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Advanced Microcontrollers from STMicroelectronics Ensure Ultimate Digital Security in Next-Generation Mobile and Consumer Applications
Builds on successful foundation to target advanced NFC Universal Integrated Circuit Cards and embedded Secure Element applications
STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and the world's top supplier of secure chips for NFC Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (UICCs)1 and embedded Secure Element (eSE) Element2 applications, has revealed the latest generation of its successful ST33 secure microcontroller line, delivering advanced performance, enhanced security, lower power consumption and even greater multi-interface flexibility.
ST's new ST33G1M2 offers the unique ability to function either in a mobile-phone NFC UICC, which handles mobile payments alongside SIM applications and user-data storage, or as a dedicated embedded secure chip in NFC smartphones. Both sectors are growing strongly; in April 2013, SIMalliance confirmed its members shipped over 30 million NFC-enabled SIMs in 20123, representing an 87% increase on 2011, while Eurosmart predicted that total Secure Element shipments would exceed 250 million in 20134.
The ST33G1M2 is also unique in supporting the complete MIFARE® portfolio including MIFARE® Classic, MIFARE DESFire® and MIFARE Plus®. Further enhancements include an improved EDES+ accelerator supporting 3-key triple DES security, and support for hardware-accelerated AES encryption (AES-HW).
John Devlin, Practice Director at ABI Research commented, "The market for embedded and SWP SIM secure element ICs demands the highest levels of security as well as support for recognized standards and interfaces. SIM card manufacturers and device OEMs are looking to choose secure elements offering greater memory capacity to support a growing breadth and volume of applications. The ST33G1M2 positions STMicroelectronics to build upon its significant lead and has the potential to serve additional applications such as pay TV and high-end authentication."
Driving forward the ST33 family of secure microcontrollers suitable for both NFC (Near Field Communication) UICC and eSE applications, ST's new ST33G1M2 provides enhanced interfaces including Single-Wire Protocol (SWP) and a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), making the device suitable for a wide variety of form factors and applications.
"The ST33G1M2 takes our industry-leading ST33 secure microcontrollers forward into the next generation, delivering greater performance, flexibility and enhanced security for the secure mobile applications of tomorrow," said Laurent Degauque, Embedded Security Marketing Director, STMicroelectronics. "With its unique combination of support for NFC UICC and eSE applications and the entire MIFARE portfolio, plus enhanced connectivity and large on-chip Flash memory, this device dramatically extends opportunities for issuers to manage secure access to multiple services using the same card."
Customers using ST's ST33 family will experience easy migration of existing solutions onto the new ST33G1M2, taking advantage of ST's seamless roadmap that enables developers to maximize engineering re-use and deliver enhanced eSE or UICC solutions to market quickly and efficiently. In addition, ST's dual-factory supply capability (both 8" and 12" fab) for the ST33G1M2 ensures consistent lead times and security of supply.
Major features of ST33G1M2:
32-bit SC300 secure core based on ARM® Cortex™-M3
1.2MByte embedded Flash
Targeted for EMVCo and EAL5+ certifications
Comprehensive MIFARE® support
Reduced power consumption and silicon footprint
Enhanced connectivity with SPI and GPIO
The ST33G1M2 is in full production now, and available in wafers or micromodules, or in DFN8 or WLCSP packages. Please contact your ST sales office for pricing options and sample requests.
MIFARE and DESFire are registered trademarks of NXP B.V. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions, and are used under license.
Click here for the high-resolution photo
About STMicroelectronics
ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power and automotive products and embedded processing solutions. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.
In 2012, the Company's net revenues were $8.49 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
1The UICC (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) is the smart card used in mobile terminals in GSM and UMTS networks
2ABI Research: NFC Market Data, November 2013
3SIMalliance Reports 6% Increase in Global SIM Shipments in 2012, April 10, 2013. www.simalliance.org/en/news__events/press_relea[...]
4Eurosmart General Assembly Confirms Strong Growth, April 23, 2013. www.eurosmart.com/publications/market-overview.[...]
5Single-Wire Protocol: the communication channel between the secure element and the contactless front-end of the handset


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March 26, 2013
Attending the elusive Bohemian Grove retreat should be a priority for former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, News Corp executive Andrew Knight allegedly writes in an email to US Gen. Colin Powell obtained by RT.
The mysterious computer hacker known only as Guccifer has once again supplied RT with a trove of presumed personal emails in which the private correspondence between some of the world's most influential men is put under the looking glass. The hacker's target is once again former Secretary of State Colin Powell, and this time the discourse dives into a topic rarely discussed: the annual summer retreat at California's Bohemian Grove.
Guccifer has previously taken credit for hacking Gen. Powell's Facebook, compromising what are believed to be sensitive emails sent to former-President George W. Bush and even uncovering emails about last year's Benghazi, Libya terrorist attack allegedly sent to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In the latest leaked emails sent to RT, Guccifer showcases a number of emails reportedly sent to Colin Powell's AOL account during the last few years.
The few dozen emails forwarded to RT offer what appears on the surface to be little insight into Gen. Powell's personal habits, but one email in particular referenced enough other well-known individuals that it couldn't help but raise a red flag: in correspondence dated March 21, 2012, Knight asks Gen. Powell to have a few words with Mr. Blair about preparing for that year's Bohemian Grove retreat, an annual gathering of the rich and powerful that has stayed so elusive for decades that countless documentaries and books have been written about the event — and journalists like Vanity Fair's Alex Shoumatoff has even been arrested trying to infiltrate it.
According to the Sonoma County Free Press, the membership list of Bohemian Grove has included every Republican US president since 1923, as well as titans of the defense sector, banking tycoons and the CEOs of some of the largest corporations in the world. Spy Magazine linked the guest list with millionaires and billionaires from the likes of IBM and Bank of America, as well as leading politicians from Washington and abroad. And when Spy's Philip Weiss snuck into the grove in 1989, he confirmed that attendees congregate at a shrine to an owl described as "40-foot-tall, moss-covered statue of stone and steel."
Weiss adds that during the event's middle weekend — the busiest session of the two-week gathering — he saw roughly 2,200 guests, all male, on the camp ground. Just last year, though, Powell was asked to ensure that Blair made it for that portion of the festivities.
"Might you be able gently/firmly to point out to Tony that you rank the Bohemia Middle Weekend in your diary before allowing any other duties to get in the way?!" writes Knight, a journalist who currently serves as a director of billionaire Rupert Murdoch's multinational News Corp, in the latest leaked emails. "Lack of exposure suggests that Tony has not yet got his priorities straight."
The Reopen America Back to School Special is now live! Save up to 60% on our most popular items!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Rangers give up lead, then nearly rally
Cotts allows four runs in eighth; game ends on Beltre's double play
SEATTLE -- Elvis Andrus saw Adrian Beltre crush the baseball and had one thought.
"Everybody was going to score," Andrus said. "That was a crazy inning. That was the hit we were looking for all night. I thought it was on the right-field line and everybody was going to score."
Nobody scored. The only Rangers player near home plate was Beltre, who stared off into space in disbelief after Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak made a tremendous game-saving catch and then stepped on first base.
Smoak's play snuffed out the Rangers' ninth-inning rally against closer Fernando Rodney and gave the Mariners a 6-5 victory on a chilly Friday night at Safeco Field.
"It's just tough to swallow," Beltre said. "Everybody had a great at-bat trying to battle back. I was just looking for a pitch high over the plate so I could drive it to the outfield. I put a good swing on it, and Smoak made a hell of a play that saved the game. What else can you say?"
The Rangers led 3-2 going into the bottom of the eighth before the Mariners rallied for four runs off reliever Neal Cotts. But the Rangers almost stole it in the ninth. They had the bases loaded with one out against Rodney, who then walked both Michael Choice and Andrus to force in two runs.
That brought up Beltre, who was playing for the first time since coming off the disabled list. He had a RBI double in his first three at-bats. This time he smacked a line drive down the first-base line and Smoak went to his left to make a diving catch. Andrus had no chance to get back.
"I saw it, but when I dove it was just doing whatever I could to try to catch it and put a glove on it," Smoak said. "It just happened to go in and I knew we had a double play once I caught it."
"It was a little surreal when I hit it," Beltre said. "I thought he had no chance. I hit a ball down the line, a right-handed hitter that is normally a pull hitter, and somehow he reacted really fast … I would have rather had a slow roller and be thrown out at first and at least get the run in."
The Rangers would have preferred to have closed this one out without needing any ninth-inning heroics. But Cotts struggled and couldn't get anybody out in the eighth while trying to protect a one-run lead in relief of starter Robbie Ross and reliever Jason Frasor.
"I just didn't pitch very well," Cotts said. "I couldn't keep the ball on the plate and I wasn't close enough to get any swings out it."
The Mariners entered the game having been outscored 18-0 in the eighth inning this season. The Rangers were also 7-1 when leading after seven innings before this one got away and cost Ross a chance for his second victory as a starter.
Ross went six innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He didn't walk anybody but he did hit three batters, tying a club record done 11 times previously by 10 pitchers. Charlie Hough did it twice and Ferguson Jenkins was the only one to do it while getting a win.
"Very disgusting," Ross said. "I kept cutting my changeup. It wasn't my slider. I pegged two guys with changeups that I had cut. Terrible."
Ross left after six innings with a one-run lead. Frasor pitched a scoreless seventh and then Cotts came in to pitch the eighth with left-handed hitter Robinson Cano leading off. Cano started the inning with a single to left.
That brought up two right-handed hitters and the Rangers had right-handed pitcher Alexi Ogando in the bullpen. But the Mariners also had two left-handed hitters on the bench in Dustin Ackley and Michael Saunders so manager Ron Washington stayed with Cotts.
