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By Pat Jenkins
The Dispatch
Two Mount Rainier National Park rangers who died this year in the line of duty were honored posthumuously Wednesday by a local Red Cross chapter during its annual Heroes awards program in Tacoma.
Margaret Anderson, who was killed by a gunman on New Year's Day, and Nick Hall, who fell to his death while helping rescue climbers on the mountain in June, have been named recipients of the Marvin Klegman Memorial Award for their heroism and putting themselves in harm's way to help others.
The award is named for an 11-year-old Tacoma schoolboy who died from injuries he suffered from falling bricks at his elementary school during an earthquake in 1949. He had used his body to shield another student from the debris.
In addition to Anderson and Hall, eight other people and a dog were honored during the Heroes ceremony Wednesday morning during a breakfast at Hotel Murano Bicentennial Pavilion.
The event "is an opportunity to recognize these very special individuals who personify the mission of the Red Cross and make Pierce County safe and strong," said Tracy Peacock,executive of the Mount Rainier Chapter of Red Cross. "This year's heroes acted quickly and courageously to save a life, prevent tragedy or give of themselves for the greater good, regardless of personal risks."
Anderson, 34, who lived in Eatonville and had two children, was shot to death by a King County man who drove through a mandatory vehicle tire chains checkpoint at the park Jan. 1. She tried to stop him with a roadblock on the road to Paradise. After he shot Anderson, he fled on foot into the surrounding mountainous terrain and was later found dead from exposure to the winter elements.
Hall, 33, was among rescuers who were evacuating four climbers June 21 from the mountain after a fall by the group left two of them in a crevasse and three of them injured. After reaching them and helping with preparations for them to be airlifted from the scene of their mishap, Hall himself slipped and fell about 2,500 feet to his death.
The other Red Cross Heroes honorees who were singled out Wednesday for their deeds include:
• Jeff Wyrwitzke, Bill Dixon, and David Elmer, Tacoma First Responders. They will be honored with the Medical Rescue Award for giving life-saving medical assistance and emotional support to the victims of the Reno Air Show crash. While the tragedy in Nevada took many lives, the casualties were lessened by the assistance of the three men.
• Matthew Fleming, a Tacoma firefighter, will be honored with the Water Rescue Award for saving a stranded boater who was close to drowning in Commencement Bay after his boat capsized. The boater was rescued by Fleming, who took him to shore where he received medical help.
• Army Staff Sgt. Landon Jensen will be honored with the Military Hero Award for pulling a woman out of a burning car and taking her to safety after she crashed on a busy street in Tacoma. He also went to the aid of other victims of the crash and made sure everyone was safe.
• Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Moser and Airman First Class Micah Myers will be honored with the Good Samaritan Award for responding to a pedestrian who fell to the ground after suffering a seizure. The two men rushed to his side, provided first aid and reassured him until paramedics arrived.
• Samantha Kelley, 8, will be honored with the Isaac Mattich Star of Courage Award for quickly responding and performing abdominal thrusts on her friend, who was choking on a tangerine during a play date. With Samantha's help, her friend coughed up the piece of fruit and was able to breathe again.
• Madison, a 6-year-old American Dingo, will be awarded the Animal Rescue Award for protecting her owner, Michaela Lee, from a pack of raccoons that attacked Lee as she was going home from a jog around Steilacoom Park in Lakewood.


