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Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Posted by High Heels and Huntin' Boots at 6:53 PM 10 comments
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Christmas Cards
So, I've been contemplating this year's Christmas cards and I'm drawing a blank on ideas. We did the whole professional family picture last year and I plan on taking my maternity pictures in January or we could potentially use those.
So, I can't decide if we should do another photo or something simple and boring...what are your thoughts. What are y'all doing this year for Christmas cards?
Posted by High Heels and Huntin' Boots at 7:44 AM 19 comments
Monday, November 1, 2010
A Trip to Corpus Christi
Last week, Marty and I flew to Corpus Christi so I could attend the annual Texas Municipal League conference. It took a full day of flying Monday with the flight delays and trouble at Houston Hobby, but we finally made it and we were beat. We changed clothes and grabbed dinner at Blackbeard's close to our hotel. I had the fresh red fish with a garlic cream sauce and Marty had surf and turf. It was so yummy!
Tuesday I had set Marty up with a little suprise fishing trip in the bay. He had never been before and I appreciated he taking the time off from work to come with me, I wanted to do something for him that I knew he would enjoy. They had a great day on the water.
Here's Marty with his biggest catch of the day.
Jeri Lynn, Marty's sister, also drove in from Houston to spend the day with us. She's such a sweetheart and we don't get to see her enough living so far away! She and I ate at this wonderful place downtown called City Diner and I had an entire platter of you peel 'n eat shrimp. It was SO good! As was her "greasy burger" and onion rings. Afterwards, she dropped me off at my resolutions committee meeting and came and picked me up when it was over. We stopped by the office of some of my dad's colleague's and then went and met Marty and his fishing partner at Pier 99 for a frozen lemonade.
We said our goodbyes to JL and got ready for dinner at Water Street. I had a platter of coconut, pecan crusted and fried shrimp. Again, YUM! I miss seafood so much living up here!
Wednesday morning, Marty and I woke up and went for a walk on the beach. I wanted to take advantage of our hotels close proximity to the water and you can't go to Corpus w/o at least taking a little stroll.
The USS Lexington.
Oh and just so you know, there are three of us in this picture!
I am almost 14 weeks!!! We feel so very blessed! My due date is May 5, 2011! Yeah for a Cinco de Mayo baby! I've been so nauseated, but I've only actually been sick once. I am going to blame my lack of blogging on this...everything else seems so menial when you have news like this to share!
Posted by High Heels and Huntin' Boots at 2:15 PM 26 comments
Monday, October 18, 2010
August 2010
Marty's actual birthday was two weeks after his suprise party. Another reason, he said he didn't suspect that I was up to something. We ended up having a small group of his close guy friends from "up here" out to my parents' ranch for the weekend. We shot skeet, fished, rode horses and enjoyed the country.
After the boys locked him in one of the skeet towers (behind him).
Beautiful Texas Panhandle Afternoon.
The boys decided to "chap" (beat him with a pair of chaps, typically worn when riding horseback) Marty 30 times instead of birthday spankings. We "lured" him in by telling him I wanted a group shot in front of the water tower. It took all of them to take him down.
He was so unsuspecting...
The banner made multiple appearances.
I think everyone enjoyed themselves! Hopefully, the birthday boy even though he suffered a little abuse over the weekend.
Posted by High Heels and Huntin' Boots at 5:30 PM 4 comments
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
July 2010
I'd been waiting to move forward with my regular posts until I got some more pictures from Marty's suprise party. Unfortunately, some of the pictures I just printed off my sister-in-laws camera and don't have pictures on my computer. I promise I took more of the birthday boy...Here's a recap of July...
I volunteered to organize and implement our church's VBS all in a month. It was a bit stressful right at the beginning, but it turned out to be a lot of fun and we had a great turn out! I should learn to shut my mouth and know that God's going to take care of me.
The weekend after VBS, we drove out to a cabin on a friend's ranch and went for a horse back ride. We watched the sunset and rode home by the full moon. It was a bit of "outdoor experience". The cabin was really nice, but it's ran by generator. I convinced the boys to start the generator before we left for our ride that evening. In order to do this, though, we needed jumper cables which had been forgotten and left back at civilization so we had to go borrow some from a nearby oilfield hand that didn't speak English. When we got back to the cabin after our ride, all was well. They left me at the cabin while they left to tend to the horses. In the meantime, I discovered the largest centipede I have ever seen. (see picture below-YUCK!!!)
Shortly after, the generator went off. Thirty minutes later the boys show up. We had to drive out to the generator and restart it. It took until at least 2 a.m. before the house really cooled off.
We rode the next morning and it was absolutely beautiful! Then we came back to town and go around and headed to Amarillo for dinner dancing. I also ran around trying to tie up loose ends for Marty's suprise party.
Me and Kinsey before we left to go dancing.
The following week we left for East Texas after work on Wednesday and pulled in to my in-laws' about 2 a.m.
Here's Marty dad with Lily. They are quite the pair. Yes, we brought the dogs. And East Texas in July is too hot for anyone, but especially our furry little friends.
The next few days were an absolute whirlwind. My mother-in-law, mom and I ran to Longview on Friday to run a few errands. Then Mom and I went and stayed the night in Canton so we could put all the finishing touches together. The next day we all met up at First Monday to shop. Meanwhile the ENTIRE back of our car was full of Marty's birthday stuff. We drove back to G-town for the night and got up the next morning EARLY to go pick up all the cakes, pies and goodies for M's suprise party.
We got everything set up just in time. Everyone was amazed that I fit ALL the decorations in one huge suitcase. I purchased plastic table cloths in brown, blue in green. And bought rolls of burlap to use as table runners.
Here's the dessert table. Instead of doing a fancy, themed birthday cake, I had Gina of Creative Cakes in Winnsboro make several of Marty's favorites including Lemon Ice Box Pie, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Chocolate Pie, Southern Pecan Pound Cake and a Missippi Mud Cake. They were truly decadent.
Marty's mom, Aunt Scarlett and Aunt Luana.
Me with Marty's cousin, Morgan.
Robin, aka one of the cutest pregnant people ever, my mom, me and Jerrye, my MIL. Robin and Justin were such troopers. They stayed 'til the VERY end! Poor thing! I appreciated it, though!
Caden, Adam and Marty. Adam had to leave early because they were leaving for an Alaskan vacation the next day! But, we're so glad they came!
The birthday banner was made by Bekah Jennings. She has fabulous banners for every season. I want several for my mantel! And I had little name cards made for each of the pies and little stickers to go on the party favors. The ones on the gumballs said, "Hope You Had a Ball!" and the ones I had made for the bread from our local sourdough bread bakery, The Bucket, said, "Thanks for Coming!" and "Marty is 30!!!".
Thanks to Design Girl 16 for all your hard work on those. I wish I would have gotten more detailed pictures, but I just didn't have a chance. That's my #1 regret, along with not getting a group picture of everyone that was there.
