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW, then ctrl+click on your playlist in the sidebar. A menu should appear and give you the option to "Burn Playlist to Disc". Click it, and iTunes will start burning your selected songs to the disc. This generally takes anywhere from two to five minutes depending on the number of songs on your playlist.
iTunes will notify you when the burn is finished and your CD is ready to use. Eject it and you're ready to go!


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Oh my: Scott Brown and Susan Collins to vote yes on repealing DADT
posted at 5:33 pm on December 3, 2010 by Allahpundit
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That makes 60 votes for cloture, assuming Reid can keep the entire Democratic caucus in line. I'm not aware of any defectors yet but Tester, McCaskill, Ben Nelson and a few other red-state Dems who are up in 2012 will be thinking awfully hard about this vote, needless to say.
Two big qualifiers, though. Collins, at least, is sticking by the GOP's plan to vote no on everything until a deal is reached on the Bush tax cuts. Brown's statement doesn't address the subject, but since he also signed the Republican pledge to make the tax cuts top priority, presumably he's on the same page. Until something happens on taxes, then, this is all meaningless. Which brings us to the second qualifier: Will there be any time left in the lame duck to address DADT even after a deal on taxes is reached? Durbin announced just within the past hour or so that he expects they'll bring the DREAM Act to the floor next week. (Gird your loins.) GOP opposition to the START treaty has been softening too, so no doubt Reid's going to try to take advantage by adding that to the calendar. Between tax cuts, DREAM, and START, will there be any time to take up DADT? If not, and given the fact that DREAM has much less of a chance of passing than the DADT repeal does, doesn't that mean that Democrats will have completely sold out their last, best chance at achieving a key goal of their gay base for nothing more than a token gesture to Latinos? Rush should talk that up next week. Operation Chaos II!
In the interest of equal time after last night's post, here's vid of Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James Amos politely disagreeing with Gates and Mullen about repealing DADT right now. Emphasis on "right now": He accepts repeal as a fait accompli, he just wants it on hold until the services aren't under the strain of combat. (See Levin's response to that.) The heads of the Army and Air Force agree with him, in fact; the only service branch head who favors immediate repeal of DADT is, er, the Navy's. Exit question: Isn't the real debate here whether DADT will be lifted by Congress or the courts, not whether it'll be lifted at all? The Pentagon sure seems to think so.
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I've answered JetBoy's question at least a dozen times, but will do so once more. The reason it won't work to have open homosexuals in the US military is that in the US, gay advocacy groups can and will use that as a foot in the door to sue over a laundry list of contrived social-grievance situations, most of which will be politicized misrepresentations of reality.
Try that in the militaries of virtually every other country and you'll get no traction and no hearing. Just as one example: of COURSE homosexuality is a different discipline problem from heterosexuality. Heterosexuals don't bunk and shower together. Military commanders should, of COURSE, be able to subject homosexual indiscipline to different, perfectly realistic rules. Circumstances demand it.
But it's 100% guaranteed that gay advocacy groups will be slapping lawsuits on the military for unequal application of the rules because of this common-sense reality. And as Judge Phillips just demonstrated a few weeks ago, lawsuits like this will get a hearing in federal court.
Military leaders, if allowed to do their jobs, could handle a good 98% of the problems that might arise. But they will have the courts — and therefore the top-level civilians in the Pentagon — breathing down their necks on every unit-discipline issue. They will also have the joy of dealing with a list of social-policy issues they are spared from having to spend time on now. All of this will detract from military readiness without conferring any net benefit on it.
I have also said repeatedly that most gays don't want to be star plaintiffs in idiotic lawsuits. But it only takes a few. The advocacy groups are already preparing the lawsuits. There is zero utility in saying we should somehow figure out a way to prevent the lawsuits, but we must, simply must, go ahead with repealing DADT. Figure out how to prevent the lawsuits first. Then repeal DADT.
Wow, they treat them that easy? Where I worked I was on "light duty" in my civilian manual labor job, but I was still doing food prep, dishwashing, driving, and record keeping for 8+ hours/day until the day I went into labor. Never missed a day of work except when I had the flu.
juliesa on December 3, 2010 at 6:58 PM
@J.E. Dyer well I'll give you that your fears are very loud, but not very realistic. If you had followed any of the DADT cases you wold have found that the bar simply for bringing the cases was incredibly high and each were rejected out of the door for several reasons, it was only after proving both standing and pressing civil rights abuse that the cases were allowed to proceed. So no civil rights cases will not flood the courts and officers will not be worried about treating gays differently. In fact the whole purpose of this change is that right now gays doing the same job with distinction are be treated differently at great cost of time, money and personal to the military as a whole. Gay military members (and I have known many) just want the witch hunts, the forced outings, and the constant suspicion to end. Gays learn very quickly that dating or hitting on straights is doomed (that's one of the reasons that gay bars exists, it's nice to go somewhere in which people can meet where you don't have to wonder the whole if they are gay)
The social problems that each commander deals with isn't lessened by keeping DADT in fact it exacerbates them by not allowing them to get the bottom of problems with members of their staff or unit. IF you can't ask someone what is going on, it's a lot harder to help them!
Gays are not predators by nature, they are no different than you, I played the silly pronoun game for years switching he for she, letting people believe what they wanted, but the problems and joys i faced were EXACTLY THE SAME! my coworkers are always laughing when i tell them my dating woes, because they've been there, they think it's hilarious that we all have to deal with the same problems despite who we love.
So I ask you as a fellow citizen, please help ease the burden on the brave men and women who volunteer to fight and die for us, and let them have the simple dignity of truth. Let them call their loved ones, let them put their spouses on their notification forms, let them not have to hide in the shadows wearing a mask so that others can pretend they don't exist. It's not right, it's not fair, it's not moral and it goes against the simple principals of liberty and truth they fight for.
Zekecorlain on December 3, 2010 at 8:17 PM
the only service branch head who favors immediate repeal of DADT is, er, the Navy's
Go figure. And just where do you think the expression 'pogey bait' came from?