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November 2011
Braun wins NL MVP Award
Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun is the National League's Most Valuable Player. He'll address reporters in a BBWAA conference call at 2 p.m. CT and in another conference call with local reporters at 3 p.m. I will pass along some of his comments from both.
Braun beat the Dodgers' Matt Kemp to become the first Brewer to win a league MVP award since Hall of Famer Robin Yount won for the second time in 1989, when Milwaukee was still an American League franchise. Prince Fielder finished third, giving the Brewers a pair of players in the top five for the first time since Yount won and Cecil Cooper ran fifth in the 1982 AL vote.
Braun was listed first on 20 ballots and second on the rest of the 32, submitted by two writers from each league city. He scored 388 points in a system that awarded 14 points for first place, nine for second, eight for third and on down to one point for 10th place.
Kemp received 10 first-place votes and was the runner-up with 332 points. Fielder received one first-place vote and finished third with 229 points. D-backs outfielder Justin Upton also received one first-place vote and was fourth with 214 points. Braun, Kemp, Fielder and Upton were the only players named on every ballot.
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Barmes picks Pirates
I just checked in with colleague Brian McTaggart, who checked back with Clint Barmes to clear up one point Barmes made this morning that Tom Haudricourt and others questioned. Barmes had said the Brewers offered a two-year deal. What he meant to say is that the sides discussed a two-year deal, but the Brewers indicated to Barmes' agent they wanted some time to see how the Prince Fielder situation played out before making a move at shortstop. The Brewers never formally submitted an offer, Barmes just told McTaggart.
That's a big distinction, so Brian is updating his story with the new information and you can see my update below. The point remains that the Pirates' offer was too good to pass, and one of the Brewers' targets is off the shortstop market.
One of the Brewers' shortstop targets fell off the free agent market on Monday, when Clint Barmes confirmed he'd chosen a two-year, $10.5 million deal with the Pirates.
"We decided [Pittsburgh's] offer was too good to pass up," Barmes told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.
Barmes, 32, said he picked the Pirates in part to reunite with manager Clint Hurdle, who was skipper in Colorado when Barmes broke into the Majors in 2003. He also wanted to remain at shortstop, where Barmes made 120 starts for the Astros in 2010. He's considered a top-flight defensive player.
The Brewers would have also offered the opportunity to man shortstop, and Barmes says they appeared willing to offer a two-year deal but wanted time to see how the Prince Fielder situation would play out before making a move at shortstop. General manager Doug Melvin checked in with agents for all of the notable free agent shortstops during last week's General Managers Meetings in Milwaukee, including Barry Meister, who represents Barmes.
Now the Brewers will have to look elsewhere. The door remains open for the return of Yuniesky Betancourt, though the Brewers have also made contact with free agents Rafael Furcal and, to a much lesser degree as of late last week, Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins.
"In talking with my agent and talking with the club, [the Pirates] were wanting to make a decision and they wanted to know by pretty much yesterday who their shortstop was going to be so they could continue to move on," Barmes said. "It was one of those things they had a few others guys lined up behind me, and the way it was explained to me I was the first in line as far as who they wanted. They threw a great offer."
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Gindl among four added to 40-man
The Brewers added four prospects to the 40-man roster on Friday, the deadline to protect eligible players from being plucked away in next month's Rule 5 Draft.
The players are outfielder Caleb Gindl, first baseman Brock Kjeldgaard, right-hander Santo Manzanillo and third baseman Zelous Wheeler. With the additions, the Brewers were left with 35 players on the roster.
Left unprotected, each of those players would have been in the pool of prospects eligible for the Dec. 8 Rule 5 Draft in Dallas, at which other clubs can select players from other teams who are not on the 40-man roster. To be eligible, players who signed at age 19 or older must have been in their organization for four years, and those who signed at 18 or younger must have been in their organization for five years.
Among the notable players left unprotected were 24-year-old left-hander Dan Meadows, who pitched in the Arizona Fall League. He had a 2.68 ERA in 41 regular-season appearances at Double-A Huntsville and Triple-A Nashville.
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Is Sveum the Cubs' choice?
Is another former Brewer about to land a managerial job in the National League Central?
Mike Matheny already has the top post with the Cardinals, and reports emerged late Wednesday from SI.com and FoxSports.com indicating the Cubs had offered their job to Milwaukee hitting coach Dale Sveum. A Brewers source who would be in the know said he had not heard anything yet, an indication that no deal had formally been struck to send Sveum to Chicago's North Side.
Sveum, a former Brewers player and a member of the team's coaching staff since 2006, was a candidate for both the Cubs and Red Sox managerial posts this winter. When I asked Brewers GM Doug Melvin earlier in the week whether he had a list of hitting coach candidates at the ready, Melvin said no, so the Brewers either have an internal candidate in mind or were waiting to see what Sveum would do. Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that Triple-A coach Sandy Guerrero would be considered for the job.
Sveum is/was working under a two-year contract he signed with Milwaukee in October 2010.
MLB.com's Carrie Muskat has been working the story this week and you can follow her work at Cubs.com.
Follow Brew Beat on Twitter.
Brewers seek shortstop at the right price
If you're a free agent shortstop, then the Brewers are interested.
While sitting in a holding pattern at first base that's likely to continue until Prince Fielder picks a new team, the Brewers have been among the most active clubs on the shortstop market, meeting or otherwise touching base with the agents for all of the available prominent players. General manager Doug Melvin spoke via telephone in recent weeks with the rep for Jose Reyes, who the Brewers conceded is almost certainly out of their price range, and for Yuniesky Betancourt, who was made a free agent when the Brewers declined his option. The door remains open to Betancourt returning.
Melvin then met personally at the Pfister Hotel during General Managers Meetings with the agent for Rafael Furcal on Monday and the agent for Clint Barmes on Wednesday. Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash sat with Barmes rep Barry Meister and an associate in the Pfister's coffee shop just after noon CT for about a half hour.
Next up is Jimmy Rollins, the longtime Phillie who wants a five-year deal, according to reports. The Brewers probably would not be willing to go that far, but Melvin said Wednesday afternoon that he intended to touch base with agent Dan Lozano anyway.
The Brewers have yet to make any offers, Melvin said.
"You never know who says, 'We're willing to take a one-year deal and then test the market next year," Melvin said. "You don't know. The worst thing is you find that someone signed a one- or two-year deal with someone else and you say, 'Damn, we should have.'"
The Brewers don't have a Minor League option to plug into shortstop the way they do at first base, where Melvin has offered growing evidence that 26-year-old longtime prospect Mat Gamel will take over in 2012.
The most likely fit may be Betancourt, even though the Brewers have already paid $2 million to buy out a 2012 club option that would have paid $6 million. That $2 million came from the Royals as part of a December 2010 trade that sent Betancourt and right-hander Zack Greinke to Milwaukee for a package that included Alcides Escobar, who was considered the Brewers' shortstop of the future.
Melvin said he considers the $2 million expenditure part of the 2011 budget.
According to Melvin, Betancourt is "very interested" in returning, but the Brewers asked for time to scan the market. Betancourt batted .252 with 13 home runs and 68 RBIs in 2010. The only National League shortstop with more RBIs was Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki, but Betancourt finished second-last among all qualified NL hitters with a .271 on-base percentage.
"We do have a need because we don't have anybody signed at this point," Melvin said. "Like I said at the end of the year, I would be satisfied with having 'Yuni' back. I think he did a better job than some of the critics [argue]."
Melvin's argument centered around the fact that Betancourt played more games in 2011 than any of the free agent shortstops (he and Atlanta's Alex Gonzalez tied with 146 starts) and that Betancourt has played in more than 150 games in five of the last six seasons.
"You have to be a good shortstop to play over 150 games," Melvin said. "If you're not that good, you're not playing that many games."
Brewers next SS target is Barmes
The Brewers will explore another potential shortstop on Wednesday when general manager Doug Melvin meets with the representative of free agent Clint Barmes, a player the team has looked at before.