"For me I thought he was the right guy in the right situation," Washington said. "Things just didn't go his way."
Cotts got ahead of Corey Hart but couldn't put him away. Instead he hit him with a full-count cut fastball that ran too far inside. Stefen Romero went up to sacrifice bunt and laid one down the third-base line that stayed fair for a single that loaded the bases.
That brought up Smoak, a switch-hitter whose career numbers are slightly better from the left side. So Washington stayed with Cotts and Smoak lined a double to left to bring home two runs. Kyle Seager, a left-handed hitter, then singled to left made it 5-3 with runners still at the corners.
As far as his plan for Ogando, Washington said, "I wanted to make sure he wasn't cold so we got him up early and I was going to use him once we got past Seager. Cotts is not a situational pitcher."
Washington then brought in Ogando, but with Ackley at the plate, Ogando threw a wild pitch to bring home Smoak. That proved to be the deciding run when Smoak made his game-saving catch in the top of the ninth.
"We battled right to the end," Ross said. "Gosh I thought we were going to win that game."


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146 cm
35 kg
Hi my name's Nathan and I am 32 years old. I don't like false or pretentious people.. I am down to earth and try to look at things from everyone's point of view and understand people because we are all so different and that's what makes life so interesting and diverse. I have worked as a Support/Youth worker so have had to listen to a lot of people's problems which was a very rewarding job. I like to have a small group of real good friends rather than lots of hangers on. I'd prefer to invest my time in like minded people and think that only way to have strong friendships is to work at them and support each other through the good times and the bad.. I am quite a deep thinker but I can be very silly and crazy too. Looking for someone who can make me laugh out loud but also has a sensitive and caring side! Life is a journey not a script and you must try to enjoy the good times and be strong when life gets tough... I am sometimes crazy sometimes thoughtful sometimes naughty love my family and close friends they are my rock! If u think I am interesting or your type just send me a message and we can take it from their... Nathan x
Suche nach: Frau 18 - 80 Jahr alt| Jahre alt
für: Freundschaft, Heirat, Romanze, Ernsthafte Beziehung


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• August 31, 2004 | 12:21 a.m. ET
Will ED Gillespie let Ralph Nader speak at the Republican National Convention? (Joe Trippi)
Okay, so the San Francisco Chronicle has reported that 10 percent of all checks over $1,000 to the Nader campaign have also contributed to the Bush/Cheney campaign and Republican causes.
Business Week, and the Boston Globe have reported that Dick Egan a Bush Ranger who raised over $200,000 for the Bush/Cheney campaign has now maxed out to Nader as well.
And in Oregon the Oregon chapter of Citizens for a Sound Economy led nationally by former House Majority Leader Dick Armey funded a organizational program to get Nader on the Oregon ballot. The chapter's phone banks recruited Republicans to sign up for Nader with the following message:
"Nader could peel away a lot of Kerry support in Oregon ... Liberals are trying to unite (but) we could divide this base of support" by signing up for Nader"
In Michigan officials of the Michigan Republican State Party turned in 43,000 signatures to put Ralph Nader on the state's ballot – note 30,000 signatures are required to get on the ballot in Michigan.
Will GOP Chair Gillespie do the right thing and give Ralph a speaking slot?
Will Ralph Nader realize there is a reason the Republicans are working so hard on his behalf?
Will Phil ever let me blog again?
Stay tuned and please let me know what you think at email@example.com.
• August 30, 2004 | 11:11 p.m. ET
Michael Moore's big smile tonight wasn't defensive, nor pasted on, nor panicky. He shouldn't have just smiled, he should've sent John McCain a check.
For the thousands inside Madison Square Garden and the millions of Republican faithful watching on television, John McCain's skewering of Moore tonight was a moment of revenge, served per the old Italian saying— the dish that is best enjoyed cold.
And it just sent another weekend-full of movie-goers to see "Fahrenheit 9/11," put another million or two into Moore's pockets, and revivified a controversy that had begun to deflate behind the Swift Boat ads and the President's sudden reversal of field towards the impossibility of "winning" a war on terror.
It is a lesson unlearned by generation after generation of politicians of all stripes, religious leaders of every denomination, and moralists of any other field: If you want to belittle something in the media, ignore it.
The dream of the critic, whether it's those who blasted Mel Gibson's "The Passion" or Moore's uneven kinda-documentary, is to make people un-see it. It is a natural enough human emotion, just like trying to hold your broken arm back into place. And it has yet to work.
The headlines of McCain's speech— his ringing endorsement of his frequent adversary, his overarching dismissal of international protest to much of the nation's proactive policies— were all torn up by the one line "so good I'll use it again."
The applause had barely crested when the networks all replayed the soundbite. They'll play it all day tomorrow. The newspapers, no matter their political leanings, will play it heavier than the rest of McCain's comments, or any other event of the opening night of the Convention. Only the most superlative of efforts of subsequent speakers, the President included, will override it as the note of the Republican gathering.
John McCain put Michael Moore back into the Presidential Campaign.
It probably felt indescribably good as he said it. It probably will so tomorrow morning. And then next weekend's box office figures will come out.
E-mail Keith at firstname.lastname@example.com
Watch out for 'Bloggermann,' Keith's own blog, coming soon.
• August 30, 2004 | 10:35 p.m. ET
Live from West Virginia, (Tom Llamas, campaign reporter on the road with Senator John Edwards)
While my fellow MSNBC Campaign Reporters are livin' it up in Nantucket (Beck Diamond covering Kerry) and New York City (Priya David covering Cheney, Felix Schein covering Democrats rapid response) I've just ordered take out from the Outback Steakhouse in Beckley, West Virginia.
No Rules Just Right. At least that's what the take-out bag says.
So why am I in Beckley? I cover Senator John Edwards's campaign and West Virginia is a battleground state.
President Bush won here by 6 percentage points in 2000, and Democrats think they have a shot in November. The Democratic vice presidential nominee has stopped in this state twice in the less than two weeks. West Virginia only has 5 electoral votes, but both parties are saying this is going to be a tight race and 5 points could tip the balance.
Speaking of tipping…the best part about the hotel we're staying at is that you don't have to tip the hotel bartender. That's because there is no bartender. The hotel has two tapped kegs in the lobby and hotel guests can fill up for 69 cents a beer.
It gets better. It's all on the honor system.
I wish I could go down and have a brew, but I'm too busy Hardbloggin.
Click here to react to Tom Llamas' post: email@example.com.
Click here to watch the SNL-type video the RNC used to introduce their speakers tonight.
• August 30, 2004 | 9:25 p.m. ET
What the delegates are talking about (Felix Schein, campaign reporter)
Now that the Republican Party Platform has officially been adopted , many of the delegates found themselves answering questions from reporters asking if this convention might be too moderate, or, if they're disappointed more conservative themes aren't being talked about here in New York.
Three members of Florida's delegation I spoke with didn't think so. They agreed this convention feels moderate but they all thought it was important for the Republicans to pitch a big tent, especially in their home state where many of the voters they need to win are less conservative. That's part of the reason why we'll hear from Rudy Giuliani and John McCain tonight.
Interestingly, Karl Rove, the man many credit with being the guru behind the President's re-election strategy and a man who once claimed you needed to fire up the base to win, was criss-crossing the convention floor. From one interview to the next he was defending the themes of the convention, a sign that we'll be talking much more about the speeches here. (Click to watch Rove's interview with Tom Brokaw.)
Outside the Garden, far less moderate tones are on display. A few protestors can still be found, but for the most part the cabbies are the ones expressing their frustration. Bad business and bad traffic make for bad moods.
E-mail Felix on his blog: firstname.lastname@example.com
• August 30, 2004 | 7:48 p.m. ET
Of easy jobs and bloody feet and Manchurian Candidates (Keith Olbermann)
Easiest job covering the Republicans? Mine.
Left the apartment at 3:30, hit the subway, back in the apartment at precisely 6:52. And I had hung around for dinner.
Mind you, I had to write all of it before I left home, and it's sticky enough in our little corner of the old haunts of the late New York Herald-Tribune to get your suit steam-cleaned while you're wearing it. But other than that, this is political reporting at its finest (from the reporter's perspective, mind you).
The weather seemed apt analogy for the Republicans' first big night. Storm clouds veering in from every direction, all day, yet not a drop of rain (although thunder booms in the distance as I write). And inside the Garden, the curious attempt to sell a hard-line anti-Stem Cell Research, anti-Gay marriage platform by sending out John McCain and Rudy Giuliani on the first night.
The L.A. Times did a great piece on McCain's tightrope act and its implications for 2008, and Andrea Mitchell from the Garden, and Dee Dee Myers and Craig Crawford, on-set with me, amplified. (Link subscription only, but free.)
Consensus: he's going to be a good team player for the next 63 days and set himself up for the nomination four years hence.
It's two, two, two Conventions in one.
Bo Derek, the Janeane Garafolo of the Right, was supposed to guest this afternoon, but cancelled out at 5 PM (not good when you're due on at 5:15).
The details were never shared with us, but the headline version of the excuse was, if nothing else, original: Her feet were bleeding. We've heard of political figures waving the "bloody shirt" before, but never the "bloody shoes."
If the Convention isn't enough political meat for you, you may still be tempted to go see Jonathan Demme's re-make of " The Manchurian Candidate."
I'll spare you the observations about the slack pace compared to the original, and even about why Frank Sinatra was a better actor than Denzel Washington. Suffice to say that the intriguing idea of the new version, that there's a nexus between Corporate America and the political upside of Counter-Terrorism, was completely wasted because every implausible plot turn rang sourly.
In John Frankenheimer's original, filled with wit and a burlesque version of Joe McCarthy, those implausibilities were rendered perfectly believable.