GarandFan on December 3, 2010 at 7:26 PM
Umm, that would be the marines. Pogey sounded like the Chinese word for prostitute, and the marines would use the candy from their rations to "negotiate" with "merchants".
mauioriginal on December 3, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Israel has 5 million citizens with about 1 billion people trying to kill them. They have no choice but to allow women, gays and anyone else with a pulse and the ability to shoot a gun serve. They don't have the luxury of picking and choosing like we do.
angryed on December 3, 2010 at 8:24 PM
Zekecorlain on December 3, 2010 at 8:17 PM
Drama much? You clearly have no idea what is really happening in the services and are only spouting the gay agenda talking points. Gays being discharged other than honorably have failed as service members, and not solely as a result of their sexual orientation. Believing this is to believe the testimony of every defendant over every prosecutor.
BKeyser on December 3, 2010 at 8:29 PM
Jet Blue flight attendant come to mind?
Dingbat63 on December 3, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Zekecorlain on December 3, 2010 at 8:17 PM
You could substitute adulterer or thief or even murderer for your comment and all of it would fit. Which is the problem with it – it's based on talking point babble and myth.
Witch hunts? Really? Where? Under DADT homosexuals are not targeted. They can only be prosecuted for violating the law, as anyone else who violates the law is prosecuted.
Forced outings? Where? How is the military forcing anyone out – of the service or the closet? The military isn't looking for you! If you out yourself, then how is that the military's fault? And if you get booted for violating the law, how is that unfair?
Constant suspicion? Where? Are you stating homosexuals are being stalked and specifically targeted? Where? And if they were, then the person/people doing it would also be in violation of the law.
I spent 22 years on the Air Force. I was stationed at five different bases in four different MAJCOMS. I worked in three different career fields in over a dozen different specialties. I was a supervisor, a trainer, a teacher, an instructor, a superintendent, team chief, flight chief. I spent five years in the military prior to DADT and the rest of my time under it. I worked with thousands. I trained tens of thousands of basic trainees. In all of my experience, in all of my time, I only knew one person who was gay.
He was STEP promoted some years back. A few years later, he outed himself because a civilian business opportunity arose. He was not investigated nor were secretive packs of unknown assailants tracking his every move just waiting for the moment to out him and destroy his life. He outed himself. He took a rare STEP promotion, he took the trust of his chain of command and that of his subordinates and stepped all over it for no reason other than personal selfishness. He ended his military career the cowards way, frankly instead of ending his enlistment period honorably
But it didn't matter to anyone that he was a bit effeminate. I thought his penchant for hand cream was a bit weird, but so what? There was no witch hunt. No secret investigatory homo squads.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you can't keep your sexual proclivities to yourself; if your sexual identity is so much a part of who you are that you feel the service must openly accept and endorse it, then perhaps military service isn't for you anyway. We aren't looking for people who are that self-centered. You go in the service knowing up front what the standards are. Its no secret. So are homosexuals masochists? If you go in, up front, in fact VOLUNTEER as you yourself stated, knowing what to expect, how the hell can you later cry foul?
'In The Navy'. Pretty soon they'll all be known as seafood.
MaiDee on December 3, 2010 at 9:16 PM
The reason it won't work to have open homosexuals in the US military is that in the US, gay advocacy groups can and will use that as a foot in the door to sue over a laundry list of contrived social-grievance situations, most of which will be politicized misrepresentations of reality.
JE Dyer
yes. i agree.
ted c on December 3, 2010 at 10:02 PM
This is why moderate/RINOs/Rockefeller/Country Club Repubs must go. There is no legitimate reason to replace DADT. Gays can frequent gay bars while on liberty, just the same as heterosexuals can frequent the bordeloes. We all have/had to live with military rules that inconvenienced us personally. That goes with the job. If they don't like DADT then don't join.
JimP on December 3, 2010 at 10:05 PM
The Conservative Movement has to rid itself of the out and out Trojan Horses that claim to be on our side and then do everything nearly lock step with the most liberal-minded parts of our society.
hawkdriver on December 3, 2010 at 10:37 PM
Mmm. I'm not military, but things like this – DADT – should be the decision of the military. I don't know the ins and outs of military combat and what sort of camaraderie works in that situation.
Why's some schlub like Kay Hagan voting on this? What does she know about being in a foxhole?
Can't the military just take a vote? I'm not kidding.
Military Science 101
ebrown2 on December 3, 2010 at 11:29 PM
What needs to be done is to find a way to reduce or eliminate these ridiculous complaints, not to keep gays in the closet.
JetBoy on December 3, 2010 at 6:59 PM
JetBoy, you are such a card! You should really become a professional comedian. How you can say such naive horse-hooey as if you really believe it!
Umm, …wait…
You actually -do- claim to believe it?
Let me put it this way, DADT exists for PRECISELY the reason that you mention, namely to stop barracks lawyers and punk traitors like Bradley Manning from infesting the service.
ebrown2 on December 3, 2010 at 11:30 PM
Hey, isn't there a rule about voting on controversial issues in the "lame-duck" session of congress?
Does it bother anyone that senators and congressmen have a vote even though they have lost an election? These after election sessions should be canceled, or the new members sworn in immediately after the election.
JeffVader on December 4, 2010 at 2:34 AM
Oh, and I'll have to add, Glenn Beck was right about this Scott Brown fella! I remember when just about everyone here on HA were saying Brown was our next president! That he was God's gift to the Republican party! Beck had his reservations and all you folks were ready to crucify Glenn. This vote, FinReg, and FoodReg. Clearly he's not a conservative. He's a big government Republican.
JeffVader on December 4, 2010 at 2:47 AM
JeffVader on December 4, 2010 at 2:47 AM
I never expected him to be anything but vote 41 against ObamaCare.
ladyingray on December 4, 2010 at 10:13 AM
To support the gay agenda is to support Marxism. That simple. The gay movement is just like the NAACP, marxist controlled and financed.
Letting the fox in the henhouse again.
True_King on December 4, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Tester can't think hard.
Kissmygrits on December 4, 2010 at 11:58 AM
There really is compromise to be had on this subject.
Keep DADT for the first hitch. After that, allow homosexuals to "come out". It's really the first hitch, when you're dealing with 18-19 year old, living in close quarter, and learning military discipline where the problems are likely to crop up. After the first hitch, everybody knows the command structure, has made a choice to stay in it, and has grown up a little bit.
I don't think right that career personnel should have to hide who they are for decades in order to serve. But I also don't think it's right for ANYONE to be subjected to being ogled as a sexual object. So… certain levels of privacy should be maintained in situations where nudity can be expected. I think it's fair to bar openly homosexual career personnel from certain career paths where there's a conflict.