The Brewers had some interest in Barmes, 33, last July, but backed away because of a well-times hot streak by incumbent shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and indications from the Astros were disinclined to move Barmes. He wound up playing the whole season in Houston, and batted .244 with 12 home runs and a .312 on-base percentage.
Barmes' agent is Barry Meister. He also represents veteran Craig Counsell, who may play in 2012 but will not play a seventh season in Milwaukee. Melvin has indicated to Meister that the Brewers will not offer Counsell another contract.
"We want to be open-minded and look [for alternative bench options]," Melvin said.
He is open to giving a utility-type player a two-year deal, but only if it fits into the rest of the payroll puzzle. Melvin has been in contact with Casey Close about bringing back Jerry Hairston Jr. on the heels of Hairston's solid second half in Milwaukee.
"We don't want to spend $3 million on a guy who's going to be a part-time player," Melvin said. "You can't do that; not with where our payroll is."
Other tidbits:
— Outfielder Mark Kotsay called Melvin personally on Monday night to say he was accepting a one-year offer from his hometown Padres. Kotsay reportedly will earn $1.25 million. The Brewers had some interest in bringing him back for a second season, but talks were only in the preliminary stages.
Kotsay lives just north of San Diego with his wife and three kids.
"He called and said he appreciated the opportunity and he couldn't turn down [the Padres' offer]," Melvin said. "He wanted to jump at it in case it wasn't there later. … He wanted to call and say thanks for bringing him here last year. He had a blast, his family loved it and he would have considered coming back if it was any place other than San Diego."
— Infielder Josh Wilson and left-handed reliever Mitch Stetter have elected free agency. Both were outrighted to Triple-A last month, freeing space on the 40-man roster, and had the right of refusal.
The Brewers told Stetter, represented by Rex Gary, to test the market. If he does not find an acceptable offer, the Brewers may be open to bringing Stetter back.
— Pitchers Cody Scarpetta and Mark Rogers were granted fourth options, as expected. Rogers, who will begin the 2012 season on the sidelines because of a drug suspension, has recovered from carpal tunnel syndrome on both wrists and may depart in the coming days to pitch at the Brewers' new academy in the Dominican Republic.
Follow Brew Beat on Twitter.
Kotsay reportedly returns to Padres
Mark Kotsay's hometown Padres have reportedly lured the veteran outfielder back to the west coast.
FoxSports.com cited sources Tuesday in reporting that Kotsay and the Padres had reached an agreement on a $1.25 million, one-year contract. He previously played for the Padres from 2001-03 and lives just north of San Diego with his wife, Jamie, and three kids.
The Padres have not confirmed the deal, which would be pending a physical exam.
Kotsay, 36 on Dec. 2, was a favorite of Brewers manager Ron Roenicke in 2011 while batting .270 with three home runs and 31 RBIs in 104 games. He started twice in the six-game National League Championship Series.
"I always feel good when Kotsay is in the lineup," Brewers manager Ron Roenicke said before Game 3 of the NLCS, in which Kotsay homered but could not caught up to two key fly balls in center field. "Especially when we start him, he seems to have a big day; something always good seems to happen when he's in there.
In parts of 15 Major League seasons, Kotsay is a .278 hitter 124 home runs and 694 RBIs. He is capable at all three outfield positions and at first base.
The move could put the Brewers in the market for a backup outfielder if they feel left-handed hitting Logan Schafer, 25, would be better playing full-time at Triple-A. The team is set in the corners with left fielder Ryan Braun and right fielder Corey Hart, and Nyjer Morgan and Carlos Gomez — both arbitration-eligible — are expected to be back as a center field platoon. The Brewers could simply go with those four true outfielders if they resign Jerry Hairston Jr., who can play anywhere on the diamond including shortstop and center field.
Follow Brew Beat on Twitter.
Boras makes Fielder-Pujols comparison
Agent Scott Boras today billed Prince Fielder as a younger version of the other top first baseman on this year's free agent market — Albert Pujols — by arguing that the players' production over the past five seasons has been comparable.
Pujols batted .324 in that span with 195 home runs, 571 RBIs and a 1.025 OPS. Fielder had a lower average — .285 — but hit 200 home runs with 565 RBIs and a .951 OPS.
Pujols, 31, reportedly has one offer already in hand from the Marlins. Fielder, 27, is waiting.
"I'm sure there's crossover, because in the game there's so many teams that need a middle of the lineup, franchise player," Boras said in the lobby of Milwaukee's Pfister Hotel, where baseball officials have gathered for General Manager Meetings. "I do think there are a lot of teams that … look long-term with a younger player that may not be in the market for a player that is four or five years older. My experience in free agency is that Prince is somebody that both a 'current' [focused] club and a 'future' club could invest in."
Boras said Fielder is open to offers from teams in either league.
"I think Prince wants to win," Boras said. "He certainly wants to get with a franchise that wants to commit to him and others."
Follow Brew Beat on Twitter.
Melvin on Reyes, other shortstops
Brewers general manager Doug Melvin just revealed what caused all of the buzz linking his club to free agent shortstop Jose Reyes:
"One phone call," Melvin said on Monday. "No numbers."
Asked whether they would be more phone calls, or perhaps a face-to-face meeting between Melvin and agent Peter Greenberg during this week's GM Meetings in Milwaukee, Melvin said he had not decided.
You can expect the Brewers to be linked to shortstops all week considering their need at the position. Melvin had lunch on Monday with Paul Kinzer, who represents shortstop Rafael Furcal and third baseman Aramis Ramirez, both of whom could theoretically interest Milwaukee. Melvin has also been in contact with Jaime Torres, who represents Yuniesky Betancourt, the free-swinger who became a free agent last month when the Brewers declined his $2 million option.
Betancourt is "very interested" in returning, according to Melvin, and the Brewers have interest in bringing him back if the price is right but told Torres they want to explore all of the options first. Had the club exercised Betancourt's option, he would have earned $6 million in 2012. It will be interesting to see whether Betancourt seeks a multi-year deal after veteran infielders Jamey Carroll (Twins) and Mark Ellis (Dodgers) signed two-year contracts in recent days.
Follow Brew Beat on Twitter.
Melvin: No Fielder offer this week
The Brewers have no plans to add intrigue to their hometown General Manager Meetings by extending a first offer to free agent slugger Prince Fielder.
"We won't do that here," Milwaukee GM Doug Melvin said after checking into the Pfister Hotel, the site of meetings of baseball's GMs and owners that run through Thursday.
Instead, Melvin said he is open to a sit-down this week with Fielder's agent, Scott Boras, but apparently will continue a wait-and-see approach with the Brewers' biggest free agent since CC Sabathia left for the Yankees three years ago.
Melvin was the first of his colleagues to appear in the Pfister lobby on Monday. He reserved a suite to use for meetings with agents or executives with other clubs. A few hours earlier, Boras passed through the lobby on the way to a late-morning workout.
Principal owner Mark Attanasio vowed that the Brewers will be "participating in the sweepstakes" for Fielder, who is considered along with Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols the winter's top free agents. Just how they participate remains to be seen. It is difficult to imagine a scenario in which Fielder's high price would fit into Milwaukee's budget, considering that since Melvin and Boras last engaged in serious talks, the team has moved ahead with big-money extensions for outfielders Ryan Braun and Corey Hart, second baseman Rickie Weeks and pitcher Yovani Gallardo.
The Brewers also seem reluctant to extend a hard offer that Boras could use to drive-up Fielder's price for other suitors.
Should Fielder sign elsewhere, the Brewers' primary in-house option for first base is Mat Gamel, a 26-year-old who batted .310 with 28 home runs and 96 RBIs in 128 games at Triple-A Nashville last season.
Melvin is expecting a relatively quiet week at the Pfister Hotel. Last year, the highlight of the GM Meetings was a trade that sent Dan Uggla, a Type A free agent with one year remaining of club control, from the Marlins to the Braves.
The difference this year is MLB's pending labor agreement, expected to include changes to the way teams are compensated for ranked free agents who leave to sign elsewhere. A change to those rules would change the way teams value certain trade and free agent targets.
"I think some people are waiting until the labor deal goes through, if it goes through," Melvin said. "I think that's one of the keys. The other thing, it's hard to make trades at these meetings because of physicals."
Teams are instructed not to announce trades and signings until the players have passed physical exams.
The Brewers' primary targets are middle infielders — most notably, they need a starting shortstop — and late-inning relievers to set-up closer John Axford. Melvin has already been in contact with representatives for veteran relievers LaTroy Hawkins and Takashi Saito, both of whom are coming off solid seasons in Milwaukee.
"We probably are going to be late in signing players," Melvin said. "I don't know if there's bargains at the start. … Tell me an early signing that's a good deal."
Follow Brew Beat on Twitter.

