text:
Meet the candidates
The candidates for Colorado State Senate District 8 and for the Colorado House of Representatives District 13 were sent a questionnaire at the end of September and were given two weeks to formulate their responses and submit the to the Sky-Hi News staff. The candidates for Colorado Senate District 8 are Randy Baumgardner, a Republican, and Emily Tracy, a Democrat. The candidates for state representative District 13 are Claire Levy, a Democrat, and Adam Ochs, a Republican. Ochs declined to submit answers to the questionnaire, citing a campaign policy not to answer questionnaires. The questionnaire appeared as follows:
1. What is your name?
2. Where is your permanent residence?
3. Where did you receive your education and what area/s did you study?
4. What is your current occupation?
5. Please list the members of your immediate family.
6. How many years have you been a resident of Colorado?
7. What qualifies you to hold the position you are running for?
8. What do you see as the most pressing issues for the state of Colorado and why? How do you plan to address these issues?
9. Do you support basin of origin legislation that would make it mandatory for those who divert water from one basin to another to mitigate the damage in the basin where the water originates?
10. Are you comfortable with the way the state Legislature has handled budget shortfalls in the past few years? If not, what would you change?
11. Do you see any opportunities for reducing the taxpayer's burden in the state of Colorado?
12. Do you feel oil and gas regulations in Colorado are adequate, inadequate, or over-reaching?
13. Do you believe local governments should be allowed to regulate practices such as hydraulic fracking?
14. Do you believe state funding for k-12 education are adequate? If not, how would you propose to stabilize funding for k-12 education? If so, do you see any changes that need to be made?
15. Do you believe state laws regarding teacher tenure, collective bargaining rights for teachers, and education labor laws are adequate? If not, what would you change?
16. Do you believe state funding mechanisms for higher education are adequate? If not, what would you change?
17. In the wake of the Aurora movie theater shooting, do you believe the state should implement stricter gun controls? If so, in what way? If not, why not?
18. What measures do you favor or oppose to help alleviate congestion on the I-70 mountain corridor?
19. Why are you a better choice for this position than your opponent?
1. Emily Tracy
2. Breckenridge, CO
3. I graduated from Belton High School in Belton, Mo. I have a bachelor's degree in humanities: German and English literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a master's in public administration with an emphasis in environmental management from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. My graduate-level coursework included public administration, human resources management, financial management, statistics, applied analytic methods, natural resources policy, environmental economics, and experimental urban design.
4. I am a Resource Coordinator in 38 western, central and southern counties for the Colorado Post-Adoption Resource Center. We provide support and referral services to families who have adopted children through the child welfare system.
5. Husband, Del Bush. Two grown sons, Christopher and Neil. Both sons are married. My husband and I share nine grandchildren.
6. 47 years.
7. My public policy experience includes serving eight years on the City Council of Canon City. I've served more than 12 years on land use planning commissions in two jurisdictions; I served five years on a county economic development board. I was appointed by Governor Romer to the original Great Outdoors Colorado committee which created the framework for dedicated funding for trails, parks, open space and wildlife. More recently, I Co-Chaired the Legislative Affairs Council of the Summit Chamber of Commerce for five years, and also served business members as a part-time staffer for two years. My longest career was in child protection; I also worked for the Colorado Judicial branch in their court-based mediation program; for a local police department; and worked on a temporary project with Colorado's Sex Offender Management Board. My rich variety of policy experience plus my conflict resolution skills provide an excellent background for a Senator.
8. First, Colorado's conflicting constitutional provisions regarding revenue and spending (the constraints of TABOR, the Gallagher Amendment and Amendment 23) are the overriding issue for state government. Though there have been positive aspects to our 20 years of the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights – for example, requiring a vote of the people to raise taxes has broad public support – over time the restrictions have shrunk the state's buying power resulting in a limited ability to address new needs such as forest health and fire mitigation, and to address the greater safety net needs during an economic downturn. The TABOR initiative was passed during a time when multiple issues could be addressed in a single ballot initiative. Since then voters have agreed to narrow how ballot initiatives are constructed so it's now impossible to bring about all necessary constitutional changes in one ballot initiative. Other proposals to make it even more difficult to amend the state constitution are on the horizon, as many tire of being faced with trying to govern by ballot initiative. Dedicated, focused leadership on the issue of trying to fix our constitutional dilemma will be needed – voters cannot do this on their own.
Beyond the broad constitutional problems affecting funding, we face specific challenges to our public education system, particularly in rural Colorado. Funding for rural schools and teachers is eroding. We must have high quality schools so that our children and grandchildren can succeed in the global economy. Also, threats to Western Slope water and to our land are growing – both are essential to our agriculture and tourism economies.
I will help lead in determining a way to address the constitutional bind we are in, and help facilitate the discussion among voters around the state in how we must move forward to solve this problem.
9. Yes, in general I support basin of origin legislation. The struggle no doubt will be in working out the details of what would be required for environmental or economic damage mitigation – how are the damages determined and calculated? How are the damages remedied? There is a tremendous complexity of water law and interconnected responsibilities over the management of water that could make a successful proposal very difficult to devise. However all interested parties should continue to discuss how to achieve basin of origin protection.
10. There are both positive and negative aspects in how shortfalls have been handled in recent years. On the positive side there has been fairly extensive review of agency and program budgets with an eye toward achieving greater efficiencies. With budget constraints legislators have had to do much more work achieving consensus on budget priorities, no easy matter when there are so many competing interests. The negative side to the process in the past 10 to 12 years has been the "borrowing" from dedicated trust funds, plus accounting gimmicks that accomplish nothing other than a temporary fix to a long term revenue shortfall problem. Much of the detailed legislative budget work is done by the six-member Joint Budget Committee plus JBC staffers. It might be worth considering expanding the membership of the JBC to a larger number of legislators, to develop a more diverse set of perspectives in the budget process.
11. Colorado has many taxing entities, and has more special districts (which levy taxes) than most states. Voters have access to government to provide input on what services they want, and to help ensure that tax-funded services are provided efficiently and effectively. However, most voters don't have the time or inclination to monitor public programs (school board, county, state government, and so on), so government work is not always done in the most effective way with an eye to keeping the tax burden low. Generally – when looking at the total tax burden from all taxing entities – Colorado is a low tax state when compared to most other states, and government can't raise taxes without a majority vote of the people. With substantial unmet needs such as roads and bridges, I see little opportunity for reducing the taxpayers' burden beyond what can be gained through careful vigilance over each taxing entity.
12. State regulation of the oil and gas industry is evolving. Within the past several years a major rewrite of regulations was completed by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, but rules regarding setbacks are still being written. I don't believe we know yet if our state regulations are adequate, inadequate or overreaching. It's quite possible the state is understaffed in inspectors with the thousands of drilling operations that now exist. Some local governments have taken steps to add environmental monitoring requirements because they don't believe the state rules are sufficient to monitor for possible contamination of water, air and soils. Local government has authority through land use regulations to be involved in regulating oil and gas drilling and other associated processes. I support the involvement of local government and local citizens in the regulatory process.
13. As already noted, sorting out the authority of state government vs. local government in monitoring and regulating oil and gas production is an evolving process. Colorado has a strong history of local control – land use planning and zoning regulations have always been the responsibility of local government. I disagree with the state's recent lawsuit against the City of Longmont regarding their regulatory approach for oil and gas. I support a continued role for local government and residents in helping to shape how energy development occurs, and the local role should be broader than the process currently outlined in COGCC rules. The fracking process itself will probably continue to come primarily under the jurisdiction of the state, however the state monitoring and regulatory framework may not be adequate to ensure that groundwater is not contaminated. Water is a limited and essential Western Slope resource – its protection must be a high priority.
14. Current state funding for K-12 education is inadequate. There's a continued erosion of funding which not only impacts on the quality of public education, but also prevents us from having fully-equipped 21st century classrooms, particularly in rural Colorado. The solution to inadequate funding will most likely need to come within the larger framework of solving the conflicting revenue and expenditure constraints in our state constitution, which over time have shrunk our buying power in providing a variety of needed services. It's inappropriate and unworkable to try to fix funding for education or roads and bridges or forest health or any other pressing need by simply proposing an isolated fix for one need. Colorado voters do not want to deal with multiple funding questions on the ballot over a period of years. A more comprehensive and effective fix is needed – ultimately the voters will decide what that fix is.
15. I believe the current laws are adequate but I am open to input from all stakeholders.
16. Funding for higher education is inadequate. One of our key state universities – the University of Colorado – receives such a small portion of its total funding from the state that it is at risk of becoming a completely private institution. Higher education funding is generally discretionary so, as competition increases for limited state budget dollars, funding for higher education loses ground. In addition, we must continue to ensure that quality higher education opportunities are available for students in rural Colorado. Senate District 8 includes two community colleges – Colorado Mountain College and Colorado Northwestern Community College. Funding for the important educational services they provide should be preserved and strengthened.
17. I don't have the answer, but I do know that everyone needs to come to the table to talk about our common interests and needs. Gun enthusiasts and those who believe there should be stricter controls need to find a way to have a dialogue with each other. We all want to be safe in our homes, we want our children safe in schools and at play, and we all want to be safe at work and in all aspects of our daily lives. With everyone involved in the discussion, I hope sometime soon we can begin to build on those common needs and desires, and figure out what possible solutions there might be. None of us knows the solution, but we do know there is a common want and need for safety in our lives.
18. Good work has been done by CDOT, the I-70 coalition, local government and others in evaluating options for the I-70 corridor. The problems along I-70 are fairly unique in that the worst congestion comes only at certain peak travel times. There have been positive results from a substantial public education effort, to spread out travel times on peak days. I support continued education efforts, and other approaches which can reduce congestion (such as encouraging carpooling, and working with the trucking industry to reduce truck travel during peak times). The long term solution, in my opinion, must include a rail option in the corridor. The greatest barrier is not technology but funding. With the state's current funding constraints we not only cannot clearly determine where the necessary funding will come from, but we are not even keeping up with basic road and bridge maintenance and replacement needs around the state.
19. My opponent says he works across party lines, but in reality he does not reach out to people of all political persuasions and does not address a variety of interests. He followed the bidding of Front Range partisan leadership at the end of the legislative session, and helped block votes on at least 30 bills, some of which – like the water projects bill – were critical to Western Slope interests. As a result the Governor called an expensive special session to get key legislation passed. This happened because a minority wanted to prevent a vote on a bill they knew would pass. My approach is quite different – I will work in a bipartisan common sense way utilizing my mediation skills to solve problems for the District. The best Western Slope legislators are those who work across party lines to build coalitions to get our work done in Colorado's urban/suburban legislature.
1. Randy Baumgardner
2. 4050 Jackson County Rd. #4 P.O. Box 123 Cowdrey, CO 80434
3. Paoli Junior/Senior H.S. Paoli, Indiana and some college
4. Rancher and current State Representative HD 57
5. Wife, Lori and son Matthew
6. 18 years
7. I meet the Constitutional requirements for holding this office. I am a resident of the State of Colorado, have lived in the district I am running to represent for more than 12 months and am over the age of 25.
In addition, I have represented the 57th House District in the Colorado State General Assembly for the past four years. I am a small business owner and have previously worked for the Colorado Department of Transportation, both of which gave me unique insights into how to work with people and what the state government does well and where it should be limited.
8. Creating a business friendly environment and improving the Colorado economy should be our top priority in Denver.
Every other program or budgetary line item is dependent on revenue that isn't currently being generated because of the slow recovery. Colorado used to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, but now we have a rate higher than the national average. I can assure you, that before I cast any vote in Denver, I will be thinking "will this help create Colorado jobs and grow our economy?" That will be my deciding factor in supporting legislation during my first term in the Senate.
9. Yes. I believe that if you take something from someone you should compensate them for that. I would support this kind of legislation in theory, but I would have to see the details of how this compensation would be achieved and whether I thought it was equitable and adequate before I would be able to support specific legislation.
10. NO. The budget shortfalls are due to two factors, constitutional constraints and requirements for spending and lack of revenue due to a lack of economic growth. I believe that as the constitutional controls on the state budget were implemented by the people of Colorado, they must be the ones to alter those provisions if they see the need to. Economic growth can be stimulated by encouraging businesses to invest in a Colorado where burdensome regulations are eliminated and the business climate is under control predictable.
