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Wednesday, March 3, 2010
What My Debate Taught Me
Atlanta Fans hate change! Abhor it! Are Scared of it more than H1N1!!!!
Now, I already know that Jeff Teague isn't starting for this team unless 2 of our three guards (Joe, Jamal, or Bibby) get hurt and I even got the impression that if that happened - Maurice Evans (and there's even some thought that Mario West could sneak ahead as well) would get the nod. So, I get it - Jeff's not starting, but the prospect and imagery of him starting has spawned all kinds of things from the fan base in the comments fields for Peachtree Hoops. Most of the supporters did the one thing that started the thought in my mind - can we win a title with Mike Bibby? Now, my assessment is NO! So, I proposed something that leads to the path of winning a title. I don't know if Teague is the answer - I'm not going to say that he is, but I certainly want to find out if he's a core player or a bit player. Mike Bibby is not a part of the core of an Atlanta Hawk championship team this year, next year, or the following one. SOOOOOO...why don't we figure out who is? I know that there are all kinds of things to consider - Woody's extension, Joe's signing, Al's re-signing, the Spirit's coffers, Teague outright sucking when the lights are turned on.
To me, the sooner we find out the answers to those questions, the better, but only one can be addressed now and that's Teague's minutes. I think we got some agreement that Teague should have more minutes and we can debate whether that has to happen at the start of the game or not. The funny thing is - if many want to see him play with the starters, then why does it matter whether that's to start the game or not? Is that really affecting the course of each game? I'd make an argument that that's the time when you are least affected by it. I've been clear about saying starting doesn't mean 30 minutes a game and that I'm not asking for 4tr qtr minutes. I'm asking for more minutes with the players he is supposed to lead.
How is this something that's laughable? I have ZERO problem with disagreeing with my answer of Evans and Teague to solve some of our defensive and offensive balance issues. I have ZERO problem with you highlighting what problems this creates. But I have problems with skewing the actual stats (all of them) and not having an answer that addresses the roadblocks in the way of us winning a title. We can't win a title without better perimeter defense We can't win a title without being able to run a better halfcourt offense, particularly in the 4th quarter. We can't win a title if we don't play to our strengths (transition, athleticism, etc). We can't win a title with only 8 players. That's really what is underneath my post - and if you aren't playing by those rules - fine, but just know you're playing a different game than me.
My game and goal here is to talk about the things that matter regarding our ascension to NBA titlist. So, nothing has changed from when I was asking for minutes from Law, from Shelden, from Josh Smith and Childress, cutting Mario West, or any move that isn't about a title. So, a championship seeking move is moving Teague into the starting lineup - which should be confused with me saying that's GOING to win us a title. I just know what isn't going to win one and that's having Bibby as a main cog in the program. And the vitriol thrown my way (not by PH) for suggesting this only suggests what I already know - Hawks fans are so happy to be winning again that they don't want to tamper with that regardless of whether it means we'll lose in the 2nd round for the next 2-3 years or not. They don't want to upset the apple cart, but what Sund should be saying is - we still have more work to do on this roster.
He almost said as much in our interview with him - that he was SURPRISED that we're doing as well as we're doing. He knows that we have more work to do. I wonder if the fan base realizes this as well.
24 comments:
The fan base at PH has some actual idea that upsetting the apple cart for something as low-impact as Teague's development right this very moment (versus later) can be much more destructive than you appear to understand. You argued for Law; he sucked. You argued for Sessions; he sucks. Now you argue for a rookie who can't shoot and turns the ball over too much, not because you think it will mean wins but because you think it's ok to sacrifice this year.
Let's talk about change in the NBA-- How much has Elton Brand helped Philadelphia? How have Detroit's changes worked out for them? How much difference has Andre Miller made for Portland or Baron Davis for the Clippers? How about Turkoglu to Toronto?
The vast majority of actual, real, substantive change in the NBA happens by drafting or signing a true superstar (or stealing two of them, in the Celtics' case). The Hawks have just plain gotten lucky the last few years, that's it. And you think it's trivial and easy to tinker with that?
Obviously it has to be done eventually, because a championship IS the goal, but please do not insult everyone by acting as if they have no idea what they are talking about regarding this issue.
Your own track record suggests you be a sh*tty GM, by the way.
- March 3, 2010 at 6:27 PM
- Vishal said...
I actually agree with you. We need to find out if the rookie is a starting caliber point guard or rather if he can be a starting caliber point guard on a championship team...sooner rather than later.
A few points I disagree with you on though:
If you put teague into the starting lineup now you are kind of throwing away this season. I know you said the hypothetical is that it doesn't affect team chemistry but lets be honest it does. The starting spot holds a certain prestige...you're telling me this doesn't affect bibby? and considering that he's a popular guy in a leaders role in the locker room that in turn it doesnt affect the team?
I know the odds of us winning the championship are slim to none...well v.v.v. slim to none. Still I'd like to see how this team does. We might not even have the same team next year.
Secondly, I don't get why starting teague is important? What's wrong with letting him start the third quarter if bibby's not doing well?or giving bibby a few more games rest against the bad teams and THEN starting teague. PLus obviously extending teagues minutes.
Now you might say woodson wont give him enough minutes unless he is starting and I will in turn say woody would never start him. My point being if you can imagine a hypothetical where teague starts, I can imagine a hypothetical where he gets more minutes with the starters WITHOUT starting the game.
Bottom line: I don't think it's necessary for him to start to see what we want to see about teague. And starting teague is not going to be a short term improvement because our first quarter play has not really been a problem!
- March 3, 2010 at 8:07 PM
- thirdfalcon said...
What Rbubp said
- March 3, 2010 at 9:06 PM
- ATL_Hawk_Luv said...
my good friends rbubp and thirdfalcon...I love that you finally had something to say, rbubp. The funny thing is - you still haven't addressed ONE thing that I mentioned. You didn't work with the terms I offered up, but it's cool. No worries - I didn't expect you to. rbubp, it's interesting that you didn't mention all the parts of the discussion. So, I have no problem with saying you're right about some things this offseason..Brand hasn't changed their fortunes. Toronto, on the other hand, has been one of the hottest teams in the league over the last month, so I don't know what Toronto will do. I don't care what Andre or Baron have done for the teams they are playing for now - I only care about what they could do for us, so what's your point.
Interestingly, I have said nothing about the only thing of substance that you said which is about how change happens - I never debated that with you. I simply spent the offseason talking about what might make us a better team. On Jamal, i said I was wrong. On other players, I'm not sure we can call me wrong. Or you right. Blair is a better player than Teague based on what we've seen. We don't know if Sessions is a better backup or starting option yet, do we? So, your he sucks answers are meaningless. Point being - where are you guys on the things that I have said - which is Bibby isn't the answer? Period. I was right about that in the offseason. Signing him to a 3 year contract - is that the answer. Let me know, so you aren't just Monday morning QBin' on this.
My only insult is that you haven't said anything about what you think makes us a championship team. I have been in the fight. I have said LOTs that calls out that I know SOMETHING. I ain't a GM, never said I wanted to be one. But if I was - I would have put the ball in Al and Josh's hands a while ago and what have they done with it - ALL STAR SHIT! So, don't come at me with the things I'm wrong about and then forget what I've been right about. Say - hey, I think Teague should be used in this way or Bibby should be used in another. I have no problem with that. I made my point and I have no problem with disagreement, but come with alternatives, not BS like you normally do. Just criticism for criticism sake b/c I don't agree with your points. I can disagree and still respect that you have a plan. Since I've met you, I can't say that I get your plan, but I know that my plan still has merit b/c the plan that you seem to be on board with isn't winning us a title, so it's ok to say - hey, Larry - I respect what you say, but I don't agree and here's MY answer, but just saying shyt for the hell of it and cherry picking times to speak up is weak. And that's just how I see it...If I'm missing something, call me out on it. I can take it, but don't come on my blog or PH's and try to make it seem like you have a plan. I never said sacrifice a thing - I said Bibby can't play D and isn't shooting, so put in a player who is supposed to be your future and let him show us that he's just that. You can make the argument that he can't shoot, but you then lie and say he turns the ball over too much without any data to prove that and say I said sacrifice this year.
That's not what I said and you know it, but it sounds good to say. So, that's why we butt heads - not because you can't make an argument that would make me think, but because you aren't really trying to have a true debate - you want me to believe what you say is true. I don't want PH to take my words and believe them and I don't want you to either. I want you to hear it, then provide a cogent, lucid clear counterargument. That's it. When you do that, come see me.
- March 4, 2010 at 12:22 AM
Are wanting Teague to start the rest of the yer, or are you wanting Teague to get a few starts to see if he can handle it? I'm in favor of option b.
- March 4, 2010 at 7:28 AM
- The Casey said...
The Hawks' this year have the 3rd-4th seed and about a 10% chance of making the E. Conf. Finals whether they start Bibby, Teague, or sign Ilgauskas and start him at the point. The suggestion isn't for this year, but I don't really see what you're sacrificing by starting Teague. I think we all agree that Teague needs more minutes, and whether he starts or not, it's easier to get him those minutes early in games, because then you have more time to make up for a bad performance. Alternately, if he plays well, Coach Woodson can extend his minutes.
Of course, this is all moot because we all know that Teague's only going to get minutes if someone gets hurt or if the seeding is set and Coach Woodson is resting players.
- March 4, 2010 at 8:41 AM
Atl_hawk_luv, You know that if I had addressed your points one by one you would have told me that I wasn't reading your blog fully and that I shouldn't try to separate out your comments--just like you told Xavier about two days ago.
One thing I'm going to note is that, again in one of those posts I don't read and shouldn't try to comment on--unless you tell me I should, like today, of course--you mention that the Hawks have no shot at winning a second-round series. I'm not sure I am confident they will win, but saying they have no shot at all doesn't strike me as accurate either. It would seem that your entire argument is based on this assumption.
Now, does that count as addressing one of your points, or should I stop trying to pull things out when I haven't read 100% of your spew?
- March 4, 2010 at 9:26 AM
By the way, I really do enjoy the lecture on how I need to learn to properly read this blog whenever i come here. It is so very helpful. Does the blog come with an instruction manual?
- March 4, 2010 at 9:28 AM
- RivBoatGambler said...
I like the idea of Teague playing with the starters after running Bibby the first few minutes. Both Teague and Bibby need to be played with a short chain depending on performance. Let performance determine the minutes.
- March 4, 2010 at 10:22 AM
- Vishal said...
- March 4, 2010 at 10:38 AM
- ATL_Hawk_Luv said...
Interesting comments folks...I think we've wrapped up this debate, so I leave my final salvo for the always classy rbubp.
So, there's no lecture - I'm just calling it out for what it is. So, I argued for a point that I believe if two issues continued. I continue to believe it to be true. Some of your arguments could actually mean something, but you spend too much time being an asshole and bringing up things you think would make me feel like I'm not more attuned to what happens in the NBA than any other Monday Morning GM vs. just making your points.
So, if it's clarity you want about a point - just ask. The answer to your one good question is - am i basing this entirely on whether we lose in the 2nd round? I am not. I actually believe we could improve as a team this year by making changes to the starting lineup. I think we could be BETTER. Now, that said, it is a major factor in my argument. You are right the Hawks have a shot to win a 2nd round series. I'd be a fool to say that they don't, but REALISTICALLY speaking - I didn't spend time on a percentage shot - I just said we aren't winning it, which is what I believe, so let's get on with the next step. Now, I get that if you don't believe my caveats to be true, then I've acknowledged that you shouldn't do what I'm saying.
In fact, not one person yet who has disagreed with my hypothesis has even disagreed on the grounds that I set for except for PH to a certain degree. The rest have simply said this is ridiculous and then mentioned things I said were the caveats necessary to make this successful. So, let's stick to just debating merits and have fun being Hawks fans.
No instruction manual should be necessary for that.
- March 6, 2010 at 1:00 AM
- Vishal said...
One last question, and I think i asked this but it went unanswered. Or maybe you,ve already answered it and I missed it but why not start him in the third? or you know generally give him more minutes with the starters? Is making him a starter important? Why?
- March 6, 2010 at 4:12 AM
Actually, many people have disagreed with the assessment that the Hawks should "move on" because they aren't winning the second-round series this year--in spirit if not in specific vocabulary. I think it was AtlPaul on PH rather vehemently disagreed with that (among several).
Atl_HawkLuv, would you start Teague if you knew it would hurt the team's chances of winning a second-round series if you also knew making the finals was impossible? Please consider the money the Hawks stand to make from playoff games in your answer.
- March 6, 2010 at 9:12 AM
"would you start Teague if you knew it would hurt the team's chances"
I'd actually like to be more definitive here: If you knew it would cost the team a second-round series, but they wouldn't have made the league finals anyway...would you still start Teague?
- March 6, 2010 at 9:14 AM
Also, by the way, as to this point:
"I actually believe we could improve as a team this year by making changes to the starting lineup. I think we could be BETTER."
You're aware that Teague significantly changes the offense when he is in, and he is inability to shoot outside allows the defense to sag in on Al and Smoove. In addition, the inability to shoot outside means that JJ would have to be the perimeter guy, because no one else could stretch the D that way, and that kind of takes away two of JJ's biggest strengths--posting up smaller guards and driving into the lane for a short jumper.
So you feel that with 21 games to go in the regular season, the team is going to be improved despite this--knowing that the threat of Bibby shooting 3's is crucial to the other players doing what they do, and that Bibby's poor 3 shooting the last two months has likely been the single biggest factor in the Hawks' dip in scoring and offensive efficiency?
- March 6, 2010 at 9:22 AM
Among this obvious issue with Teague's shooting, the question remains: Why did the Hawks again draft a poor (or non-spot-up)-shooting slashing PG? Obviously this kind of player might be ok if they lose JJ, but they would still need someone else to shoot spot-up threes.
I still don't get why they didn't take Toney Douglas, who seems like so much better of a fit with this team. But there is no place in the league for guards who can drive but not finish but also not shoot 3s and long 2s. Teague needs to get better at that quickly. Maybe the Hawks can pry Curry away from the Warriors (lol).
Rondo isn't that good either, Atl. He LOOKS good because he plays with Pierce and the others. Yeah, he's great on defense, but he is still an offensive liability who would be totally exposed on most other teams.
- March 6, 2010 at 9:29 AM
- ATL_Hawk_Luv said...
@Vishal, My bad on the missed question. First, the MOST important issue is to get Teague minutes, so I'm not going to say that he HAS to start. It's my cure to the fact we've never really had a point guard since Mookie Blaylock who controlled the game and ran plays. I do believe that to be a crucial component to this team if they are to be titlists. You can get away with not doing that if you have a transcendent talent like Kobe or LeBron or Wade, but every other team that's won - has had a great point guard who knows how to get the team into and out of plays.
I don't believe Bibby is that kind of point guard and so, I want to see if Jeff Teague can be that type of point guard. Not only that, I do think we need a shift in the way the offense is run in order to win a title. So, we need the rookie to gain the respect of the team. That's important. Jeff is going to have to wave off Joe Johnson when it matters, what spots not to pass Josh the ball, etc. And that's why I wanted him starting, so he assumes the role of 'leader' of the offense. Now, I know that it doesn't happen overnight, but it would be the symbolic shift. Now, that's a secondary benefit in my eyes, not primary. As I would say about Law, he was never given the reigns to know if he can handle the team offense. Teague could be worse than Law for all I know, but I want to see him in the role before I definitively say that about him.
So, I don't want to speculate that he sucks based on garbage minutes and spotty reserve time. So, that's the point. Again, not primary and would settle for enough minutes, but I do like the prospect of making the shift happen now. Not married to it, but that's why you write a blog and flesh it out...
- March 6, 2010 at 11:18 AM
"And that's why I wanted him starting, so he assumes the role of 'leader' of the offense."
That's a nice sentiment, but there is no way that happens with Joe johnson on the team--which it should not, because Jj is the one Hawk who commands two defenders when he gets the ball in position to score. THAT is a necessary factor for a championship--putting the other team's defense at your will by having one guy who cannot be stopped by one defender (and that guy has to be willing to defend a bit too to win it all). Having a PG who drives to the basket is NOT a requirement to win a championship.
The only exception I can think of for winning a title without a two-player offensive presence is Detroit '06 or whatever it was. That teams was exceptional for a lot of reasons (the only team in the last 25 years to win it all without an all-star). Logic dictates that that way is NOT how you win it all despite their one success. I submit that this is why Larry Brown has not won more NBA titles too despite being a "great" coach.
But a team that won without a slashing PG, well, you only have to go to last year to find that. And, oh, well, Phil Jackson's teams have NEVER required that--when is the last time the Lakers went after a Chris Paul-like PG?--and he has won a few titles.
These reasons are why losing Joe Johnson will right off the bat take the Hawks back to a .500 team. The other players cannot command a double-team (Crawford maybe, but he has other flaws) and create opportunities for others. It has nothing to do with Teague at all. In fact, Teague GETS IN THE WAY OF THAT.
He was another poor draft pick and will be gone by the end of next year if A. the Hawks keep JJ; B. teague cannot learn to shoot better.
- March 6, 2010 at 11:58 AM
- ATL_Hawk_Luv said...
@rbubp, Love your comments this time (not being condescending)...ok, in short order:
1. I think you misunderstood what I was saying - I'm not saying several agreed that they should move on. I'm saying that because they didn't agree that we can't win the 2nd round series - they aren't even talking about the same premise I am. That's all.
2. I would support Teague starting if it lost us the series and we aren't guaranteed getting out of the next round. Now, I want to keep saying this b/c it doesn't seem to sink through - there are several players that start basketball games who don't play much more than 15-20 minutes and several that play starter minutes and don't start. That's the suggestion I'm making - I'm not making the suggestion that Teague is leading the team at all times or even as a primary guard in the playoffs.
3. Quickly on the money - If I thought the money would change our philosophy of 13 on the roster or that we'd do what we could to go after Wade or LBJ or whatever, then that would be a consideration, but I don't think the money does anything but help the ownership. And that may be a consideration for them and why Teague wouldn't start, but not for my point of winning a title. Great point for why it may not happen, but not a point for the goal of title in my eyes.
4. Changing the offense - for the minutes that he's in the game, I won't doubt that some of your points made, but I'd also say that this is mitigated (at least in part) by a few things - Teague can break down the defense in a way that Bibby can't. Teague can play defense in a way that Bibby can't, so I don't think you can mention all the negatives (real and perceived) without mentioning what positives come with it. And in 15-20 minutes, I don't think it's the death kneel at all.
5. Using Rondo, first, I agree that Rondo is effective because of who is around him, but that's the case for the vast majority of players in the league. Most have weaknesses, but you can't dismiss Rondo's assists, rebounds, and defense. He was the best player for the Celtics vs. the Bulls in that series - his triple doubles were critical. Now, he's not a franchise PG. He's a very good one though. I'd LOVE for him to be our point guard. You seem to only focus on the negatives without discussing how the positives might impact the game and the team. So, you're right about Rondo's jump shot, but to say he's not good is an oversimplification that makes our debates so fun.
- March 6, 2010 at 12:10 PM
- ATL_Hawk_Luv said...
@rbubp, Also - I would say you're right about whether Teague is the right point guard to be chosen. Collison and Douglas look like better fits, though I'm not sure that they will be better than Teague ultimately.
I do disagree that you can't learn to shoot better. I've seen too many players improve their games to the point that they can compensate for their shortcomings. Teague can make open jump shots - I do believe he'll get better, but your point is taken.
Final point - I don't want you to confuse what I said. I didn't ever say that it was a requirement to have a slashing PG - I said you need a good one and for our offense, I don't think JJ's game is championship worthy as the #1. He has been shut down by every good team defense, so without more dimensions - JJ doesn't win us a title with his strengths, so part of this is that we've got to disconnect from this thought that JJ is going to win us a title as the best player on the team.
So, figuring out how to get JJ and other players involved with the offense is the only way it works. So, it may not happen (you're right about JJ not wanting to cede that role), but we NEED it to happen. The Detroit method is the only way we'd win a title with our personnel. We know it's unlikely, but JJ isn't good enough to be that guy, so while your model works - the player you have pegged for that role doesn't. One of the things I noted last year and still believe is that JJ can win a title as a Hawk, but only if Josh and Al surpass him as the best players for this team. If they become more effective and better than JJ, then JJ becomes more effective and efficient for us.
I don't fear losing JJ - I fear not having a philosophy that works in the championship rounds. Final note - using Phil Jackson's method is probably not very applicable for the Hawks. JJ ain't Kobe or MJ. Woodson ain't Jackson. Or anywhere close...so, you have to account for that. I didn't say that the Lakers need a point guard, or Cavs or the Heat. They don't. WE do. JJ isn't that good to make up for that. He doesn't get to the free throw line or other things that compensate for that. So, I hear you, but you'd have to use a team that's closer to what the Hawks are - that's why Portland has been looking so hard for a PG - they don't need a superstar PG, but they need someone to make up for the fact that Brandon Roy (while great) isn't Kobe or MJ or whatever.
But I enjoy the convo when we aren't trying to cut each other to size. keep it coming...
- March 6, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Atl, I'm not saying that the Hawks will win anything with Joe. I've seen those isolation sets in the 4th like everyone else, and Joe's inability to get to the line combined with unwillingess to pass out of the double-team are well-documented.
What I am saying is that replacing JJ will be tough. Despite this late-game flaw, he has everything else you need in that crucial #1 guy--plays D (pretty well, actually); gets others involved; scores from anywhere on the court against any single defender in the league; forces the defense to compromise itself in ways that lead to shots for lesser offensive players. But he doesn't get to the line in crunch time, so I don't know what they can win with him--I just know that they are a very good team with him that will be very bad without him if they cannot find a comparable player to take his place.
Regarding this--"Teague can break down the defense in a way that Bibby can't"--that's true, but it is not a valued factor in the current offensive system. What IS a valued factor for the PG is making 3s. Yes, Teague and anyone else can improve their shooting or whatever else in their game. Let's hope Jeff improves his pretty fast. I like what he can bring if he can do that.
If he can't do that I'm afraid his speed is a bit wasted on this team, which Woody already sees, I'm sure.
- March 6, 2010 at 6:31 PM
- ATL_Hawk_Luv said...
@rbubp, I can dispute anything you said. The only thing that I would probably say is that (and I'm not a JJ hater or disliker) I'm not in favor of selling our future short with Bibby or Johnson if we KNOW (and I get that you may or others may not believe we 'know' anything - my dismissal of Jamal's impact on the team is one example of just how much I don't know) that they can't take us to the title.
So, I agree that the changes do have to come with smart replacements. As an example, the decision to blow up the Hawks in 98 wasn't a bad one - it was trying to resurrect them with JR Rider that was a bad one. It wasn't a bad idea to stockpile draft picks to build the Hawks with - it was a bad idea to not select Deron Williams or Chris Paul or Brandon Roy.
So, I think we agree that Joe is a wonderful player. He's not good enough to roll out there and follow the superstar championship plan. We have to follow the all parts are better than your superstar part method as we are setup and when that's the case I'm saying that if Bibby can't shoot 3s - he's USELESS. I understand your point about Teague and evidence says you're right, but I also think that opportunity and confidence speak to Teague's inability to finish and shoot as much as straight up skill.
That's where my suggestion came from. Not a hardened attempt to blow anything up or to make it seem like I don't understand the ideals you've represented. They are real, but they also have downsides. Any downside for me that doesn't come with a championship ceiling is one I'm willing to forgo. To me, if taking a step backward to go forward is your answer - I can embrace it. ONLY if it is an attempt to go forward though, so I am with you - I don't want change for change sake. I want to see more Teague b/c I think the upside could be worth it (while acknowledging that it could be an epic fail).
If there's anything I have tried to stay away from, it is using this to criticize Woodson, but I think you put your finger on this when you say - player's strengths are of little use in this offensive system. I want my coach to be able to use the talents of all the players. The fact that a player can't make 3s (I won't give Teague a pass on making open jumpers and finishing at the rim ultimately) doesn't make a player bad. Tony Parker doesn't make 3s, but he's a wonderful player. So, that's where I said a benefit of this strategy could be that it makes Woodson either show up as a coach where he manages minutes and styles better OR it exposes him as ineffective.
Anyway, I think agree on more than you realize. I just have some stronger feelings as it relates to what to do if your team isn't trending to a title. I don't care if we are a lottery team or are in the Big 4. I'd rather BE a lottery team to get a better piece than just languish as the 4th best team little ability to get better. So, your points can well taken - I think if you recall..I said that I wasn't happy about our selection of Teague in the offseason. It doesn't matter why other players are now producing, but I'm very concerned when I see Darren Collison putting up 30pt games multiple times. I know why he has more experience, but we should be seeing similar flashes to determine if Teague is even a keeper or do we need another point guard to help Bibby through these last few years. That's all..
- March 6, 2010 at 7:57 PM
- ATL_Hawk_Luv said...
oops, meant to say I CAN'T dispute anything you said - rbubp...let's not let that turn us backwards.
- March 6, 2010 at 7:57 PM
- The Casey said...
You're not giving up on us, are you? Just because some people disagreed with you about one thing? Come on back, man.
- March 16, 2010 at 7:20 AM