And spare yourself the guessing game as to who Meryl Streep based her character on. It wasn't Hillary Clinton and it wasn't Karen Hughes and it wasn't Peggy Noonan ("I know Peggy Noonan, Senator, and you're no Peggy Noonan!") It was clearly Dianne Wiest's D.A. character from "Law & Order."
Thoughts, write to email@example.com
Watch tomorrow's ' Countdown to the Convention' at 5 p.m. ET. Line-up includes David Gergen, Craig Crawford, Will Durst, Mort Sahl (yes, the Mort Sahl). Also, part two of our guide to NYC for visiting Republicans; and part two of our "Five things that really don't matter about the presidential campaign."
Keith Olbermann's blog, 'Bloggermann' is coming soon!
• August 30, 2004 | 6:20 p.m. ET
Here's a picture of the confetti that's going to fall on Madison Square Garden on Thursday (as Chris tried to show on last night's show).
The show is in progress! Coming up is Sen. Bill Frist, Charlie Cook, our all-star panel...
Guests, of course, happen in between all the big speeches of the night, including Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. John McCain, and former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani.
There's rumor of rain falling over NYC... stay tuned to see if Hardball folks stay dry. (Hey, maybe you'll catch a glimpse of the MSNBC rain ponchos.)
Keep blogging!
• August 30, 2004 | 4:55 p.m. ET
The champions of the west (David Shuster)
One of the reasons I love political conventions so much is that nobody looks at you funny if you want to wear a silly hat and argue over politics. Naturally, with delegates from 50 states and a couple of territories, there are arguments over other timely matters as well. Last night, I found a couple of conventioneers discussing college football and "arguing" over everything from the "West coast offense" to the "best college fight song." As a Michigan grad, I jumped in faster than you can sing "Hail to the Victors." I pointed out that John Phillips Sousa called the Michigan Victors "the greatest college fight song ever written." I was met with protests and an off-key rendition of Notre Dame's fight song. (Michigan-Notre Dame meet on Sept. 11 on NBC.)
Anyway, I've been asking a few colleagues today to sing their alma mater's fight song... and it seems to prove that only a few schools are worthy of any mention in this argument. My field producer in NY, Greg Ebben, went to Boston College (a.k.a Doug Flutie's school). "For Boston, for Boston, we sing our proud refrain." That's as far as Greg could remember. And he thought the "our" in that first line could in fact be a "your." Strike BC off the list.
Next came Joe Trippi, a proud graduate of San Jose State University. " The Spartans," as Trippi quickly added. (Not to be confused with the kids who can't get in to college and attend Michigan State, my editorial comment, not his.) Anyway, Trippi couldn't remember a single line or melody from the San Jose fight song. He knew the football team used to be great and they were coached by John Elway's dad. But he couldn't remember the song. Please scratch San Jose State (and Joe Trippi) from the list.
Next came NBC runner Jessica Grothues, Rutgers class of 2004. First, she put her head in her hands, then, she started writing furiously in her notebook... then she said, "Upstream red team, red team upstream, rah rah Rutgers rah." She wasn't sure if that was correct and began searching the university web site. Then she called a friend to confirm. Please strike Rutgers from the list. (Jessica says she is a big Rutgers fan and "doesn't appreciate" this blog.)
My point is that only a few schools have a fight song that is revered by their students and fans— Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC, UCLA and perhaps a few others. (Maybe even MSU, whose melody I could sing in my sleep but with words that I can not print in a family- oriented blog.) As for all the rest of you college football fans, stick to arguments about the team and about politics... because when it comes to fight songs... you are out of our league.
"Hail to the victors valiant, hail to the conquering heros, hail hail to Michigan the leaders and best. Hail to the Victors valiant, hail to the conquering heros, hail hail to Michigan the champions of the west."
Comments/questions/bets about the college football season... email@example.com
• August 30, 2004 | 4:09 p.m. ET
What about the deficit? (Joe Trippi)
Okay, I admit this is my first Republican Convention, and so maybe my expectations are a little out of wack. But I've got to tell you I am surprised at how little debate or discussion is taking place regarding the federal deficit among the Republicans gathered here.
How can the party that bills itself as fiscally conservative not have anything to say about a structural deficit that many economists now believe is impossible to grow out of, and will take cuts in programs or higher taxes to bring the nation's fiscal house in order?
I thought I would find someone here, maybe a Pat Buchanan, who would be appalled at a Republican Administration that has taken the largest surplus in history and turned it into the largest deficit in history— all in less than four years. But not a word from anyone. I'll be interested to see if there is any reference to the nation's fiscal woes in any of the speeches at this convention.
To be fair, I am working on a "Trippi's Take" column that talks about how both Kerry and Bush have fallen short on taking on the deficit and why that is the case. But the fact remains George Bush is seeking re-election, the nation's bank balance has gone from the black into the red on his watch. You would think he or his party would make a case at this convention for how they intend to get us out of this fiscal mess.
And if they do not, will the last fiscal conservative at this convention please turn off the lights?
React to Joe's post: firstname.lastname@example.com
• August 30, 2004 | 2:42 p.m. ET
Getting here is half the fun (Andrea Mitchell)
The rules change by the minute, but no one knows why. The Garden, home to three previous conventions I've covered (in '76, '80 and '92) resembles no event, political or otherwise, any of us have ever seen.
New York is an armed camp. Street closures change by the minute. But inside the hermetically sealed convention, you'd never know what is happening on the streets.
I talked to a Florida delegate, Lt. Cmdr. John Capra (Navy reserves), just back from seven months in Iraq after being wounded by an IED. Funny, Lt. Capra wasn't at all surprised that people could have differing recollections of a battlefield incident from thirty years ago and thinks the Swiftees should be focusing on real issues. Standing with him on the floor, I wondered, what would his famous grandfather, the legendary Frank Capra, think of the way politicians run contemporary campaigns? Mr. Smith Goes to a 527?
Click here to react to this post: email@example.com
• August 30, 2004 | 1:17 p.m. ET
When I wasn't on TV last night (Joe Trippi)
My boss Phil (the crazed baseball fan) came over to the MSNBC work trailer at Herald Square late afternoon yesterday and it wasn't pretty.
He made it clear in no uncertain terms that I wasn't going to be on any of last night's shows. And that if I didn't shape up, he was even going to start blogging himself. All because he still doesn't like my haircut.
Then he actually started to beg innocent bystanders around our Herald Square set for baseball scores. I mean I was there answering people's questions, talking about the convention and all of a sudden Phil steps in and asks if anyone has any baseball scores. People just looked at him stunned and shook their heads no.
In any case knowing I now had the "night off" I wandered over to a place called "The Tank" where a lot of the bloggers who were not accredited for the Republican are hanging out and doing "street blogging" since they can't get into the convention.
I picked up a blogger t-shirt that I plan on wearing on the air tonight (if Phil relents and puts me on).
I'll be taking a serious look at what I make of events here at the Republican Convention right here at Hardblogger throughout the day today along with the rest of the MSNBC family. So come back often to check things out.
As always, please let me know what you are thinking at email@example.com.
By the way, for those of you of you who have e-mailed me curious about the change in e-mail address— I wanted an address that only received your comments and nothing else so I could actually read them in context to a specific post, and its working great!
• August 30, 2004 | 12:02 p.m. ET
Delegates make it interesting (Felix Schein, campaign reporter)
We don't talk much about the delegates leading up to conventions like this but there is little question they're what make these events colorful and entertaining. So, over the course of the next few days I'll do my best to bring you some of their stories and get them involved in our blog. Maybe some of you have some friends here I could look for?
I am on my way to Madison Square Garden right now and will check in with you from there.
E-mail Felix at firstname.lastname@example.com
• August 30, 2004 | 10:25 a.m. ET
P for Protestor (John Lichman, the Hardblogger jogger )
NBC reported 120,000 people waving banners, and at least 968 of them carried haunting coffins along Fashion Avenue . I watched most of it on a television in the bowels of the Garden, waiting by the brand new RF Ready Room-now with a tougher entrance policy; one that just happens not to like me.
Walking around the convention floor, I couldn't help but notice how much smaller it seemed to the Fleet Center. My new runner-associate, Colin, remarked that the delegates were arranged in alphabetical order. After a brief glance about, I corrected him. They're arranged according to "battleground" states with Ohio and Pennsylvania being the closest to the stage. Also, the performance "pit" for bands is a nifty addition, which the rest of you will see tonight. I imagine Giuliani rising from the pit, belting out "New York, New York." C'mon, I spend most of my day underground. I'm bound to be a little crazy.
On a final note, and one that goes back to today's blog "letter of the day," I found a special pride in watching the DC Green Party "Dragon of Self Determination" burn outside a Sbarro's. One part had to do with a Hardball guest in early August named Adam Itinger, a member of the DC Green Party, who spoke about making the dragon just for the convention. Another part does with the infamous Hot Chocolate City, as it's also called, being where I grew up. Was it a metaphor for DC never getting the statehood it so deserves? Was it a sign of things to come with the protesters showing more and more of their dissent? Or was it merely one guy being an idiot and throwing his cigarette on top of a paper machete dragon? Either way, New York is hot enough for anything to be set on fire. Just a matter of what'll make those sparks.
John is what you TV people call a "runner." His job is essentially, is to do a myriad of tasks and provide support for the 'Hardball' producers. You'll be hearing from him all week as he jogs back and forth from the 'Hardball' set in Herald Square, and Madison Square Garden. Click here to read John's last blog. You'll be hearing from our Harblogger jogger everyday!