Additionally, I supported the 2010-11 budget and was proud that we were able to come to an agreement on how to do the hard work of cutting $750 million to balance the budget while keeping necessary programs funded. I voted against this year's budget because proposed to raise spending by 7.5% and I do not think that the money should be spent "just because we have it." I have worked to keep spending under control.
11. Until we grow the economy we will not be able to meet our obligations for state services and mandatory spending and additionally cut taxes. I want our economy to be booming again. Once it is, the revenue restrictions in TABOR will kick in like they did in the '90s and taxpayers should see refund checks again from the state.
12. In talking to oil and gas operators over the past four years, I think they felt that the rules that were promulgated in the Ritter Administration were overreaching and reactionary at the time. But over time, they have learned to live within the scope of the rules, and the process has become safer and more responsive for residents living in areas where gas is developed. I think that the current rules are adequate and are working.
13. No, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) regulates these practices and provides a uniform and stable process for oil and gas producers to operate in. The process would be needlessly complex and uncertain if each local government entity could promulgate their own rules.
14. K-12 education is the only item of the state budget that grows regardless of any budget issues we are having. Due to Amendment 23, K-12 grows by 1% every year. I don't think we can offer to spend more on K-12. I do however think that in the wake of recent court cases we may have to look at ways to amend the school finance formula so we can distribute our funding more equitably. We should also work to spread funding to programs that work. We don't need to always look for the newest educational fad, we could invest more on those best practices that are really working in our schools.
15. I understand the need for tenure at the college level for professors, I do not support tenure for K-12 educators. I also think that for the most part, teachers' unions have done more to hurt the level of education because they are organized to promote teachers' interests not the interests of the students. I believe in pay for performance with teachers, just like in the private sector. I think it promotes positive competition and improves the quality of workforce.
16. No, I would like to spend more on higher education, but once again cuts to higher ed are a result of the unintended consequence of Amendment 23 forcing K-12 funding to take a larger piece of the budget year after year. Higher ed is one part of the state budget and until we begin to have our economy grow to generate the needed revenue, we will continue to see shortfalls.
17. No. Tragedies like the Aurora theater shooting naturally cause us to wonder how they could have been prevented or how tragedies like these could be prevented in the future. Stricter gun control however is not the answer. By all accounts, the accused gunman in this case, was very unstable mentally. Gun controls may have limited his ability to obtain certain weapons, but they would not have deterred him from committing a crime in the first place.
18. As a state legislator I probably spend more time on I-70 than the average citizen and this is why I am very interested in finding a solution to I-70 congestion. Last year I supported bipartisan legislation that provided funding for lane expansions at critical points along the corridor. I am not in favor of tolling or other special gimmicks that would limit access to I-70 to certain times of day. I think this creates a disproportionate burden on Western Slopers who would have business in Denver. Skiers would pay more maybe a couple of weekends per season, but we would pay more every day.
19. As I have said previously, jobs and the economy are my singular focus.
I am a fiscal conservative who has kept spending under control and even made the hard choice to vote against members of my own party to try to stop an over inflated budget. I am a champion of the Colorado taxpayer who looks to ensure your money is spent frugally and goes farther.
I am a small business owner who understands what our business community needs to help them move this economy forward. That is why I have been endorsed by every major business organization in the state. They know what the people in House District 57 have known for four years, that I work hard for my district, for the people who make this the greatest state in the union and know what we need to do to encourage the business development and growth that will bring jobs back and return Colorado to an era of budget surpluses.
Being an effective legislator in the Colorado Senate requires legislative experience, experience I have gained in my four years Representing HD 57. This job takes time to learn and in our difficult times, we cannot afford to elect someone who will be learning on the job.
1. Claire Levy
2. Boulder
3. B.A. in History from Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., and a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio
4. I am an attorney, although I have not practiced law since 2008.
5. Daughters: Mara, age 23 and Ellie, age 18
6. 30 years
7. I do not think any particular qualifications are needed. I think anyone with a sincere desire to represent the people in their district can do it and do it effectively. I think I am qualified because I work hard to study the issues and seek solutions from people with expertise. I listen to everyone, regardless of party affiliation. I do not let party line dictate my positions.
I understand the needs of families and businesses based on a lifetime of experience. As an attorney representing local governments, I know the importance of local control over land use and development. In private practice I represented individual landowners and developers, and understand the challenges of getting permits. Being an attorney trained me to see both sides of an issue and weigh pros and cons.
I have raised two children and sent them off to college, and know how hard it is to work and raise a family.
8. I am concerned that Colorado will stagnate because our investment in education and important infrastructure has not kept pace with our population growth. For example, we have at least a $1.5 billion gap between our transportation needs and our revenue. State investment in higher education has been steadily declining, making tuition rise and discouraging the best faculty from coming here. If we let our infrastructure decay the cost to repair and remediate will only rise. So one of my biggest concerns is that Colorado's basic revenue structure is not designed to allow strategic investments in the infrastructure necessary for us to be competitive.
My other concern is the gap between opportunities in rural areas and the front range and I-70 corridors. Rural areas do not have access to the same level of health care or the same quality of education because the population is so sparse and doctors and teachers are not as willing to work in those areas. Rural areas have inconsistent access to broadband telecommunications making it difficult to have a business that needs an online presence. This issue ties back to infrastructure investment.
Addressing these concerns requires consensus among the voters about allowing strategic investments. Local governments have successfully passed bond issues because they have clearly identified the reason for the investment and the financial viability of that investment. I believe a bi-partisan group of business, civic and elected leaders should develop a plan to address our backlog of transportation needs and capital improvements and present that to the voters. I also believe the voters should be given an opportunity to evaluate a fair funding source that would be dedicated to education so we do not lose our brightest students to neighboring states.
9. Yes. When water is diverted from one basin to another it alters the ecosystem in the basin of origin. It doesn't just alter the ecosystem of the river; it alters the interconnected ecosystems tied to the river. I think it is time to halt trans-basin diversions and for the Front Range to live with the water it has. It is more and more difficult to truly "mitigate" the damage of further depletions of native flows whereas there is great potential for water conservation, grey water reuse, leasing water and other creative measure to reduce the need for additional diversions.
10. I am not entirely comfortable with it but as someone who has scrutinized those budgets and attempted to pass amendments to those budgets I have to say we have done the best we could.
The state legislature has limited ability to change the core programs and funding in the budget. Our budget must balance. We are not allowed to increase revenue or restructure revenue. Health care, education, child welfare and corrections/public safety consume almost 95 percent of the budget. So there is little room for huge changes in priorities.
Budgets reflect compromises, and while I would have preferred that more of the programs in the Department of Agriculture be cash funded, I could not insist on that given the strong interests of agricultural areas. Likewise other legislators wanted to reduce departmental budgets that I thought were crucial and I prevailed. So overall, we have a fair budget given the circumstances.
11. Colorado is lopsided in its tax structure. State taxes are among the lowest in the country while local taxes are high. And the state relies heavily on user fees, which do not reflect ability to pay. Local taxes consist mostly of sales and property taxes. Sales tax is highly regressive and property taxes do not correlate well with ability to pay or demand for services. So I would not be looking so much to reduce the burden as to restructure it so it is fairer and less regressive.
12. The existing oil and gas regulations were the product of 18 months of hearings all around the state. There was consensus on 90 percent of the regulations. The result was a much shorter time period for approving permits, greater input regarding health and environmental impacts of drilling, and more input from the surface owners. Oil and gas companies benefited from faster permit approvals and neighboring landowners benefited from having more input. Those regulations did not address local setbacks, noise and other byproducts of drilling that are incompatible with residential uses. They also did not fully address water consumption and water quality concerns related to hydraulic fracturing. These local concerns must now be addressed. I believe they can be addressed without harming the industry. The industry remained strong following the new regulations adopted in 2009 and drilling only declined when the price of natural gas dropped.
13. I do not believe they should regulate the fracking process itself or those matters that are directly within the purview of the OGCC. Local governments should have the same land use authority with respect to drilling that they have for every other land use activity that occurs within their jurisdiction. Local governments have land use regulations in order to provide for orderly development and protect property values by preventing noxious uses adjacent to residential and commercial uses. Typically industrial uses that are noisy, emit odors, and have lots of associated truck traffic are separated from regular residential and commercial uses. It isn't fair to require local governments to allow oil and gas drilling everywhere while not allowing local governments to mitigate the impacts of these activities.
14. Funding for K-12 is not adequate. Class sizes are increasing and school districts are eliminating subjects. Schools are eliminating paraeducators, who help teachers deal with larger classes.
Colorado's per-pupil funding for K-12 education ranks in the bottom five states. Funding alone does not create a good education. But Colorado's funding levels are so low that we threaten the ability of our schools to educate to the standards we expect.
Students and teachers must meet rigorous standards. Most agree that a good education is the key to economic success in life. Therefore, it is imperative that our schools rise to the challenge.
The solution to school funding lies with the voters. TABOR and Amendment 23 establish education spending requirements and spending limits. Those who understand the importance of public education and the limitations imposed by current funding formulas must convince voters to allow schools to raise and spend more funds.
15. Teacher tenure laws were changed in 2010 to dramatically decrease employment security for teachers. Colorado has just begun to create the new teacher evaluation process that will replace the old system. It is too early to say whether it will accomplish what the drafters of the new laws sought to accomplish. I will be watching closely to see whether the system has swung too far towards trying to quantify all aspects of teacher performance and not allowed enough leeway to account for the challenges teachers face who have challenging student bodies. The new system must allow for variations in student bodies, subjects that are not susceptible to quantitative tests, and other challenging environments. I agree teachers are critical to students' success. I want our students to have the best teachers possible. I hope the new system succeeds.
16. Funding for higher education has dropped dramatically over the past 10 years. Part of that is because of revenue decreased caused by the recession. Part is because caseloads for Medicaid have increased and crowded out higher education. The constitutional requirements of Amendment 23 also decrease the funds available for higher education.
Tuition increases have made college out of reach of many middle class families. Colleges are looking at other tuition models but that isn't enough.
Improving funding to take the pressure off tuition increases requires us to examine the tax structure from top to bottom to see whether it is efficient, fair and effective. The University of Denver has concluded Colorado's basic tax structure is obsolete and does not reflect to current income sources and spending habits. Colorado should convene a Simpson/Bowles type commission to offer bi-partisan solutions to take to the voters. Nothing can be changed without voter approval.
17. Gun control laws cannot prevent a mentally ill killer from accomplishing his goal. But that doesn't mean we should not make changes that could improve overall public safety without diminishing people's ability to enjoy hunting and target practice, or their ability to protect themselves.
I favor renewing the ban on assault weapons. I favor limiting high capacity magazines. I also favor efforts to address gaps that allow people with mental illness to purchase guns.
Again, I understand nothing can prevent someone intent on getting a weapon from doing that. But for some, a minor hurdle will prevent them from using a gun impulsively and may just deter an otherwise law abiding person from using a gun against someone else. Sensible gun safety legislation does not have to diminish anyone's Second Amendment rights.
18. I have followed the I-70 Corridor Coalition's work for many years. I check in regularly with the local government representatives involved in the I-70 Corridor. There is agreement that widening the highway would wreck local economies and have a huge impact on the quality of life in Clear Creek County. Traffic figures show the highway would be as congested as it is now just fifteen years after widening is completed. So widening alone is not a good solution. The rail option has not been explored enough to either endorse it or oppose it. I favor some sort of multi-modal solution that incorporates transit and dedicates additional capacity to buses so they can go faster and be more attractive to riders. We should also try to shift truck traffic to nights and low traffic days. And encourage spreading the existing traffic out throughout the weekdays and hours of the day.
19. I believe I have tackled the tough issues that need to be tackled in my first three terms and have brought reason and balance to the process. I devote all my energy to this job and try my best to know the diverse parts of my district and truly represent all of my constituents. I know very little about my opponent because the positions on his website are very general. I agree with many of those general positions. But they do not reflect the realities of voting on legislation nor do they reflect what the state legislature actually affects. While I cannot and would not criticize my opponent I believe I am a better choice because I have a better understanding of the job and the potential to improve the state.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Grand County make the Sky-Hi News' work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator Trusted User