Setting down clear rules of conduct BEFORE conflict can happen would go a long way toward addressing J.E. Dyer's concerns about litigation. And a system in which the first hitch still operates under DADT can smooth tempers as well as weed out the kooks.
Murf76 on December 4, 2010 at 12:34 PM
Israel has 5 million citizens with about 1 billion people trying to kill them. They have no choice but to allow women, gays and anyone else with a pulse and the ability to shoot a gun serve. They don't have the luxury of picking and choosing like we do.
And yet, despite Israel's oh-so-desperate inclusion of these many apparent misfits, their armed forces are among the best in the world. Go figure.
I honestly have to wonder how many members of the military really worry about this. Particularly among those younger recruits who've been living life with openly gay classmates and friends for many years now. I suspect that most simply do not care about who the man or woman next to them prefers to sleep with.
GalosGann on December 4, 2010 at 12:57 PM
@catmman you know I was almost taking you serious untilk you came to the "I've only ever known one gay in all my career" line. The truth is that at least 3-5% OF THE MILITARY POPULATION IS GAY. So you didn't know just one, you knew dozens and they just didn't tell you, but the price for your ignorance is that each one of them had to lie to you for your entire career. Which of your good friends is it? which one do you trust implictly but has been feeding you lies for years? Why should they? they served so well that you never knew. But did you really need the lie?
Also don't give me the crap about no witch hunts and go read about them if you will, http://outserve.org/stories/ Witt alone proves your wrong and that is in the airforce, traditionally one of the most gay friendly forces.
But regardless of that, what gives you the right to deny them contact with their loved ones as basic as putting them on their contact list in case of death or injury? What gives you the right to deny them a goodbye or a greeting when they ship out or come home? Are your feelings so sensitive that you can't even see two guy hold hands or hug without having a mental breakdown?
So basically go cry me a river, at least @Murf76 has a decent idea of compromise. It's not in anyway a normal way to treat your fellow soldier whose volunteered to be on your flank and catch bullets for you but at least it gives a way out of the closet to those who try to make the military a career.
Zekecorlain on December 4, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Zekecorlain on December 4, 2010 at 3:30 PM
As with everything else, you don't get the point.
At least 3-5% of the
general population
is gay, not the military population. The military gay population would be smaller than that
I only knew one person to be gay. That ultimately was because he outed himself. Maybe I did know dozens, but I didn't know they were gay. Know why? Because they kept their private life to themselves. Know what else? I kept my private life to myself. Somehow I (and millions of others) managed to get through the day without destroying our pysche.
What difference does it make? I didn't have any close friends who were gay. If I did, man, they really do the undercover bit well. And lying to me would be the least of their problems since they had been lying to their spouses and or children for many years before I got to know them.
Anyway. A few people getting booted for homosexuality does not disprove there aren't any witch hunts for gays. Most gays (under DADT) get booted because they out themselves – not because of any sooper sekrit homo hunting squads whose sole mission is to destroy the lives of gays. A certain percentage of those also get tossed simply because they want out of the service, for whatever reason. They aren't gay, yet would be counted as such statistically.
As far as I know, gays can put anyone they wish on their notification of next of kin in case of death. They can also name anyone they wish as beneficiaries on the SGLI. They can also have anyone they wish send them off if they get deployed. I've seen men and woman hug members of the same sex before. Or is it their right to engage in unacceptable PDA which is even frowned upon for straight soldiers in uniform? Did you know that airman (I'm not sure about the other services) are forbidden to engage in PDA (public displays of affection) to anyone while they are in uniform and while in basic and technical training? Even I, as an E7 couldn't walk around base holding my wife's hand while I was in uniform.
You know, getting lectured to by one who has nothing but contempt for the military is rich. Maybe I'm just part of the group who is too stupid to know better than join the military just to climb the social ladder? You don't think the military is a real job anyway, right? So why would you want to subject homosexuals to such a life of social privation?
You lost any possible credibility you had in this debate when you resorted to attacks on the service and admitted your true feelings about it, which, I propose, is why you've got such a burr up your backside.
Deep down you know your not good enough for military service. You don't have what it takes. You could not control your own baser impulses, so you and others like you get back the best way you can – by trying to turn the argument to civil rights. It doesn't matter that every time your arguments are refuted, that every time someone like me with not inconsiderable amounts of actual experience over many decades in many different situations over all the service branches in and out of combat, none of that matters, when we tell you what actually happens or will happen. It doesn't matter to you. You don't even make a pretense of it mattering. All you want is what you want.
Its funny you mention another commenters suggestion of compromise. DADT was a compromise and you don't want it. Compromise isn't what you want. You want complete acceptance. You want complete acquiescence. When you don't get it, you stomp around like a spoiled child.
You can't fathom that something exists (the military) which doesn't cater to your blind egoism. That there is something greater, there should be something greater, of more import than your damnable sensibilities.
We should all bow before you and your ilk – those who have never stood a post, taken fire, returned fire, suffered real privation, spent decades sacrificing – all in the name of Service.
Well, fine. I'm not in anymore (not that it mattered to you anyway). Do what you will. Believe what you will. Have your fun. Wait, you won't because you didn't have the balls to join.
Zekecorlain on December 4, 2010 at 3:30 PM
I'm not trying to be insensitive by recommending that DADT stay in place through the first hitch. I understand your point, but at the same time… I remember the 18 year-old I once was too. Vividly. lol
When I was enlisted, it was before DADT, and of course there most definitely were gay personnel. But hot-headed and as poor in judgment as I was in those days, it wouldn't have done for one of them to eyeball me in the shower. There'd have been a fight for sure. But fortunately, I didn't know who was who until much later, and by then we'd all become friends and were in military reliance upon one another.
Fact is… the neofrontal cortex of the brain, where the judgment center resides, isn't fully mature until about age 25 anyway. Until then, even though they're toting guns… they're essentially kids. Allowing time for physiological maturity as well as military conditioning would be advantageous for preventing disciplinary problems and developing unit cohesion.
To be honest, I don't think ANYONE should be deprived of long-lasting, committed relationships. But I also don't think the military should be encouraging them in the first hitch, not to homosexuals and not to heterosexuals.
It's best to wait for true maturity no matter who you are. And Love can mess up a military career faster than anything I can think of. So, while I don't think its right to say young people can't get involved… I don't think the military should necessarily make a whole lot of accommodation for them in the beginning of their careers either.