• August 29, 2004 | 10:25 p.m. ET
Thanks to all of you who have been writing us e-mails . I would like to offer a special thanks to all of you who wrote to tell me I was a "moron" for declaring on this blog a few days ago that the protestors would be "99% peaceful."
Let's see... the NYC police announced 134 arrests today. I estimated the crowd size to be "well over" 250,000. But, for the sake of you mathematicians from Michigan State University... let's make it easy for you and say "100,000." 134/100,000 equals a little over 1/10 of 1 percent. So, the crowd was 99.9 percent peaceful today. Humble pie, my friends?
Keep the e-mails coming: firstname.lastname@example.com.
P.S. The protestors on Tuesday don't have permits, and I'm told that police are concerned about groups planning unspecified "street blocking actions" that day.
Click here to read some of the e-mails you sent in today— including ones on the show, the arrest of Joshua Kinberg, and on Minerva (see Ron Reagan's post below).
• August 29, 2004 | 10:05 p.m. ET
View from the set, earlier today
Click here for a cool slideshow from MSNBC.com.
• August 29, 2004 | 6:12 p.m. ET
Joshua Kinberg of Bikes Against Bush guest-blogged for Hardblogger, following his release from arrest, which happened while he was demonstrating his invention to Ron Reagan. Watch Reagan's interview with Kinberg. Below is his account of what happened, and what "The Tombs" was like.
Released from the "Tombs" after police arrested me (Joshua Kinberg of Bikes Against Bush)
I'm now sitting in the MSNBC trailer at Herald Sq., NYC, with Ron Reagan and Joe Trippi after spending 24 hours in the "Tombs" with several hundred Critical Mass cyclists, who were arrested the night before.
When I arrived in the Tombs, I was placed in a cell with around 30 other cyclists. They had spent the previous night in a location they were affectionately calling "Lil' Gitmo," a makeshift detention center on the West Side piers converted from a former bus depot. Lil' Gitmo had cells sectioned off with chain link fence and razor wire, and a floor covered in motor oil, transmission fluid, and other toxic chemicals. The cyclists detained there were forced to sleep on this hazardous floor wearing nothing more than bicycling shorts and t-shirts. Consequently, several developed serious skin rashes the following day. After 36 hours most of the cyclists had been released with a pending court date. Several had been arrested when specifically following police directions to exit the peaceful bike ride. Others had not been part of Critical Mass, but had simply been on the streets with a bicycle at the wrong time.
I was released after 24 hours in detention with a court date set for Friday. Unfortunately, all my equipment— bicycle, laptop, cell phone, and custom designed electronics— has been confiscated. Thus, the Bikes Against Bush performance, where I would accept and print messages sent from web users, is likely to be cancelled. A volunteer lawyer from the National Lawyers Guild is confident that my case will be dismissed on grounds of the First Amendment, but we will have to wait until Friday to see. A video of the arrest recorded and edited by Yury Gitman has been posted online ( BitTorrent), and the story of my arrest has already been blogged on SlashDot, BoingBoing, Kottke, and JuliaSet. (What's a BitTorrent?)
• August 29, 2004 | 5:47 p.m. ET
Correcting Joe and David (Ron Reagan)
Stay tuned...
E-mail Ron at firstname.lastname@example.com
• August 29, 2004 | 4:44 p.m. ET
Busted on Broadway (Roland Woerner, Ron Reagan's producer)
While shooting a story Saturday on what individual protesters have to say during the RNC, Ron Reagan got up close and personal with the New York City Police. Joshua Kinberg of Bikes Against Bush was explaining how his high-tech bicycle works on Broadway near Canal Street.
Basically, its a skywriter for the sidewalk. People can email him messages via his website and his bike prints them on the sidewalk with a chalk spray. Halfway through the interview, police arrived to check out Joshua and his bike. They didn't seem to care that Joshua is a free speech advocate and his invention is harmless.
Check out the video of what happened next tonight on 'Hardball.' And we're hoping Joshua joins Ron live on the set to update the story after his night in a NYC jail.
React to this post on email@example.com
• August 29, 2004 | 3:39 p.m. ET
Inside the Hardball trailer (Joe Trippi)
So I get to New York and it turns out the MSNBC work trailer at Herald Square is only about twice the size of Christine's dorm room . The difference is Christine only has one roommate and there have to be at least 20 members of the MSNBC team working inside this trailer I am blogging from right now.
Its kind of surreal, just outside the trailer thousands and thousands of protesters are marching, and bicycling by , while inside producers and reporters (not your standard quiet types) are feverishly fighting for a place to sit and get some work done. I am not sure if it's more hectic inside or out.
All I know is you don't dare step away from your table and PC for a minute— or someone else nabs it from you. I can't tell you what I had to do to get this space away from David Shuster… something about a promise to lead a tribute to Minerva the Greek goddess of wisdom. Shuster is a complicated guy who is into this kind of stuff— one must remember that when last Shuster and I locked horns it was over his amazing tribute to the Ohio Butter Cow. Minerva in her wisdom never foresaw the wonders of 2000 pounds of butter— thus the Greeks to the best of our knowledge never had a Butter Cow god or goddess— but please don't break this news to Shuster.
So talk about surreal, I am about to step out of the trailer and into my first Republican Convention. My first encounter was pretty encouraging. The train I was on to NY last night was full of Republican Delegates and honestly the entire discussion among delegates in my coach class car was about stem cell research— about the good it could do— and about how much they disagreed with their party and its thinking on it. One delegate proclaimed that this might be the last time he's allowed to attend his party's convention because he intends to "make a stink" about this.
So if you are in New York come down to Herald Square and hang out with all the MSNBC gang. And if you are in New York or not, drop me an email and let me know what you think. Otherwise I'll be on the Convention After Hours show midnight to 2 a.m. ET starting tomorrow night!
Reach Joe Trippi at email@example.com
Read Joe Trippi's last column, "Trippi's Take" on why violent protests against the GOP or President Bush will only hurt John Kerry.
• August 29, 2004 | 2:40 p.m. ET
I've been covering demonstrations and protest marches for 14 years. And while I know some of you may not like this, I'm certain the marchers here in New York have exceeded, by a large number, the 250,000 that had been predicted. The parade of demonstrators walking along the route is simply jammed. And it's been that way for the last two hours. Among the more creative anti-war signs was a picture of Jenna Bush in combat fatigues that said "Let Jenna serve."
One note about Herald Square... it's named after the old New York Herald newspaper building that used to occupy this site. On top of the building were a couple of sculptures/statues (that sit on a memorial in this park today. One sculpture is of "Minerva," the greek goddess of wisdom. Joe Trippi will be leading all of us in a tribute to "Minerva" later today. I'll let you know if it works.
E-mail your comments on this post to email@example.com.
• August 29, 2004 | 2:20 p.m. ET
Below is an excerpt of John's first blog. John is what you TV people call a "runner." His job is essentially, is to do a myriad of tasks and provide support for the 'Hardball' producers. You'll be hearing from him all week as he runs back and forth from the 'Hardball' set in Herald Square, and Madison Square Garden. ( Click here for the full blog from John. )
From a Hardball runner (John Lichman)
Thanks to us, Steve Buscemi had water when he didn't need it, and P. Diddy's bodyguard didn't
have to be inside the studio while Ron Reagan interviewed him. I would learn important life lessons during the DNC, ranging from how to bring a camera crew to a specific point near the California delegation to finding a case of bottled water. But more importantly, I learned how to tie MSNBC T-shirts.
My job didn't end at 11 PM however, when the speeches concluded and the delegates went to their hotels or to the nearest party. I'd walk back from Fleet Center, usually a few minutes before the final speaker concluded his remarks, toward Faneuil for MSNBC's "After Hours" program which aired from Midnight to 2 am. My duties required me to stand within a fenced-off
barricade with two other interns, and tie up t-shirts. The art of tying a t-shirt was lost upon me, since mine always looked like something you'd find on a floor after a night of hard drinking. Everyone else had an uncanny gift of making perfectly aerodynamic shirt/balls. During the brief moments before and after commercial breaks, we (the interns) were commanded by higher powers (read: the producers) to throw the tied-up shirts into the audience. Because "beverage impaired" people would show up each night, the importance of t-shirt throwing lies in its accuracy; or rather not aiming at people's heads no matter how tired you are. Most importantly, where is this going to be on my resume?...
Are conventions simply insanity that run for four hours, and then longer as people linger toward a bar or a hotel? Will New York be crazier with everyone and their grandmother coming out to the streets? I'll be honest; I'm not quite sure.
I just know that working for MSNBC at the Convention is a perfect exercise in dancing from one
fire to a frying pan and back into the fire. Besides, I live in New York.
The great upshot that the Republican convention has over Boston is my ability to buy dinner at a Bodega when I walk back to Chinatown at two in the morning.
Click here for the full blog from John.
• August 28, 2004 | 7:21 p.m. ET
On my way to New York (Joe Trippi)
Well, yesterday I moved my daughter Christine into her dorm. It took two big-sized moving carts, and two short rides in the dorm elevator to get her moved in. The short elevator rides were too short. And I dragged her back to the car one more time to make sure we hadn't left anything behind. Suddenly I wished we had one more load, one more box to carry. Instead, I talked her into a stop at the campus burger stand, and then with a hug, and a big "Oh, dad!" she sent me on my way.
I want to thank everyone who sent in e-mails in response to my blog about our 14-hour ride to Christine's campus: The grandmother who told me about her son in Iraq and her two year old granddaughter and how she envisioned them safe and sound, taking that same ride together in the future; the mother of three children who told me she was glad that I had tried to make a difference in the Dean campaign; the Republican dad who told me despite our differences on issues we were the same. And yes, I want to thank those who correctly pointed out that we "passed" through several states together, not "past" as I incorrectly wrote. But even those e-mails said my bad English usage didn't matter— they got what I was trying to say.