Marty had NO CLUE. Even after he walked in and we were all standing there, I just knew he had figured it out, but he just thought his friends were all having a get together and I didn't tell him because I was afraid he wouldn't go. Silly boy! There were so many little kids! It was great! They loved this one corner that had several sofas. Then most of them went swimming. Those pictures are already printed, dangit!
Here's a picture of the the centerpieces. I used pictures of M from birth until now on brown, blue and green cardstock and also had smaller tags that had his monogram and "Marty is 30!!!" on them.
Here's a picture of the banner. There's also part of a centerpiece. Marty's cousins, Houston, Mark and Mark's girlfriend are also in the picture.
The goody table. The cinammon raisin bread and cattle bread is on the right and the gumballs in the center. I had everyone bring a picture of Marty or of them and Marty along with a note and we put them all in an album. It's there on the left.
Posted by High Heels and Huntin' Boots at 12:00 PM 5 comments
Labels: catching up, Marty's Birthday
Friday, September 10, 2010
A Worthy Cause...
A dear friend of mine and her husband are true fitness buffs. They've done several half marathons together and numerous races individually. Smith, is raising money this fall for a very awesome charity. I stole the following from his site...
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48On December 5th, Kristin and I will run the White Rock Half Marathon in Dallas, Texas and as if that wasn't challenging enough, God has laid it on my heart to do what I can to change the world before I cross the finish line.So, what's all of this about? Every week, millions of women and their children walk more than 14 miles (or about 10 hours a day) just to get water for their families. Most of this water is contaminated, but it's the only water they have. They are forced to take the chance of getting diseases because there are no other options. More than 45,000 people die every year due to waterborne illnesses. With this information in hand, God has made my goal pretty simple: Go 13.1 so they don't have to go 14.I've made it my mission to raise $1310 to provide clean, safe drinking water to those that need it. If my goal is hit, 65 people will get clean water for 20 years. Your donation, be it $5 or $50, will literally change someone's life.Because of charity: water's unique model, 100% of all donations go directly to water projects, and each donation is "proved" using Google Earth when projects are complete. It's a pretty awesome operation.Please, do what you can. Help me change the world."Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthian 9:6-7
Watch the video by clicking on the link below.
You can visit his site to donate here.
I applaud you in your efforts, Smith! This is definitely a worthy cause.
Posted by High Heels and Huntin' Boots at 7:54 AM 6 comments
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Happy Anniversary!!!
I can't believe four years ago today I married my best friend! It just doesn't seem possible! It's been a big year with me celebrating my 25th, Marty about to turn 30 and us embarking on the journey of starting our own family (other than our 'fur baby,' Tyke, of course). The page below is from our wedding album. If you click on the image you can read our vows. I personally think they were the best vows ever written, but I could be a little prejudice!
I love you, Hon! God definately knew what He was doing when He brought us together! It's like your sister says all the time, "it's like we were made for each other". I am so grateful for you Muah!
Posted by High Heels and Huntin' Boots at 7:11 AM 12 comments
Labels: anniversary


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The percentage of St. Vrain Valley School District voters approving the mill levy override is increasing, with 58.2 percent of the vote, according to results posted just before 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6.In Boulder County, 76,803 votes have been counted. In Weld County, 95,049 votes have been counted. However, it's not clear in either county what percentage of votes in the St. Vrain Valley School District have been counted.
It appears that Larimer and Broomfield counties have counted all of their SVVSD votes.
The school district asked voters for a $14.8 million mill levy override, a tax increase that would cost owners of a $100,000 home $48.41 in 2013. Business owners would pay an additional $176.38 per $100,000 of property value next year.
The district designated the new revenue, which becomes part of the general fund for operating expenses:
$4.2 million to maintain teacher positions and class sizes.
$4.35 million to attract and retain high quality teachers.
$3.65 million to upgrade technology to enhance learning, including adding three instructional technologists and five computer technicians.
$1 million to expand and enhance early childhood education.
$1.6 million to charter schools, based on their percentage of district enrollment on Oct. 1, 2011.
District officials decided to put the tax increase on the ballot because state funding of education has fallen from $6,945 per pupil in fiscal year 2010 to $6,332 in 2012 and this year.
Because of the funding reductions, the district increased class sizes by an average of one student in the middle and high schools in 2011-12. For 2012-13, all the schools had to increase class sizes by an average of one student.
As a result, administrators, faculty and staff have juggled duties to keep cuts away from the classrooms. At Blue Mountain Elementary, the parent teacher organization raised money to fund the salaries of part-time paraprofessionals and classroom aides who provide extra support for students and teachers.

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Aubrey Gardner and Gaston College were made for each other.
In 2000, she was a dropout with a strong desire to finish her education. Gaston�s adult high school offered her the opportunity. Thirteen years and the loss of her waitressing job later, she�s closing in on an associate degree in one of Gaston�s technology programs.
Her admirable perseverance is paying off with academic success and, she recently learned, recognition awarded to only one Gaston student annually.
Gardner is this year�s worthy recipient of the N.C. Community College System Academic Excellence Award at Gaston.
Not only has she done what it takes to equip herself with employment skills that will carry her into the future, she�s done it while fully participating in student life opportunities that Gaston offers � student government, the student ambassador program, Rotaract Club and Honor Society.
Educational opportunity is what Gaston College is all about, the chief reason it contributes so much to life in our community.
While more and more traditional students are turning to the community college for both a quality and affordable education, Gaston excels at offering second chances for students like Gardner.
Without Gaston, there�s a good chance these students would spend their lives scratching for the fewer and fewer low-paying jobs that are available for people with no or limited skills. Too many burden society with their support and upkeep and raise another generation to do the same.
Gaston offers an alternative. Its low cost, coupled with available financial aid, makes it affordable for anyone determined to pursue a better life without leaving their community.
College staff and faculty excel in helping students who need flexibility in obtaining an education. Many juggle school, work and family life. The strong support system on campus helps them carry the load. Classes are held days, evenings and online.
In particular, Gaston offers programs that equip students for the real world. The focus is on education that leads to employment.
Gaston County has been fortunate to have Gaston College for nearly a half century. Its story is best told by students like Gardner who experience success at Gaston in ways that they have never known.
Learning that she had been chosen to receive this year�s prestigious award brought tears to the young woman�s eyes.
�It was a sure sign that my life was starting to turn around and that good things were starting to come my way, sooner rather than later,� she said.
Congratulations, Aubrey Gardner!
And to you, too, Gaston College, for offering second chances to so many people who first taste success on this community�s college campus.


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The state of Utah is full of football talent, and national media have taken notice. As college football season approaches, the annual publication of college football award watch lists has begun.
The Deseret News is tracking which athletes in Utah have been named as candidates for the several college football awards, but several watch lists have yet to be released. As award watch lists continue to surface, we will continue to update this listing.
Here are the 18 players from Utah FBS programs that have been named to a college football award watch list.
Landon Hemsley is the sports web producer for deseretnews.com. Email: email@example.com. @EarlOfHemsley
Team: BYU Cougars
Award: Doak Walker Award (Nation's best running back)
Williams took over as BYU's featured running back in 2012 after Michael Alisa broke his arm against Hawaii, but he played in every game of 2012. He rewrote freshman record books during 2012 and is now the all-time leader in carries (166), yards (775) and touchdowns (12) for a freshman at BYU.