subset: commoncrawl


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FLUSHING TWP, MI – A grievance filed on behalf of three laid-off Flushing Township police officers has been dismissed by an administrative law judge with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission.
According to the ruling by the commission, an order was issued on Sept. 24 to dismiss the unfair labor practice charge filed by the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) against Flushing Township.
The officers have until Oct. 27 to file an appeal, but at this time POLC labor representative Lloyd Whetstone isn't sure what actions the officers may take.
"I'm not sure exactly where it's at." Whetstone said. "I know the officers have been talking to our attorney about filing an appeal."
The grievance was filed on behalf of the officers laid off Feb. 10, 2012, following a Feb. 9 vote by the township board to pursue a contract with the Genesee County Sheriff's Department.
A contract was approved on March 7, 2012, by the county's Board of Commissioners for no more than $445,490 to be paid by Flushing Township to the Sheriff's Department for use of four full-time deputies and one part-time detective sergeant.
Three of the laid-off officers, Louis Cook, Mark Bolin, and Andrew Owens were ordered back to work Jan. 24, and were to receive back pay to Feb. 8, 2012, Whetstone said. According to Flint Journal records, after months of legal consultation the Flushing Township Board of Trustees voted March 14 to bring the three officers back.
The board voted 5-2, with trustees Scott Minaudo and Bonnie Jean Martinson voting against the measure, to bring back officers Louis Cook, Mark Bolin and Andrew Owens effective Monday, March 18, until March 30, 2014, under a Public Act 312 arbitration ruling issued June 13, 2012.
Calls to township Supervisor Rian Birchmeier, township Clerk Julia Morford, and township police Officer Mark Bolin were not returned.
Flushing Township Police Chief Brian Fairchild said he could not comment on the decision because no one has provided him with a copy of it.
For a look back at the Flushing Township policing saga, click here.
Amanda Emery is a police reporter for MLive-Flint Journal. Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.com or 810-285-0792. Follow her on Twitter or Facebook.


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Acta Cryst. (2013). E69, o609 [ doi:10.1107/S1600536813007927 ]
Abstract: In the title compound, C21H21Cl2NO2, the piperidine ring adopts a distorted boat conformation. The phenyl rings substituted at the 2- and 6-positions of the piperidine ring subtend angles of 87.9 (7) and 70.8 (9)°, respectively, with the best plane through the piperidine ring. In the crystal, molecules are connected by C-HO and C-HCl interactions into layers in the ab plane.
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Lancaster County School District officials are resigned to another tight year, but are cautiously optimistic about some aspects of this year's budget after Tuesday night's 2011-2012 budget work session.
While the district's budget situation is still tight, officials say it doesn't appear next year's budget is going to require the type of deep cuts to personnel that marked last year's 2010-2011 budget with the loss of 100 positions.
Plans are in the works for the creation of a large public-use marina in Lancaster County.
As part of its development plan for the Edgewater community, Monroe-based development company Craft Development LLC has petitioned Duke Energy for the right to lease several acres of project land along the Catawba River to create a public-use marina.
Lancaster County students from two district high schools are learning the fine art of international diplomacy through a program that simulates the United Nations.
The students, members of Model UN teams from Lancaster and Indian Land high schools, took part on Winthrop University's nationally recognized Model UN conference earlier this year with members of the ILHS team walking away with awards for their efforts.
Staff reports
Indian Land High school photography and agriculture students won every award in the spring 2011 Conservation Photo Contest, sponsored by Lancaster Soil & Water Conservation District.
Of the 70 entries submitted, ILHS students won all 11 of the awards presented by Amanda Roberts, LSWCD district manager.
Brandi Reed won first place in two categories, as well as an honorable mention. Ashley Tillman won in two categories.
The S.C. Senate passed a House bill April 26 that places safety restrictions on the use of all-terrain vehicles by juveniles.
House Bill 3562, better known as "Chandler's Law" after 16-year-old Chandler Saylor who died in a 2003 ATV accident near his home in Swansea, places minimum age restrictions on juveniles' use of ATVs and requires safety instruction and the use of helmets.
Jesef Williams
Gregory A. Summers
Carol Hinson was up at 4 a.m. this morning, glued to the "telly" to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton marry in Westminister Abbey.
But she had no desire to be there for history in the making.
Hinson celebrated with a pre-royal wedding tea party at Jean Turner's home in Elgin on Wednesday afternoon.
Jesef Williams
HEATH SPRINGS – Jannette Hilliard had long been regarded as a ceremonial leader for Heath Springs.
The former councilwoman advocated for the town wherever she went and always spearheaded plans for its seasonal parades and festivals.
Colleagues and family say it seems as if she was born with a great amount of patriotism and desire to serve her community. They also say her hard-working and kind spirit will be sorely missed.
Christopher Sardelli
A Lancaster man was sentenced to 15 years in prison this week for the armed robbery of a local convenience store in 2009.
Antonio Dupree Leach, 23, 363-B Knollwood Apartments, pleaded guilty this week to armed robbery in connection with a June 6, 2009, incident at the Stop-N-Shop convenience store on McIlwain Road in Lancaster. Leach received a 15-year sentence from Judge Brooks Goldsmith.
Reece Murphy
There's going to be a whole lot of happy folks over at the University of South Carolina at Lancaster this Saturday as the college celebrates the graduating class of 2011 during its annual commencement exercises.
Scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m., the graduation will be held in Bundy Auditorium in the Bradley Arts & Sciences Building.
In addition to students finishing up this month, Saturday's graduation will include students who completed their degree requirements in August and December.
Copyright © 2016
The Lancaster News is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Lancaster County and Lancaster, South Carolina, and the surrounding area..