text:
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(the psd has hidden layers with photos and logo you'll likely need)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
You will be provided with specific instructions when it is time to leave the hospital. This information will include: a list of medications, diet instructions, activity restrictions and wound-care guidelines.
Home Instructions After Chest/Lung Surgery (PDF)
Home Instructions following Esophagectomy (PDF)
Benign Esophageal Surgery: Commonly Asked Questions (PDF)
You will be scheduled for a follow-up appointment in the thoracic surgery clinic within two weeks following your hospital stay. You will be scheduled to see one of our nurse practitioners at your first post-operative clinic visit. Most of the time, you will also see your surgeon at that visit.
If you have any questions or concerns after you arrive home, we encourage you to call our office at (206) 215-6800.
Most patients will be eating a regular diet by the time they leave the hospital. A decrease in appetite after surgery is common and can have many causes. Your appetite should return to normal after a few weeks.
Dieticians at Swedish are available to help you with any necessary diet changes after surgery. Dietary information and guidelines will be provided to you before you leave the hospital.
Patients who undergo esophageal surgery will be placed on a special diet for up to six weeks after surgery. You may also have a feeding tube placed at the time of surgery. This will allow us to deliver nutrition to you while you heal after your operation. The feeding tube will be removed in clinic after you are able to take all of your calories by mouth.
Nutrition plays a key role in wound healing. Eating a balanced diet after you leave the hospital is extremely important. Fruits and vegetables will provide the fiber necessary to maintain normal bowel function. Protein is responsible for tissue growth and repair, and carbohydrates provide energy. It is equally important that you drink plenty of fluids.
If your appetite remains poor at home, try to eat four to six small meals a day. A vitamin supplement can also be used.
Forward motion is critical in the recovery period. We recommend that you take a walk every day after you arrive home. Gradually increase the amount that you walk every day. It is more important to increase your distance than to increase your pace. This will get easier each day that you are out of the hospital.
Most patients will be restricted from lifting more than ten pounds for four to six weeks while the surgical incisions heal. This prevents pain and tension on those muscles that are involved in the surgical repair.
After lung surgery, doing range-of-motion exercises on the operative side will help stretch your muscles and keep your shoulder moving freely.
Since fatigue is present after any surgery, we recommend that you try short periods of activity throughout your day, followed by short periods of rest. After your daily walk, put your feet up and take a nap! But just keep moving throughout the day. Your activity will increase over time. Any activity restrictions will be determined by surgeon. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities as tolerated around six weeks after surgery.