text:
Some of the major players in the fiduciary debate may have changed, and it might appear that the debate itself has taken a back seat to other pressing problems in Washington, but make no mistake: both the SEC and the Department of Labor remain on track to make separate rules on the fiduciary issue.
To ensure that all advisors' voices are heard in the debate, AdvisorOne is once again partnering with fi360 to gauge the attitudes and real-world practices of advisors of all kinds when it comes to the fiduciary standard.
The survey is open now and will remain available through the end of this week. Respondents can maintain their anonymity in taking the survey, but the findings in aggregate will help inform the discussion on this crucial topic.
The 2013 Fiduciary Survey can be taken here, and all advisors, regardless of business or compensation model, are urged to make their voices heard on the fiduciary standard, whether in the area of retirement planning (the DOL) or in more general financial planning advice (the SEC).
As for recent developments in the debate, noted advisor Harold Evensky on March 8 sent a comment letter to the SEC saying that the "Achilles' Heel" of the current regulatory system is "the public's belief that all professionals providing investment advice place the client's best interest first, coupled with an inappropriate allocation of responsibility; i.e., 'where the buck stops."' Evensky was writing in response to the SEC's March 1 request for data regarding the costs and benefits of the current standards of conduct for broker-dealers and advisors.
The SEC request seeks "in particular quantitative data and economic analysis, relating to the benefits and costs that could result from various alternative approaches regarding the standards of conduct and other obligations of broker-dealers and investment advisers."
Days afterward, SEC chairwoman nominee Mary Jo White (left) told the Senate banking committee that, if confirmed, she would commit to reviewing the comments the agency receives on its request issued March 1 for public data on the "potential regulatory costs to implement potential changes to fiduciary standards for broker/dealers and investment advisors" before writing a rule, as "this is an important area." White's nomination was approved by the committee on March 19.
The findings of the 2013 Survey will be published on AdvisorOne and presented at fi360's annual conference in April.
Since a "concept release" on the fiduciary standard could come from the SEC by early summer, while the DOL fiduciary redraft is scheduled to be released in July, now is the time for advisors' unfiltered voices to be heard on the subject by taking the 2013 Fiduciary Survey.
You can read the findings on AdvisorOne of the 2012 Fiduciary Survey, and you can take this year's 2013 Fiduciary Survey here.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Montana Secretary of State
Current Position
Secretary of State
State of Montana
Lewis & Clark
Specialty Areas
- Government
More Information:
Other Information
Throughout her career, Linda McCulloch has been an energetic and determined advocate for all Montanans. Elected Montana's first woman Secretary of State in November 2008, Linda is committed to ensuring that Montana's elections are fair and accurate and that Montana's businesses have the tools they need to grow and expand in a changing economy. Linda firmly believes civic engagement fuels a functioning democracy, and she's committed to increasing public participation in all levels of government.
A senior member of the State Board of Land Commissioners, Linda McCulloch has helped create rural jobs and generate more than $1 billion in revenue for Montana schools by overseeing the management of 5.2 million acres of school trust land. Her position on the five-member Board continues to secure sustainable natural resource conservation, responsible timber-harvesting and affordable use of state lands.
Linda's professional career consists entirely of public service, having previously served as a teacher, school librarian, legislator, and statewide elected Superintendent of Public Instruction.
During her two terms as State Superintendent, Linda helped boost funding for Montana schools, implement Indian Education for All, start Full-Time Kindergarten across the state, award honorary high school diplomas for war-veterans, launch the READ Montana! program, and advance a rural education perspective regarding the federal No Child Left Behind law.
Linda served three terms in the Montana House of Representatives, from 1995 to 2001. In 1999, she served as the Minority Caucus Leader and Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee. As a legislator, Linda served on the Judiciary, Highways & Transportation, Local Government, Education and House Rules Committees. Interim Committee assignments included Juvenile Justice & Mental Health, Indian Affairs, and Education & Local Government.
From 1995 to 2000, Linda was a Faculty Affiliate at the University of Montana and a recipient of the Mike and Maureen Mansfield Library Scholarship. As an active civic leader, Linda has served on numerous boards including the Board of Public Education, Board of Regents, Montana Library Commission, the MT Heritage Project, and the Advisory Council to the Montana Meth Project.
Linda holds M.A. and B.A. degrees in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Supervision of Library Media Programs from the University of Montana. She started her educational career in 1978 as a paraprofessional in Eastern Montana before teaching in schools in Western Montana.