In addition to his impressive rushing statistics at BYU, Williams also hauled in 27 catches for 315 yards and one touchdown during the 2012 season. Seven of those catches came against Notre Dame. For the year, Williams had six games with more than 100 all-purpose yards.
Williams is a quick, shifty back with a lot of speed. He showed remarkable poise as a freshman in 2012 and will doubtlessly be a prominent piece of the Cougars' new spread-option attack.
School: BYU Cougars
Award: Bronko Nagurski Award (College Defensive Player of the Year)
Award: Bednarik Award (College Defensive Player of the Year)
Award: Lott IMPACT Trophy (Best defensive IMPACT player, Most personal character)
Award: Butkus Award (Best linebacker in college football)
Award: Walter Camp Award (College football's most outstanding player)
Kyle Van Noy, regarded as a strong professional prospect after his very successful junior season, is giving one more year to the Cougar faithful.
Van Noy was named a third-team All-American, an SI.com Honorable Mention All-American, a CBSSports.com Second Team All-American, Phil Steele Third Team All-American and College Sports Madness Third Team All American in 2012. He was also named the CFPA National Defensive Player of the Year.
He led the Cougars in 2012 with 22 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, eight QB hurries and six forced fumbles. He also logged 53 tackles, two interceptions, one fumble recovery and two blocked kicks.
Van Noy's best game of 2012 was, without question, the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl. He recorded 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. The interception and the fumble resulted in two touchdowns for Van Noy as he singlehandedly outscored his opponent 12-6.
His best regular season game came against the Utes, when he registered a season-high 4.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, eight tackles and a pass breakup.
Van Noy, among the most high-profile athletes at BYU, will anchor the BYU linebacking core in 2013.
Team: BYU Cougars
Award: Doak Walker Award (Nation's best running back)
Alisa has played on both sides of the football since he came to BYU. As a freshman linebacker in 2008, Alisa totaled 11 tackles, nine of which were solo tackles. After returning from a mission to Puerto Rico, Alisa switch to the offensive side of the ball. He started four games and was the second leading rusher on the team, totaling 455 yards and three touchdowns on 85 carries (5.35 ypc).
His junior season at BYU was doubtlessly frustrating. After starting the first five games, Alisa broke his arm against Hawaii. He didn't play again until the Poinsettia Bowl.
Before that, however, Alisa racked up 222 yards on 58 carries (3.82 ypc), recording at least 50 yards rushing in the first three games, 23 yards on six receptions and one touchdown.
It's unclear how Alisa will be utilized in the new spread-option attack offensive coordinator Robert Anae is installing this year for BYU, but Alisa, primarily a power running back, prefers running over defenders to eluding them.
Team: BYU Cougars
Award: Butkus Award (Best linebacker in college football)
Spencer Hadley was a mainstay of the Cougar defensive backfield last year, starting all 13 games. Originally an inside 'backer, Hadley switched to the outside in order to make room for Kyle Van Noy.
As a junior, Hadley tallied 55 tackles, good enough for fifth on the team. He also recorded nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, recovered two fumbles and forced one fumble.
His best performances in the 2012 season came against in-state competition. Against Utah, Hadley recorded 10 tackles, two of which were for a loss and one of which was a sack. Against the Aggies, Hadley posted six tackles, 1.5 of which was for a loss. His forced fumble also came against USU.
Team: BYU Cougars
Award: Butkus Award (Best linebacker in college football)
Unga transferred from Oregon State University in 2010, but sat the 2011 season out per NCAA transfer rules. When he saw the field in 2012, he made the most of it, although he didn't always get the recognition he deserved.
Unga was probably the most unsung hero of the defense in 2012. Unga started all 13 games and recorded 28 tackles, of which three were tackles for loss and one was a sack. He also snagged one interception against Idaho and took it to the house.
This linebacker is arguably one of the most consistent players in Division I football. In the three years he has played — two of which were in the Pac-10 — he has never missed a game, though he hasn't always been a starter.
Team: BYU Cougars
Award: Mackey Award (College football's best tight end)
One of 37 players named to the Mackey Award watch list, Friel had 30 receptions for 308 yards in 13 starts last season for BYU, averaging 10.3 yards per catch. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound native of Kaneohe, Hawaii, was second on the team with five receiving touchdowns in 2012.
Friel's best game of the 2012 campaign was the the team's first. In the season opener, Friel nabbed six catches for 101 yards and two touchdowns. He recorded at least one reception in nine of BYU's 13 games last season, including the bowl game.
Friel has already earned recognition for his talent. For the week of Sept. 3, 2012, Friel was recognized as the College Football Performance Awards National Tight End of the Week.
School: BYU Cougars
Award: Hornung Award (College Football's most versatile player)
Falslev not only plays, but excels at two different positions — kick returner and receiver — though he also logged a 53-yard run against Weber State.
In 2012, Falslev was named to Phil Steele's All-Independent team as a return specialist. He returned 11 kicks for 286 yards (26 yds/return) and 26 punts for 247 yards (9.5 yds/return). His best game as a return specialist was against Georgia Tech. As BYU's primary kick returner, he logged returns of 44, 43 and 42 yards.
Falslev was BYU's second-best receiver, totalling 37 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns, the most notable of which came against USU. Falslev caught the game's only touchdown near the end of the first half — one of his four receptions in the game. He also hauled in five catches for 55 yards in the season opener against Washington State.
Team: BYU Cougars
Award: Outland Trophy (Best interior lineman in college football)
Four games into the 2012 season, Manumaleuna suffered a season-ending injury to his patella, which turned out to be two blessings in disguise.
First, the vacancy left on the defensive line gave the world a front-row seat to No. 5 overall NFL draft pick Ziggy Ansah. Second, the medical redshirt Manumaleuna was granted ensured that a very capable defensive lineman would be around to fill the gaps in 2013.
Manumaleuna is best remembered for his game-winning field goal block in the 2007 Las Vegas Bowl. With time expiring, the block preserved a one-point lead and gave BYU a win. Manumaleuna was a freshman at the time.
Team: BYU Cougars
Award: Biletnikoff Award (Most outstanding college receiver)
Cody Hoffman has been a mainstay for the Cougar receiving corps ever since he arrived in Provo. He turned a lot of heads when he opted to return to Provo for his senior season rather than declare for the NFL draft.
A preseason All-American, Hoffman led BYU with 100 receptions for 1,248 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2012. He enters his final season needing 19 receptions, 538 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns to become BYU's all-time leader in each category.
The two-time All-Independent Team selection leads all returning FBS receivers in career receiving touchdowns (28) while ranking third in career receptions (203) and fourth in career receiving yards (2,718) among active FBS players.
Team: Utah Utes
Award: Mackey Award (Nation's best tight end)
Murphy, who was an honorable mention all-Pac-12 selection last season, led Utah with four touchdown catches. He was second on the team in receptions (33) and third in receiving yards (349).