Murf76 on December 4, 2010 at 5:42 PM
@murf76 I understand your points, though i find it vaguely amusing that people you don't trust to control their emotions are given weapons and control of multi-million dollar weapons that can kill millions but shouldn't be expected to control themselves while naked. It's pretty much a double standard. But I understand it, still given the fact that everyone lse was able to do it, to think that our service men are less than the british, israelies, aussies, etc etc I think does them a disservice and I think insults their abilities.
@catmman I'm still not buying it, if you could get discharged for holding your wife's hand while in uniform I'll eat my hat and yours. Also since you went from there were no witch hunts to it was just a few witch hunts I think we can safely assume that you blinded yourself to the realities of the force. I may not have served but that's the countries loss not mine. I had service members ask me to join but by than i realized I was gay and didn't want to put up with the hassle. Also I know over 10 gay members of the military in all branches not a single one puts their bf or spouse on their contact list. If you don't think that there is real intimidation than your sadly mistaken.
Also there are more gays in the military than in the normal population, where would you go if you were trying to prove your masculinity to your family and society?
Zekecorlain on December 4, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Zekecorlain on December 4, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Actually, what I meant to say was that a few people getting booted for homosexuality doesn't mean there were witch hunts. But if we're going to talk percentages: A few hundred people (400-500) get booted for homosexuality a year. Of that number, a certain % are using it as an excuse, meaning they aren't gay and just want out of the military. I'll be generous and say that maybe 5-10% of the above number, but lets discard that notion for the sake of argument. So less than 500 people are getting booted out for being gay annually. There are over 1 million people in the service (add another few 100K counting the guard and reserve components). Fewer than 500 people out of a million a year are getting booted for homosexuality. I can't even do the math in my head the % is so small. But you say, without hesitation, that witch hunts are occurring on a regular basis. I don't think 'witch hunt' means what you think it means.
You didn't serve and its the countries loss? My, you have a pretty high opinion of yourself, don't you? Yeah, the military is wringing its hands over not having you. Do you read this stuff after you type it? Humility – learn some.
You didn't want to put up with the hassle? But isn't letting people be true to themselves, isn't that worth the effort, worth the 'struggle'? Surely one as important as you could have worked from the inside to make sure the right thing was done? Alas, no. You're own statement show you to be the coward you are. You'll let other people do the heavy lifting as it were.
I also didn't say I could get discharged for holding my wife's hand, but it is against regulations. You seem to think there are only rules against gays being able to express themselves physically with their significant others and that's simply not true. Of course that's not your point. Once the truth about what the rules are for everyone, then your assertion of persecution falls flat on its face.
I thought that gays were advocating for the repeal of DADT so they could be who they are? If that's the case, then why are they joining the military to prove how masculine they are? You're saying gays can't be true about who they are to their own family, so we must force the military to acknowledge said behavior? Why? So they can use that as the justification for their lifestyle for their family's sake? If "being gay" is what gays are, then why the need for such subterfuge?
As far as demographics go, the military pretty much reflects the civilian population. Are you saying there are more gays in the military so they can prove they aren't gay? If that's the case, then what happened to the whole, "gays need to be true to themselves so we need to let them serve" argument? I thought that was the point of the whole repeal movement – so gays didn't have to 'prove' anything and could be who they are?
You know ten gay people in all branches and not one of them puts their, presumably gay, significant other on their contact list? Really? Why? Emergency data cards and SGLI beneficiary paperwork (to name a few, but two of the big ones) don't ask about the sexual orientation of the named person. But the truth doesn't further your argument, only the myth of persecution does.
As far as intimidation goes, I'm only seeing intimidation from one side in this debate and its coming from the pro-gay side. Or did Adm Mullen not tell people just a few days ago that if they don't like it (repeal) then they can quit? Was that what you meant?
…I think does them a disservice and I think insults their abilities.
Here we are again. Trying to take the high road? You have the audacity to write this after saying people only join the military so they can advance up the social ladder (meaning only poor people join the military) and that the military isn't a real job (which is one of the reasons you didn't join)?
You really are a non-sensical, talking out of both sides kinda person, aren't you?
…i find it vaguely amusing that people you don't trust to control their emotions are given weapons…
Zekecorlain on December 4, 2010 at 7:44 PM
lmao…. Weapons are ever so much easier to control than emotions are.
Murf76 on December 4, 2010 at 11:24 PM
The Marines are a part of the Navy.
Which reminds me of Royal Navy Traditions. Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash
lmao…. Weapons are ever so much easier to control than emotions are. And of course men with emotions can't control weapons. Or something.
I joined the Navy to become a qualified Nuclear Reactor Operator. I qualified.
if you could get discharged for holding your wife's hand while in uniform I'll eat my hat and yours.
Doing it while on parade is considered unusual. As in "not in a neat and orderly military fashion." Probably at quarters would qualify under most circumstances.


text:
By Sheena Barnett/NEMS Daily Journal
TUPELO – Kids interested in theater are in luck this summer.
Several theaters are hosting summer camps for kids, with the themes ranging from superheroes to rock 'n' roll.
One of those is Pied Piper, which is also undergoing a name change.
The children's theater group, which casts students in kindergarten through 12th grade in comedies, musicals and even some Shakespeare, is changing its name from Pied Piper Playhouse to Pied Piper Players.
"We've had people call and ask, 'Are you a nursery school?'" said director Debby Gibbs. "We offer children, and their parents, their first introduction to theater."
In the past year, Pied Piper offered such diverse shows as "The Granny Awards," a musical comedy for younger kids, and "The Taming of the Shrew," with a cast of middle and high school students.
This summer, Pied Piper Players will host a rock 'n' roll-themed summer camp for elementary-school students at Tupelo High School.
"The THS Thespians, and graduated Thespians, are our camp counselors," Gibbs said.
Campers will spend their days at various stations where they'll learn acting, singing, dancing and prop-making.
"They'll decorate a guitar and they'll each make a 45 record, so they'll learn a little history, too," she said.
The camp is $60, and that includes a camp T-shirt and photo.
Pied Piper will also announce its upcoming season during theater camp.
Brochures for the camp are available at His Hers Antiques and Collectibles, Roden's Music, the Link Centre and Classic Finishes.
Saltillo Performing Arts is offering a theater camp this summer, as well as Corinth Theatre-Arts, whose theme is superheroes.
Tupelo Community Theatre finishes the season with a "Back to School" themed-camp.