text:
In a recent interview with the new Spotify service, Spotify Landmark, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Nirvana's In Utero, bassist Krist Novoselic mentions some of the projects he's been working on lately. One of the things he touches on briefly, is how he contributed bass to one song on the new Modest Mouse album.
And so I did a song with Modest Mouse, earlier this year for their new record. It's pretty edgy. I've got my big Gibson bass and a Rat distortion pedal busting out a... this bass riff.
He then goes on to talk about working with Paul McCartney and Corin Tucker in a bit more detail.
A search for Krist Novoselic and Modest Mouse also returns back an article from the 24th of August last year, in the Twin Cities Daily Planet, that points out that he's been jamming with Modest Mouse for a bit of time.
So how are you spending your time besides political advocacy?
Well I've been doing a little bit of music through the grace of David Eric Grohl and I do a little bit of music with some fellas in Portland. I've been hanging out with Modest Mouse. We're just kind of playing; I don't know what's going on with it.
Spotify is only available in the US, but if you're looking for that part it's part of the Kurt Novoselic In Utero interview, track 16.
Thanks to @piratecrocodile for bringing this to our attention.
Source: Spotify Landmark: The Real Story Of Nirvana's "In Utero"


text:
May 22, 2013
The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) just released the fifth edition of "The Construction Chart Book: The U.S. Construction Industry and Its Workers." The 142-page book includes statistics on all facets of the U.S. construction industry. The safety and health section includes new information on worker exposure to safety and health hazards, including falls, respiratory problems, and noise.
The new edition also includes charts and topics not covered in previous editions, including green construction, employment projects, unemployment and re-employment rates, risks of falls, respiratory hazards, and hearing loss by trades.
Find out more about the Construction Chart Book and download the fifth edition on CPWR's Construction Chart Book webpage.
Reprinting, excerpting, or plagiarizing any part of this publication is fine with us!
But remember: the information in this newsletter is intended to highlight safe work practices, but it does not replace Oregon OSHA workplace safety and health rules.
For information about Oregon OSHA services and answers to technical questions, call (503) 378-3272 or toll-free within Oregon, (800) 922-2689.


text:
This image has format transparent PNG with resolution 800x2904.
You can download this image in best resolution from this page and use it for design and web design.
Champagne bottle PNG with transparent background you can download for free, just click on it and save.
In this clipart you can download free PNG images: Champagne PNG images, Champagne bottle glass png


text:
Something you said made me think out loud. I wasn't there but my head was. I don't remember exactly your point but… you said, "Thank you." I was like "What did I do?" You laughed and continued your talk. I had no idea what you meant really. I didn't do anything. I just… I didn't do anything.
You made fun of me. We laughed. I had no idea what you meant. I was tired from my day. You held my hand without taking it. I knew you were special, just didn't know, how special you made me feel until after you left. You lingered. I suppose I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful for you. You're still here holding my hand without taking it.
But… I wanted to know why you said thank you to me. What did I do for you? You might still be here making fun of me. You might still be here laughing with me. I suppose you're right though. Have to hold on to what we have. Have to be grateful for it. Even if it isn't perfect, even if when you look around, you might feel like you don't fit in. Grateful. I should be grateful. This jolt as soft as it is… makes me miss you so much.
Whispering "I love you" into a butterfly hoping it reaches you. I'm grateful for you as you live in my heart always… memories selfishly capture you intensely in my life.
Heart is strong in this.
Thank you for the time.
Want to say I love you.
Want to say you made my day.
Mother your support means a lot.
Sister you need a shoulder… here I am.
Family needs a hug… here I am.
Daughter needs a smile… here I am.
Friend needs to laugh… here I go.
Cousin you are lost… find me here.
Nephew you need guidance… no problem.
Niece… you're not well. Hugs!
Baby… come cuddle with Mommy.
Husband needs a friend… I am here friend.
Crying needs a tissue. Here you go.
Fantasy needs reality. Well… let me think about that.
Dreams need fulfillment. Passionately swimming there.
Drugs… I don't do drugs. I do music though.
Head needs time. I ain't got no time missy!
Rush needs calm. Okay… jolt!
Lonely needs you… needing… you.
Dancing… only… with you.
Grateful… yes… grateful… for you.
© 2017 Mel Gutiér
After your mind tangents you into crazy rambles, you need a pick me up for the day. Many years ago, (I'm a little up in age. LOL.) I came a cross this amazing German named Henrik Twardzik. What a great name! Right? In the music world he goes by Neelix. I like that name too. When I heard his remix poetry, way back when, the effect of it was like this soothing softness that packed a shooting jolt and made me tingle all over. He always packages something unique in the mix. Whether it be vocalizations or the electric guitar, my personal favorite, he kills it! I'm completely blown away by his creativity and his ability to change the course of my thoughts in one second. I find his jolts extremely satisfying and inspirational. Grateful for that!
Love the whole thing but my favorite in this begins at 3:46. Crazy!
Love y'all.
Thanks so much for reading and for listening.


text:
News & Notes: Game 72
Follow the Herd:
Listen to the Game Live: CLICK HERE!
Bisons Baseball Network: CLICK HERE!
Email the Broadcast Team: CLICK HERE!
Everything about the Herd: CLICK HERE!
Get to a Bisons Game: CLICK HERE!
TODAY'S GAME: Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Charlotte Knights in the first game of a four-game set from Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.). The Herd and Knights split a four-game series (June 19-22) in Charlotte. Buffalo took the first two games by outscoring Charlotte 15-4, but the Knights evened the series behind two, one-run victories.
KNIGHT'S NIGHT: RHP Brandon Knight gets the start tonight for the Herd looking to bounce back from a rough outing against Charlotte his last time out, when he gave up seven earned runs in four innings. However, the last time Knight toed the rubber at Coca-Cola Field he delivered a 109-pitch (80 strike) complete game against the Durham Bulls, allowing just one run on six hits. The veteran leads the Bisons pitching staff with 68 strikeouts on the year.
HITTIN' HERD: The Bisons pounded out 16 hits on Friday night to tie a season high they set on June 19 against the Knights. Buffalo hit .305 as a team and averaged 5.3 runs/game over their recent eight-game roadtrip. The Herd has come alive in the month of June, posting a .275 (213-775) team batting average in the month. That's 2nd best in the IL behind only Rochester (.284).
SCORING EARLY: The Bisons scored in the 1st inning in five of the eight games on their recent roadtrip (10 total 1st inning runs). The Herd won four of the five games in which they plated a runner in the first inning. Buffalo has scored 38 first inning runs this year, the most in any inning.
FELICIANO FEELIN' IT: OF Jesus Feliciano has been the Bisons most consistent hitter all season. Feliciano has hit safely in 24 of his last 29 games since May 23. During this stretch, he has averaged .374 (40-107) with eight doubles, 19 RBI and 19 runs scored. The solid month stretch has raised Feliciano's average 53 points to .313, which is currently 6th best in the International League.
ROSTER MOVES: The Bisons have added INF Wilson Valdez and LHP Jon Switzer to their active roster. Both players were designated for assignment by the Mets. Valdez hit .208 (5-24) in 11 games with New York after being acquired in a trade with Cleveland. Switzer posted an 8.10ERA in four games (3.1IP) with New York after beginning the 2009 campaign with the Herd.


text:
Harrisburg tries to collect money owed
City controller against selling tax liens
The man in charge of leading Harrisburg out of debt is pushing a plan to collect some of the money owed the city.
Gen. William Lynch's plan is to make money off delinquent property taxes.
Not everyone agrees that selling the tax liens is a good idea because it could also short change the city in the long run.
Lynch says the cashflow situation in Harrisburg is in bad shape. The city continues to scramble year after to year to pay bills and payroll.
"This is a constant who do you pay, what bills don't you pay," Lynch said.
He is the man that's been picked to bring financial stability back to Harrisburg.
"There are people in business who will give you 93 or 94 cents to the dollar to buy those tax liens, if you give them the right to that money if and when it's collected," Lynch said.
City Controller Dan miller said he feels it's a bad idea. He believes city will get relief in the short term, but miss out on a lot of money in the long term.
"So next year, when we would collect those delinquent taxes plus the interest and penalties, that's a lot of revenue we are not going to get that," Miller said.
It's estimated the city can get a $1 million upfront for $1.2 million worth of delinquent tax liens.
Miller said that's just a drop in the pocket. The budget deficit will easily reach $12 million by the end of the year.
Lynch said other cities in the state have sold their delinquent taxes. He needs the mayor and city council's support to move forward on the plan.
One council member disagrees with the plan.
"We need the money for very mundane things, like paying police salaries and firefighter salaries," Lynch said.
He said he believes there's enough money to make payroll through mid-December.
The City Council president said she has spoken with Lynch and will be talking with the other members of council about selling the delinquent tax liens.
In the past, council has voted down selling tax liens.


text:
Hi all!
I am a University student currently writing a research portfolio on Jim Carrey.
It would really help me out if you could all complete this short survey to help me with my work. It only takes a minute Thank you!
Jim Carrey questionnaire
1. How old are you?
2. Male or female?
3. Do you consider yourself to be a fan of Jim Carrey?
4. What do you feel makes you a fan?
5. Why do you like Jim Carrey?
6. Do you own any items that you believe make you a huge fan of his?
7. How would you define Jim CarreyŌĆÖs acting style?
8. Which film role did you enjoy watching Jim Carrey in the most, and why?
9. What do you know about Jim CarreyŌĆÖs private life and relationships?
10. Do you consider Jim Carrey to be a ŌĆśstarŌĆÖ?
11. Why/why not?