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...The world's best antique, classic & modern Mack Truck support forum! Founded in 2000, BigMackTrucks.com is the place to go for everything related to Mack Trucks!
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Troy's Best Concrete Contractors
Martino Home Improvements has over 30 years of experience providing custom concrete services and exterior home improvements for homeowners in Troy and across Southeast Michigan. Whether your new home or current residence needs foundation work, driveway repair, or concrete restoration, Martino Home Improvements provides the highest quality workmanship, materials, and value for your concrete project.
More Metro Detroit homeowners choose Martino Home Improvements for our craftsmanship, our individualized service options, and our commitment to 100% customer service and satisfaction. We work hard to deliver a beautiful finished product you can be proud to show your neighbors and enjoy for decades to come. We do renovations right.
Troy Concrete Patio, Walkway, and Driveway Installation Services
Whether your landscaping improvement needs include adding a patio, a fire pit, or a secret garden walkway, Martino Home Improvements will help bring your visualization to life. Our master craftsmen can create works of art that instantly increase your curb appeal and home value. We offer professional design assistance, ensure that proper permits are pulled, and do everything necessary to make the concrete construction project smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Working with concrete, stone, and brick is an art form that takes years to master. We have the experience it takes to excavate and level the area, pour concrete, lay brick, place stone or customize exposed aggregate. A properly installed and maintained concrete driveway or patio can last for decades and outperform asphalt driveways by two to three times. As a result, a concrete driveway or patio needs to be repaired or replaced a lot less than other materials.
Martino Home Improvements offers a wide range of concrete services including:
play_arrow Concrete Driveway Installation & Repair
play_arrow Concrete Patios & Decks
play_arrow Stamped Concrete
play_arrow Aggregate Concrete
play_arrow Concrete Foundation Services
play_arrow Custom Concrete Projects
We are also experienced specialists in excavation. A foundation from Martino Home Improvements for your new home or building will be built to last for years to come. Our concrete foundations always meet code and regulation standards. For existing structures, we can inspect the foundation and surrounding area for cracks, crumbles and sinking areas, and can repair areas that need prompt attention.
Why choose concrete for your patio or driveway?
Concrete can be recycled. If you have a concrete driveway that needs replacement, it can actually be crushed and recycled. This material salvaged from your driveway can then be used as granular fill, as a base course for a new pavement, or as aggregate in newly made concrete.
Concrete is made from renewable resources. Unlike asphalt, which is made from non-renewable petroleum supplies, concrete uses natural rock and sand, and the most abundant mineral on earth: limestone.
Concrete lasts longer. A properly installed concrete driveway or patio can last up to 40+ years with occasional degreasing and optional sealing. Asphalt driveways, however, last up to half this time and requires resealing every 3-5 years. Not only does concrete require less maintenance, it's also more durable to work with than asphalt. Color, stenciling and stamping can add an element of rich interior design to the outdoors.
Hear what our customers have to say about our work!
"We got a few estimates, and Dennis with Martino Home Improvement match another bid for our patio. We had to wait awhile through the summer, which I was glad it was after the hot weather. Dennis was very helpful and informative. It took only 2 days and all the workers were professional." Philip S.*
If your outdoor home improvement project includes a new walkway, driveway, patio, or other living area, call the experts at Martino Home Improvement! We're Troy's most trusted choice for concrete, exposed aggregate, brick and stone installation and maintenance.