He is also considered one of the best receivers, if not the best receiver on Utah's football team. His season-high yards in a game in 2012 came against Northern Colorado (78), but he also had strong receiving games against UCLA (65) and Oregon State (42).
Team: Utah Utes
Award: Butkus Award (Best linebacker in college football)
Trevor Reilly's selection to the watch list for the best linebacker in college football is a curious one. Reilly is listed on the depth chart as strictly a defensive end. Furthermore, his bio page on the Utah football official website says the plan is to play him much more on the defensive line than at linebacker.
Regardless, Reilly is definitely a player on the Utah defense to watch out for. He led Utah in tackes during the 2012 season (69) and contributed 4.5 sacks to the Utah defense. He forced three fumbles and hauled in one interception.
One of his best games was the Battle of the Brothers. Against the Aggies from Logan, Reilly registered nine tackles. He also did well against the Sun Devils of Arizona State, where he registered seven tackles, 2.5 of which were for a loss and 1.5 of which were sacks.
Team: Utah State Aggies
Award: Heisman Trophy (Best player in college football)
Award: Maxwell Award (College Player of the Year)
Award: Davey O'Brien Award (Nation's best quarterback)
Award: Walter Camp Award (College football's most outstanding player)
Keeton earned first-team all-WAC honors in 2012, ranking third in the conference and 17th nationally in total offense. He was also second in the WAC and 18th in the nation in passing efficiency (154.7), third in the WAC and 29th nationally in passing, and eighth in the conference in rushing.
Keeton finished the season with a 67.6 percent completion percentage, 3,373 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and nine interceptions, all of which were school records.
If USU finishes as Mountain West football champion in its inaugural season in the conference, it will likely be due in large part to Keeton.
Team: Utah State Aggies
Award: Doak Walker Award (Nation's best running back)
A junior from Fullerton, Calif., Hill occupied the backup role to Kerwynn Williams during the 2012 campaign, but saw significant action throughout the season. He played in 12 games for the Aggies, starting three, and finished the year with 269 yards on 43 carries (4.8 ypc) and seven touchdowns. He was also an active receiver, hauling in 18 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns.
Hill's best game as a rusher came against Southern Utah in 2012. In that contest, Hill recorded 116 yards on 11 carries (10.5 ypc) and three touchdowns. Through the air, Hill's best game against UNLV — the white-out game. He caught three passes for 88 yards, one of which was for 65 yards. He also scored a touchdown in USU's victory over Utah in 2012.
Hill is the man in the backfield this season and next for the Aggies, barring injury.
Team: Utah State Aggies
Award: Lou Groza Award (Nation's best placekicker)
Nick Diaz was several layers down the depth chart at the beginning of the 2012 season, but by the end, he was the go-to kicker for the Aggies. In his first-ever field goal attempt for USU, Diaz booted a 53-yarder, the longest successful kick of the season for the Aggies, the eighth-longest all-time at USU and the longest of Diaz's career.
Diaz served as USU's kicker for the final seven games of the season and made 10-of-13 (.769) fields goals to rank eighth all-time at USU for a single season in percentage. He also made all 40 of his extra points, which tied him for first all-time for extra points made a single season, while his 40 attempts ranks third all-time.
Team: Utah State Aggies
Award: Rimington Award (Nation's best center)
Award: Outland Trophy (Nation's best interior lineman)
Award: Rotary Lombardi Award (Outstanding offensive/defensive lineman)
Larsen is the only center from the state of Utah to be named to the 2013 Rimington Trophy Watch List, and this is the third year in a row he has been named. He also is one of two players from the state of Utah and one of 11 centers nationwide to be named to the Outland Trophy watch list.
Larsen is Utah State's first three-time Rimington Trophy Watch List selection and only the third USU player to be named to the Watch List, joining Brent DeLadurantey in 2005 and Ryan Tonnemacher in 2007.
Along with the 2013 Rimington list and 2013 Outland list, Larsen has also been named a preseason fourth-team All-American by Phil Steele and a preseason first-team all-Mountain West selection by two separate publications. He has been a mainstay of USU's offensive line since he arrived in Logan.
Team: Utah State Aggies
Award: Rotary Lombardi Award (Outstanding offensive/defensive lineman)
Doughty is best remembered among the Aggie faithful for dropping Colorado State kicker Jared Roberts during an onside kick attempt in 2012. He also gave one of the greatest interviews of all time to KSL's Rod Zundel following the 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl victory.
A 6-0, 230-pounder from Draper, Doughty earned first-team all-WAC honors in 2012, ranking second in the conference and tied for 71st in the nation with 109 tackles (8.4 pg). He also recorded 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack during the season to go along with four pass breakups and three quarterback hurries.
Doughty was also named preseason second-team all-Mountain West by College Sports Madness and third-team all-Mountain West by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele for 2013.
Team: Utah State Aggies
Award: Rotary Lombardi Award (Outstanding offensive/defensive lineman)
Fackrell, a 6-5, 245-pounder from Mesa, Ariz. (Mesa HS), earned first-team all-WAC honors in 2012. He was also the first Aggie in school history named a Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-American.
Fackrell finished last season with three interceptions (0.23 pg), eight tackles for loss (0.62 pg), and 87 tackles (6.7 pg). Those 87 stops rank tied for third all-time at Utah State among freshmen. He finished second on the team with seven quarterback hurries and snagged three sacks and three pass breakups.
Fackrell is a preseason first-team all-Mountain West selection by Athlon Sports, a preseason second-team all-Mountain West selection by Phil Steele and a preseason third-team all-Mountain West selection by College Sports Madness for 2013.
Team: Utah State Aggies
Award: Rotary Lombardi Award (Outstanding offensive/defensive lineman)
Schultz earned first-team all-WAC honors a year ago. He finished the year with 44.0 knockdowns and only allowed 1.5 sacks during the season. A senior in 2013, Schultz, along with Larsen, anchors a very experienced offensive line.
Schultz has also been named preseason first-team all-Mountain West by College Sports Madness and second-team all-Mountain West by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele for 2013. He has started 32 consecutive games to rank tied for seventh in the Mountain West and tied for 41st in the nation.


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Meet a Pioneer Pilot
Amelia Earhart Home
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Amelia Earhart, 22 years
By: Katie W.
Arkansas, Age 10
In 1919, 22 year old Amelia Earhart intents of becoming a doctor. She enrolls at Colombia University in New York City, New York. The previous year before she goes to Colombia,she caught a very dangerous disease called influenza and took most of the year recovering from it. after the first year of collage,she leaves. Her parents have reunited in Los Angles and leaves to go live with them.
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Ant Atkinson's boundless energy, deft shooting touch, ball handling mastery, and quick wit has made him a fan favorite. "The camaraderie we have as a team is unbelievable," Ant says. "We have great chemistry."
Globetrotters Showman Big Easy Lofton gets his nickname from growing up in New Orleans and his easy-going nature, which is a trait that helped him thoroughly enjoy his three runs on "The Amazing Race." Big Easy and his partner finished as high as second place on the show.