text:
Main Content
The Indiana Constitution divides state government into three branches: the Legislative, the Executive, and the Judicial. The Constitution provides that the judicial power of the State is vested in a Supreme Court, a Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts and such other courts as the General Assembly may establish (Indiana Constitution Article 7§1). The first court in the Indiana Territory consisted of three judges appointed by the Governor in 1800. Today, the Indiana court system has evolved into a system of justice that is sophisticated and complex. It consists of different levels of courts serving different functions, and over 575 judicial officers hearing more than 1.8 million cases each year!
There are two primary levels of Indiana state courts: trial courts and appellate courts. The Supreme Court of Indiana, the Court of Appeals of Indiana, and the Indiana Tax Court are appellate-level courts. For the most part, appellate courts only handle cases that have already been decided in a trial court. The person who lost at trial wants the appellate-level court to reconsider the case because they wish to challenge the outcome.
In Indiana, there are three different kinds of trial courts: circuit courts, superior courts, and local city or town courts. Though these courts have different names, the three trial courts are actually more alike than they are different. Trial courts have different names primarily due to accidents of legislative history and local custom, not true differences in the nature or purpose of the courts. The cases these courts hear can vary tremendously from county to county.
View an Organizational Chart of the Indiana Judicial System
< contents | difference between trial courts & appellate courts >


text:
Solo with OrchestraEdouard Nanny, better known
Some of these compositions can be performed on the bassetto, some of them better even than on the double bass. The only original concerto so far has been written by Bodo Reinke: the composition "Aventures", for bassetto and orchestra. I hope that many more composers will soon follow his example!


text:
Bringing Balance to the Force
. Please
1 Hour
1 Day
1 Week
1 Month
Login with username, password and session length
JediDefender.com Forums
Photonovels and Movies
Jesse James
) »
Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
« previous
next »
Pages: [
Topic: Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional) (Read 8528 times)
Jedi Knight
Posts: 2787
I sense much fear in you.
Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
October 11, 2006, 10:45 PM »
On the outer rim world of Tatooine
A raucous palace on the outskirts of the Jundland Wastelands, a celebration ensues for the greatest Pod Race in the galaxy. The Boonta Eve Classic.
The victory party is hosted by the notable crimelord, Gardulla the Hutt. Gardulla sits on her lavish dias revelling in the excitement amongst her guests.
Her palace is filled with an eclectic group of guests. Pod Racers, both champions and perennial losers, are surrounded by Gardullas guests and Inner Court.
Gardullas newest acquisition, a state of the art WA-7, bustles about tending to all her guests needs.
Years after his famous loss to the human pod racer, Anakin Skywalker, the dug Sebulba basks in the glow of his recent victory at the Boonta Eve race. Accompanied by his twin slaves, Ann and Tan Gella, he is always the center of attention.
Welcome my guests. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the Champion of the Boonta Eve Classic, Sebulba! booms the deep voiced Hutt. Congratulations and thank you again for a very profitable day, hough, hauw, hough!
Sebulba waves triumphantly to the crowd. He has no love for the Hutts but he does love the attention.
Many of the Boonta Eve challengers pay little respect to their champion. They are tired of his incessant celebrating but could not pass up the opportunity for the the fine Corellian spiced ale served in Gardullas Court.
Gardulla the Hutt is pleased to welcome back to the stage, the Midithorians, exclaims X-LOM, Gardullas personal Protocol droid.
Syltana , the Theelin lead singer, accompanied by her Ithorian bandmates, seranades Sebulba in her sultry tone.
As is typical in their concerts, the crowd is mesmerized by dulcet lyrics and sounds.
Shortly after the concert, Syltana greets her adoring fans while the Ithorians enjoy the fruits of the ongoing celebration.
A high pitch voice brings silence to the room, Gardulla, Im here to claim the bounty on this man!
The site of the two bounty hunters catches the attention of a Tusken raider lurking in the shadows of the Palace. At last the solemn figure thinks to himself.
Hough, hauw, hough, Aurra, my dear, how nice of you to join our party. Gardulla bellows with a wry smile. Thank you for bringing me this fellow Bounty Hunter. Addressing Jango Fett, Gardulla moans I understand I have something youve been looking for, hough, hauw, hough. Too bad my favorite bounty hunter found you first!
Delinath Roq, Gardullas Head of Security, calls out to one of his guards, Take the prisoner to the dungeon.
Through the steel gate, the hulking Gammorean guard ushers Jango into the depths of the palace.
Silently, the Tusken turns and leaves, ignored by the surrounding guards.
Elsewhere on Tatooine
Commander Gorn, have you reached your destination? says Darth Sidious through the holoprojector. Yes, my Lord. As you predicted, there is a dark cave at these coordinates. I will contact you again when I've learned more, replies Gorn, eager to serve his Master.
With new found swagger, Gorn strides into the depths of the dark cave.
Gorn is mesmerized by the shimmering object levitating in the center of main cavern. What is
? exclaims Gorn under his breath.
It is my Holocron, you fool, says Darth Plagueis as he appears seemingly from nowhere.
Gorn wips around, hearing the voice. The helmed figure speaks again in a raspy voice, You should not be here. I knew the he would feel my presence. He should have come to confront me himself.
What creature are you? asks Gorn feeling the evil pervade his inner core.
I am the true Lord of the Sith, and YOU will tell Lord Sidious that I have returned! exclaims Darth Plagueis.
Sensing the opportunity to finally achieve favor in his Masters eyes, Gorn acts quickly, rushing to attack.
In a swift attack, Sith lightning streaks from the fingers of the Dark Lord. You fool! You are no match for the true Sith! screams Plagueis.
Aaaaargh! screams Gorn as the electricity rifles through his body. Unable to move, he looks up at the Lord of the Sith.
Removing his protective helmet, Plagueis speaks slowly, Now, I will reveal myself to you. I am Darth Plagueis the Wise. Your Master, Darth Sidious is merely an Apprentice eager for his own power. Soon I will be fully restored.
Plagueis asks an innocent question, Can your ship fly with droids alone? Puzzled, but too weak to fight, Gorn answers with a faint Yes.
Fearing his eminent death, Gorn watches as Plagueis ignites his saber.
With a single sweeping motion, Plagueis amputates the arms of the weakend Sith Knight. Screaming in pain Gorn hears Plagueis speak slowly, Go back to Coruscant. Tell your Master that I wish to see him.
Meanwhile, Darth Plaguies eager apprentice, Darth Punio, approaches the Palace of Gardulla the Hutt. Skirting the outer wall, Punio thinks back of the time years ago, when he created a mysterious orb from the ancient Sith Holocron he found abandoned in the old cave.
Although this is his first visit to Gardullas Palace, it was not supposed to be His very first mission was to deliver the orb to Gardulla. However, as we was eager to resume his study of the Holocron, he took advantage using an old friend as a courier.
At the end of an evening of heavy celebration, Gardullas guests are unaware at first of the new visitor.
Punio approaches the mighty Hutt. Greetings, Exalted One. I am Darth Punio, apprentice to Darth Plagueis the Wise. Ive come to reclaim the orb of power. A look of shock overcomes Gardullas face as she speaks Hough, hauw, hough. What sort of joke is this? Lord Plagueis is dead. I know nothing of the object of which you speak.
Gardulla continues, True it is that Plagueis and I have an arrangement and he foretold of his return. However, the object he said would be delivered, never arrived.
Immediately, Darth Punio feels the sense of betrayal. He stammers But Hamma Gringol, he brought this object to you. A wry smile overcomes Gardullas enormous face. Hough, hough. If you trusted him, then you have been played by that old fool. He was banned from my Palace years ago for inappropriate behavior with one of my slaves. I can assure you Hamma delivered no such object to me.
Shrumpel Thichna, Gardullas Major Domo steps forward. As a courtesy to Lord Plagueis arrangement with Gardulla. I will take you to the medical chamber and you can see for yourself.
Punios mind is racing with possibilities as he already plots his next move. He thinks to himself He will pay for his betrayal.
Silently, Lord Punio follows the giant figure deeper into Gardullas Palace.
An electrical hum contrasts the cold reaches of Gardullas medical facility. Three droids attend to the bizarre medical chamber.
Pointing towards a large bacta tank, Shumpel speaks, There, you can see what weve been maintaining in a dormant state for your master. Puzzled, Punio asks What is it?
3-1B4, the medical droid, turns to face the diminutive Sith Lord This is a embryonic cloning sac. It has been maintained in a stasis chambers for 60 years.
Lord Punio approaches the chamber, But what purpose does it serve? The cybernetic doctor replies, This cloning chamber was specially designed to receive midi-chlorians as part of the life fusion process. It only awaits activation.
Slowly, the truth is revealed to Lord Punio. The Orb of Power must have been a physical manifestation of the midi-chlorians.
On the other side of Tatooine's Dune Sea, Jedi Knight Ty-Ri Docosto skims across the surface of the desert. Ordered by the Jedi Council to investigate the possibility of a Sith presence in the Outer Rim, the young Jedi has a premonition that a dark power is growing on Tatooine.
Ty-Ri lands his Starfighter and scans the horizon for his first destination.
Ty-Ri, thinking out loud, says, Mos Eisley, seems as good as anywhere.
Back in Gardullas Palace, Delinath speaks slowly Have you seen enough? Reluctantly, Punio agrees Yes, I still need answers, however, I cant get them here.
One of Gardullas guests, the Kubaz, Duronden seems to pay special attention to the Sith Lord.
Turning away from Gardullas court, Lord Punio already knows his next destination. His Master will not be happy at his failure. Certain punishment awaits him. But first, Punio will have his revenge.
Last Edit: October 12, 2006, 11:12 AM by BrentS
Jedi Knight
Posts: 2787
I sense much fear in you.
Re: Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
Reply #1 on:
October 11, 2006, 10:47 PM »
Well, this photonovel sure was a long time coming, huh? Anyway, I hope you enjoy watching the story unfold. I want to thank everyone for their patience with me. Also Mike and Justin for their thorough proof-reading. Also I have to thank Lance for the kick-butt graphics on the title frame.
You may notice that there are two "Chapter 3"s. I'm going back to fix the chapter numbering as Chapter 1 is really a prologue anyway. Sorry for the confustion
Jedi Apprentice
Posts: 1142
Hook 'Em Horns!
Re: Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
Reply #2 on:
November 3, 2006, 04:40 PM »
WOW! No one has replied to this fantastic story?? Perhaps people prefer the Comic-style version. Thanx for ths traditional style, as I prefer to read the stories in this format.
Not much action, but probably my favorite chapter thus far. Great storytelling, as I am looking forward to seeing Punio etract his revenge. Also, outstanding diorama and setting of the Hutt Palace. The pics were also a lot of fun to look at, trying t identify so many figs and customs. You really have outdone yourself, BrentS.
I wish I could create the dioramas, artifacts, and general effects you show here.
Keep up the good work and I look forward to the next chapter, 4 or 3 or whatever you want to call it!
-Sarah Palin to Charlie Gibson, a week before her husband, Todd Palin, refused to cooperate
Posts: 54
Burt Reynolds flew X-Wings?
Re: Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
Reply #3 on:
November 3, 2006, 08:51 PM »
This PN is just top notch all of the way.
I LOVE the story! It's got that classic Star Wars feel, but it totally original. The characters are just plain fantastic. Your customs are wonderful; I can tell you put a lot of time into this ... something I can respect.
That sinister little jawa makes me smile with delight every time I see him ... a truely brilliant character!
As usual, your sets are amazing. That throne room would be a beautiful piece to be displayed in a den or office ... truely a geek's dream come true!
Straight aces all the way!
Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.
Jedi Knight
Posts: 2787
I sense much fear in you.
Re: Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
Reply #4 on:
November 5, 2006, 12:17 AM »
Thanks for the bumpity bump guys.
SA Longhorn - coming from a great story teller, your comments mean a lot! You and Chewie both prefer the traditional style. I plan on keeping them both active so future installments you can get both. Also as far as the "lack" of feedback. I've got this story posted in multiple formats at multiple sites. So despite appearances, I've gotten a lot of good feedback!!
Swede - likewise, your comments really mean a lot. I'm glad you like all the "creative" pieces that go into these stories. They sure are fun to make!
Last Edit: November 5, 2006, 12:18 AM by BrentS
Darth Depressis
Jedi Padawan
Posts: 546
i've never seen garbage eat garbage before
Re: Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
Reply #5 on:
November 5, 2006, 01:18 PM »
i gotta say i love your PN, you and chewie are my favs. in my opinion a great PN needs to have a well-planned out story,Great Customs,and most of all: Effects.
but back to the review, much like many of the EU starwars fans i've been thursting for info on Darth Plagueis, and this PN has in my opinion probably better use of him than were gonna see in 'O8. your use of actual sets is great,i only wish i had the patience to devote to actual sets, but i'm a wannabe film director out to play Lucas. your command over lighting is just amazing,each frame has clearly been looked at from all angles and lit masterfully. you should really be a Director of Photography! most if not all of your shots look like they could be shown on the bigscreen. your customs are great, i've been a fan of your work in that area for sometime now. and back to Plagueis, i'm very happy you chose to maintain your vision of him rather than making him a Muun(stupid idea!). otherthan that keep it goin...
Last Edit: November 27, 2006, 01:40 AM by Darth Depressis
Deanna Rash
Jedi Padawan
Posts: 836
AH ! Whatta you know a jedi
Re: Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
Reply #6 on:
December 1, 2006, 11:31 PM »
This is hard.i like the comic book style.it's eaiser too follow,but I like this style too.
I really can't make up my mind
The ablity to speak does not make you intelligent - now get out of here!
Pages: [
« previous
next »
JediDefender.com Forums
Photonovels and Movies
Jesse James
) »
Duel of the Sith - The Betrayal (Traditional)
Simple Machines
Page created in 0.063 seconds with 17 queries.