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Latigo Associates necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 101 diseños de 25 diseñadores freelance.
American Junior Paint Horse Association
The American Junior Paint Horse Association is the youth association of the American Paint Horse Association. Anyone aged 18 & under (as of January 1st) with an interest in Paint Horses is invited to join the "j".
The AjPHA offers activities geared toward youth, including a youth leadership conference, art contest, photography contest, short story contest, and horse judging contest.
AjPHA members are part of a huge family of friends sharing a common bond- a love for the American Paint Horse. AjPHA offers something for everyone, no matter how long you have been riding, where you live, or the discipline you enjoy. AjPHA has members who show on a regular basis, members who ride for fun, and even members who don't own a horse.
A child to teen female from a lower to upper middle class family of either white or Hispanic origin, who loves horses, but may not own horses. She is educated in public schools primarily, but could be home schooled or receive on line education. She wants to belong or be accepted and is competitive. Her parents or another adult supports her in her interests. She is above average intelligence or common sense and has a strong sense of responsibility. She is loyal to the things she's involved in and, in addition to horses, she is active in school programs and activities, which she must manage in order to get involved. She is seeking an activity that provides for independent activity and social interaction. She needs mentoring in her growth with horses and will seek relationships with others interested in horses. She is instant communication/social media savvy.
Please review current logo and look of association at http://www.ajpha.com/aboutus.aspx. The logo must include an image of a well conformed Paint Horse, be teen oriented, with bright colors and a captive look.
The current logo needs to be updated and have appeal to a teen audience. It will be used on print material, clothing, and other promotional items. Logos submitted will be displayed to a youth task force for opinions and feedback.
Colors can be artist choice and do not need to reflect colors indicated on web site.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Construction Planning & Scheduling
Construction Planning & Scheduling
One of the most important responsibilities of construction project management is the planning and scheduling of construction projects. The key to successful profit making in any construction company is to have successful projects. Therefore, for many years, efforts have been made to plan, direct, and control the numerous project activities to obtain optimum project performance. Because every construction project is a unique undertaking, project managers must plan and schedule their work utilizing their experience with similar projects and applying their judgment to the particular conditions of the current project. Until just a few years ago, there was no generally accepted formal procedure to aid in the management of construction projects. Each project manager had a different system, which usually included the use ofthe Gantt chart, or bar chart. The bar chart was, and still is, quite useful for illustrating the various items of work, their estimated time durations, and their positions in the work schedule as of the report date represented by the bar chart. However, the relationship that exists between the identified work items is by implication only. On projects of any complexity, it is difficult, if not virtually impossible, to identify the interrelationships between the work items, and there is no indication of the criticality of the various activities in controlling the project duration. A sample bar chart for a construction project is shown in Fig
The development of the critical path method (CPM) in the late 1950s provided the basis for a more formal and systematic approach to project management. Critical path methods involve a graphical display (network diagram) of the activities on a project and their interrelationships and an arithmetic procedure that identifies the relative importance of each activity in the overall project schedule. These methods have been applied with notable success to project management in the construction industry and several other industries, when applied earnestly as dynamic management tools. Also, they have provided a much- needed basis for performing some of the other vital tasks of the construction project manager, such as resource scheduling, financial planning, and cost control. Today's construction manager who ignores the use of critical path methods is ignoring a useful and practical management tool.
Planning and Scheduling
Planning for construction projects involves the logical analysis of a project, its requirements, and the plan (or plans) for its execution. This will also include consideration of the existing constraints and available resources that will affect the execution of the project. Considerable planning is required for the support functions for a project, material storage, worker facilities, office space, temporary utilities, and so on. Planning, with respect to the critical path method, involves the identification of the activities for a project, the ordering of these activities with respect to each other, and the development of a network logic diagram that graphically portrays the activity planning. Figure 2.2 is an I-J CPM logic diagram. The planning phase of the critical path method is by far the most difficult but also the most important.
It is here that the construction planner must actually build the project on paper. This can only be done by becoming totally familiar with the project plans, specifications, resources, and constraints, looking at various plans for feasibly performing the project, and selecting the best one.
The most difficult planning aspect to consider, especially for beginners, is the level of detail needed for the activities. The best answer is to develop the minimum level of detail required to enable the user to schedule the work efficiently. For instance, general contractors will normally consider two or three activities for mechanical work to be sufficient for their schedule. However, to mechanical contractors, this would be totally inadequate because they will need a more detailed breakdown of their activities in order to schedule their work. Therefore, the level of activity detail required depends on the needs of the user of the plan, and only the user can determine his or her needs after gaining experience in the use of critical path methods.
Once the activities have been determined, they must be arranged into a working plan in the network
logic diagram. Starting with an initial activity in the project, one can apply known constraints and reason
that all remaining activities must fall into one of three categories:
1. They must precede the activity in question.
2. They must follow the activity in question.
3. They can be performed concurrently with the activity in question.
The remaining planning function is the estimation of the time durations for each activity shown on the logic diagram. The estimated activity time should reflect the proposed method for performing the activity, plus consider the levels at which required resources are supplied. The estimation of activity times is always a tough task for the beginner in construction because it requires a working knowledge of the production capabilities of the various crafts in the industry, which can only be acquired through many observations of actual construction work. Therefore, the beginner will have to rely on the advice of superiors for obtaining time estimates for work schedules.
Scheduling of construction projects involves the determination of the timing of each work item, activity, in a project within the overall time span of the project. Scheduling, with respect to the critical path methods, involves the calculation of the starting and finishing times for each activity and the project duration, the evaluation of the available float for each activity, and the identification of the critical path or paths. In a broader sense, it also includes the more complicated areas of construction project man agement such as financial funds, flow analyses, resource scheduling and leveling, and inclement weather scheduling. The planning and scheduling of construction projects using critical path methods have been discussed as two separate processes. Although the tasks performed are different, the planning and scheduling processes normally overlap. The ultimate objective of the project manager is to develop a working plan with a schedule that meets the completion date requirements for the project. This requires an interactive process of planning and replanning, and scheduling and rescheduling, until a satisfactory working plan is obtained