All of the camps will include a performance to show off what the campers learn.
Summer Theater Camps
Pied Piper Theater Camp: "Rock and Roll Forever"
• When: June 17-21
• Where: Tupelo High School
For students in grades K-6
• Cost: $60, with scholarships and student discounts available
• Info: (662) 678-3844, piedpipertheatretupelo@
Corinth Theatre-Arts Theatre Camp: "Welcome to the Daily
• When: June 10-14
• Where: Crossroads Playhouse, Corinth
For students ages 6-18
• Cost: $75/younger students, $150/older students, plus
• Info: (662) 287-2995,email@example.com
Extra: Registration ends May 31
Saltillo Performing Arts Summer Theatre Camp
• When: June 10-14
• Where: Saltillo Elementary School
For students in grades K-8
• Cost: $75, with scholarships
and sibling discounts available
• Info: facebook.com/SaltilloPerformingArts,
(662) 678-6455.
Tupelo Community Theatre's Theatre Camp: "Back to
• When: July 15-19
• Where: The Lyric, Tupelo
For students in grades 1-8
• Cost: $100/TCT members and
families with more than one
sibling attending, $125/nonmembers.
Scholarships available.
• Info: (662) 844-1935, tct.ms


text:
I really couldn't tell you what its like to hunt with other people. I have only hunted with me, my dad, and one day with my brother.
Gobblerman, Im not sure how to react about having our heads screwed on straight. I mean were not stupid but some of the things we do to bag that gobbler, I don't know[:D]


text:
When I was very young, my Grandpa Chuck used to talk about the Gunflint Trail. He had this promotional video he got from a sporting goods store; it was about 15 minutes and offered a quick glimpse of the Trail. Even though there wasn't much to it, he'd watch it at least once a week and tell me how much he'd love to go there.
I watched the video with him (a lot, actually) and always wondered where the Gunflint Trail was. I'm sure he told me but, like most directions, they don't mean much to you when you're a kid. To me, it was just kind of a mythical place. I didn't even bother to check a map.
It's funny that years later this "imaginary" place that my grandpa mentioned is now my, well, stomping ground. I mean, I lived on the Gunflint Trail–the very place Grandpa Chuck said was his favorite place in the world. When I talk to him on the phone, I can tell it just blows his mind that I'm living up here.
That's why it's tough, as Father's Day approaches, to think that he's never been able to visit me up here. Nor my dad. He's a busy guy and, let's be honest, it's a bit of a drive.
I always imagine what we'd do if we just had a day. I'd take him to all my favorite spots. Like the Devil's Kettle, where they still don't know where the water goes.
Or Palisade Head, where it's so high up, but you feel like you're soaring over Lake Superior.
It'd be a big change from the stuff my dad and I usually do on Father's Day: go see a movie, hit up a Chinese Buffet…you know, the usual.
But "usual" is a pretty relative term. And I started to wonder what "the usual" was up here for Father's Day, what with the lack of movie theaters and Chinese Buffets. What do dads do on the North Shore?
So I ran it by my main man, Shem. Saying Shem's a good bartender is like saying Mozart wrote good jingles. He's legendary.
He also happens to have a pack of strapping young lads at home. So surely he'd know what a does for fun 'round these parts.
And of course, since he's a bartender, I opened with what his Dad's Day drink of choice was going to be.
A Bloody to start, he said, and a champagne Mojito for happy hour.
Good answer.
The rest of his answers were good too. Surprising to me, although they probably shouldn't have been.
Shem said his Father's Day would probably spent by taking the kids and hiking the Temperance. And later find a nice, quiet patch of beachfront and build a fire.
He said he might paddle a canoe and, if he was lucky, catch a fish for dinner. Perfect day.
It was so simple. Peaceful. Such a juxtaposition compared to what my dad and I would do. Where the old man and I would at the very least rent a movie and order a pizza, Shem was looking to catch his dinner. And instead of a movie, his "big screen view" is a bonfire in front of the endless blue-and-white whorl of Lake Superior.
Then I remember how lucky Shem and I are to live where we do. I was thinking about it all wrong–I was wondering what Shem's alternate plans were, in lieu of the things my dad and I would normally do. But it's not an alternate choice–it's the best choice!
So I won't be able to get my dad up here this Father's Day, but I will get him up here. Soon. He's missed out on this for too long.
Happy Father's Day to all you dads out there! If you're in the neighborhood, stop by the restaurant. We're doing All-You-Can-Eat Ribs and a FREE tap beer for dads!
That might actually get my dad up here this year…
– Mikel


text:
Man hit with stun gun, arrested after threatening police
LA CROSSE, Wis. - A 27-year-old La Crosse man was struck with a stun gun and arrested after a fight with a taxi driver and an altercation with police on Tuesday.
Justin McCormick faces several charges including, attempted robbery; attempt to disarm a police officer; battery; disorderly conduct; resisting arrest; possession of drug paraphernalia; and a probation warrant.
Police were called to the intersection of St. Andrews and Avon Streets at 1:53 a.m. on Tuesday for a fight between a taxi driver and McCormick. According to the police report, McCormick was at a bar on Avon Street when the bartender gave him a safe ride ticket. The taxi driver told police McCormick was very intoxicated and passed out when he got in the taxi.
The report states the driver asked where McCormick needed to go. When he started driving, McCormick told him he was going the wrong way several times and eventually said he's "not going anywhere." The driver told McCormick that if he didn't leave the cab, he was going to call the cops. The report states McCormick then threatened the driver.
The driver told police he felt unsafe in the taxi with McCormick sitting right behind him, so he got out of the cab. The report states when McCormick got out, he told the driver, "I'll rob you" and later punched him in the nose and on the side of the neck. Police say the driver kicked McCormick to get him away, which caused McCormick to fall on the ice. The taxi driver then got in his car and drove a short distance and waited for police.
When police arrived, they found McCormick hitting the driver's side door window. Police say an officer pulled his stun gun out and pointed it at McCormick who then hit the stun gun away with his hand and swore at the officer. The report says the officer stepped back, but McCormick moved toward him. The officer struck McCormick with the stun gun in the abdomen.
While officers searched McCormick, he told police he did not have a job and he "just robs people." Police say McCormick threatened to hurt officers and fight with them while they searched him. Officers found drug paraphernalia.