text:
Key Partner Countries
In contrast to the initiation and up keep of individual contact with researchers and/or individual research areas of RWTH Aachen, the university strategically coordinates international partnerships and contacts on an interuniversity level and systematically promotes these.
RWTH Aachen's focus on certain countries and universities makes it possible to develop and maintain targeted collective activities. RWTH Aachen wishes to only enter into so many interuniversity partnerships as can be actively supervised and maintained.
Key partner countries of RWTH Aachen are:
A Rector's delegate was named for each of these countries.


text:
Extended coverage
Industrial Extended Coverage – IXC
For protection beyond the international or national limited warranty, Volvo Penta offers Industrial Extended Coverage (IXC). IXC can cover the whole engine or just major components for up to five years or 10,000 operating hours, enabling coverage tailored to your own requirements, better predictability and added peace of mind. You can include IXC when ordering your engine or within the first 3 months after starting operations. IXC can be ordered for coverage package of two, three or five years.


text:
锘?!DOCTYPE html>
You might be looking to buy a home or refinance a mortgage. Or maybe you're considering using home equity to make home improvements or pay for a major expense. Whatever the case, here is some information about your home financing options so you can see what makes sense for you.
Wherever you are in life, be informed to help make home buying simpler.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, ready for your next home or vacation home, or looking to invest, you should be informed to help you prepare.
Learn about the home buying process. Read the steps to home buying, affording a home, the pre-approval process and more.See the homebuyer's guide >
Moving? Whether you're downsizing, upsizing or relocating, buying a new home is a big milestone. Here are tips for buying a new home and selling your current house.Tips for buying and selling your home >
If it's affordable and in line with your long-term goals, owning a second home may be great for investment and lifestyle reasons. Learn what to consider when buying a vacation or investment home.Reasons for a second home >
See if refinancing makes sense for you.
There are many reasons to refinancelower your monthly payments, pay off your debt sooner, get cash out or change your loan type to one with better terms. Learn the different reasons to refinance to see if it's something you should consider.
Use the refinance guide to understand if refinancing makes sense for you. It covers the benefits of refinancing, how to qualify and the application process.See the refinance guide >
Although many options are available, Discover offers home equity loans you can use to refinance your mortgage if you owe less than $200,000. Take advantage of no origination fees and no cash required at closing with a Discover Home Equity Loan.Learn about refinancing with a Discover Home Equity Loan > opens in a new window
If you have multiple forms of debt, you may have high interest rates and be paying more than necessary. With a debt consolidation loan, you may be able to eliminate high interest debt by making one low payment a month. Your home equity can be a great way to consolidate debt.Learn about using your home for debt consolidation > opens in a new window * View benefits and risks > footnote: opens modal dialog
Why wait for that addition or remodel?
You can use the equity you may have in your home to improve itand add even more value to it. A home equity loan may be a great way to finance that home addition or remodel you've been thinking about. Tell us how much cash you need for your home improvement, and we'll provide a potential rate and payment for your Discover Home Equity Loan.
There are several ways to finance your home improvement project, so it's helpful to know the differences between each, including a home equity loan, a HELOC, a cash-out refinance and a personal loan.Compare loan options > opens in a new window
See how much cash you can get for your home improvement project by refinancing. This site has articles and calculators to help guide you.Learn about cash-out refinance >
You can borrow against the equity in your current home to pay for your improvement projects. Take steps to get started and find out how much equity you may have in your home.Learn how to start using your equity > opens in a new window
Need money for a major expense or life event?
Maybe you're planning a storybook wedding, paying tuition for a loved one, planning a dream vacation or just need some help with unexpected bills. Your home equity can give you the cash you need to pay for planned or last-minute expenses. Tell us how much cash you need, and we'll provide a potential rate and payment for a Discover Home Equity Loan.
While borrowing amounts vary by lender, with a Discover Home Equity Loan, you can borrow up to $200,000 with no cash required at closing to help you pay for a major expense or life event.Learn about the benefits of a Discover Home Equity Loan >
An alternate option to get funds is with a cash-out refinance. Learn about a cash-out refinance to help you learn if it's a good solution for you.Learn about cash-out refinance > opens in a new window
If a home equity loan interests you, apply online now and get prequalified with Discover Home Equity Loans.Apply Now > opens in a new window
The relative benefits of a loan for debt consolidation depend on your individual circumstances and your actual debt payments. You will realize interest payment savings when you make monthly payments towards the new, lower interest rate loan in an amount equal to or greater than what you previously paid towards the higher rate debt(s) being consolidated. Keep in mind, though, while your monthly payments will be lower, in the long term you may pay more interest because the debt is extended over a longer period of time.


text: Belief As Pope Francis visits Ecuador, women there say they're losing ground The World July 04, 2015 Ecuador's president Rafael Correa may be best known in the US as a self-described socialist. But he's also a conservative Catholic. On the eve of the first papal visit since the 1980s, women in Ecuador say they're losing hard-won rights under Correa's administration.