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"The great unsung hero of the conservative movement" —MARK LEVIN
If Not Us, Who? is both the story of an architect of the modern conservative movement and a colorful journey through a half century of high-level politics.
Best known as the longtime publisher of National Review, William Rusher (1923–2011) was more than just a crucial figure in the history of the Right's leading magazine. He was a political intellectual, tactician, and strategist who helped shape the historic rise of conservatism.
To write If Not Us, Who?, David B. Frisk pored over Rusher's voluminous papers at the Library of Congress and interviewed dozens of insiders, including National Review founder William F. Buckley Jr., in addition to Rusher himself. The result is a gripping biography, authorized yet independent, that shines new light on Rusher's significance as an observer and an activist while bringing to life more than a generation's worth of political hopes, fears, and controversies.
Frisk vividly captures the joys and struggles at National Review, including Rusher's complex relationship with the legendary Buckley. Here we see the powerful blend of wit, erudition, dedication, shrewdness, and earnestness that made Rusher an influential figure at NR and an indispensable link between conservatism's leading theorists and its political practitioners.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"—a maxim often attributed to Ronald Reagan—could have been Rusher's motto. In everything he did—publishing National Review, recruiting and advising political candidates, organizing cadres of young conservatives, taking on liberal advocates in a popular television debate program, writing a syndicated column—his objective was to build a movement. And he constantly exhorted his colleagues to step up as leaders of that movement. His tireless efforts proved essential to conservatism's ascendancy, from the pivotal Goldwater campaign through the Reagan era.
Largely unexamined until now, Rusher's career opens a new window onto the history of the conservative movement, its successes and failures. This comprehensive biography reintroduces readers to a remarkable man of thought and action.
Additional Information
|ISI Books
|What They're Saying...
"Frisk's deeply researched and well-written biography fills the gap. . . . Anyone interested in understanding [conservatism's] rise should read Frisk's highly informative study."
"Frisk gives a vivid account of the qualities that caused so many people to seek Rusher's counsel and listen carefully to what he had to say. . . .
"[Frisk] has done a superb job of chronicling the life and times of William A. Rusher. . . . A masterly job."
"As David B. Frisk shows us in this finely tuned and richly detailed biography, Rusher was one of the most respected figures in the American conservative movement. . . . David Frisk's fine book . . . [is] the best that has been written, and long needed."
Well-researched and enlightening . . . David Frisk captures the man with a keen eye. . . . Frisk's biography gives us a full portrait not only of a good man at work, but also of an era that saw one of the most abrupt changes in governing philosophy in American history. . . . Invaluable reading for any student of the rise of American conservatism."
"Bill Rusher was the great unsung hero of the conservative movement. This fascinating, meticulously researched biography sheds new light not only on a remarkable man but also on the rise of conservatism in America."
"If conservatism sent its departed warriors to Valhalla, Bill Rusher would be at the head table drinking a flagon of mead as we speak. It is something of a scandal that Rusher has not had a fully realized biography of his own. David Frisk has remedied that with this exhaustive but thoroughly engaging examination of Rusher's monumental life and legacy."
"There were in fact two 'Bills' at National Review—founding editor Bill Buckley and almost-founding publisher Bill Rusher. David Frisk's illuminating biography brings alive the 'other' Bill—a formidable political strategist and debater who was as important as his better-known colleague to the American conservative movement. A must-read."
"In this carefully hued portrait of one of the most important leaders of modern conservatism, Frisk captures the intelligence and wit of William Rusher. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of conservatism and for people looking for what it means to be a consistent conservative."
"If not William Rusher, who? Rusher was the most consequential political strategist of the postwar conservative movement; a keen partisan; a lover of good wine, good food, and good poetry; and a great guy. David Frisk's biography keeps his memory green."
"As the right arm of William F. Buckley and in a hundred other roles, Bill Rusher fought tirelessly for the values that defined the modern conservative movement. Every American trying to recapture that commitment ought to read David Frisk's wonderful new biography of a man to whom the country owes much."
"William A. Rusher is one of the premier examples of the rare combination of thought and action, and David Frisk has performed an important service to history and the conservative movement in telling Rusher's story so thoroughly and insightfully."
|Eligible for Readers Club Discount


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The Importance Of Mission
Over the last several years, I've noticed something interesting that supports what some of the best business writers (like Jim Collins) have discussed for years: companies with clear missions work better.
In the context of this blog, "better" means works more smoothly and effectively with partners.
I'll site a very specific example for this posting:
Upward Unlimited (www.upward.org) is a business and ministry located in South Carolina. Their business is providing services and products to churches that wish to run sports leagues. Their mission, though, is related to them as a ministry and is:
"To introduce children to Jesus Christ by creating opportunities to serve through sports."
That's about as perfect an expression of mission as it gets. Its tight, clear, specific and easy to understand. But is it effective? Put another way, does the organization align behind it? Yes it is, and yes they do.
What I find fascinating about Upward is that in every meeting, and in every discussion, this mission is pre-eminent in their comments, thoughts and actions and every decision they make is geared towards "how does this help us serve our mission". As a Microsoft partner serving some of their IT needs, their selection process of us as a vendor was based on how we would serve this mission. Our first meeting after the selection was primarily designed to help us understand that the mission isn't part of the company – it is the company. Our planning meetings with them (which occur quarterly) focus on how to improve their ability to focus on the mission through effective use of information technology.
This clearly expressed mission, and high degree of alignment around it, improves our partnership because every recommendation we make and every proposed project we suggest is evaluated first by us, then by Upward, on the basis of how well it serves the mission – not how it serves the ego of the CIO, or the comp plan of the CFO, or the personality of the VP of Sales.
One last point specific to Upward: their faith-based mission helps alignment because it creates a common set of values and vocabulary. However, its their focus on the mission that creates their success. This is possible to achieve for any company not just faith-based organizations.
As a partner, how can you best work with this kind of mission driven client?
- Initially (during the sales or evaluation cycle), take the time to understand the culture and the alignment around mission. More importantly, make certain alignment exists between your culture and their mission.
- Evaluate your work (proposed and completed) based on its ability to support the mission
- Make certain any team members that work with the client are informed and clear about the client's mission, can articulate it, and can express how their work aligns with it
- Finally, spend planning time with the client (that may be non-billable) in order to refresh yourselves at the fountain of the client's culture.
Love to hear your opinions on this and your experience with other highly aligned clients.


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Production of the Mustang started in Dearborn, Michigan on March 9, 1964 and the vehicle was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair. It is Ford's third earliest nameplate presently in production. Original sales forecasts predicted less than 100,000 devices for the first year. This mark was surpassed in three months from rollout. Another 318,000 would be offered throughout the model year (a record), and in its very first eighteen months, more than one million Mustangs were built.
Best Deals Buy Classic Ford Mustangs
All of these were VIN-identified as 1965 designs, but numerous modifications were made at the traditional opening of the brand-new design year (start August 1964), including the addition of back-up lights on some models, the introduction of generators to replace generators, and an upgrade of the V8 engine from 260 cu in to 289 cu in. When it comes to a minimum of some six-cylinder Mustangs fitted with the 101 hp 170 cu in Falcon engine, the rush into production included some unusual peculiarities, such as a horn ring bearing the 'Ford Falcon' logo design below a trim ring emblazoned with 'Ford Mustang.' These qualities made enough distinction to warrant designation of the 121,538 earlier ones as "1964 1/2" model-year Mustangs, a distinction that has actually withstood with perfectionists. Mustangs For Sale in Calipatria CA are easy to find now with online shopping.
The 1973 OPEC oil embargo brought with it more rigid contamination laws and the desire for fuel-efficiency. This was likewise the very first time in automobile history that the Huge 3 were having to compete with imports. The new Mustang II was smaller than the very first version but, due to the added equipment needed to meet brand-new US emission and safety policies, was much heavier than the very first design. Performance was reduced and in the first year just 385,993 cars were offered.
2nd generation Mustangs for sale in Calipatria CA were available between 1974 and 1978 and readily available in a coupe and hatchback version. 1979 the Mustang was revamped a third time. This time it was based on the bigger Fox platform and the interior was really huge enough for 4 people. The trunk was bigger therefore was the engine bay. The body styles available consisted of a coupe, hatchback and in 1983 a convertible. In 1979 the 3rd generation Mustang functioned as an Indianapolis 500 speed vehicle and Ford built 10,478 commemorative replicas. The third generation Mustangs were produced from 1979 to 1982.


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Phil's Fonts has over 100,000 fonts from 75 foundries worldwide. Not every font we have is displayed on this website. If you can't find what you're looking for here, there is still a chance we have the font. You can fax or email samples to our top notch font ID team to help you find the font or fonts that you need. Fax number is 301-879-9227, or email us here: firstname.lastname@example.com
Available Format(s): OpenType (OTF)
Foundry: ShinnType | SKU: SH000038X1 | View License | D = Immediate Download
Beneath the dominant signifier of identity, a surprising dimension of Bodoni is revealed its core architecture, stripped of the famous high contrast cloak. Further subverting typographic norms, a monoline of even width (in all but the heaviest weights) here describes capitals, lower case, and serifs. And yet a certain quaintness is evident; this is, after all, both deconstruction and historical fiction.


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PLAINVIEW - Voice students at Wayland Baptist University will join forces to present a recital of work by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, slated for Monday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Mabee Learning Resources Center. The event is free and open to the public.
The recital will feature a variety of pieces by the Austrian composer, including pieces from three operas - Cosi fan tutte, the Marriage of Figaro, and Don Giovanni - as well as two masses and other songs, ensembles and canons.
Mozart's comic cat duet has also been translated by Christa Smith, associate professor of modern languages and English, for inclusion in the program.
Students performing are voice students of Dr. Carl Moman, professor of music, Jennie Lynn Hodges, associate professor of music, and Robert Black, assistant professor of music.
Scheduled performers include Alan Yarbrough, Sara Wagoner, Sarah Gatlin, Jessica Lynch, Ashlee Hester, David Harper, Ariel Smeaton, Mariah Street, Marleny Morales, Laura Gillaspie, Marta Turpin, Bethany Chollar, Cara Coffey, Jacob Bassing, Amy Grisham, Jamar Jordan, Labrina Lang, James Moss, John Ed Baker and Josh Harris.
Accompanists will include Hodges, Polly Morgan, and students Anne Weaver, Abby Holmes and Cara Coffey.