Handles Franklin had many positive role models growing up – first and foremost being his parents. His father was a police officer, and his mother worked at a hospital. "They both served the community and passed that mentality on to me," says Handles. He also credits his high school coach, Bill Gaffey, for setting him on the right path. "He taught me that education was very important.
Hi-Lite Bruton (BROO-tun) is a crowd favorite because of his hilarious personality and high-flying slam dunks, but you might be surprised to know that he didn't dunk for the first time until he was a senior in high school.
A 2008 Globetrotters draftee, Bull Bullard (BULL-urd) is proof positive that a person can overcome adversity to achieve their goals. Bull grew up in the foster care system, so he was on his own a lot, and he had to avoid all of the traps that come with the drugs, crime and gang activity that was prevalent in his neighborhood.
Dribbling and shooting dynamo Dizzy English credits his mother's strength for giving him the courage to follow his dreams and never stop believing in himself. "She made sure I didn't want for anything and always kept food on my plate and a roof over my head, even when money was really tight," says Dizzy.
Flip White comes from a family where basketball was always a part of life. He was introduced to the game at the age of four, and one of his fondest basketball memories was his father holding him up to the hoop to dunk the basketball when he was a kid. Flip's grandparents also used to take him to Globetrotters games. "I love entertaining people and putting smiles on their faces," says Flip.
Harlem Globetrotter Thunder Law is living a dream as a member of the world's most famous team. "Growing up, I always wanted to see the Globetrotters in person but never got the chance," says Thunder. "Now, I'm a part of the organization … words can't explain how great it feels."
Harlem Globetrotter Cheese Chisholm (CHI-zum) says that basketball superstar Kevin Durant is the sports figure that has influenced him the most, but maybe not for the reasons people might think. "He's living proof that skinny people can hoop with anyone," says Cheese, with his signature smile.
Harlem Globetrotter Dragon Taylor finds it very easy to describe the feeling he has being a part of the world's most famous team. "It feels phenomenal doing something I love and making other people smile while doing it," he says.
El Gato Melendez is the first and only Puerto Rican-born player to ever play for the Harlem Globetrotters.
If you are looking for an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and a late start to achieve a lofty goal, look no further than Globetrotters dunking sensation Hammer Harrison.
Moose Weekes is living a dream with the Harlem Globetrotters. "I can't think of another job where you can have such a great time doing what you love to do, while putting smiles on people's faces every day," says Moose.
There's family, and then there's extended family. That's how Globetrotters dribbling wizard Scooter Christensen describes his teammates. "I consider my teammates my brothers and sisters," he says. Of course, like siblings do, the players fun-lovingly joke around with each other a lot. "My first year, we had a player that looked like Squidward Tentacles from SpongeBob SquarePants.
Harlem Globetrotter TNT Lister joined a very elite group in the fall of 2011, becoming the first woman to don the red, white, and blue since 1993 – and her success opened the door for other female players to join the team in recent years.
Zeus McClurkin is a testament to not giving up or letting obstacles get in the way of achieving one's dreams.
Beast Douglas is living proof that one can prevail adversity and come back stronger than ever. He has overcome several obstacles throughout his young career, including a serious knee injury that nearly derailed his dreams of playing professionally and the loss of his mother.
Jet Rivers joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 2017 and says being part of an organization as impactful as the world famous Trotters is a blessing.
The 6-foot-1 guard was first introduced to basketball at 4 years old and credits his uncle for introducing him to the sport.
Coming from the small town of Collirene, Alabama, Clutch Ball says he never imagined he'd be donning the Globetrotters' famous red, white and blue uniform. "Being part of this iconic team means the world to me. I feel so lucky to be part of this organization, because not everyone gets this incredible opportunity."
Hoops Green joined the Harlem Globetrotters in 2017 becoming only the 15th woman to ever don the red, white and blue uniform in the team's 90-plus year history.
The now 5-foot-9 guard first started pursuing basketball at age 4. She was introduced to the sport by her older brother who has served as one of her greatest mentors.
Spider Sharpless was introduced to basketball and inspired by watching Hall of Famer – and one-time Globetrotter – Magic Johnson play in his final NBA season. He was also inspired growing up by superstar basketball player Carmelo Anthony and considers Bo Jackson the greatest athlete who has ever lived, because of how he dominated two sports at the highest level.
Never back down from a challenge – this is the motto Chris "Animal" Hyche, one of the Harlem Globetrotters' newest members, lives by. Growing up, the Globetrotters rookie idolized NBA legend Michael Jordan. From him, he learned that staying focused on a goal and never giving up could lead him to reach his dream of playing professionally one day.
They call him the "Michael Jordan of dwarf basketball," standing 4-foot-5 "Hot Shot" Swanson joins the Harlem Globetrotters as the shortest player in team history.
Swanson was born with dwarfism, a genetic condition, but didn't keep him from following his passion. He was first introduced to basketball as a toddler and grew up idolizing NBA legend Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson.
He was a selected along with figures like Aaron Judge, Wonder Woman and Tim Tebow as part of the Harlem Globetrotters 2017 Draft. "Money" Merriweather hopped on the Globetrotters radar after putting on a stellar performance in front of a national audience at the 2017 College Dunk Contest.
One of the most electrifying scorers on the Harlem Globetrotters roster, Torch George brings the fire every time she steps onto the court with her razor-sharp shooting skills and ankle-breaking dribbling moves.
Growing up like many other children with older siblings, Bulldog Mack looked up to his older brother, Chris. He followed him around everywhere, including the gym for basketball practice where he discovered a love for the sport.
Like his brother, who also played for the Harlem Globetrotters, he follows into his footsteps as a member of the world's most famous team.
Lights Out Lee is one of the newest additions to the Harlem Globetrotters' roster of world-class athletes and dribblers. He earned his nickname with the team for his spot-on shooting accuracy.
Similar to Globetrotter legends Tex Harrison and Curly Neal, this new Globetrotter star joins the roster after a standout college career in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). Six-foot-six Crush January attended Saint Augustine's University (N.C.) where he was a four-year starter.
Sweet Lou II follows his father's footsteps – Sweet Lou Dunbar, who happens to be one of the most iconic players in the team's 90-plus year history.
Similar to some of his new teammates, Harlem Globetrotters star Hops Pearce joins the famous roster after winning the 2018 Dark Horse Dunk Competition during Final Four Weekend. Pearce adds to the Globetrotters growing list of some of the best dunkers on the planet.
New to the Harlem Globetrotters this year is 5-foot-8-inch Ice Hrynko (rink-o). The dynamic guard, who grew up idolizing basketball icon Dawn Staley, joins the Globetrotters after a professional basketball career overseas and the WNBA.
Hi-Rise Hinton joins the Harlem Globetrotters out of Winston Salem, N.C. The 6-foot-7-inch forward earned his nickname for his high-flying and powerful dunks.