McCormick faces charges for attempted robbery; attempt to disarm a police officer, battery; disorderly conduct; resisting arrest; possession of drug paraphernalia; and a probation warrant.
Latest News
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text:
I have a dog I want to get a jh title on next month He gets exited at the line, does this effect his scoring with akc. also any suggestions how to stop this.
Printable View
I have a dog I want to get a jh title on next month He gets exited at the line, does this effect his scoring with akc. also any suggestions how to stop this.
a "no here" and bring them back to the line then hold muzzle and a cupped hand under the snout with a "quiet". let the dog know he wont get a retrieve if he makes noise when leaving the line
I wouldn't try to stop it, by putting pressure on it, (attrition is pressure), you may make it worse. A little yelp of excitement as the dog launches is no big deal in AKC, as a judge I actually like seeing that kind of energy. Also that problem will go away by itself as the dog matures and running marks becomes routine.
Tighten up the dogs line manners, and challenge the dog. It will probably improve. I'd be much more concerned about noise while the birds were going down.
A yelp on release.
It is not a mark down for training.
So I pick my fights.
Not referrencing line manners at all.
Been down that road.
And, it has not gone away, some dogs just want more.
Sorry if my post was confusing.
BTW---mine sits, quivering, until released, then lets out a YELP and gets him some bird!
Didn't used to be that way....................
Here's what the rulebook says:
Section 10. In Junior, Senior and Master Hunting
Tests, a dog shall come tractably at heel and sit promptly
at the point designated by its handler and remain
quietly where placed until given further orders. Dogs
that bark or whine on line, in a blind or while retrieving
shall be scored low in Trainability. Loud and prolonged
barking or whining is sufficient cause to justify grading a
dog "0" in Trainability.
In reality, good judges don't make a big deal of the situation you described. There are other references to barking in that it is a "minor fault" unless prolonged.
HAS he been forced and developed a habit of yipping in response to pressure, or is he just excited?


text:
12mm Light Green Preciosa Crystal - Large Hole Bead
Item Description
- Item: A009112
- Price: $9.99
Sold individually.
8x12mm Preciosa Crystal large hole bead. Add a splash of color and lots of shine with our beautiful crystal beads. Fits on all of the popular brand name chains as well as our very own interchangeable bracelets, necklaces and bangles too. Solid core is silver plated over copper.


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By Ginna Parsons/NEMS Daily Journal
Just about every Friday, you can ease down one particular block of Highland Drive in Pontotoc and smell something good coming from one side of the street or the other.
That's because three out of four Fridays every month, sisters Elsie Blanke and Wilma Chittom prepare a veritable feast for their sisters, Clarice and Marlene, and their niece, Klair.
"Wilma and I work together to prepare the food," said Elsie, 92. "I like to do the hosting and she likes to make the food pretty."
One week, the meal will be at Wilma's and the next, it's at Elsie's. The next Friday, Klair and her mother, Kay, host the sisters at their home in Tupelo.
"They do this for Klair," Kay Griffin said. "They're so good to her. They call it Klair's Friday. She gets to choose the menu."
The sisters come from a family of seven girls and one boy. Elsie is the oldest girl and Wilma, 82, is the youngest.
"When I married, Daddy warned my husband to expect tomato sandwiches for breakfast because that's all I knew how to cook," Wilma said. "There were six girls older than I was, so I never got a chance to get in the kitchen much."
Both sisters said they really learned how to cook after they married. Both are widows now.
This past Friday, they prepared a grilled ribeye roast, green bean and corn casserole, roasted potatoes, English peas with carrots, macaroni and cheese, fresh fruit salad with dressing, homemade rolls and banana pudding for dessert.
"Good, good, it's good," Klair repeated often during the luncheon as she particularly enjoyed the potatoes, mac and cheese and rolls.
The sisters just beamed.
Are y'all twins?
Elsie and Wilma say they both cook something just about every day and are always willing to share with one another.
"I'll call and say, 'I've cooked so-and-so if you want to come over and get it,'" Elsie said. "We used to walk across the street to each other's homes, but now we drive. One January, I used a whole tank of gas going back and forth between our houses."
Wilma said one of the benefits of living across the street from her sister is her well-stocked pantry.
"It's like living across the street from the grocery store," she said laughing. "If I don't have it, she does."
The sisters were born and raised in Pontotoc, one street over from where they live today. Wilma is a retired schoolteacher who taught in Pontotoc County schools for 30 years. Elsie lived in Hattiesburg for 40 years where she was a payroll and benefits supervisor for Hercules. She moved home to Pontotoc in 1996.
"I can't tell you the number of times we've been out and about and people have asked us if we're twins," Wilma said.
"And I always say, 'Thank you,'" Elsie said, ribbing her younger sister.
The two enjoy cooking for family and friends and people in their church. They also prepare meals for shut-ins and others who can't help themselves.
Wilma said she gets the most satisfaction from cooking with four of her great-grandsons.
"They come to my house and make cookies and brownies and they've even done cakes. In the last two years, they've entered things at the fair and won blue and red ribbons. They are the joy in my life. That's the most important thing I do."
Mardi Gras Party Cake
Wilma Chittom
2⁄3 cup butterscotch chips
1⁄4 cup water
21⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
11⁄4 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup buttermilk
1⁄2 cup shortening
3 eggs
1⁄2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1⁄2 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk
1⁄3 cup water
1⁄3 cup butterscotch chips
1 egg, slightly beaten
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
Seafoam Frosting
1⁄3 cup sugar
1⁄3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1⁄3 cup water
1 tablespoon corn syrup
1 egg white
1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In small saucepan over low heat, melt butterscotch chips in water, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly.
Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In large bowl, combine flour, all remaining cake ingredients and cooled butterscotch mixture; beat at low speed until moistened. Beat 3 minutes at medium speed. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely.
For the filling, in a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch; stir in half-and-half, water, butterscotch chips and egg. Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in margarine, coconut and nuts; cool slightly.
For the frosting, combine sugars, water and corn syrup in a saucepan and cook to the softball stage (236 degrees). Meanwhile, beat egg white and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. While beating constantly, add the syrup to the egg whites in a slow, steady stream. Beat until thick enough to spread.
To assemble cake, place 1 cake layer, top side down, on serving plate. Spread with half of filling mixture. Top with second layer, top side up; spread remaining filling on top to within 1⁄2 inch of edge. Frost sides and top edge of cake with frosting. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving. Store in refrigerator.