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Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday signed into law abortion regulations that supporters say protect women but opponents denounce as a veiled assault on the right to terminate pregnancy.
LANSING, Mich. (AP) ? Gov. Rick Snyder on Friday signed into law abortion regulations that supporters say protect women but opponents denounce as a veiled assault on the right to terminate pregnancy.
The Republican governor, who has said he opposes abortion, signed the contentious measure that passed the Michigan Legislature earlier this month.
The law requires facilities where at least 120 abortions are performed annually to obtain a state license as a freestanding outpatient surgical facility. The step would mean further inspections and higher costs for the clinics, in some cases requiring them to renovate their buildings.
Patients must undergo counseling with a health professional to make sure they aren't being forced to get an abortion. But a provision was dropped that would have established penalties for individuals trying to force a woman into getting a so-called "coercive" abortion.
Other provisions deal with disposal of fetal remains and require that a doctor perform a physical exam before prescribing drugs that would induce abortion. The exam could not be performed from a distance through use of a web-based camera, a process known as telemedicine, which critics said would impose a hardship on women in rural areas.
The measures were supported by Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Catholic Conference, which say they improve health and safety standards. They were renounced by Planned Parenthood of Mid and South Michigan, which countered the legislation imposes unreasonable requirements and threatens access to abortions.
Snyder said in a news release that the legislation "respects a woman's right to choose while helping her protect her health and safety."
Incoming House Democratic Leader Tim Greimel said in a statement that GOP leaders and Snyder "are ignoring a majority of Michiganders' belief that abortion should remain safe and legal in our state." He added that "Republicans should focus on the economy and job creation instead of extreme social policies that further divide our state."
The measure takes effect March 31.
Snyder also vetoed legislation he originally sought to end Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's tax-exempt status and turn it into a customer-owned nonprofit. He objected to provisions added by lawmakers preventing insurers and businesses from providing elective abortion coverage in employee health plans.
The bills also would have excluded abortions for rape, incest or the health of the woman in the definition of elective abortion. That would have required women to buy separate, elective abortion coverage.
"I don't believe it is appropriate to tell a woman who becomes pregnant due to a rape that she needed to select elective insurance coverage," Snyder said. "And as a practical matter, I believe this type of policy is an overreach of government into the private market."
House Speaker Jase Bolger said in a statement that the Republican leadership "didn't seek to ban abortion coverage in any instances, including those mentioned in the governor's veto message."
Bolger said the future of Blue Cross' overhaul is "unclear," while Snyder and Blue Cross officials hope to get the bills approved in the upcoming legislative session.
"We are disappointed with the veto but understand the governor's decision," Blue Cross spokesman Andrew Hetzel said. "We also understand why he proposed the legislation in the first place."
The action by Snyder came on a busy day, as he dealt with more than 50 pieces of legislation. Lawmakers passed an estimated 282 bills in the so-called lame-duck session that brought the 96th Legislature to a close this month. Snyder spokeswoman Sara Wurfel said the governor has acted on 186 so far.


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michael landau needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 68 designs submitted by 32 freelance designers.
Design a creative, very professional looking, confidence-instilling, logo.
Help America Modify
Need a a sharp, inspiring, professional logo for a new loan modification service. As Americans are increasingly facing foreclosure, the government has begun implementing policies that are enabling banks to renegotiate or "modify" people's mortgages. Basically, if someone is behind on their mortgage payment and/or upside on their mortgage, we can help them negotiate with their lender to either reduce their interest rate, the amortization schedule, or even in some cases the principal on the loan.
- Item 1...Custom or at least very unique and identifiable typography
- Potentially some kind of crest, but not mandatory
- Item 1...It would potentially be ok to include some use of the American flag, but it definitely can't look/feel clip arty, would need to be very iconic
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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Great grandma's gallstones! In April 1974, my great grandmother, Magdalena Haefner Eck had surgery to remove her gallstones. Dr. Ratke was her doctor. Originally the stones were preserved in formaldehyde, but my aunt dumped it out and just kept the stones (and what appears to be a gross slick of formaldehyde at the bottom of the jar). What a wonderful present from your grandma! I wonder if she wrapped it up.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
12 Days of Family and Genealogy - Great Grandma's Gallstones
This post is part of my series of the 12 days I spent with my parents visiting family and doing genealogy research.
Posted by Tina Lyons at 10:55 AM
Labels: ECK, HAEFNER, Research trip
4 comments:
Okay, Tina. You get the prize. Whatever the contest is (and I truly can't think of what it could be at this moment), you win hands down. I'll never again question what my dearly departed kept.ReplyDelete
I thought you could not top yesterday's item. I was wrong. You topped it.ReplyDelete
We have found lots of teeth in the family home (Dad was a dentist) so I'm used to all of that. But this takes the cake. I'm not sure if I am more grossed out or just speechless, as Kerry says.ReplyDelete
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Perfekt & Chance - Let It Bump [Unsigned Hype]
New group out of Bosstown Perfekt & Chance Let It Bump Music Video Directed By Scenario&IP=184.108.40.206
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DeKALB – While the unemployment rate for DeKalb County and the city of DeKalb dropped more than 3 percentage points in June when compared to last year, employment experts are anxiously waiting to see what will happen through the summer.
The county's seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate fell to 6.4 percent in June, a 3.1 percentage point drop from the same month last year, according to data the Illinois Department of Employment Security issued Thursday. In the same time period, the city of DeKalb's rate fell from 10 percent in June 2013 to 6.9 percent last month, data shows.
The improvement is evidence that employers see a sustained demand for products, said IDES spokesman Greg Rivara.
"They add jobs only when they don't believe their current workforce, with overtime, can meet their customers' demands," Rivara said.
While Rivara lauded the seeming increase in demand, he cautioned that summer historically has not been a time of economic growth. He said July will tell if a trend in previous years of economically stalled summers is over.
"Did we break that cycle of hitting the pause button or not?" Rivara said.
He also said employment experts are anxious about how world events, such as turmoil in Ukraine, will affect consumer confidence. Whatever impact world events have, Rivara said, it will likely hit the U.S. economy before it is felt in Illinois.
"If world events inject enough uncertainty to slow demand, that will slow employers," Rivara said.
Although the numbers show improvement, people ranging from teachers with master's degrees to industrial workers with years of job experience still visit the
Workforce Transitions Center at Kishwaukee College looking for jobs, training or other help, said Director Mary Anne Kolls.
"We're happy the numbers are down," Kolls said. "But we're seeing people coming in every day looking for jobs."
Year-over-year trends in employment matched the pace in DeKalb County, with all 102 counties seeing drops in unemployment for the first time since February 2011. Unemployment numbers in the state's dozen metro areas fell for the third consecutive month.
DeKalb County falls into the Chicago metro region, which saw the unemployment rate drop from 10 percent in June 2013 to 7.1 percent last month. State employment experts said the area added 28,800 nonfarm jobs in the past year.
Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June was 7.1 percent, the lowest rate since October 2008 when it was 7 percent. The rate was down from 7.5 percent in June 2013. The state's rate remains higher than the national rate of 6.3 percent.
DeKalb County unemployment rate
2014 2013
January 8.3 9.7
February 8.7 9.3
March 7.7 8.7
April 6.8 8.4
May 6.4 8.2
June 6.4 9.5
Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security


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2 oz semisweet chips
3/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup cocoa
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg, at room temperature
Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, vanilla and sugar. Add the egg, beat until fluffy. Add the flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and oatmeal. Mix until well combined. Fold in chips. Place heaping tablespoons of dough on the lined cookie sheet about 1/2 inch apart and bake for 12-14 minutes or until they look "set". Carefully remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
Yield: roughly 2 dozen cookies


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There will be a Cooper Clayton Method of stop smoking program offered from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays, beginning Jan. 13 at Dry Ridge Toyota, 9 Taft Highway, Dry Ridge.
To register for this free program, or additional classes, call the Northern Kentucky Health Department at 859-363-2093, the Grant County Health Center at 859-824-5074 or visit: http://www.nkyhealth.org.
Operation Imagination, a free program for children ages 1 through 6, will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Grant County Board of Education office, 820 Arnie Rise Blvd., Williamstown, on the following dates:
• Dec. 16
• Feb. 17, 2011
• April 21, 2011
The program is sponsored by Grant County Community Education and will include evening story time, movement and dancing, singing and crafts based on the theme of the evening. For more information, or to register, call Jill Marksberry at 859-824-2871.
Kentucky Veteran's Cemetery North will participate with Wreaths Across America ceremonies for fallen heroes of on Dec. 11. These ceremonies will be held simultaneously with about 500 others in the United States and 24 off-shore.
For more information or to obtain sponsorships wreaths, e-mail, email@example.com. Also, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org or call toll free 877-385-9504.
It's nearly impossible not to notice the large red brick structure that is being built on the front of Crittenden Baptist Church on U.S. 25.
The new building, which measures 105 feet by 114 feet, will be used as a multi-purpose area.
"We want this to be for whatever the community needs for it to be," said Minister Bill Page. "Whether it be for tutoring or community meeting space."
Crittenden Baptist's congregation, according to Page, had been exploring and praying about an addition for nearly 10 years.
Camp Northward
• Camp Northward's calendar is filling to capacity.
• The Holiday Compass publication is in the mail. It will help ring in the season, and share many update items. Check the Web site at www.campnorthward.com to mark your 2011 calendar with the updated camp schedule.
More than 50 hats have been delivered to cancer patients at St. Elizabeth Hospital Grant, who suffer the side effects of chemotherapy and radiations treatments.
The project is being spearheaded by Linda Evans of Dry Ridge. Evans, president of the Dry Ridge Homemakers, brought the project to the Happy Stitchers sewing group, after being contacted by Tina Ellis, administrative secretary at the hospital.
"It's one of the the most meaningful things I've ever done," Evans said, after delivering the first batch of hats and heart-shaped pillows.
John and Jeanie Broyles will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 24.
In observance of their anniversary, a party will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Williamstown Christian Church. The party is given by their family and they are requesting no gifts. All friends are welcome.
Daniel G.T. Woods and his brother, David M.R.Woods, recently graduated from Marine boot camp in San Diego, Calif.
Their mother, Beverly Woods, of Cynthiana, formerly of Grant County, along with their aunt, Vicky Jolly Miller attended the graduation. Woods was given the General's Coin because two sons graduated.
Daniel graduated as Private 1st Class and David (Mike) graduated as a private.
Todd Coye and Sabrina N. Denny of Jonesville would like to announce the birth of their first child.
Zoey Nicole Denny was born at 6:21 a.m. on Sept. 13 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Edgewood.
She weighed 7 pounds and 1.8 ounces and was 19 inches long.
Her maternal grandparents are Donnie and Debbie Tarter of Dry Ridge. Her maternal great grandparents are Harold Tarter of Somerset and the late Wilma Tarter.
Her paternal grandparents are the late Simon and Ollie Denny. Her paternal great grandparents are Newton and Lucy Denny of Falmouth.
Melissa and Morganne Bowers have joined the United States Marine Corps.
The sisters grew up in a military family and decided they wanted to serve their country, together.
"We love the military lifestyle and it's something we wanted to do, but didn't want to go by ourselves," said Morganne.
Copyright © 2019
The Grant County News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Dry Ridge, KY and the surrounding area.