So today I am getting on the train to New York. I am on my way to cover my first Republican National Convention. I'll be on the air tomorrow (Sunday) at 1:30 pm Eastern on MSNBC for a short talk about Hardblogger and the beginning of MSNBC's convention coverage.
I am looking forward to being on the "Convention After Hours Show" with Joe Scarborough and Ron Reagan every night during the convention.
And maybe, just maybe I'll get that call from Christine that she occasionally makes right after a show "Oh, dad! What were you thinking when you said that?"
You can let me know what you are thinking by emailing me at email@example.com
• August 28, 2004 | 7:02 p.m. ET
From the Hardblogger mailbag: For David Shuster
Dear Mr. Shuster, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I have two friends who voted for Al Gore but who will now be voting for George Bush. For the life of me, I can't figure out why. When I ask them to explain it to me, I don't think they really know either other than they don't like John Kerry. When I press them as to why that is, they can't really define their dislike. I think it has to do with watching waaaaaay toooooo much Fox News and the Bush likeability factor, which frankly, I just don't get. I've worked in politics most of my adult life and see the election of the president as so much more than electing a person. This year in particular, I am extremely worried about who selects the next members of the Supreme Court. When I mention that to my two friends, especially as it relates to women's issues, they push the matter to the side. They are in their mid-to late 50's, and I guess they don't feel those issues apply to them anymore. Frankly, it's taking a lot of hard work on my part right now to remind myself that there is more to friendship than these issues ... but lately, I have begun to wonder about shared values.Anyway, I thought you'd be interested to know there are a few people out there who have totally flipped out. Luckily, this is California, and at least their two votes won't matter. -Karen in California
MoveOn ads surely are provocative, as they should be, but "factually controversial or misleading" they are not, especially when compared to official Bush campaign and surrogate ads, which either are outright false or leave out whole chunks of context that prove them false. David? You need to get out more. I can see what is going on, and I'm not even a Demo, much less a partisan one! -Bonnie Simrell, Westcliffe, Colorado
• August 28, 2004 | 1:02 p.m. ET
Welcome to NY! (David Shuster)
So, we've all been chuckling lately at the contrast between the "feel of New York City" and the kind of environment many Republican delegates might prefer. Never mind the difference between quiet, orderly streets and New York's crowded sidewalks... or between the smells... or even between the "Hi, how are you?" and the loud "How you doin?"
I'm talking about the look of things from Times Square where many of the delegates and media will be staying. Directly outside my hotel window is a 20-story tall advertisement for Sean Jean clothes— featuring none other than Sean "P Diddy" Combs. Who is P Diddy? Well, if you don't know, my telling you here won't help you much. But suffice it to say that this gigantic and imposing looking gent does not have a smile on his face. And what about Sean Jean clothes? How many Republicans can identify with what the web site describes as "Shogun pants" or "Underworld bias plaid shirts"
It's all quite humorous, actually. I mean, imagine if the Democrats had their convention in a really small Southern town. Would the Dems appreciate or identify with the giant religious billboards? (I saw one in Arkansas that was actually fairly neutral. It just said, "Don't make me come down there.")
Anyway, welcome to the Republican convention. If things get a little quiet in Madison Square Garden, Times Square is definitely worth a stroll. There is plenty to see, including a very large advertisement for Jenna Jameson's newest adult film.
As always, your comments and questions are welcome. The address is firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
An insider's view of what is really happening in the Harris County Criminal Courts
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Channel 13 Tonight (5/1/12) [UPDATED]
I had heard about this incident awhile back but I'm glad that Ted did a story on it. Granted, a fake inspection sticker case isn't the most gritty of all street crime, but the principle behind what Leitner did is huge.
Leitner, who jumped to the position of 1st Assistant when Lykos rolled into office, overruled all of the people below him. Seeing as how the Trial Court Chief in that particular court has been a prosecutor for about 12 years now, he has been at the office at least 3 times longer than Leitner, and in his experience, he thought the deal was inappropriate. The Chief's ruling was backed up by a Division Chief and a Trial Bureau Chief (who have even more seniority than the Trial Court Chief).
But who cares what over thirty years of prosecutorial experience has to say if you have Jim Leitner using his power and influence to pay you back a favor? Clay Rawlins got a deal for his client that wasn't offered to that same client's co-defendants.
It looks like Rawlins got a bonus for his representation of Rachel Palmer.
I have been told through a reliable source that Channel 13's Ted Oberg has a story airing tonight as 6 p.m. that will be of interest to those of us at the CJC.
I honestly have no idea what it is about, but I have been told that it will be worth your time to make it to a TV by six o'clock.
34 comments:
Good. I'll make a point to watch it.
- May 1, 2012 at 12:06 PM
Mr. Newman,
If told correctly, the story should be exciting. May even be the reason why one of the leadersinkingship team members would resign.
Only 28 days away !
- May 1, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Get back to honeymoonin', motherfucker!
- May 1, 2012 at 2:25 PM
Or maybe:
- May 1, 2012 at 3:40 PM
I'm willing to bet the report is "... but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more: it is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing."
- May 1, 2012 at 4:06 PM
They should have charged him with the highest degree crime possible that would not result in him being deported and fined him more than $1,000. My two cents.
- May 1, 2012 at 6:19 PM
Incredible! Just watched Oberg's report. Leitner just lost whatever integrity he had left. His excuse doesn't withstand scrutiny. Of course he wouldn't have approved the deal without Lykos' approval. RP continues to be a lightening rod that will fry Lykos come the election. Hopefully someone will hold her feet to the fire at the debate.
- May 1, 2012 at 6:27 PM
The story was pretty typical of this administration. Someone scratches Pat's hairy back and they get their back scratched in return. Is Jim Leitner going to handle every case now in the DA's office. If so, it would save the taxpayers money on salaries for all those pesky law school graduates who actually go to court and try cases. I don't know what's worse: the crime or the cover-up.
This administration has proven time and time again that it will coddle it's cronies and throw those who speak out against it under the bus.
- May 1, 2012 at 6:44 PM
Re: KTRK story
Hopefully the public continues to have its eyes opened to the way the current administration is working to serve....oh, let's say...criminals. Way to go, Jimmy! You trying to get fired before you get to resign?!...making her holiness look bad...tsk tsk tsk
- May 1, 2012 at 7:33 PM
Wow, is it possible for Ted to fall further? Or is Dolcefino just going to have to find another intern before Ted hurts himself? I had so much respect for him. Oh well.
Questions for the DA candidates? HarrisCounty.cc
- May 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM
I was wrong. Lycos does not have Leitner's balls in a jar, Oberg does. We are all laughing at you.
- May 1, 2012 at 8:14 PM
- Murray Newman said...
David, how is this Oberg "falling"?
All the Lykos bunch crows about is how they ended the "good old boy system" they describe as coming before them. Does this not smell like a good old boy system to you?
What is even more troubling is that Leitner basically acknowledged that it was a great deal and that he has the power to do whatever the hell he wants to.
Does that arrogance really not concern you????
- May 1, 2012 at 8:54 PM
A note for David Jennings and the debate moderators. Pat Lykos last week had a robocall with Robert eckels in which he said that Lykos deserved another term because she is denting probation for illegal aliens. Can she please explain the decision of her subordinate who offices 10 feet from her in this case. Did she approve of it? If not, did she discipline Jim.
Benizon please pass on to Jim and Lykos. Thanks.
- May 1, 2012 at 9:13 PM
Is there really anyone out there who still thinks Leitner has a scintilla of integrity left?? His integrity is like Elvis. It left the building a long time ago.
- May 1, 2012 at 9:44 PM
There seems to be no doubt about the guilt of the guy. Blatant cronyism. As bad as Obama.
- May 1, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Looks like shit,
Smells like shit,
Tastes like shit,
Is shit.....
The Lykos Administration.
- May 1, 2012 at 11:49 PM
Another Mountain made out of a Mole Hill. A hand full of haters looking to create hate and discontent. We all know that Plea Deal are made because it benefits the public and is the right thing to do.
- May 2, 2012 at 12:37 AM
Anon12:37, how does this deal benefit the public exactly? How is giving someone special treatment the right thing to do?
- May 2, 2012 at 6:46 AM
Anon 12:37--
Just how many molehills does it take to make a mountain, for fuck's sake?
- May 2, 2012 at 7:19 AM
Anon 12:37--
Just how many molehills does it take to make a mountain, for fuck's sake?
- May 2, 2012 at 7:19 AM
This whole situation looks even worse when you know that Leitner did not even review the file before he made the deal. Leitner misses the entire concept of having the power to do something versus the wisdom to do it. It is called judgment and he, like the others on the 6th floor where the Lykos administration offices, has way too little of it.
- May 2, 2012 at 7:24 AM
This is pretty minor. I get Murray's point, but this is a minor issue.
The irony is that ADAs are getting upset because a guy got a good deal, after decades of judges being a prosecutor in a black robe and helping stack the cards against defendants. In many circles, that's Anderson's reputation. So it's no wonder the ADA weenies, who need help even in conservative Harris County, want the Holmes/Rosenthal era back. It's pretty sad, not being able to win a case without having a judge in your pocket.
This is of course not an endorsement of Lykos. But I hope she wins the primary, because you nut jobs will either not vote in the general (meaning Fertitta will win because Obama is on the ticket) or will cross over to vote for him just to keep Lykos out of office.
It's pathetic that that's how y'all are going to make your decision. But it's looking like Fertitta is in the right place at the right time.
- May 2, 2012 at 8:31 AM
Part 1
Dear Rachel,
Got your email. FYI-it's not just former DA's that hate Lykos.