At just 4-6, Justin X-Over Thompkins is the second-shortest player in Globetrotter history; the shortest is his 4-5 older brother and current Globetrotter Hot Shot Swanson.
Speedy Artis joins the Harlem Globetrotters after playing professionally in Brazil for the America Esporte Club in 2017. Artis earned his nickname on the Globetrotters roster for his rapid style of play and dexterity on the court.
Similar to her teammate TNT Lister, who is only the ninth woman to play for the world famous Harlem Globetrotters, Swish Sutton joined the roster following a standout college career at the University of South Carolina playing for Naismith Hall of Fame coach Dawn Staley. Under the direction of the three-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA All-Star, the now Globetrotters rookie led South Carolin


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Film noir flourishes at TCM film festival in Hollywood
From Marie Windsor's character in "The Killing" telling her wounded husband (played by Elisha Cook, Jr.) to cab to the hospital because she doesn't feel like calling an ambulance to Grace Kelly fending off her attacker and foiling the eponymous plot in "Dial M for Murder," on-screen femmes fatales claimed their power at the TCM Classic Film Festival April 25-28 in Hollywood.
The film noir slate was particularly rich as was the experience of seeing these film on the big screen – the lighting, the compositions, the close-ups all popped in a way that just doesn't happen when you watch these titles on TV. Additionally, the festival does a splendid job of finding guests to introduce the films.
At Thursday's screening of "The Killing," actress Coleen Gray shared memories of working with director Stanley Kubrick on what would turn out to be his break-though movie. "I knew he was good," she said. "The cast is wonderful. The story, the director and the actors are in tune. And look at the cutting – it was cut to create a masterpiece. You go and see it and you bow to Mr. Kubrick." She added that Kubrick spent much of his directorial energy working with Marie Windsor on her hard-as-nails dame Sherry Peatty.
Fans of Ms. Windsor's got another chance to connect with her at Friday's screening of "The Narrow Margin." The special guest was actress Jacqueline White. Also during that time slot producer Stanley Rubin reminisced about Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum and Otto Preminger before a showing of 1954's "River of No Return," a stunning example of CinemaScope's capabilities.
"[Marilyn] and Otto didn't like each other and so we became very friendly. She was a perfect lady," he said, adding that she was friendly and professional with Mitchum as well.
Watching Monroe and Mitchum, at the height of their physical radiance in this picture, ignited in me a newfound passion for Westerns. (Believe me, this is quite a feat.)
It's always a toss-up when deciding between a beloved classic and a little-screened rarity. We at FNB decided to mix it up a little and forgo "Notorious," which I often liken to a glass of Veuve Clicquot, for the chance to see a 1956 Jean Gabin black comedy "La Traversée de Paris." Gabin is always good, but the film is uneven, without much tension or humor, a bit like a flabby claret.
A much better rare treat was the definitive British film noir "It Always Rains on Sunday," (1947, Robert Hamer), set in London's East End, featuring a Jewish family and starring John McCallum as prison escapee Tommy Swann and tough yet oddly dainty Googie Withers as his ex-gf. The Film Noir Foundation's Eddie Muller introduced the film, noting that it was less a crime flick than an effective portrayal of the plight of the poor and downtrodden.
We watched this with our friend Debra Levine of artsmeme.com. Our verdict: It's a good, engaging film but what makes it great is the sleek, striking cinematography. "Tommy made some poor choices," Ms. Levine overheard someone saying as we left the theater. Aah, but we all know that "choice" is but a futile joke in the world of film noir!
Another Friday highlight: the lovely and gracious Eva Marie Saint discussing "On the Waterfront."
The next morning, early birds were rewarded with a talk by Polly Bergen at the screening of "Cape Fear," one of Robert Mitchum's most menacing roles. Later-risers could head to the Egyptian Theatre for the West Coast restoration premiere of 1929's "The Donovan Affair" with live actors (from Bruce Goldstein and company) and sound effects to recreate the lost soundtrack.
Next up was a film noir must-see: "They Live by Night" (1949, Nicholas Ray), the quintessential young-lovers-on-the-run story, with an appearance by his widow Susan Ray and introduction by Eddie Muller. Commenting on Ray's exploratory directing style, she said: "He did not go in with a preconceived idea of what should happen in a scene. He would set it up, light a fuse and watch. He would prod or provoke if necessary. He didn't impose truth, he looked for it."
And on Ray's interest in telling the stories of young people, often loners or societal outcasts, she noted: "He saw the juice, potential, openness and flexibility of youth and he loved it." Nick Ray's gift as a visual poet is never more apparent than when you see "They Live by Night" on the big screen.
Continuing the noir mood was "Tall Target" (1951, Anthony Mann), a period noir, starring Dick Powell, Paula Raymond and Ruby Dee, based on an actual plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln before he could take the oath office in 1861. Film historian Donald Bogle gave an insightful introduction.
Then it was back to the Egyptian, where the line for "Mildred Pierce," snaked down a busy side street of Hollywood Boulevard. Special guest actress Ann Blyth said of Joan Crawford, the film's mega-star: "I have nothing but wonderful memories of her. She was kind to me during the making of the movie and she was kind to me for many years after."
Popcorn, Coke, Raisinets and watching Crawford pull out all the shoulder-padded stops – what more could a noirista wish for?
Sunday morning kicked off with a choice between "Badlands," "Gilda," or sleeping in a bit and we hit snooze. Sorry. They don't call me Lazy Legs for nothing. Our first movie was 1973's "Scarecrow," starring Al Pacino and Gene Hackman – it was one of the best and most resonant films we've seen in a long time. The acting is tremendous in this great-looking film, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. Director Jerry Schatzberg discussed his work in a pre-film chat with Leonard Maltin.
Afterward, we managed to catch the very noirish "Safe in Hell" (1931, William Wellman), starring Dorothy Mackaill as a streetwise blonde who holds her own among a slew of unsavory men while she's hiding out in the Caribbean. Donald Bogle introduced the movie and William Wellman, Jr. answered questions afterward.
A great way to wrap up the fest, before heading to the after-party at the Roosevelt Hotel, was a 3-D presentation of "Dial M for Murder." Leonard Maltin and the always-entertaining actor-producer-director Norman Lloyd, 98, discussed 3-D and the working methods of Alfred Hitchcock. This Hitchcock gem, a perfect example of his subversive casting, is often underrated so we particularly enjoyed seeing it; we noticed that just about every seat was taken.
Hats off to TCM for another superb film festival! The staff does an excellent job running every aspect of this event and it is much appreciated.


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Tulip Cocktail
1/6 Lemon Juice. (1/2 of 3/4 oz Lem, err, I was out of lemons, so Lime Juice)
1/6 Apricot Brandy. (1/2 of 3/4 oz Brizard Apry)
1/3 Italian Vermouth. (3/4 oz Carpano Antica Vermouth)
1/3 Calvados or Apple Brandy. (3/4 oz Montreuil Reserve Calvados)
Shake well and strain into cocktail glass.
Well, as you might imagine, getting that sort of news isn't super great for moderation or abstention. Not that I am making excuses.