text:
Emerson's Retirement Could Force Taxpayers to Pay For Special Election
JEFFERSON CITY - Jo Ann Emerson's decision to retire Monday from the U.S. House of Representatives means Missouri's 8th District will need to hold a special election to fill her vacant seat.
The timing of her decision could cost Missourians hundreds of thousands in taxpayer dollars.
Emerson (R-Mo), who won re-election a month ago but now plans to retire in February, could leave counties in the 8th District scrambling if Gov. Jay Nixon chooses not to put the election on the April 2013 ballot. If he schedules the election for another date, each county would need to hold separate elections with only one ballot issue and pay for the costs of ballot printing, election judges, polling locations, absentee ballots and other expenses.
Emerson's 8th congressional district in Missouri includes 27 counties in the southeast portion of the state, and several county clerks offered rough estimates Friday for the cost of a separate special election. The state of Missouri reimburses each county for the elections, but the money ultimately falls on taxpayers across the state, no matter the congressional district. In larger counties such as Phelps and Cape Girardeau, the total cost could approach six figures combined. Phelps County Clerk Carol Bennett estimated a cost of $65,000 to $75,000 for a non-April special election, and Joey Keys in Cape Giradeau County estimated a similar total ranging from $60,000 to $65,000.
In Dent County, which consists of about 15,000 people, Angie Curley estimated a special election could cost anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000.
The constitution grants Gov. Nixon the power to schedule a special election. Press Secretary Scott Holste said the governor has no timetable on that decision, and he said a "number of things" factor into whether to hold an election in April or at another time. He would not specifically comment on whether Gov. Nixon would consider the cost of county elections in his decision.
KOMU 8 News contacted Jo Ann Emerson's office in Washington, D.C., and the office referred us to the email of a media contact. Jeffrey Connor declined to comment on possible costs of a special election for Emerson's seat.
"The special election will be set by the Governor of Missouri," Connor said in the email.
Emerson announced she will accept a position as president of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. According to OpenSecrets.org, NRECA is the largest contributing organization to Emerson's campaign fund since she joined Congress in 1996.
Emerson, who turned 62 in September, is now also eligible to collect a full and immediate pension under the Federal Employees' Retirement System. Federal employees of at least 62 years of age may collect the pension if they have five years of service. At age 50, employees become eligible for full and immediate pension with 20 years of service.
Connor said Emerson's pension was not a factor in her decision to retire.
Several county clerks gave KOMU 8 News rough estimates for special election costs in the 8th-district congressional race. If Gov. Nixon schedules that election on the April 2013 ballot, the figures will drop significantly. Some clerks were either out of the office on Friday or not comfortable giving figures yet, but here's a list compiling estimates from several county clerks. The list varies significantly depending on county population.
Cape Girardeau County: $60,000 to $65,000
Carter County: $10,000
Dent County: $10,00 to $12,000
New Madrid County: $27,000 to $30,000
Oregon County: $7,000
Perry County: $20,000
Phelps County: $65,000 to $75,000
Reynolds County: $15,000
Washington County: $10,000 to $15,000
Wayne County: $30,000
Wright County: $15,000


text:
Sunday, June 29, 2008
My boyfriend Gareth has introduced me to an entertaining internet game, by the name of 'creepypasta': making up realistic-sounding urban legends and horror stories. Apparently the name comes from 'copy paste' stories, which became 'copypasta', meaning stories that people pasted and forwarded to each other a lot, hence 'creepypasta'. Click on the link and you can see some examples.
So, who wants to play? Here are a few from me:
Kissing a Mirror
If there's someone you want to make your own, there's a simple spell you can do. Press your mouth against a mirror at sunset and whisper the name of your beloved; then draw back and look at the shape your lips have left in the steam of your breath. If they form a perfect circle, your beloved will kiss you before the month is out.
But be very careful when whispering the name. If your teeth touch the glass, it will bring the kiss - but it will come at night, in your dreams. The creature that appears will have the face of your beloved, but its kiss will suck our your heart.
The Concrete House
There's a building in Lewisham they call Concrete House. It's overgrown with ivy, the walls cracked and the struts all fallen in, but the local council preserves it because it's one of the first houses ever built entirely of that material in the country. If you look in the council records, you will see that it's marked 'undergoing renovation', and indeed, there are walls around it, with barbed wire along the top – but the funny thing is, night or day, nobody has ever seen builders working there.
The walls are too high to see easily over, but if you stand on tiptoe, you can see the uppermost window of the house. Whatever led to the last owners leaving, they must have left in a hurry, because they didn't take all their stuff; there's a cork board still on the upper wall, papers on it fluttering in the wind. That's all most people see.
Sometimes kids go there on Halloween, peep over the fence with their torches, and swear they've seen faces looking out of the window, but there's no way that could be. The house is a shell, and the floors fell in long ago.
They say that on windy autumn days, the ivy rattles with a sound like scratching nails. The board through that window has dozens of papers pinned to it, but the rain and time must do their work. Sometimes they come loose. If ever you go near the Concrete House and see a paper blowing in the wind, pass on by. Whatever you do, don't pick it up. You will not recover from what you read there.
The Suicide Shoes (worked out in collaboration with Gareth, credit where it's due)
In 2006 there was a wave of suicides among young men in Bristol, all of whom had jumped off buildings, screaming they could fly. None of them knew each other, and all they seemed to have in common was that, at the time of their deaths, every one of them was out jogging.
Finally, an observant police officer noticed that there was a strange symbol, like a cross with eyes, written with permanent ink and hidden under the insole of one of the victims' shoes. When they investigated further, they found the same mark, always in a different place but always somewhere you wouldn't normally see, in every pair of suicides' shoes.
Forensic scientists examined the shoes, and found that their fabric had been saturated in some unidentified drug that looked a bit like a hallucinogen. The victims had suffered no ill effect when trying the shoes on before buying them, but once they started running, the sweat from their feet made the shoes damp, and the drug soaked into their skin.
Interpol traced all these shoes back to a single batch, produced in a particularly harsh sweatshop in South America. When asked about them, all the workers could say was that 'Papa Bird' had visited the day they were made.
'Papa Bird' has never been identified, and no arrests have taken place.
Ooh, this sounds like the Anti-Glurge! "Glurge" is the name given by the snopes boards to the sappy, sickly-sweet stories with a Moral that is actually quite creepy when you think about it, that make you sick to your stomach by the combination of saccharine schmalz and Warped Aesop (thanks, TV Tropes Wiki!) and which often involve such stock characters as The Cardboard Unbeliever, the Littlest Cancer Patient, The Ugly Duckling, The Kicked Puppy, etc etc etc. These get forwarded around and end up becoming urban legends and often show up in sermons, in the US at least. Some of them are datable to the 19th century even, but have now graduated to endless email circulations (as well as the Chicken Soup for the Soul "inspirational" books, which only inspire me to want to create a Hemlock For The Soul line to counter them.)
"DIY Glurge" websites and forum discussions of how to create the Perfect Glurge story, with just the right combination of breathless belief, emotional chain-yanking, multicoloured fonts and pictures of bunnies/flowers/rainbows, are out there. This would go right along with.
The third one was really, really good.
I grew up pre-internet, when these kinds of stories were told (and retold) at slumber parties. I could really see the third one fitting right in with other Urban Legends.
I agree with Bellatrys: Urban Legends are fun, Chicken Soup stories are yukky.
A friend of mine once told me that her uncle, a man with a great fondness for the grotesque, had a favourite book of ghost stories which he loved to read at night, with the curtains drawn.
One day, my friend was visiting her uncle, and he wanted to show her a story from this collection. It was a book he had read dozens of times, but somehow he couldn't seem to find the particular story he was looking for. He was getting quite agitated, so my friend, to calm him down, said it was quite all right and why didn't they both have a nice cup of tea?
He walked into the kitchen to put the kettle on, still holding the book, and saying over his shoulder as he went through the door, "I'll find that damn story for you, if it's the last thing I do."
After a while, when there was no sound of boiling water and her uncle still hadn't come back, my friend went into the kitchen.
The room was empty. My friend never saw her uncle, or the book, again. She tells me she can no longer remember what the book was called.
One day, my friend was visiting her uncle, and he wanted to show her a story from this collection.
The story was called "The Missing Uncle".
Okay, I'll play...
If your children have a pet hamster or are asking for one, be VERY careful! One of the biggest chain pet stores in the country has recently been fined thousands of dollars for selling Himalayan Rats to unsuspecting parents. These noxious pests are thought to have first come here in illegal heroin shipments from Afghanistan, and are rapidly multiplying in sewers and garbage dumps across the country. To the untrained eye they look JUST LIKE ordinary hamsters, but can carry tuberculosis and the AIDS virus to humans. If you have bought a hamster recently DO NOT LET IT SCRATCH YOU!!! Get your veterinarian to check it for contagious diseases and to dispose of it. The pet stores will stop at nothing to sell you a disease ridden rat and take a profit thanks to drug smugglers! FORWARD THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!
Cool! Expresses contemporary anxieties - nice touch about Afghanistan - plus Think Of The Children, worries about diseases and concern over the power of chain stores' lack of scruples! Very neat indeed. :-)
First attempt to post this was eaten by internet gremlins, so here goes again! A second effort:
Where the circle line runs in the open air, just after Farringdon on the way to Barbican, there is the faintest hint of an old tunnel. The bricks that make up the wall aren't quite the same colour, and there are marks on the ground where old tracks have been ripped up and the holes filled with cement. Occasionally you may see an elderly gentleman remove his hat for a moment as the train turns the corner, if he recalls what happened there.
The tunnel was a part of the original line, when the Metropolitan line terminated at Farringdon station. Under a small park and the street above there was room to store two trains while the crew had a tea break before the return run. When the line was extended the tracks curved away to one side, and the tunnel fell into disuse.
During World War II, like much of the underground, it was pressed into service as a bomb shelter. Several old carriages were parked in the tunnel, and a ladder built up the to street allowing safe haven for over 400 people. Throughout the blitz it was used by people from all walks of life, and saved untold lives.
However on the 24th of January, 1945, a series of V2 rockets struck London. Those who could ran for the shelter, and waited for the attacks to subside. The last of the rockets, carrying a deadly payload of high explosives and mustard gas, landed precisely on street above, causing the entrance to collapse.
Within minutes a crowd of people arrived to try and clear the debris. Three fell ill immediately upon reaching the site, while others struggled on until workers with gas masks arrived. However, as the intensity of the gas increased as they cleared closer to the tunnel entrance, it soon became clear that there would be no survivors inside.
When the workers broke through into the tunnel they found the area thick with a poisonous fog. Where there was bare metal it was covered in condensed vapour. The angle of the missile's descent had forced almost the entire payload of gas into this one small space. The train cars were still intact, but the bodies slumped on every seat were lifeless, not even having had time to rise before they were overcome.
It was deemed too dangerous to move the carriages and risk spreading gas throughout London, so a local minister was called to perform a mass funeral service from the lines outside, and the tunnel was bricked up. To this day the bodies remain where they sheltered from a rocket attack behind the wall just off the circle line.
Hello.Post a comment
I am Mr. Welldone.
I watched the copulation which conceived you and I screamed in horror. I saw you birthed like a hatched parasite, hairless and gagging, and I grit my teeth in hatred, sliding them over each other again and again and again and again and again until they were flat and smooth. I will watch you wither and grow old, as your body congeals and the weight of your years pulls your flesh from your body and I will grin and snicker, laugh and laugh. I will see your desiccated corpse pumped full of superficial chemicals, interred into the dirt to feed the eyeless, subterranean creatures of the earth and I will howl because I know where you are going.
I know where you are going.
I know the secrets of this earth, as I knew the secrets of the one before it. I will bring about the End, and you cannot stop me.
You read these tales and you do not know that with each you read, with each you create and recreate, with each you retell, with each you claim ownership of, you beckon the End.
For there will be some among you who will try to verify these tales. You will seek them out. Those that do so with passion will find that many of them are falsehoods... but some will be harrowing at the very least. Others will leave you scarred for the rest of your fleeting days. Others still will leave you stripped of your flesh.
And that flesh will be used to build more, and more, and more tales. Twisted and stretched to cry out to more curious individuals.
And I will smile, my teeth clenching together tightly, tightly, tightly until one cracks with a satisfying pop. My eyes unblinking; watching everything fall into place; wide and empty; weeping and shriveling with delicious, protracted agony.
I am so excited. So very excited.
Even as you read this, some among you are emboldened. The sick part of you which lusts for the End whispers into your mind, making you want to see the horror, the pain, the blood, the death. You want to see it. You want to see what lies hidden in the dark, beyond sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch.
Come and see.
I will show you such wonderful things.
<< Home
July 2006 August 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 January 2007 February 2007 March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 January 2009 February 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009 January 2010 February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010 September 2010 October 2010 November 2010 December 2010 January 2011 February 2011 March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011 July 2011 August 2011 September 2011 October 2011 November 2011 December 2011 January 2012 February 2012 March 2012 April 2012 May 2012 June 2012 July 2012 August 2012 September 2012 October 2012 November 2012 December 2012 January 2013 February 2013 March 2013 April 2013 May 2013 June 2013 July 2013 August 2013 September 2013 October 2013 March 2014