P.S. - We hate you too.
From: Don Hooper
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:51:27 -0500
Subject: FW: Harris County Justice
My wife Rachel Palmer asked me to pass on her thoughts concerning the DA's race and I could have not said it any better.
Please pass this on to your Republican primary voting friends.
Dear Friends,
Please forgive the nature of this message; but, I feel that the time is now to tell you about the horrible injustice happening in the race for District Attorney. A few days ago, as I walked into a building in Houston, I came face to face with a security guard. In a second, I recognized the woman as the mother of a victim in a murder case that I tried a few years ago. This was a particularly difficult prosecution because it was a cold case having happened years before. It was the epitome of the challenges that face prosecutors every day and justice prevailed, the process worked. The woman who I encountered was concerned for me. She had seen me in the news and didn't understand what was happening or why. She knew my character and knew something was wrong. She was right.
I began as an intern at the District Attorney's Office in 2001. My first supervisor was Carl Hobbs, a man who has dedicated his life to public service. He taught me about the criminal justice system and how to be a fair and just lawyer.
Throughout my time as an Assistant District Attorney, I have prided myself in always doing the right thing. Over the last few years, a number of national scandals have tarnished my profession. In 2008, Chuck Rosenthal was forced to resign as Harris County District Attorney after admitting that alcohol and drugs impaired his judgment for some time.
Later that year, Patricia Lykos, a former police officer and judge, was elected District Attorney. Over the last four years, Judge Lykos originated the recently honored Haverstock Hills Apartments Initiative, which aggressively changed the face of community for the better by removing the criminal elements. Prior to Judge Lykos, murder after murder happened in this area and witnesses were afraid to come forward. Elderly residents were too frightened to leave their home to even check their mail during the day. Now, the playgrounds are filled with happy children and the crime rate is down. Most importantly, the area gangs are on notice that the District Attorney means business.
Judge Lykos, the first female Harris County District Attorney, makes certain that all credible claims of innocence are appropriately investigated. This includes the release of Michael Anthony Green who was imprisoned for twenty-seven years for a crime that he did not commit. Jeff Blackburn from the Innocence Project of Texas said that, "under Lykos, Harris County is becoming the single most powerful example of how to change this system and make it work right." In 2008, Judge Lykos promised to pursue an independent, regional crime laboratory. A few weeks ago, ground was broken on the new forensic laboratory that will provide sound scientific evidence and impartiality in the pursuit of criminal justice.
Under the leadership of Judge Lykos, the Harris County District Attorney's Office has prosecuted Houston Police Department union members for stealing over $650,000 from their organization. A former employee of the District Attorney's Office and her husband were prosecuted for stealing restitution payments since 2002. Judge Lykos also fought a judge's illegal ruling against the death penalty.
- May 2, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Part 2
In January 2010, Judge Lykos initiated a fair drug policy that lead to a significant reduction in crime by focusing on apprehending the drug pushers and traffickers while treating abusers. She has also reduced the number of repeat impaired driving offenders with an innovative program that provides treatment for first-time defendants.
Even with all of these positive changes and initiatives, a group of former and current prosecutors dislike Judge Lykos because she was not a handpicked successor like Johnny Holmes and Chuck Rosenthal. So, upon her election victory, these individuals embarked on a mission to ruin Judge Lykos. Their one goal is to embarrass and humiliate Judge Lykos to prevent her re-election. Justice is never a consideration in their minds and they are blind with hatred so they fail to recognize the vast improvements. They see Lykos as an outsider and they are scared that she will continue to uncover malfeasance and prosecute those responsible.
With all of the great accomplishments of Judge Lykos, the opposition to justice movement fabricated a scandal to attempt to reclaim the District Attorney's Office. In late October, a grand jury removed the District Attorney's Office from their grand jury meeting room and began "investigating" the office. Their plan was clear - they would do anything to hurt Judge Lykos. Their solitary mission was to give Judge Lykos's opponent enough fodder to prevail in the election.
The grand jury claimed to be investigating the Houston Police Department's breath alcohol testing vans; however, that was simply a cover for their real plan, which was to denigrate Judge Lykos. First, Susan Brown, the judge presiding over the grand jury, attempted to hold Carl Hobbs, my mentor, and another outstanding Assistant District Attorney, Steve Morris, in criminal contempt for following the law as it is proscribed in the code. It is mandated that a prosecutor lead a grand jury. Brown created a public spectacle in order to embarrass Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Morris and place a stain on the office in general.
Then, after promising to appoint a neutral special prosecutor, Brown appointed two men who were obviously biased against Lykos as prosecutors to lead the grand jury. One, Stephen St. Martin, was formerly my chief at the office and left because he did not want to work for Lykos. The other is a personal friend of Brown.
- May 2, 2012 at 8:39 AM
Part 3
This bogus investigation continued over the next few months. In November, I provided over 1,300 pages of records to the grand jury regarding the vans. On the afternoon of December 14, I received a subpoena to appear before the grand jury the next morning. While I cannot discuss what occurred in these secret grand jury proceedings, I can tell you that this group's sole motivation was to hurt Judge Lykos. They were determined to do anything to damage her credibility in the community. I made a decision to rebuke their misuse of the grand jury process.
So, what can you do? Well, I respectfully ask you to vote for District Attorney Pat Lykos on May 29. Then, please tell your friends and family to vote for Lykos. I believe that everyone deserves to know the truth about this vicious campaign of entitlement. Finally, continue to pray that individuals who believe in justice and fair treatment of everyone will always lead our criminal justice system.
Please beware of mailers and telephone calls that you may receive over the next month. Conservative Republicans of Harris County and the Link Letter are pay-for-play mailers that endorse candidates who pay thousands of dollars for these endorsements. Conservative Republicans is an organization run by Steven Hotze. Allen Blakemore currently represents Judge Lykos's opponent, Mike Anderson, and Hotze's group, Conservative Republicans. Blakemore previously represented Chuck Rosenthal and the Houston Police Officers Union. Both Rosenthal and the HPOU have endorsed Anderson. You may remember that when Hotze was charged with driving while intoxicated, Rosenthal dismissed the case.
This entitled group will say and do anything to return to power. They simply don't like Judge Lykos because she is not one of them: a crusty prosecutor with a win at all costs attitude.
I want to say that without my family and friends, I would never have been able to make it through this time. Your kind words, prayers, and thoughts have meant more to me than I could ever tell you.
I believe in truth, justice, and that our society should work towards preventing crime rather than just reacting to it. This isn't about me - it is about our community. This is about the mother that I visited with on Friday. Anderson is running on the campaign promise to return the District Attorney's Office to the "old days." I believe that we can revolutionize our criminal justice system and reduce future crime.
Best always,
Rachel Palmer Hooper
- May 2, 2012 at 8:40 AM
" It's pretty sad, not being able to win a case without having a judge in your pocket. "
Is that you win all of the criminal cases you try, asshole?
- May 2, 2012 at 1:23 PM
Rage @ 8:31 is on the money!
We can't go back to the old regime's bullying arrogance and Lykos is a disaster.
We need a fresh and fair face for the future.
ZACK FERTITTA is well rounded and has a thirst for new ideas looking ahead instead of backwards.
- May 2, 2012 at 3:06 PM
To Anonymous 9:13 pm:
Jim didn't give the guy probation--he gave hime time served and a fine. Also, the guy wasn't illegal--he was not a citizen, but he also wasn't in the country illegally. My take is that he was a resident alien...
Not saying the deal passed muster with me--or the smell test--but also want to keep it real.
- May 2, 2012 at 3:40 PM
Hey man, in case you haven't noticed, you won't win any fans around here by saying I'm right. In fact, tell them I hate Fertitta, and they'll vote for him in droves.
- May 2, 2012 at 3:49 PM
Oberg's story jogged my memory of a story done years ago (by Channel 2) involving HPD officers driving their personal vehicles without proper registration and/or inspections out of the city parking lot after their shift. Some of those guys were the same ones out writing tickets for civilian offenders while on the job.
In the video, Oberg scrolls through his computer and intimates that there are hundreds of offenders all charged with felonies for tampering with a government record. He didn't tell us the citizenship status of any of those other offenders did he?
Were other 1st time offenders really sentenced to any jail time or were they given a deferred adjudication sentence?
Couldn't Oberg have taken another 15 seconds to explain that INS views adjudicated sentences as convictions as he was explaining that Mr. Umer faced possible deportation.
Suppose that there were 100 arrests made on this "high priority" sting operation and 99 of them were U.S. citizens. Is deporting a man that has obviously established his self as a business owner in our community really taking a bite out of crime?
Where are the undercover task forces that could be out there catching the uninsured motorists to begin with? And since when did Constables start conducting felony task force investigations?
If a Constable conducts a felony investigation at what point does he surrender the investigative findings to the HCSO or HPD, since felonies aren't tried in JP Courts?
Was the investigation spearheaded by the portion of Constables that buy their own cars and work without compensation, or did the DPS ask for assistance from Precinct 4's officers that weren't out serving divorce papers ?
Since the crime was introduced and facilitated by the officer, is this a new Mystery Shopper Program we haven't heard about?
When it comes to reports that HPD solves only 11% of all burglaries and thefts,
they blame the property owners and the shortage of investigators. It's pretty sad when a detective actually contacts only 8 percent of these victims, but we've got officers assigned to task forces that actually go out and create more crimes by turning non criminals into criminals.
Lastly, I am completely dumbfounded that there are still individuals breathing among us that are stupid enough to believe that there won't be backroom deals and personal favors done no matter who is elected as District Attorney.
Objectivity and unbiased reporting rarely get viewers in an uproar though.