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Saturday, 17 April 2010
Cycling the streets of San Fran
The last week has been somewhat of a whirlwind. I got married last Friday, which was wonderful and then it was on the plane with my husband and my little one to sunny San Francisco.
A couple of days in and having just about conquered my jet lag and got my bearings it was definitely time to get myself a bike and have a ride in this beautiful city.
Those lovely people at Pashley had arranged for me to pick up a pastel Blue Poppy from cooler than cool bike shop Citizen Chain. My challenge now was to cycle back to our apartment in Haight Ashbury. Now having never cycled in the States and only ever visited San Francisco once before I was a little nervous. It makes you realise how used to your local roads and route you get a commuting cyclist and when faced with a different city, a different road system it feels kinda daunting.
I acquired a cycle map from the San Francisco Cyclery, put my Pashley in the lowest gear possible (San Francisco has a lot of hills) and off I went. The roads feel much bigger and wider over here which initially made me feel quite vulnerable but following my map I soon found some great cycle lanes and began to gain confidence. I was also encouraged by my fellow cyclists, San Francisco has a really healthy cycling culture and there's nothing better than other cyclist on the roads to make you feel safe and proud to be on your bike.
I arrived back to meet Robert and Florence for a much needed early evening drink at our new local Magnolia. A great ending to an exhausting but wonderful week.
11 comments:
- Michelle Shopped said...
love the photo of the wee florence (and i want a hat like hers)...
- 17 April 2010 at 12:57
- Dottie said...
Congratulations on your wedding! Your kid is too cute :)
I'm impressed by your ability to jump into cycling in the States. I visited London last year and did not ride a bike there, partly because riding on the left would have been totally disorienting.
Do you know that the coolest female cyclists live in San Fran? I'm sure you've seen Bikes and the City and Change Your Life, Ride a Bike.
- 17 April 2010 at 16:08
- Lady Vélo said...
It sounds like a wonderful experience - loving the picture of you and the Poppy! Have fun :)
- 17 April 2010 at 20:27
- Caz said...
Thanks Michelle. Florence was actually fashioning my hat.. I just bought it here on Haight street, a bargain at $12!
- 18 April 2010 at 00:53
- Caz said...
Thanks for the congrats Dottie. I did find it pretty scary, the opposite side of the road this is very disorientating.
I know, there are some very cool cycling bloggers here, I just actually had coffee with Meli from Bikes and the city and am meeting some of the other girls for the Sunday streets ride tomorrow.
- 18 April 2010 at 00:56
- Caz said...
Thanks Lady Velo - I hope the sun is still shining back in London and your breaking in your Brooks saddle.
- 18 April 2010 at 00:57
- Ramona W. said...
Hi Caz, it was so cool to meet you this afternoon. Welcome to San Francisco! Bravo for defying disorientation and getting on a bike. I know the feeling when you are somewhere new and just dying to ride.
- 19 April 2010 at 05:49
- Pam said...
Hi babees - it all looks fab , lovely to see photos . Love Pam x x
- 21 April 2010 at 19:46
- Crappa-T said...
Hi Caz
Loving the bike. Looks really great out there. Keep us posted on your adventures
- 22 April 2010 at 19:45
- Sigrid said...
saw you had a visit with Meli-G ~ nice! I was thinking, 'did shy fly her bike over?! wow, that's dedication.' now I realize you had a local ride ~ just as dedicated! When I lived in SF I would definitely say people biked but I wouldn't have necessarily called it a 'scene'. People just rode bicycles, raced bicycles, end of story. But now when I return, there is actually more of a 'scene' and such better lanes, etc. in place for bicyclists. I guess similar to the rest of the US. :) I am glad you could benefit from all of that. Good for you, hope you had a GREAT time and congrats on the nups.
- 23 April 2010 at 19:18
- Christa said...
Great insight from the tourists perspective.
The first thing I do when I'm in a city is rent a bike - it's the best way to see the new city.
Lovely photos and Florence is adorable! :)
- 30 April 2010 at 21:38


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MS.com, September 08, 2009
The NGO Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Development held in Berlin last week issued a Berlin Call to Action urging immediate and international action to improve women's health and access to resources. The call to action stated that "with five years left" until the deadline established by the 1994 Cairo Consensus, "we call on local, national and international decision-makers to join with non-governmental organizations to establish and implement concrete, practical and fully-funded actions for ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights," reported Planetwire.
The action plan calls for governments to guarantee that sexual and reproductive rights "are fully recognized and fulfilled, through legal reforms and new family policies;" to increase access to sexual and reproductive health information, family planning, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and to address "unsafe abortion as a public health and human rights issue;" to remove barriers to young people's access to information that will empower them to ensure their sexual and reproductive rights; to involve "young people, marginalized groups and NGOs in policy dialogue and guaranteeing them autonomy;" and to "ensure that donor contributions and national budgets and policies meet the needs of all people for sexual and reproductive health and rights, especially during times of economic stress."
The conference, which brought delegates from over 300 non-governmental organizations together, was held on the fifteenth anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo, where 179 nations agreed on what is known as the Cairo Consensus, a plan of action that included plans to provide access to reproductive healthcare worldwide, drastically reduce infant and maternal mortality, and close educational gender gaps, according to DAWN News.
Under former President George W. Bush, vital funding was withheld from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which was the organization primarily responsible for implementing the action plan. The withheld US funds accounted for 13 percent of UNFPA's annual budget and would have prevented some two million unwanted pregnancies, 4,700 maternal deaths, nearly 60,000 cases of maternal illnesses and over 77,000 cases of infant and child death each year. President Barack Obama has pledged to restore US funding to UNFPA in upcoming appropriations and signed the 2009 fiscal year omnibus spending bill in March, which included a provision allotting $50 million to the UNFPA.
Scott Radloff of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) told the Associated Press after the conference, "we're likely to be witnessing about a 50 percent increase in funding for both family planning, reproductive health and for maternal/child health over a two-year period" from the US.
Media Resources: Planetwire 9/4/09; DAWN News 9/4/09; Associated Press 9/4/09; Feminist Daily Newswire 3/12/09
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You are hereHome ›
This is an activity about the motion of the Sun, Earth and Moon, specifically rotation and revolution. After identifying what they already know about the Sun, Earth and Moon, learners will observe and manipulate a styrofoam ball model of the Sun, Earth, and Moon system. This activity requires a location with an open space approximately ten feet by ten feet in area, and is Activity 9 of a larger resource entitled Eye on the Sky.
Keywords: NSTA2013
University of California, BerkeleyLast modified 2009
Education Level: Elementary school:Primary elementary:Grade 1, Elementary school:Primary elementary:Grade 2, Elementary school:Upper elementary:Grade 3
Audience Refinement: Educator
Resource Type
Learning Time
Instructional Strategies
Educational Standards
Access Restrictions: Free access


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In San Francisco, AT&T Park is the home of baseball's 2012 world champions, but AT&T is still in the cellar among cell-phone carriers, according to Consumer Reports.
The magazine's annual rankings of the country's four major cell-phone carriers remained the same as last year – Verizon Wireless on top and AT&T last. Locally, AT&T received the second lowest ratings in the magazine's breakdown of 23 metropolitan areas of the country. (Click HERE for the rankings, but a subscription is required.)
There was one "not-so-insignificant" silver lining for AT&T – it had the best higher-speed 4G network, "that is to say, it's the one that drew the least amount of complaints," said Consumer Reports spokesman James McQueen.
In September, the magazine surveyed 63,253 subscribers, who ranked Verizon number one for voice, text and data service quality, followed by Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T.
Verizon received good, but not excellent, marks across the board here in the Bay Area, while Sprint and T-Mobile received middling ratings (T-Mobile's data and text service rating had insufficient information for a rating). AT&T got poor or very poor marks. Only Sprint in Chicago received a worse rating.
Consumer Cellular, a no-frills carrier that uses AT&T's network but doesn't require a contract, received the highest ratings overall, the magazine said.
The magazine for the first time ranked cell-phone retailers and the 9,774 survey respondents ranked Apple Stores and Apple.com at the top.
Big-box retailer Costco came in second in the walk-in stores category, receiving high marks for service and pricing.