text:
Jason Alexander Anti-Gun Tweet: It's Not A Constitutional Right
Former "Seinfeld" star Jason Alexander stirred controversy on Twitter after stating that owning a gun was not a constitutional right.
Jason Alexander publicly joined the battle on the right to bear arms on Twitter, after he declared that guns were "not protected under the Constitution." What appeared to be a spontaneous response by the actor to the Colorado "Dark Knight" shooting quickly escalated into a full-blown defense of his position, after Alexander continued to tweet his thoughts and respond to a slew of comments.
The more that Alexander chose to defend his position on gun control, the more negative comments he appeared to draw until finally the actor attacked those who support the right to bear arms.
"Clearly, the angry, threatened and threatening, hostile comments are coming from gun owners and gun advocates," he wrote. "Despite these massacres recurring and despite the 100,000 Americans that die every year due to domestic gun violence - these people see no value to even considering some kind of control as to what kinds of weapons are put in civilian hands."
The actor then went on to blame right-wing conservatives who, according to him, supported political ideologies for the wrong reasons.
"I believe there are evil forces at play in our government," Alexander continued. "But I call them corporatists. I call them absolutists. I call them the kind of ideologues from both sides, but mostly from the far right who swear allegiance to unelected officials that regardless of national need or global conditions, are never to levy a tax. That they are never to compromise or seek solutions with the other side. That are to obstruct every possible act of governance, even the ones they support or initiate. Whose political and social goal is to marginalize the other side, vilify and isolate them with the hope that they will surrender, go away or die out."
The actor's opinion was discredited by some, who stated that he was only a "comedian, has-been, or idiot" that "should shut up." Alexander disregarded these views and suggested that boycotting his material would not affect the fact that he had a global audience.


text: SCORE Workshop - How to Write a Business PlanName: SCORE Workshop - How to Write a Business PlanDate: January 8, 2020Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM PSTEvent Description:Discover why successful businesses operate with a plan. Learn how to write a comprehensive business plan. Get assistance from your SCORE counselor to review and help refine your plan.


text:
November 17, 1922 - November 10, 2012
Town of Newburgh, NY
Emma "Grandma Brook" Esterbrook of the Town of Newburgh entered into rest, Saturday, November 10, 2012 at home surrounded by her family. She was 89.
The daughter of the late Jessee and Orvetta Stevens Mckeel, she was born November 17, 1922 in Newburgh.
Emma was a member of the Gardnertown United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Janet Green of the Town of Newburgh; grandchildren: Robert Green Jr. and wife, Dawn of Wallkill, David Green and wife, Susan of the Town of Newburgh, Carrie Shustack and husband, Len of Walden; great grandchildren: Randy Green, Travis Green and Olivia Clavie. Emma was predeceased by her loving husbands, Joseph Kocur and William Esterbrook; daughter, Jacqueline Esterbrook and son-in-law, Robert E. Green.
Visitation for family and friends will take place Tuesday, November 13 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at White & Venuto Funeral Home, 188 North Plank Rd., (Route 32) Newburgh. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, November 14, at the funeral home with Pastor Martha A. Epstein officiating. Burial is to follow in Gardnertown Cemetery, Newburgh.
If desired, please make memorial contributions in Emma's memory to Gardnertown United Methodist Church, 1191 Union Ave., Newburgh, NY 12550.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of White & Venuto Funeral Home, 845-562-6550, for condolences or directions visit www.WhiteandVenutoFuneralHome.com


text:
Download Count That Day Lost Study Guide
Summary and Analysis
"Count That Day Lost," by the English writer George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans), is a lyric poem consisting of two stanzas and offering straightforward moral advice of the sort often associated with literature of the Victorian period.
Unlike the titles of many works, the title of this poem is absolutely integral to the poem's meaning, effects, and effectiveness. The title immediately creates suspense. What day (we wonder) does the title imply? In what ways will that unidentified day be "lost"? Answers to these questions are postponed until the very end of the poem, where the text achieves a final ironic symmetry. The poem's last line (in other words) clearly echoes its title, but in a memorably different way than we may have expected.
The opening line of the text is typical of the poem as a whole. It uses direct address and very simple phrasing—phrasing that seems appropriate to a work that is designed to teach a lesson. By openly addressing the reader, the speaker catches our attention and makes the poem's personal relevance seem immediately obvious.
The meter of line 1, like the meter of the rest of the work, is straightforwardly "iambic." Iambic meter consists of unaccented odd syllables followed by accented even syllables. Thus, the first line "scans" as follows: "If you sit down at set of sun." The rest of the poem conforms to this pattern in thoroughly predictable ways, perhaps because Eliot wanted the poem to sound as simple and direct as its message. Iambic meter is often thought to mimic the rhythms of most "normal" speech, and so the meter of this poem, like so many other aspects of the work, sounds colloquial and almost conversational. The speaker does not sound like a lofty prophet or an eloquent bard but instead like a "regular" person, or perhaps even a friend.
To say this, however, is not to say that the poem's language is completely simple and unadorned. The first line, for instance, achieves added interest not only because of the way set echoes sit but also because of the speaker's heavy use of alliteration involving the consonants s, t, and n: "If you sit down at set of sun." Even when using apparently simple language, then, this speaker often achieves subtle effects. The reference to "set of sun," for instance, obviously refers to the end of any particular day, but it may also ultimately suggest the final conclusion of one's life as a whole.
Line 2 is typical of the poem as a whole in its emphasis on practical deeds and actual behavior. The poem does not endorse virtue in the abstract; instead, it celebrates real virtuous conduct toward other people. In fact, the poem itself might be seen as an example of the very sort of behavior it counsels: it tries to do for the reader the kind of good deed that it encourages the reader to do for others. Virtue, in this poem, is less a state of mind or a kind of inclination; it consists, instead, of virtuous behavior.
The rest of stanza 1 displays many features typical of the poem as a whole, including heavy use of simple, monosyllabic words; abundant alliteration; and frequent, emphatic echoing of key terms, as one (lines 4 and 6), count (lines 2 and 8) and counting (line 3), and you (lines 1, 2, and 8). Such repetition adds to the poem's rhetorical force, and the repetition of you, in particular, never lets us forget that the speaker is addressing each reader directly. The poem also seems forceful because of its heavy emphasis on verbs and also because of its use of highly efficiently listing. This is a work that wastes no words. It makes its point clearly (perhaps too clearly for anyone interested in poetic subtlety), and it uses imagery, metaphors, and similes in ways that are sparing and undemanding (as in the phrases "eased the heart," line 5; and "fell like sunshine," line 7). In short, the poem teaches simple lessons simply.
At the same time, however, some of the imagery is worth some thought. By comparing kind glances to...
(The entire section is 1,533 words.)