I'll be calling the police now every time someone shows up at my door trying to sell me a box of steaks just in case that steak salesman is some Constable wanting to cart me away for receiving stolen property.
- May 3, 2012 at 3:08 PM
Mike Anderson dominated the debate tonight over Pat Lykos. His answers reflected the fact that he has actually done the job of prosecutor unlike his opponent and that he knows the first priorities of the DA's Office should be public safety and integrity rather than social programs for political show.
- May 3, 2012 at 11:11 PM
Hooper, Muhammad was not charged as a public servant. Talk to your smart appellate wife . She can use crayons and explain it to you.
- May 4, 2012 at 5:26 PM
Anon 3:08
Seems like you believe that constables can't file felony charges - they can and do.
They are also part of a special task force that is trying to stop these car inspection sticker fraudsters.
This report wasn't about individuals who let their inspection stickers lapse.
This is about inspectors who commit widespread fraud by passing hundreds and hundreds of vehicles - many of which are clunkers.
This leads to increased pollution and makes a victim out of some more schmuck who buys a car that he thinks has legitimately passed inspection. Poor guy will find out the hard way.
- May 5, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Dear Rachel Palmer Hooper -
You stated, "Lykos initiated a fair drug policy that lead to a significant reduction in crime by focusing on apprehending the drug pushers and traffickers while treating abusers."
Here's the truth: Lykos' drug policies lead to a significant reduction in ARRESTS for drug offenses.
HUGE difference.
- May 8, 2012 at 12:45 AM


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I'm going to interview Adam Steltzner in 30 minutes. You probably know his unmistakable rocker face from the past few days: he's the lead engineer of the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover entry, descent and landing phase.
He also helped to design, build and test the mad "sky crane" system that has worked out so beautifully.
I finished the interview. Some of the questions made it! Thanks!


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5½ to 6-lb. turkey breast, with skin and bones
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon black peppercorn
¼ cup white vinegar
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Put turkey in a pot. Add all ingredients and add enough water to cover turkey by 1 inch. Remove turkey. Bring mixture to a boil. Add salt and pepper. Put turkey back into the pot. Cover and simmer 1 hour and 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Let cool uncovered for 15 minutes in pot. Remove turkey
Marinade (for half the turkey breast):
3 Tablespoons lemon juice
1½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
½ cup olive oil
Zest of 1 large lemon
1/3 cup golden raisins (soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes and drained well)
2 Tablespoons bottled capers
1 Tablespoon parsley, chopped
1 Tablespoon mint, chopped
3 Tablespoons pine nuts
Salt and pepper
Whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, salt and pepper. Add oil in a stream, while whisking. Stir in lemon zest, raisins and capers. Pour over turkey and let marinate overnight or up to 2 days. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Slice turkey and put back in marinade for one day, also for 6 lb. turkey marinade double. Put turkey on platter. Stir parsley and mint into reserve dressing. Spoon over turkey and sprinkle with nuts.


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Canadians have backed themselves into a corner, thanks to low interest rates.
The global economy, already fairly anemic, is slowing even more. Government plans depend on growth to lift them up and out of deficit spending, while the rest of us need ever increasing earnings that keep stock prices moving upward for our mutual funds and pensions.
Japan has showed us what happens in such a scenario. For two decades now it has been treading water. It has had the lowest interest rates in the world for most of that time — and has run horrific deficits, piling up a huge government debt.
Between an aging population — Japan is the first country to flip from having more old people than young people — and a moribund economy, there's been no growth in financial assets in Japan. As a result, Japanese investment funds and pensions have been struggling, too.
If Japan had to face Canadian interest rates, it would tip the balance and force the Japanese government to either immediately slash its "stimulus" spending (20 years' worth has made no difference but has kept things ticking over) to balance its books, or to unleash inflation to depreciate its debts by destroying the value of the yen, or to default on its debt. It can't afford the interest charges, period.
Yet, without higher interest rates, the Japanese economy can't restart. Nor can those on fixed incomes have an income that preserves what capital they have.
Canada has similar woes ahead of it. The federal government, and some of the provinces, could probably manage higher rates.
Unlike Japan, which eschews immigration, Canada's population continues to grow. Immigrants also help with its demographic transition issues.
Some other provinces — notably Québec and Ontario — can't. Each run massive deficits, have accumulated debts that are way beyond their ability to pay, and depend on interest rates staying low for any chance of survival, because paying interest is now the second largest item in their provincial budgets. If interest rates went back to their historic levels of three per cent plus inflation (say five to six per cent today) it would bankrupt them both.
But unlike Japan, which has spent the last two decades building national infrastructure — new rail lines, new roads, new airports, new hospitals and the like (as part of its spending to support the economy there), Canada has done nowhere near enough in this area. Most of Canada's infrastructure is in need of repair or replacement, after years of government neglect.
Now, the massive infrastructure investment required comes at the same time as the country faces economic pressure to provide needed services, such as welfare, employment insurance, pension top-ups and a strained health care system due to an aging population.
Low interest rates are also eating away at our pensions. The low rates have eaten away at fund managers' ability to earn enough to outpace the needs of those in the plan. South of the border, the near-zero rates offered by the Fed have moved the U.S. Social Security system 10 years closer to insolvency.
Only a handful of the S&P 500 companies with pension plans for their employees have all the money they need to meet their obligations, despite years of top-up contributions.
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, and the Caisse in Québec (which manages the funds in the Québec Pension Plan) have done a little better. Canadian companies have not. Neither have our public sector pensions: the Ontario Teachers' pension plan, to name just one, has almost a $10-billion deficit relative to needs.
What does this mean? It means we have choices to make as citizens. We can't just sit back and "wait for growth" to come and rescue us. Neither can we simply demand "stimulus" to try to trigger it.
Thirty per cent of Canada's output is exported so, when the globe slows, so do we. We'd better plan on solving our problems without growth this time.
There are good reasons out there to argue for both low interest rates — even with what it does to retirees — and for higher ones, even with what it does to government services. What we have to do is to think through which outcome we want. We have to choose a future — because we can't have it all.
Bruce Stewart is a Toronto-based management consultant.


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A few of our equipment solution include:
Industry News / 07.14.19
Matt Roeser, DuBois Sales Representative – Wisconsin, was awarded the Supplier of the Year by the Wisconsin Chapter of CCAI. This was primary due to Matt's efforts and leadership within the association. CCAI works to raise the standards of finishing operations through educational meetings and seminars, training manuals, certification programs, and outreach programs with colleges and universities.
Training / 02.12.19
This conference will bring stampers and die shops up to date on new lubricants for stamping and tool and die machining, and help them evaluate new formulations and select the right lubricant for the job. Rick Bulter, DuBois R&D Manager, will be part of the training team at this event sponsored by the MetalForming magazine with support by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers.
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The acquisition of U.S. Industrial Lubricants adds high temperature and food grade lubricants to DuBois product offering. Our high temperature synthetic oven chain lubricants are widely used in the fiberglass insulation, textile finishing, food processing, plywood, corrugated paper, automotive and many other manufacturing industries.
3630 E Kemper Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241 | 800-438-2647
© 2020 DuBois Chemicals. All Rights Reserved.


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Pre Order Style
Peacock Caftan Dress Black White
Pre Order Style
Peacock Caftan Dress Black White
New Arrival
The peacock embroidered caftan dress is inspired by of one of Katy's closet favorites. A classic dress picked up somewhere along the way while traveling and reminiscent of one of her favorite places, Cabo San Lucas. Whether you're lounging around or attending a party, this caftan is a summer must-have.
You asked, we answered. This new and improved version of our best selling caftan has pockets. You loved the original so much we worked to refine to make it even more perfect.
- This caftan dress has a generous fit - please size down one size
- Cotton broadcloth
- Custom cotton embroidery on front, plain back
- Pockets
- Made in India
About the Collection: Love, Katy is a collection within Frances Valentine where people can find personal pieces that Katy wore and loved. We will release one new piece each season of Katy's treasured items. All of the pieces have Katy's sensibility, her wit and her charm. They bring to mind a sense of longing for the past but something refreshing to hold on to in the present.
This caftan dress has a generous fit - please size down one size


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UFO theories fly again (recent sightings raise questions)
Posted by dandare on January 31, 2008
An interesting article has come to light, and normally, i would just show a link and highlight some of the article; however, i think it warrants the full article here on this post:
UFO theories fly again
Recent 'sightings' raise questions
By Trish ChoateMonday, January 28, 2008
WASHINGTON — Put the alien theories on hold and get the men in black a cup of coffee. You know how they like it.
Instead of beings from outer space visiting Big Country skies, the Air Force could be secretly working out the kinks in the next U-2 spy plane or B-2 stealth bomber in the skies over the Big Country.
U.S. military pilots might have been at the helm of Unidentified Flying Objects decked out with secret technology, accounting for reports from Erath, Brown and Comanche counties the past two months.
After all, the military possesses experimental technologies the public might not know about until decades after development.
"For national security reasons, of course, they're disinclined to tell us about it," Michael Shermer, executive director of the Skeptics Society and editor of Skeptic magazine, said.
Besides Shermer, an author of more than 20 books on secret and stealth technology, a think-tank expert and a former "Skunk Works" chief weighed in.
Among the possibilities: The government is conducting a campaign of disinformation, spreading UFO stories to cover up the truth, which is out there.
Or eyewitnesses surprised by fast-moving spheres and a gigantic "mother ship" simply saw jets from a nearby military base.
That includes the UFO sighting Jan. 8 around Stephenville, Texas, the day the Air Force said it had jets on a training mission in the area.
Either way, Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, isn't involved in black — classified — aircraft programs.