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KALAMAZOO, MI -- With roughly 8,000 runners and walkers expected to participate Sunday morning in the Kalamazoo Marathon and other Borgess Run for the Health of It events, motorists should expect delays and congestion in several areas of Kalamazoo.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is urging drivers "to please seek alternate routes, give extra time to reach their destinations, and to have patience."
Events kick off at 8 a.m. at the Nazareth College campus, located at 3427 Gull Road, and the following road closures will be in effect, according to a news release:
• Gull Road will be completely closed from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 9:30 a.m. between Nazareth and Riverview.
• Riverview Drive from Gull Road to E. Michigan.
• Michigan Ave. from N. Rose to Riverview.
• Parkview Ave. from Oakland Drive to Drake Rd.
• Other streets throughout Kalamazoo will be temporarily shut down to allow runners to pass through intersections.


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If there was one thing the United States might have learned in a decade of war is that military might alone cannot compensate for lack of knowledge about people and conditions on the ground. That was true in Afghanistan and Iraq, and may also turn out to be the case in Libya.
Pakistan: Now or Never?
The "sound and fury" of U.S.-Pakistan ties
With the release of CIA contractor Raymond Davis, the United States and Pakistan have put behind them one of the more public rows of their up-and-down relationship. It was probably not the worst row — remember the furore over a raid by U.S. ground troops in Angor Adda in Waziristan in 2008, itself preceded by a deluge of leaks to the U.S. media about the alleged duplicity of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency in its dealings on Afghanistan.
Will S. Arabia broker a deal to repair Pakistan-US ties?
With the U.S.-Pakistan dispute over CIA contractor Raymond Davis stuck in Pakistani courts, newspapers are reporting that the two countries' common ally, Saudi Arabia, may step in to defuse the deepening crisis between them.
U.S.-Pakistan relations better than they look
Given the high-decibel volume of the row over Raymond Davis, the CIA contractor who shot dead two Pakistanis in Lahore in January, it would be tempting to assume that overall relations between Pakistan and the United States are the worst they have been in years.
Pakistan and Mullah Omar: who knows where he is?
The New York Times has an intriguing story about the sourcing for a report that did the rounds last week saying that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) rushed Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Muhammad Omar to Karachi last week after he suffered a heart attack. (h/t Five Rupees)
Pakistan:the unintended consequences of U.S. pressure
U.S. pressure on Pakistan has always led to deep resentment within the Pakistan Army, which has taken heavy casualties of its own fighting Pakistani Taliban militants on its side of the border with Afghanistan. But there are signs that this resentment is now spiralling in dangerously unpredictable ways.
From Thuggees to fake WikiLeaks
The fall-out from the fake WikiLeaks cables in Pakistan continues to be far more interesting than the real WikiLeaks cables. To recap, several Pakistani newspapers retracted stories last week which quoted WikiLeaks cables ostensibly accusing India of stirring up trouble in Baluchistan and Waziristan, cited U.S. diplomats as ridiculing the Indian Army, and compared Kashmir to Bosnia in the 1990s. Since the anti-India narrative presented in the stories chimed with the views of Pakistani intelligence agencies, the alleged cables were then dismissed as fakes and most likely an intelligence plant.
Pakistani papers retract WikiLeaks story on India
Leading Pakistani newspapers have retracted stories that appear to have partly depended on fake WikiLeaks cables to support long-standing Pakistani allegations against India, particularly in causing instability inside Pakistan. The stories also quoted U.S. diplomats as ridculing India and its army.
On WikiLeaks, Pakistan and Afghanistan; the tip of an old iceberg
I've been resisting diving into the WikiLeaks controversy, in part because the information contained in the documents – including allegations of Pakistani complicity with the Taliban – is not new. Yet at the same time you can't entirely dismiss as old news something which has generated such a media feeding frenzy. So here are a few pointers to add to the discussion.
New report accuses Pakistan's ISI of backing Afghan insurgents
According to a new report published by the London School of Economics, Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency not only funds and trains Taliban fighters in Afghanistan but is officially represented on the movement's leadership council, giving it significant influence over operations.


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Local Housing Allowance rates are the maximum amount that that can be paid in Housing Benefit. These rates apply to most tenants who rent their home from a private landlord. They do not apply to Rykneld Homes or Housing Association tenancies and certain other tenancies.
If you rent your home from a private landlord and made your claim since 7th April 2008, it is likely that you are receiving Local Housing Allowance and these changes will apply to you.
What is changing?
Prior to 1st April 2011 each Local Housing Allowance rate has been set by determining the 'median' rent calculated from the average of rents for that particular bedroom size in a Broad Market Rental Area (BRMA).
From 1st April 2011 Local Housing Allowance rates will reduce to a lower amount so that about 3 in 10 properties for rent in the area should be affordable to people on Housing Benefit rather than 5 in 10 properties as prior to 1st April 2011. The new rates will be at what is known as the 30th Percentile.
The effect of this change is that the amount of Housing Benefit that you receive will reduce and you will have to pay any difference yourself. If you cannot pay the difference then you may have find cheaper accommodation somewhere else.
If you are currently claiming Housing Benefit the change in Local Housing Allowance rates will not normally be applied to your claim until 9 months after your review date. Your review date is normally based on the date on which your benefit claim originally commenced. However, if you have had a change in your household or moved since you made your claim your anniversary date may be different.
For example: If you claimed Benefit in April 2008 your anniversary date will normally be April 2011, your protection would last for 9 months from that date and therefore the new Local Housing Allowance Rate would not be applied until December 2011.
Note: If you move address after 1st April 2011 the 9 months protection will be lost and the change will apply immediately. You may also lose the protection if there is a change in your household that affects the Local Housing Allowance rate.
In the North East Derbyshire are there are 4 Broad Rental Market Areas. These are Chesterfield, North Nottingham, Peaks and Dales and Sheffield. Your Housing Benefit is assessed using the Local Housing Allowance for the Broad Rental Market Area that your property is in.
The current Local Housing Allowance Rates and the likely new rates from 1st April 2011 are shown on the Local Housing Allowance Direct website
Currently, tenants can receive up to £15.00 extra benefit each week if their rent is lower than their Local Housing Allowance rate. This will stop for new claimants from 4th April 2011 and for existing claimants from their review date.
From 1st April 2011 an extra bedroom will be awarded if the claimant or their partner requires overnight care. The care must be provided by someone who does not normally live in the property and an extra room must be available for the carer.
If you feel that you may be entitled to an extra bedroom in your Local Housing Allowance calculation then please contact us (details below).
From 1st April 2011 the additional premium allowed when calculating benefit if a claimant's family include a child under the age of one is being removed.