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You may know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. You can call 911. But, can you administer first aid in a mental health crisis? Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves.
Mental Health First Aid teaches how to recognize symptoms of mental health problem, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate treatments and other supportive help. Mental Health First Aid does not teach people to be therapists. This course is delivered by OCCC Counselors Jenna Howard and Janey Wheeler, who are certified Mental Health First Aid instructors and have completed a 5-day training and meet certification requirements.


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- Inside Athletics
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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Nov. 21, 2007) - ETSU head baseball coach Tony Skole announced Wednesday that the Buccaneers have received a signed national letter of intent from Bo Reeder (Cookeville, Tenn.) for the 2008-09 season.
"We are very excited and honored that Bo Reeder is coming to ETSU," Skole said. "Bo was very highly recruited and is considered by many publications to be one of the top players in the state of
Reeder, a 6-foot, 180-pound, third baseman is a Louisville Slugger All-American. Only nine players in the state of
"Bo is one of those special young men who can do many things well on the baseball field," Skole said. "He can beat you in many different ways and when you combine that with his competitive make-up, you have a young man who has a bright future at ETSU. Bo is very strong and physical, with a quick arm on the mound and serious bat speed at the plate. He will immediately have a positive impact in our program. Our fans are going to love watching Bo Reeder line it up for the Buccaneers."
Please visit www.ETSUBucs.com for more information on ETSU baseball and all other Buccaneer athletic news.


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The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is currently funding research to showcase new over-the-top grass control solutions to allow sorghum growers better management opportunities and flexibility in crop rotations.
When asked about their main concerns regarding sorghum management, many producers have replied "weed control." Due to a lack of funding, little has been done to produce sorghum varieties that are resistant to many common herbicides used on other crops.
Kansas State University is currently researching a solution to the problem. Kassim Al-Khatib, professor of agronomy at KSU, says because sorghum is grown in primarily dry regions, preplant herbicides can perform poorly or fail without adequate precipitation.
There are herbicides that can be applied after the crop is established to control weeds but these products can potentially harm the crop as well.
"There is a considerable need for over-the-top grass control in sorghum," said Al-Khatib.
Kansas State University has identified traits that are resistant to herbicides such as Acetolactate synthase (ALS) and Acetyl co-enzyme-A carboxylase (ACCase) in some sorghum varieties. The incorporation of these traits into cultivated sorghum would produce an ALS and ACCase resistant plant, allowing for higher yields and flexibility for producers.
"This new technology will allow producers outstanding weed control and flexibility in crop rotations," said Al-Khatib. Herbicides used for weed control in other crops make the rotation to sorghum difficult because sorghum has little resistance to these products.
The development of a resistant variety will allow growers the option of planting sorghum following other crops. Al-Khatib says growers could potentially expect to see this new technology available by 2012.
Specifically the USCP has funded test plots and trials to demonstrate proper management techniques. These techniques are intended to educate growers on successful methods of using and protecting this over-the-top technology to produce higher yielding sorghum.
Earl Roemer, USCP Board research committee chair and sorghum producer Earl Roemer from Healy, Kan., said producers are in need of more crop protection options in order to see an increase in both yield and acres.
"ALS and ACCase resistant sorghum hybrids will provide an over-the-top protection technology that was not available to me or my fellow sorghum producers before. This is definitely one example of how producer checkoff dollars are utilized to fund research that meets an important need for them."
The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is a producer funded organization that is dedicated to improving the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education. For more information about the USCP and other research projects go to http://www.sorghumcheckoff.com.


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[Below is a press release and list of sessions that will be broadcast live from RootsTech. This is a great chance to experience the conference from home. If you look at the list, it's a full slate of sessions each day, just like you're there! --Amy]
RootsTech Conference Will Broadcast Select Sessions Free Online
SALT LAKE CITY—RootsTech, a leading family history and technology conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah, February 2-4, 2012, announced today that fourteen of its popular sessions will be broadcasted live and complimentary over the Internet. The live broadcasts will give those unable to attend worldwide a sample of this year's conference content. Interested viewers can watch the live presentations at RootsTech.org. The second-year conference has attracted over 3,000 registered attendees.
The free online sessions include the keynote speakers and a sampling of technology and family history presentations. Following are the fourteen broadcasted sessions and speakers. All times are in Mountain Standard Time (MST):
Thursday, February 2
8:30-10:00 am, Inventing the Future, as a Community (Keynote Address) by Jay L. Verkler
11:00 am-12:00 pm, Do I Trust the Cloud? by D. Joshua Taylor
1:45-2:45 pm, Effective Database Search Tactics by Kory Meyerink
3:00-4:00 pm, Twitter – It's Not Just "What I Had for Breakfast" Anymore by Thomas MacEntee
4:15-5:15 pm, Eleven Layers of Online Searches by Barbara Renick
Friday, February 3
8:30-9:30 am, Exabyte Social Clouds and Other Monstrosities (Keynote Address) by Josh Coates
9:45-10:45 am, Publish Your Genealogy Online by Laura G. Prescott
11:00 am-12:00 pm, Optimize Your Site for Search Engines by Robert Gardner
1:45-2:45 pm, Genealogists "Go Mobile" by Sandra Crowly
3:00-4:00 pm, Google's Toolbar and Genealogy by Dave Barney
Saturday, February 4
8:30-9:30 am, Making the Most of Technology to Further the Family History Industry (Keynote Address) by Tim Sullivan and Ancestry.com Panel
9:45-10:45 am Genealogy Podcasts and Blogs 101 by Lisa Louise Cooke
11:00 am-12:00 pm, Future of FamilySearch Family Tree by Ron Tanner
1:45-2:45 pm, Privacy in a Collaborative Environment by Noah Tatuk


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Mitt Romney handed President Obama a political gift this weekend, when his campaign announced that he would not file his tax return on time. Romney made the announcement at 5 p.m. on Friday — the time politicians usually put out bad news they hope no one will notice. Team Obama noticed all right. The president took a break from the Summit of the Americas in Colombia to criticize Romney's lack of transparency, while Obama campaign manager Jim Messina declared that it "begs the question — what does he have to hide?"
"What does he have to hide?" will be a major theme of the Obama campaign in the coming months. Both a pro-Obama super PAC and the Democratic National Committee have videos up asking: "What's Mitt hiding?" And Obama strategist David Axelrod has told Politico that the Obama campaign intends to make an issue of "Romney's penchant for secrecy." "Harkening back to my youth . . . there was a show called, 'I've Got A Secret.' Increasingly, I think that would be the appropriate title for the Romney campaign," Axelrod said, adding that voters need to ask themselves "Who is this guy? What does he stand for? What does he believe? What do we know about him?"
Republicans need to ask themselves: Why does Romney seem to be going out of his way to help Obama raise such questions?
Take, for example, news reports this morning that Romney has previously undisclosed plans to eliminate entire Cabinet agencies if elected. Romney is quoted as saying, "I'm probably not going to lay out [publicly] just exactly which ones are going to go." Where did the media find out about his secret plan to reduce the size of government? The Wall Street Journal reports that Romney "discussed his plans while speaking to high-dollar donors at a private estate. During the backyard event, which could be overheard by reporters outside on a public sidewalk, Mr. Romney offered policy specifics he has yet to unveil on the campaign trail." So Romney is sharing secret details of his plans to shut down government agencies with wealthy contributors in Palm Beach, Fla., that he has not shared — and in fact says he does not plan to share — with the American people.
These are self-inflicted wounds — and if they continue they could cost Republicans the election.
On taxes, it is simply inexplicable why the Romney campaign still cannot get a handle on an issue they should have seen coming years ago. Did they learn nothing from the tax-return debacle he went through during the South Carolina primary? Romney had a double-digit lead until he fumbled the tax issue in not one, but two, Republican debates. His evasive answers, and refusal to commit to releasing his returns, drew boos from the GOP crowd and helped Newt Gingrich win an upset victory.
Even Republicans are starting to ask: What could possibly be in his old tax returns that is worse than creating the impression he has something to hide? When Romney finally released his 2010 return, it was revealed that he had millions in an offshore Cayman Islands fund and millions more in a Swiss bank account he had failed to disclose earlier. This was perfectly legal, if politically tone-deaf. The man had been running for president for nearly eight years. One would think that, by 2010, he would have scrubbed his finances to get rid of any controversial investments. Whatever is in his earlier tax returns, Romney is better off releasing them and enduring some more bad press than giving Team Obama more fodder for its "what is Mitt hiding" campaign.
The "secrecy" charge is particularly damaging for Romney because it is a clever way for Obama to exploit some Americans' discomfort with Romney's Mormon faith without ever raising the issue directly. Recall the outcry last August when a senior Obama adviser declared their intention to highlight the "weirdness factor with Romney." Team Obama knows many Americans see Mormonism as a "secretive" religion. Calling Romney a "secretive" candidate is a way to tap into those fears without incurring any political blowback.
There may be little Romney can do to change American attitudes about his faith. But he certainly can stop giving Obama more unnecessary excuses to call him "secretive." The Romney campaign says Obama wants to "distract Americans from the real issues." They are right. But Obama is not creating the distractions Romney is. He needs to stop. Now.