"We strictly deal with B-1s and C-130s here," 1st Lt. William Powell, Dyess spokesman, said. "If it didn't come from this base, which it didn't, then I wouldn't know what kind of aircraft was flying in that area on that date."
John Pike, a defense and intelligence expert, said he believes the government has thrown up a smokescreen before, like with Area 51 in Nevada, to discredit witnesses.
"If they get people seeing lights all the time, and they don't know what it is, one way of making the whole thing seem silly is to have people recall flying saucers," Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, said. "And that way the whole story just kind of goes away."
Area 51 has played a role in modern American mythology about everything from secret military technologies to alien spacecraft. Beliefs vary as to the truth about the southern Nevada location.
Back in the 1950s, the Air Force exploited the UFO scenario to divert attention from the U-2 being tested at a secret base in Nevada, said Bill Sweetman, who's written extensively on stealth and black technology.
The U-2 was the only aircraft that could fly at such a high altitude for as long as it could, Sweetman, editor of Defense Technology International magazine, said.
"Airline pilots who didn't know that a secret airplane was out there would see this object way up above them, and they would report it as a UFO," he said.
Those sightings led to "Project Bluebook," efforts to make people think they'd seen a natural phenomenon or something unexplainable — not a secret airplane, Sweetman said.
He didn't want to hazard a guess about whether West Texans have spotted secret aircraft, but he was doubtful.
"Why would you fly it near a populated area at all?" he said.
And it's impossible to speculate whether the Big Country UFOs were a sign of a secret program, said retired Air Force Col. Tom Ehrhardt, a former Pentagon chief of the "Skunk Works" or the Strategy, Concepts and Doctrine Division.
"That particular location for it seems improbable because, usually, we have more secure sites to do that sort of thing in than there," said Ehrhardt, now of the nonprofit Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments in Washington.
Sites such as Area 51, he said.
"But you never want to say this isn't one of those because I don't have that knowledge," Ehrhardt said.
Theories to the contrary, the UFO story hasn't gone away yet.
"Our initial analysis is that we have at least two very promising pieces of evidence," Ken Cherry, state director for the nonprofit Mutual UFO Network, said.
Video and still images show spheres in incredible maneuvers at high speed in the Big Country, Cherry said. Others have told MUFON of "a mother ship" a mile long and a half mile wide.
Eyewitnesses are ranchers, farmers, oilfield workers, shop owners, defense workers and others who talk of activity as far back as 30 years ago in the area, he said.
But could fast-moving spheres simply be the afterburners of 10 F-16s?
In an about face, the military said 10 F-16s from the 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base were on a training mission Jan. 8 in an area including Erath County.
Maj. Karl Lewis, a fighter wing spokesman, said it was just a mistake when he first told reporters the base had no planes in the sky that day.
"I did my best to correct it as soon as possible," Lewis said.
But the story has wings.
Washington regional correspondent Trish Choate (source can be seen here ).
Thanks must go to Steve for suggesting i put this in a seperate post (i agree and thank you for finding the time to suggest this to me).
I like this article, because it asks several interesting questions?
UPDATE 2nd febuary
At analuisacid.com there is an interesting article on the Stephenville ufo sighting and it warrants a mention (see http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.analuisacid.com%2F&langpair=es%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF-8 for full article)
I draw you to "Byron Mitchell, a teacher from a local school in this small farming population and a partner in that volunteer MUFON air managed to interview several witnesses of this latest sighting.
According to Mitchell, 8 10 1500 m. Length and width of approximately 700, was an ovoid shape and had a set of lights that constantly changing intensity as it approached the 4 military planes to chase.
Byron Mitchell continued describing in his report: There were more than 200 witnesses who saw the object flying at low altitude, describing it as solid-metal, without marks or cracks, in one piece, apparently did not generate any sound, but others claim that they heard a slight buzz, was probably silenced by the noise of aircraft to chase" (translated extract to article) …..
It gives us some possibly new information, but am unsure as to the reliability of the source.
6 Responses to "UFO theories fly again (recent sightings raise questions)"
February 1, 2008 at 6:17 am
Great article. I Googled Maj. Karl Lewis and found he was a Senior Intelligence Officer and now in Public Affairs?…not that it means anything tho'.
February 1, 2008 at 6:48 pm
The name of the base is Carswell AFB: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carswell_Air_Force_Base
February 2, 2008 at 3:13 am
Have you seen this?


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Contest Holder: david2 confirmed successful completion of this project.
From gallery:
User upload:
Welcome,Thank you for launching your design contest at 48hourslogo. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your project.1. Keep your design brief simple and upload sample pictures to explain what you really want in your design.2. Rate and leave feedback directly under the designs you see potential to help guide the designers in the right direction.3. Have fun, and be encouraging to your designers to keep them motivated about your contest.
#21 by khuletz is selected as the contest finalist!
#20 by jaize is selected as the contest finalist!
#13 by TigerStudio is selected as the contest finalist!
david2 just uploaded the following file:
#61 by khuletz is selected as the contest winner!
Twelve solid contractor logos that are built to last
A sparky electrical service logo to keep you plugged in
A concrete logo that's a solid investment for your business
Launch your own contest


text:
Sport Aircraft - Build and fly with SAANZ
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We work closely with the NZ Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to ensure that legislation is supportive to our members' needs. Our goal is to achieve the greatest freedom of creativity without compromise to safety.
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Most areas have Chapters whose members meet regularly for discussions and visits to each other's aircraft building projects.
The visits are an opportunity for sharing the great wealth of knowledge accumulated by those who have built or are building their own aircraft.
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Slideshow images courtesy of Tony Smith Photography
Get in touch with Sport Aircraft Association NZ Inc
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E-mail firstname.lastname@example.com, or visit


text:
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Is it Tuesday already? Crazy. But here goes … welcome to the Brame residence. Come on in and stay awhile! Here's my little ol' entryway hall in all its (non) glory. Our home is a builder basic house with its share of little quirks. Not the least of which is a funny curvature of the wall where the hall ends. The bottom is wider than the top. You can sort of see this in the first picture with the shot of the entire hall. Hmmm.
From the perspective of our kitchen and living room, looking down the hall, the dining room is on the left. (Or, if you prefer, it is on the right immediately upon entering.)
I knew that I eventually want to get a console table for the hallway, to hold miscellaneous items and pull the hallway together. For now, that dream table is going to have to wait; we are operating on a tight budget as we pay off debt, and I'm okay with that.
Not having money to buy new things has made me re-purpose those items we have. Hence, the use of two tv dinner folding tables we got for our wedding. Ta-da! Instant "console." I added the crocheted lace runner from my grandmother to tie the two pieces together. The lamp is another item stolen from another room. Its mate is in our bedroom, but I like to have a softer light than our overhead light to leave on when we go out, so that it is easy to see when we first enter the hall when we return. The letter "B" was a thrift store find before I even met my husband. Funny how that works out, huh? The bulletin board is for storing notes and our gym's class schedule (and most recently Christmas cards from friends). The basket in front of it is yet ANOTHER item stolen from another room. I use this one to hold keys until we put up a key-holder, but its siblings are in our bathroom, holding toiletries. Finally, the white plastic-coated wire "mail sorter" is actually a plate holder from The Container Store.
I've had this set-up in the hall for several weeks now and can't imagine living without it. My keys are usually handy, as is an iPod for runs, and any outgoing mail or bills I need to remember to take with me to the post office when I make a Creative Salvage shipping run. Having a "landing strip" is an invaluable tool for staying organized on the go. I love mine, even if it is pulled together from the most unlikely culprits. Spending $0 on it was worth the sacrifice in other rooms, although I admit I'm really looking forward to purchasing new or new-to-me furniture and trimmings that will let me return the current items to their original uses.
I got the idea to create a landing strip from Apartment Therapy. If you're not familiar with Apartment Therapy, go check out their site, but for now, here's a video their founder, Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan created to discuss the importance of having a landing strip in the entryway of your home.
Day 8 – 20/20 Home Cure – Fall 2010 from maxwell gillingham-ryan on Vimeo.
What vision do I have for this spot in our home in the months to come? Well, I pulled together a little somethin' somethin' with Polyvore. Take a look!


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Dear all
If you add a photo to a forum post then you are implicitly giving TMC the right to publish that photograph, because as soon as you press "Submit" that is exactly what will happen and you know that.
I *think* I made it clear in my recent thread requesting photos that any pictures sent to the forum *may* be reused to illustrate articles as we consider that we already have permission to use them.
However, I have just been gently told off by a valued TMC member and friend for doing exactly this.
I don't really know what to do here for the future. This bothers me a lot. We take great care normally not to use photos from elsewhere on the web, particularly after the accidental nastiness with Mark Prince earlier this year. (Ours was the accident, Mr. Prince's was the nastiness but I don't think that was accidental).
Clearly it isn't practical to ask every member who ever posts a picture on the forum whether or not we may have permission to reuse it at some unspecified time in the future.
I really don't know what the correct position is in UK copyright law (which is probably what governs this sort of thing as the server is in the UK and so am I).
I would like feedback from the membership as to whether they consider this policy of reuse to be appropriate as it stands. I'm adding a poll to this thread so that we can collate the feedback. Depending on the outcome, I intend to update our FAQ to clarify this situation.
Hanging my head in sorrow


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Here's a Flying V-styled guitar with a difference - it's an archtop! This guitar was handcrafted by Personal Guitars of Washington, USA, and was recenrly offered for sale on eBay Australia. Thanks to Liam, who spotted this one.
G L Wilson
Guitarz - The Original Guitar Blog - now in its 9th year!
A Flying V for jazzers?
3:12 AM | Labels: archtop, Flying V, Jazz guitar, Luthiers, one-offs, Personal Guitars
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