Sister Recipes
Cheese Straws
Wilma Chittom
1 pound grated sharp or mild Cheddar cheese, room temp
1 stick butter or margarine, room temp
2 cups all-purpose flour (not sifted)
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
1⁄2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cream the cheese and butter together, beating well. Add flour, salt and cayenne and mix thoroughly. The dough will be stiff. Using a cookie press, press the straws out to desired length and place on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes or until bottoms are brown. Let cool completely before placing in an airtight container.
Petite Pecan Pies
Wilma Chittom
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 stick margarine, softened
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
3⁄4 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon melted margarine
Dash of salt
For the pastry, beat cream cheese and margarine until smooth. Add flour and mix until blended. Roll into 24 small balls and chill. Place balls in tiny ungreased muffin tins and press dough on the bottom, then up the sides of the tins.
For the filling, combine ingredients and put about 1 teaspoon of mixture into each tin cup. Bake 17 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Italian Spaghetti
Elsie Blanke
2 onions, chopped
2 rounded teaspoons minced garlic
11⁄2 pounds ground round
11⁄2 pounds ground sirloin
2 to 3 dashes thyme
2 to 3 dashes oregano
Salt and pepper
2 (24-ounce) jars Ragu roasted garlic sauce
Cooked angel hair pasta
Sauté onions and garlic in a large saucepan. Add meat and cook until meat is done. Add seasonings and spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 1 hour. Serve over angel hair pasta.
Chocolate Cherry Cake
Elsie Blanke
1 box German chocolate cake mix
3 eggs
1 (20-ounce) can cherry pie filling
1 cup sugar
5 tablespoons margarine
1⁄3 cup milk
1 (6-ounce) package milk chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine cake mix, eggs and cherry pie filling. Pour into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
Combine sugar, margarine and milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute, then add chocolate chips. Stir until well blended. Spread over warm cake.
Baked Beans
Elsie Blanke
1 large can Bush's original baked beans
1 onion, chopped
1⁄2 cup ketchup
1⁄3 cup brown sugar
3 slices bacon, cut in 1-inch pieces
Combine baked beans, onion, ketchup and brown sugar and pour mixture into a baking dish. Cover with pieces of bacon and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Green Bean Bundles
Elsie Blanke
1 stick butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Whole green beans
Bacon slices, halved
In a saucepan, combine butter, sugar, Worcestershire and vinegar. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Wrap 5 or 6 whole green beans with a half piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. Place in a baking dish and pour butter-sugar sauce over all. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.


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Australian DJs Mel Greig and Michael Christian Leave Twitter
Two Australian DJs had called the King Edward VII Hospital as part of a prank to be dispatched to Kate Middleton's private nurse. The two DJs impersonated Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth on the phone. Mel Greig and Michael Christian were the DJs that made the call.


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Structuring renewable agreements to survive change.
Donna M. Attanasio ( email@example.com) is a partner and Zori G. Ferkin ( firstname.lastname@example.com) is of counsel in the Washington, D.C., office of White & Case LLP.
Structuring renewable agreements to survive change.
The potential for a federal renewable energy standard (RES) and carbon regulation, considered with the effect of state-imposed renewable energy standards, is fueling a strong, but challenging, market for renewable energy. Utilities are competing to sign up the best new projects, the types of renewable technologies available are increasing, and there are various government stimulus programs for energy; yet, the financial markets still are hesitant.
Against this backdrop, how should contracts for power from new renewable resources be shaped so that those deals will look as good five, 10 and 15 years after execution as on the day the ink dries? Some market trends, creative answers and best practices are emerging in the marketplace.
Market Drivers
Legislative and regulatory changes are forcing utilities to "go green." The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 , passed in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26, 2009 (Waxman-Markey Bill), proposes a federal RES and roughly 30 states already have established their own standards—some mandatory, some advisory. The proposed federal RES would require each utility to obtain a portion of the energy that it delivers to consumers from renewable resources, starting at 6 percent in 2012 and increasing to 20 percent by 2021—with up to 25 percent of its obligation met by energy efficiency. A utility that fails to meet the requirement in any given year would be obligated to procure offsets or allowances from the market to cover the shortfall. Of course, final federal legislation might differ or include no federal standard at all. But even so, utilities must consider the possibility of adverse financial consequences under their state programs, where such programs exist. Further, the likelihood of federal carbon legislation being passed in the coming years provides another source of financial pressure.
Clean-tech investments in non-renewable resources, such as emerging carbon-sequestration technologies, may reduce the base amount against which renewable penetration is measured. For example, in the Waxman-Markey Bill, a utility's achievement of its annual renewable target is measured by the proportion of generation met by renewable resources and energy-efficiency measures as compared to a base amount of megawatts sold at retail. But the base amount excludes clean generation, such as from a hydroelectric plant that doesn't qualify as a renewable resource, new nuclear generation and the portion of fossil-fueled generation for which the associated greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions have been geologically sequestered. Thus, the mix of a utility's resources, including its use of clean technologies other than renewable energy, can affect the amount of renewable power needed. Further, the decision to invest in renewable and clean-tech projects is strongly influenced by the expected market cost of carbon allowances, which in turn will be influenced by the market penetration of renewable and clean-tech projects.
The pressure on utilities to acquire renewables influences the balance of negotiating leverage between a utility


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Effect of Abdominal Obesity on Heart Metabolism and Function
Recruitment status was: Recruiting
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Behavioral: Weight Loss Management Program
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Observational Model: Case Control
Time Perspective: Prospective
|Official Title:
|Altered Myocardial Fatty Acid Metabolism In Obesity
- Association between AO-related changes in myocardial fatty acid metabolism and abnormalities in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function [ Time Frame: Measured at Year 5 ]
- Effect of significant weight loss (10% of body weight) on myocardial fatty acid and glucose metabolism in relation to whole-body fatty acid and glucose kinetics [ Time Frame: Measured at Year 5 ]
- Effects of changes in myocardial substrate metabolism that occur with weight loss on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function [ Time Frame: Measured at Year 5 ]
- Alterations in the response of myocardial fatty acid and glucose metabolism to increased insulin availability and how the potential alterations relate to whole-body fatty acid and glucose kinetics [ Time Frame: Measured at Year 5 ]
- Impact of increased delivery of fatty acids on myocardial fatty acid and glucose metabolism in relation to whole body fatty acid and glucose kinetics [ Time Frame: Measured at Year 5 ]
- Association between the myocardial metabolic response and changes in left ventricular systolic and diastolic function [ Time Frame: Measured at Year 5 ]
Biospecimen Retention: Samples With DNA
|Estimated Enrollment:
|Study Start Date:
|June 2003
|Estimated Study Completion Date:
|December 2011
|Estimated Primary Completion Date:
|June 2011 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
|Assigned Interventions
Participants characterized as overweight
Behavioral: Weight Loss Management Program
Selected overweight participants will set a goal of 10% body weight loss over a 6-month period, followed by a 1- to 2-month weight loss stabilization period. After the stabilization period, participants will undergo repeat abdominal fat and insulin sensitivity studies and imaging tests.