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Ashley Sun Park Boggs, Ph.D.
Research Interest:
Dissertation Research Influences of estuarine environments and endocrine disrupting chemicals on the thyroid system of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).
Current Research Development of a method to measure thyroid hormones in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as a proxy for blood.
Selected Publications:
Boggs, A.S.P., Lowers, R.H., Hamlin, H.J., Guillette, L.J. (2011) Seasonal variation in plasma thyroid hormone concentrations in coastal versus inland populations of juvenile American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis): Influence of plasma iodide concentrations. General and Comparative Endocrinology, accepted.
Bermudez, D., Skotko, J., Otha, Y., Boggs, A., Iguchi, T; National, Guillette, L. (2010)Sex steroid and thyroid hormone receptor expressions in the thyroid of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) during different life stages. Journal of Morphology. 272, 698-703.
Moore, B., Uribe-Aranzabal, M., Boggs, A., and Guillette, L. J. (2008). Developmental morphology of the neonatal alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) ovary Journal of Morphology 269, 302-312.
Hamlin, H. J., Moore, B. C., Edwards, T. M., Larkin, I. L. V., Boggs, A., High, W. J., Main, K. L., and Guillette, L. J. (2008). Nitrate-induced elevations in circulating sex steroid concentrations in female Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri) in commercial aquaculture. Aquaculture 281, 118-125.
Baer, C. F., Phillips, N., Ostrow, D., Avalos, A., Blanton, D., Boggs, A., Keller, T., Levy, L., and Mezerhane, E. (2006). Cumulative effects of spontaneous mutations for fitness in caenorhabditis: Role of genotype, environment and stress. Genetics 174, 1387-1395.
Veldhoen, N., Boggs, A., Walzak, K., and Helbing, C. C. (2006). Exposure to tetrabromobisphenol-A alters TH-associated gene expression and tadpole metamorphosis in the Pacific tree frog Pseudacris regilla. Aquatic Toxicology 78, 292-302.
Book Chapters Published:
Boggs, A. S. P., Botteri, N. L., Hamlin, H. J., and Guillette, L. J., Jr. (2009). Endocrine Disruption in Reptiles. In "Hormones and Reproduction of Vertebrates" (D. O. Norris and P. Gonzalez, Eds.), Vol. Reptiles.
Selected Scientific Presentations:
Oceans & Human Health Post Doctoral Scholar, Hollings Marine LabMentor: Dr. Louis J. Guillette, Jr.
B.S. in Zoology, Florida University, 2005
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Ecology, Concentration: Zoology, University of Florida, 2011
Dr. Boggs' Contact Information


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Library — a beacon of help and hope, even more so when times are tough | Letters
— Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. — Groucho Marx
[Democracy] is the feeling of privacy in the voting booths, the feeling of communion in the libraries, the feeling of vitality everywhere — E. B. White, author of Charlotte's Web.
When times are hard in America, people turn to those institutions that welcome them with open arms and provide them with practical help as well as the sense that civilization, civility, and community still exist.
Indeed, during the Great Depression, libraries thrived. It has been said that "Libraries will get you through times with no money better than money will get you through times with no libraries."
Several community members have recently opined that the library is nothing more than another family on the island and should simply tighten its metaphorical belt as its resources dwindle.
But this is the wrong metaphor.
The library is a beacon of help and hope, not just another family. It exists to serve the minds and hearts of all the families on the island. It does not take from the Island, it gives in abundance.
When we starve the library, we are starving ourselves and our children. What other institution welcomes us all, seven days a week, provides us freely with information, recreation, education, public spaces for meetings, programs, access to local culture, and, yes, help with job searches and computer access?
Now the library has come to the families it serves and, for the first time in eighteen years, asks those families for help in continuing to serve them. As we mark our ballots this week and next, we must ask ourselves whether we truly want to begin letting go of those institutions that bind American democracy.
Vote "Yes" for Proposition No. 1 and keep our library strong.
Martha M. Scott
San Juan Island
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DETROIT, MI – Detroit's Big Three automakers, local labor groups and municipalities have jointly sent a letter to Pres. Barack Obama asking for help with the funding of a customs plaza needed for a second bridge to be built from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario.
In the letter, which is also signed by the chambers of commerce of Detroit and Grand Rapids, the group says the proposed New International Trade Crossing would add thousands of jobs and is a vital part of improving commerce with the country's largest trading partner.
Canada plans to cover $550 million in upfront costs of the U.S. portion of the $2.1 billion new bridge, but has said the U.S. must pay for a $250 million customs plaza.
Saying that $131 billion of the $616 billion worth of goods traded with Canada in 2012 came across the border it shares with Detroit, the authors argue that the need for a second span is "not just a Federal issue or a Michigan issue.
"The impact on many U.S. States is just as significant. Canada is the principal importer of goods for 38 states in America. The other twelve States rank Canada in their top 5 export destinations. Over one-fifth of that commerce comes through Detroit, Michigan."
The letter, dated June 27, was addressed directly to Obama and the White House.
It has three main requests:
- Funding for the federal plaza,
- a final "Program of Requirement" needed from various government agencies to determine the cost of building the plaza, and
- an appointed representative to coordinate the project with the federal government.
"The NITC project brings together business, labor, and government to produce middle class jobs that Michigan desperately needs," Michigan State AFL-CIO President Karla Swift said in a statement. "This is responsible economic development the federal government should support."


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The 12 Miles West Theatre Company will offer a season, after all. The troupe, which last month did not renew the lease on its Bloomfield premises, will stage three shows at Playwrights Theatre in Madison.
"Miracle on 34th Street," Liz Zazzi's adaptation of Valentine Davies' story -- but done as a radio play -- runs Friday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 22 at 3 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $21 adults; $16 students and seniors.
"Guest Artist" (March 6-30, 2008) is by Jeff Daniels, better known as an actor ("Dumb & Dumber"). In it, a young man meets his longtime hero -- and isn't pleased with what he finds. James Glossman directs. Andy Shapiro's "Darkness to Light" (May 15-June 8) looks at the life of Ludwig von Beethoven.
Performances for both of these are Thursdays-Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets for the first Thursday of each run are $15, while all other performances are $26; $21 for students and seniors.
Playwrights Theatre is at 33 Green Village Road. Call (973) 259-9187 or visit www.12MilesWest.org.