Scheduled an appointment with the Specialist, and set about worrying.
Is this the end of my ridiculous string of luck? Payback for years of playing?
Should I be compiling lists of all my passwords and getting my keys together for Michele?
Why am I working 6 days a week, when I could be spending that time with my loved ones?
Dammit, why don't I have a big pile of savings or insurance? By this time in his life, my Dad had created a huge pile of insurance pay outs, property and savings, in the event of his untimely demise. What have I managed to save? Pretty much nothing.
Moody would definitely be the way to describe me during this period. Sorry about that, if I ran into you and was even less garrulous than usual. Probably, maudlin and/or drunk, never a great combo.
As noted by Charles McCabe in his book, "The Good Man's Weakness":
My advice would be Chesterton's: "Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable." I've not always followed this counsel; but wish I had more often.
When you are on a real downer, chop some wood, paint some tables, anything so long as it's a job. Drink when you're filled with self-pity, and the next thing you're drinking to get yourself through your work. Then, brother, you're headed for trouble.
Go visit the Specialist, still no real bad news. He takes some more blood for more tests. Won't know the answers to those tests for a week or so, but to be on the safe side, based on the previous test results and my family history, we schedule a biopsy for the next week.
The Tulip Cocktail is, in fact, quite delicious. It's really nothing but a kind of an elaboration of the Jack Rose. Given that one of Michele's favorite cocktails is the Jack Rose, I had her sample this, and she approved. I was surprised that the Carpano Antica worked in a sour. Unusual.
This post is one in a series documenting my ongoing effort to make all of the cocktails in the Savoy Cocktail Book, starting at the first, Abbey, and ending at the last, Zed.


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Apple's year-old iPhone, the iPhone 4S was the second best selling phone in the world during the fourth quarter, according to new data from research firm Strategy Analytics.
The iPhone 5 was the best selling phone in the world for the quarter. The Samsung S3 was the third best selling phone.
This is an important data point for anyone paying close attention to the tech news lately.
Samsung is out-innovating Apple, according to some in the tech press. Others in the tech press claim that Apple's is blowing it by not offering a smartphone with a bigger screen.
The fact that Apple's iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 are outselling Samsung's top of the line smartphone suggests that consumers don't think Apple is getting out-innovated. Consumers also don't seem to care about the size of the screen.
What people want are iPhones. What stops Apple from competing with Samsung isn't screen size or features, it's price and distribution. That's why just about every single sell-side analyst is pounding the table for Apple to release an inexpensive iPhone to compete in developing markets.
More From Business Insider


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Gen. Nathaniel Lyon died at the right time.
Raised in eastern Connecticut, the 43-year-old West Point graduate was killed while commanding the Union forces at the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield, Mo., on Aug. 10, 1861.
He became the first Union general to die in the Civil War, a heroic martyr for a North still reeling from its disastrous setback in July at Bull Run.
Lyon's body, recovered several days after the battle, was brought home by train, the coffin displayed at major cities along the route where thousands of citizens paid homage.
After lying in state in the Senate Room of the Old State House in Hartford, the remains traveled by rail to Willimantic. There, a cortege of carriages formed for the final 16-mile trek to the general's hometown of Eastford, where a staggering crowd of 10,000 to 15,000, including the governors of Connecticut and Rhode Island and the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, gathered Sept. 5, 1861, for services on the green outside the Congregational Church.
It was a public catharsis.
"At the moment when the Union's expectations had been crushed — this romantic notion of taking Richmond in 30 days — the death of Lyon provided an antidote for the shame, a ready-made hero who took the sting out of Bull Run,'' said Connecticut State Historian Walter Woodward, who recently published an account of the Lyon funeral.
In 1862, Lyon was the subject of a laudatory biography, and his sacrifice was noted in Stephen Foster's patriotic song, "Better Times Are Coming." But as the war dragged on, and the carnage mounted, the national profile of the man dubbed "The Savior of Missouri" began to fade.
Today, Nathaniel Lyon's name remains largely unknown — even in Connecticut — outside of his hometown of Eastford, where he is buried beneath the obelisk that dominates the small General Lyon Cemetery on General Lyon Road.
"We have the General Lyon Inn, which is now apartments, in the center of town. There is the General Lyon Road, the General Lyon birthplace. It's the Lyon cemetery. He's the big local hero," said Kathy Healey, chairwoman of the Eastford Historical Society.
A Soldier's Life
On the last night of his life, Nathaniel Lyon was bedding down in a rocky hollow, catching a few hours of sleep before the next day's battle. A subordinate asked him how he was feeling. "I'm quite all right,'' the general replied. "Back in Connecticut, where I come from, I was born and bred among rocks."
Lyon was born July 14, 1818, on a family farm in the rocky hills near the Natchaug River in what was then part of the town of Ashford. His parents, Amasa Lyon and Kezia Knowlton Lyon, were children of Revolutionary War veterans. His mother's uncle, Thomas Knowlton, whose statue stands outside the state Capitol, was one of Connecticut's greatest heroes of the War of Independence.
After attending local schools, Lyon secured an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. The discipline of military life suited him. He graduated in June 1841, 11th in a class of 53, then began what proved a lifelong career in the U.S. Army, one characterized by bravura success and tempestuous, often self-inflicted controversy.
Postings in Florida and upstate New York were followed by service in the Mexican War, and Lyon saw extensive action in the campaign to capture Mexico City, where he was wounded and decorated for bravery.
Following that war, he was posted to California and led a bloody, punitive expedition against American Indians in the region of Clear Lake. An attack on native villages became a massacre, killing 200 and 400, mostly women and children.
A tough, aggressive officer, short of stature with fiery red hair and a volcanic temper, Lyon was at his best whenever decisive action was warranted. At other times, his quarrelsome bent, short fuse and intolerance provoked antagonism and run-ins with his superiors. A harsh disciplinarian and exacting drill master, he had acquired a reputation as "the most tyrannical officer in the Army,'' according to his most recent biographer, Christopher Phillips.
Lyon hated slavery, and his views toward slaveholders and the society they represented hardened during his service in "Bleeding Kansas" during the 1850s. By February 1861, then Capt. Lyon was fully prepared to take on the secessionists when he left Fort Leavenworth, Kan., with eight companies of infantry to buttress the defenses of the important federal arsenal in St. Louis.
"I shall not hesitate to rejoice at the triumph of my principles, though this triumph may involve an issue in which I certainly expect to expose and very likely lose my life. We shall rejoice, though in martyrdom, if need be,'' Lyon wrote on the eve of his departure.
The attack on Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861, touched off a political powder keg in Missouri, a critical border state that the Lincoln administration was determined to keep from falling into the hands of the Confederacy.
Although a slaveholding state, Missouri was sharply divided between pro-Union and pro-Confederate sympathizers. A state convention in March 1861 had voted to reject secession, a decision the governor, Claiborne Fox Jackson, was determined to reverse. Jackson publicly rejected Lincoln's post-Sumter appeal for Missouri volunteers to put down the Southern rebellion. Instead, he ordered out the state militia and began plotting in secret with Confederate President Jefferson Davis to seize the St. Louis Arsenal.