Participants characterized as lean
Detailed Description:
Obesity is defined as having a high amount of excess body fat. Millions of people worldwide meet the criteria for obesity, making it one of the most pressing current health issues. The more body fat a person has, the more susceptible that person is to a number of life threatening diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, certain cancers, and high blood pressure. A variety of factors can lead to obesity. These factors include family history and genetics, physical inactivity, metabolism, hormone imbalance, and environment. Past research suggests that an increased availability of fats in the body leads to increased fat uptake by the heart. The heart only needs a certain amount of fat for energy, which leaves the remaining fat in the heart tissue, possibly impairing proper heart function. However, more information on the mechanisms behind the effects of fats on heart metabolism is needed. This study will evaluate the impact of AO on the human heart's use of fats for energy and on heart function.
This study will enroll both overweight and lean participants who will attend 4 to 7 study visits. Visit 1 will consist of various screening tests, including a medical history, physical exam, pregnancy test if applicable, routine blood test, and an echocardiogram (ECHO) performed before and during exercise.
Visit 2 will consist of an abdominal fat and insulin sensitivity study. This will entail a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test to image the heart and stomach, a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to measure total body fat and muscle content, and an insulin sensitivity test to measure how well the hormone insulin controls blood sugar. The latter test will require multiple blood draws over a 3-hour period.
Visits 3 and 4 will occur over a 2-week period. Both visits will consist of an overnight stay at the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) followed by a day of imaging studies. During Visit 3, participants will first undergo a 4-hour whole body metabolism study, which will include injection of a nonradioactive tracer through previously placed IVs, blood draws, and breathing into a machine for approximately 15 minutes. Participants will then undergo a positron emission tomographic (PET) heart metabolism study, which will also involve tracer injections and blood draws. A resting ECHO test will also be done during the PET study. Participants will be asked for permission to store a sample of their blood for a period of up to 10 years to be used in future research studies on the heart. During Visit 4, participants will undergo repeat tests from the third visit, except the PET study will evaluate the heart's ability to use sugars instead of fats. This will complete the study visits for all lean participants and some overweight participants and will entail 4 weeks of participation.
Overweight participants may be asked to attend an additional three study visits during an 8-month weight management program at Washington University School of Medicine. Participants will aim to lose 10% of their body weight over a 6-month period and to maintain that weight loss for another 1- to 2-month stabilization period. At the end of the stabilization period, participants will undergo repeat abdominal fat and insulin sensitivity studies during Visit 5, repeat whole body metabolism and heart metabolism studies during Visit 6, and repeat whole body metabolism and glucose heart metabolism studies during Visit 7.
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 45 Years (Adult)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
|Sampling Method:
|Non-Probability Sample
Inclusion Criteria:
- Class II abdominal obesity body mass index (BMI) between 35 kg/m2 and 39.9 kg/m2; waist circumference of greater than 90 cm in women and greater than 105 cm in men
- Diagnosis of type 2 diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of cardiovascular disease
- Regular exerciser
- Occupy a strenuously active job
- No evidence of inducible myocardial ischemia on resting/stress ECHO
- No risk factors of coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, or left ventricular dysfunction
- Left ventricular hypertrophy (based on measure in left ventricular mass index)
- No evidence of coronary artery disease based on clinical parameters or on rest/stress ECHO
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00572624
|Contact: Debi Delano, MSN
|Contact: Kitty Krupp, RN
|United States, Missouri
|Washington University Medical School
|St. Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110
|Principal Investigator: Robert Gropler, MD
|Sub-Investigator: Linda Peterson, MD
|Sub-Investigator: Samuel Klein, MD
|Sub-Investigator: Pilar Herrero, MS
|Sub-Investigator: Victor Davila, MD
|Principal Investigator:
|Robert Gropler, MD
|Washington University Medical School
Publications automatically indexed to this study by ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier (NCT Number):
|Responsible Party:
|Robert Gropler, MD, Washington University Medical School
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00572624 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
P01HL013851-43 ( US NIH Grant/Contract Award Number )
22 3272 52136
|Study First Received:
|December 12, 2007
|Last Updated:
|May 11, 2011
Keywords provided by Washington University School of Medicine:
Abdominal Obesity
Heart Metabolism
Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Fatty Acid
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Obesity, Abdominal
Glucose Metabolism Disorders
Metabolic Diseases
Endocrine System Diseases
Nutrition Disorders
Body Weight
Signs and Symptoms
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on April 28, 2017


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Senger Family Photos
Barbara (Schumacher) and Michael Senger are pictured in their younger days.
The Senger sod house was in excellent shape and still in use when this picture was taken many years ago. The house was occupied until the late 1940s. As recently as the 1970s, it was in livable condition.
Irvin Senger surveys his ancestors' sod home. Built in 1886, this sod house was featured on a recent Prairie Public Television documentary, "Children of the Prairie, Children of the Steppe."
Sod bricks are exposed in this view of the Senger home.
The siding has come off the back side of the Senger House, and it shows the holes where wooden pegs were driven. Wood strips were nailed to the ends of the pegs, and wood siding was attached to the strips.
As was common with German-Russian sod homes on the prairie, the Senger barn was attached to one end of the house. Above, the barn is in ruins.
Pictured above are Anton and Marian (Eisenzimmer) Senger.
F.C. "Clem" Rohrich checks out a window in the sod house. The photo shows the thickness of the sod wall.
Permission to use any images from the GRHC website may be requested by contacting
Michael M. Miller
North Dakota State University Libraries
Germans from Russia Heritage Collection
NDSU Dept #2080
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Tel: 701-231-8416
Fax: 701-231-6128
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