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Hot Weekend AheadJune 29th, 2012 at 10:33 pm by Mark Ronchetti under Weather
High pressure will set back up over the state leading to a very warm weekend. Temps will top 100° all across the southern NM. Here in the metro area we may well touch 100° as well. As far as storms go it will be a lean crop of storms over the weekend. Next week things will change a bit. The high will shift east and allow moisture to flow up from the south. This combined with a weather disturbance will allow for more storms. The timing on this could collide with the 4th of July. There are worse times for rain no doubt.


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Since day one, ASH shoes have been head-turning!
From their wow-worthy wedge sneakers to their powerful platform sandals, everything they design makes you look.
Now, they've unleashed a 70% off sale that will make you buy!
Check out the shoes on sale online! If you happen to be in New York City, visit their flagship store on our flagship NYC store located at 44 Mercer Street, New York, NY 10013!


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Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann received an interesting welcome to NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" early Tuesday morning. The Roots, the show's house band, played Fishbone's 1985 song "Lying A** B****" as Bachmann walked on stage for her appearance.
The band only sang the song's "la la la la la la la la la" refrain, but it was unmistakably the profanity-laden track by the alternative ska-punk/funk-rock band. Drummer and bandleader Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson even posted a link on Twitter to the Fishbone album containing the song, saying "take a guess. buy the record anyway. its classic and should be in your vocabulary."
According to The Associated Press, the song is not political and instead describes a relationship gone wrong with a woman. Some of the less explicit lyrics include the line, "She always says she needs you, but you know she really don't care."
Questlove said later Tuesday that the song was a "tongue-in-cheek and spur of the moment decision... The show was not aware of it and I feel bad if her feelings were hurt. That was not my intention."
Bachmann didn't seem to be bothered by the song choice, but E! News suggests that she likely didn't know the song.
Instead, she walked on stage smiling and waving to the live studio audience. She also appeared to have fun on the show with Fallon, using his "One Word" word association game to make light-hearted remarks about her political opponents (Romney: "Hair"; Perry: "Oops"; Obama: "Finished").
Still, Jimmy Fallon joked on Twitter that he'd be punishing his house band's drummer: "@questlove is grounded."
Fallon added an apology Tuesday evening. "I'm honored that @michelebachmann was on our show yesterday and I'm so sorry about the intro mess. I really hope she comes back," the late night host tweeted.
The Roots have made a game out of performing subtle, often obscure, song choices as Fallon's guests are introduced. Questlove hinted at the Bachmann diss on Twitter before the episode aired, tweeting "Aight late night walkon song devotees: you love it when we snark: this next one takes the cake. ask around cause i aint tweeting title."
According to the New York Daily News, previous show guests that the band has made musical jabs at include Spencer Pratt (they played Beck's "Loser") and Ashlee Simpson (you guessed it -- Milli Vanilli).
Questlove's politics have often been public, so fans may not be surprised by his song choice for Bachmann's appearance. The Grammy winner's Twitter profile picture shows him standing next to President Barack Obama, a Democrat.
He's not the first musician to stir up trouble with the presidential contender from Minnesota, either. In June, Tom Petty told her to stop using his 1977 hit "American Girl" as her campaign song.
Bachmann's campaign has yet to make a statement responding to the Roots' song choice.
» Huffington Post: Michele Bachmann 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon': Laughs, Groans, Boos
» MSNBC: Six Juiciest Bits From Michele Bachmann's New Book


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Skateboard legend Steve "Stevie Dread" Snyder will be attending the Jaxon Film Fest, September 29. "Dread"--for short-- a skater from Albion, Michigan, is one of the subjects of Wing Ko's documentary The Brotherhood which will screen September 29, Carnegie Branch Library, 244 W. Michigan Ave., in Jackson, Michigan.
Says festival director David W. King, "We are excited that our festival is attracting the names that will be attending our festival this year. Stevie Dread is truly a legend in skateboarding. It is exciting that we are showing Wing Ko's documentary The Brotherhood: Chicago in which Dread is featured; we are excited Stevie Dread is attending. We are excited as well that we may be the first to display his new line of boards."
Dread will be present after the documentary for a Q & A, autograph signing, possible skateboard demonstration and a display of his latest skateboard line which is to go public September 15.
The Brotherhood: Chicago documents Dread', Jesse Neuhaus, and Eric Murphy, sponsored riders for the famed Alva Skateboards at a time when very few Midwestern skaters got recognition by industry-leading West Coast companies. More than a film about the love of skateboarding, The Brotherhood: Chicago is about pursuing one's passion as life happens.
Moving to Chicago in 1984 to attend the Art Institute of Chicago, Dread's skating skills were quickly recognized once he landed in the Windy City. He was sponsored by Alva Skateboards. He has lived in Chicago ever since.