Lyon thwarted the governor's designs. Working behind the back of the arsenal's commander, a man he mistrusted, Lyon formed an alliance with a local power broker, Republican Congressman Frank Blair, the brother of Lincoln's postmaster general. Together, they enrolled and began training thousands of local volunteers for the arsenal's defense. Lyon then succeeded in smuggling the bulk of stores across the Mississippi River to Illinois, keeping enough guns and ammunition to arm 10,000 loyalists.
He was elected brigadier general of the state volunteers and promoted by the War Department to command its Western Military Department.
Immediately, be began formulating plans to put down the growing encampment of the state militia, sympathetic to the Southern cause, which had formed in St. Louis. After personally scouting the camp, while riding in a carriage disguised as a woman, Lyon led a force of Army regulars, volunteers and federalized Union Guards and compelled its surrender. As his prisoners were being marched through the city streets, a riot erupted. Four soldiers and dozens of citizens died in the chaos.
The violent outbreak severely dampened chances of reaching a peaceful solution to the crisis. Talks between Gov. Jackson, his State Guard commander, Lyon and Union officials collapsed, and by the end of May the state was engulfed in its own civil war.
Throughout June and July 1861, Lyon's forces won a series of small victories and succeeded in pushing the pro-secession militia forces to the west and southwest. There, the militia was reinforced by Confederate troops from neighboring Arkansas and Louisiana. His 7,000-man force was now outnumbered nearly 2-to-1, but Lyon decided to attack, launching a two-pronged assault along Wilson's Creek at dawn on Aug. 10.
The battle raged for several hours, see-sawing back and forth. At its center, on a rise that would be known as Bloody Hill, flowed a series of attacks and counter-attacks. Late in the morning, already wounded in the leg and the side of his head, Lyon saw a gap forming in the enemy's line and ordered another advance, Climbing upon an orderly's horse, waving his hat in his right hand, he turned to yell to his men: "Come on, my brave boys. I will lead you! Forward!"
Shot through the chest, he died moments later.
The fighting lasted another hour. Following another failed assault, the Confederates fell back to regroup, giving the outgunned Union forces time to retreat. The Union lost 1,317 troops killed, wounded and missing in the six-hour battle; Southern losses were 1,222. The first phase in what would ultimately prove a successful campaign to keep Missouri in the Union had ended.
Martyr To The Cause
The funeral cortege arrived in Eastford shortly after sunset, Sept. 4, 1861.
A military honor guard from Missouri, the Hartford City Guards and the Colt Firearms Brass Band accompanied the plumed hearse drawn by four black horses. The throng of mourners followed in its wake.
Lyon's body lay overnight in the Congregational Church. At 10 a.m. the following day, thousands gathered outside for the service, which included an hourlong eulogy by U.S. House Speaker Galusha A. Grow, a Pennsylvania congressman and Eastford native.
"It was a great day and will long be remembered,'' wrote local resident Laura Adams in a letter three days later to her son George, who was serving in the Army.
"The corpse was not seen, but thousands passed through the church to see the coffin which was draped in our National Colors, and covered with wreaths of evergreens and flowers. His cap and sword were also laid on the coffin and one of the guard stood at the head with his picture so that all might see how he look [sic] in health.
"The people made a great effort to accommodate the guests and things were done up in good shape. We had about thirty to tea and some friends stopped over night."
Lyon's reputation peaked in 1862 when his first biographer, Ashbel Woodward, tellingly compared his accomplishments in Missouri with the ignominious performance that spring of McClellan's army outside of Richmond.
"Our victories in Missouri, aside from local importance, were of great moral value in relieving the depression consequent on the unfortunate issue of our efforts elsewhere," Woodward wrote.
Recent historians are divided over Lyon's legacy. In his review of Phillips' 1990 biography, James M. McPherson wrote that "Lyon's strategy of vigorous pursuit and aggressive offense, as subsequent Civil War experience proved, was precisely the strategy necessary to win the war." The review took issue with some of the biographer's conclusions. No fan of Lyon, Phillips blamed his dogmatism and fanatical personality for plunging Missouri into a four-year hell, a civil war within the Civil War, in which notorious cutthroats like William Quantrill, "Bloody Bill'' Anderson and James Lane terrorized the countryside. "And more than any other single individual, Nathaniel Lyon bore responsibility for this fratricidal tragedy,'' Phillips wrote.
Lyon's fame within Connecticut persisted for several decades. A prominent Grand Army of the Republic post was named after him, and in 1907 the Connecticut General Assembly appropriated $500 to help maintain and improve the small family cemetery where he was buried.
A re-enactment of Lyon's lying in state at the Old State House is being planned as one of the several activities on Sept. 17 to mark the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park.


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Gov. Jay Inslee today said he's confident the Boeing Co. can quickly solve safety concerns about the Dreamliner's lithium-ion batteries which prompted federal regulators to ground the company's newest passenger plane.
"This is a surmountable problem," Inslee said at a news conference. "We all are excited about this amazing product and we all are obviously concerned and want to make sure we move forward to do the right thing on this product."
Inslee said he spoke with Boeing representatives this morning who told him the company is "working day and night" on answering questions about the safety of the technology.
Also today, Jeff Johnson, president of the Washington State Labor Council, said he's "optimistic" Boeing "can get a handle on it in the next couple weeks."
Johnson, who is also a leader of the Washington Aerospace Partnership, said machinists he's spoken with describe the problem as a "glitch" that can be dealt with.


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This hilly, urban neighborhood is named after the famous El Cortez Hotel and is one of Downtown's oldest residential neighborhoods. Here, home-seekers can find Victorian-style homes, as well as condos.
Residential, MLS# 190009584
Listing provided by Pacific Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Residential, MLS# 190004356
Listing provided by Melissa Goldstein Tucci
Residential, MLS# 190012024
Listing provided by Ausin Group (USA), Inc.
Residential, MLS# 190005973
Listing provided by Ascent Real Estate, Inc.
Residential, MLS# 190002858
Listing provided by Pacific Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Residential, MLS# 180068142
Listing provided by CityMark Realty
Residential, MLS# 190012468
Listing provided by Melissa Goldstein Tucci
This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. You should rely on this information only to decide whether or not to further investigate a particular property. BEFORE MAKING ANY OTHER DECISION, YOU SHOULD PERSONALLY INVESTIGATE THE FACTS (e.g. square footage and lot size) with the assistance of an appropriate professional. You may use this information only to identify properties you may be interested in investigating further. All uses except for personal, non-commercial use in accordance with the foregoing purpose are prohibited. Redistribution or copying of this information, any photographs or video tours is strictly prohibited. This information is derived from the Internet Data Exchange (IDX) service provided by Sandicor®. Displayed property listings may be held by a brokerage firm other than the broker and/or agent responsible for this display. The information and any photographs and video tours and the compilation from which they are derived is protected by copyright. Compilation © 2019 Sandicor®, Inc.


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