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Auburn's Kukors to join Team USA on world swimming stage
Auburn's Ariana Kukors will represent USA Swimming at the FINA World Championships in Shanghai, China, July 24-31. She will compete in the 200-meter individual medley.
In the last major international competition before the 2012 Olympic Games, USA Swimming will send 42 athletes to Shanghai. Olympic gold medalists Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Natalie Coughlin and Rebecca Soni will headline Team USA.
Kukors, an Auburn Mountainview graduate and Pac-10 champion at the University
of Washington, has a highly decorated national and international career in swimming. Among her many highlights is a gold-medal effort in the 100 IM at the 2010 FINA Short Course World Championships. She also took the bronze in the 200 IM.
She holds the world record in the 200 IM (2 minutes, 6.15 seconds), set at Fina World Championships Roma in July 2009.
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Sewage and wastewater: not the most appealing things to consider, yet consider them we must, because many of today's aging water and sewer infrastructures are, quite literally, coming apart at the seams. As with most problems, ignoring this one doesn't make it go away, either. Spills, leaks and overflows are becoming all too common: wasting water, spewing pollution into rivers, lakes and oceans, harming wildlife and the environment, and presenting an enormous threat to public health.
Yet in many places, water remains an afterthought. Communities often resent water restrictions, not understanding the need to conserve. And while upgrades or repairs to existing systems may seem expensive, the stakes are too high to ignore: this map neatly shows that nearly half of the world's population faces a water shortage. And this one shows the widespread reach of groundwater contamination. None of this is going to change by itself.
On its website, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water notes that given the scarcity of freshwater supplies and the intrinsic value of our water resources, water should be recognized as a precious commodity and protected…and goes on to say that because water is considered common property that belongs to everyone and no one, it is subjected to exploitation and misuse.
Many communities face significant challenges when it comes to managing aging water and sewer infrastructures. But since we at IBM began to explore how we could apply advanced analytics and other technologies to help create sustainable water systems, we've found a growing number of people ready to think differently about the value of water, ready to meet those challenges head on. Our collaboration with the city of Dubuque, Iowa, continues with the rollout of a smart water meter pilot that will let customers see trends in their water use and help them to conserve. And in Sacramento, California, we're helping two agencies – the Sacramento Area Sewer District (SASD) and the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD) — improve water quality and help prevent sewage spills.
The SASD manages wastewater collection services for more than one million people in the Sacramento region via a complex system that includes 52 miles of forced mains and pressure systems, 3,000 miles of gravity sewers, and 279,000 service level connections.
And the SRCSD, which treats wastewater from the SASD along with other regional wastewater collection agencies, runs a state of the art treatment plant comprising nearly 100 miles of pipeline and 20 pump stations. On an average day, the plant moves and treats approximately 165 million gallons of wastewater—enough to fill a football field 40 stories high.
Keeping track of all those moving parts – not to mention maintenance records, service calls, compliance reports and so on – was once a major headache, to say the least. Now, we're helping these agencies collect, analyze and share data in real time so that they can identify and prevent emerging problems before they happen. That's pretty cool.
In these cities and in many others around the world, we're finding advocates, collaborators and partners who are ready, willing and able to make significant changes in the name of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Because truly, it's not a choice, it's an imperative.
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Financial independence is a term generally used to describe the state of having sufficient personal wealth to live, without having to work actively for basic necessities. For financially independent people, their assets generate income that is greater than their expenses. For example, a person's quarterly expenses may total $4000. They receive dividends from stocks they have previously purchased totaling $5,000 quarterly, while also having more money in other assets.-"
Have a good day
Posted by: Demarcus Carnevale
9:15 pm
Sewers should really be controlled in order to conserve water.
Posted by: Sarah Bernheim
8:14 pm
The aging water and sewage infrastructure is apparent in many cities across North America. As the infrastructure is being replaced, it makes a lot of sense to put in smart metering.
Posted by: David
7:43 pm
This is really a serious matter. I am not against with the answers as long as they can prove that they can really prevent spills.
Posted by: Sarah Bernheim
11:47 am
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8:20 pm
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Posted by: Sean Santheson
1:14 pm
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because water is life. we should save it before no more clean water left.
Posted by: Marketingbum
2:05 am
You're right when you say, "…and goes on to say that because water is considered common property that belongs to everyone and no one, it is subjected to exploitation and misuse."
No one takes care of someone else's property better than he takes care of his own.
And, yes, data feed back via charts will make them see what misuse and/or abuse is happening.
Posted by: Charlie at Gain Financial Freedom Org.
2:55 pm
Water trend analysis will help consumers monitor there usage by month and season year over year. One of the best ways to conserve is to show people how to save money by enabling them to see how and when to reduce usage
Posted by: Tom Wilson
1:41 pm
Being able to monitor the systems, will increase cost savings, operational efficiency and better waste management. This is a excellent advancement towards building a smarter planet.
Posted by: Naim Brown
3:11 pm
The sewers strain could be significantly diminished if they were to invest in simple solid removal technologies. Wastewater can be a revenue source not only by selling the water but by converting the waste into usable energy. Malibu, CA is already looking into applying the technology.
Posted by: Toni Stedman
1:39 pm
[...] is helping with Sacramento's sewage [IBM blog], but I don't know if they are preventing spills (storm flows) or removing all [...]
Posted by: Speed blogging | Conservation Blog


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ALBANY, N.Y. — The state's highest court should boot the special prosecutor probing possible violations in the 2009 City Council election on Staten Island, the Working Families Party maintains.
In oral arguments before the Court of Appeals, WFP lawyer Avi Schick said District Attorney Daniel Donovan has failed to demonstrate a conflict of interest that would disqualify him from handling the case.
The Staten Island D.A. had no basis to ask for a special prosecutor in a confidential request in 2010, the WFP contends.
Judge Fern A. Fisher appointed Roger Bennet Adler special prosecutor in January 2012.
The probe is delving into possible election law, campaign finance and criminal violations during the elections.
Last year, Adler served subpoenas seeking all e-mails, financial reports and communications between 2008 and 2010 for at least 15 employees, said Schick.
Donovan has not disclosed why he sought to remove himself from the probe on the WFP's actions in the 2009 elections, including the North Shore City Council race. His letter seeking recusal has been sealed.
Donovan has said all documents will be unsealed after the case is finished.
In response to the judge's inquiries, Schick said the WFP prefers having Donovan, an elected official answerable to the public, conduct the probe as opposed to an appointed special prosecutor.
However, judges said the WFP isn't privy to Donovan's reasoning since the recusal letter is not in the public record and his concerns may be valid.
Assistant District Attorney Morrie Kleinbart argued the WFP's suit to overturn Adler's appointment is premature until there are criminal charges.
The case centers on allegations of reduced-rate in-kind contributions that a WFP-linked consultant's group made to WFP-backed candidates without proper disclosure.
Revelations at the time caused some embarrassment for Democratic candidates who ran on the WFP line, including Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) and mayoral candidates Bill de Blasio and John Liu, then public advocate and comptroller, respectively.
A related lawsuit brought by a group of Republicans against Ms. Rose was settled in 2010 with her campaign forking over $8,525 to Data Field Services for consulting work. At the time, Ms. Rose said she paid fair market value, but said she agreed to settle to end "wasteful litigation" for taxpayers.
Manhattan federal prosecutors previously launched a criminal probe into the matter but closed the case in 2010 with no charges being filed, according to published reports.
During Tuesday's oral arguments, some judges questioned whether it will soon be too late to prosecute anyone for actions in 2009 and also criticized the secrecy of the appointment process.
"One of the problems here that they raise is it's all done in secret. What's going on here?" said Judge Eugene F. Pigott Jr. echoing the WFP's concerns.
"This is the United States of America, for goodness sake. It's not the FISA court," he said, referring to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, a secret court that oversees government requests for eavesdropping operations. "We have a case apparently of a political party that's alleged to have done stuff. At least the cards should be face up."
A decision is not
expected for weeks.
-- Associated Press material was used in this report.


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We don't blame the Alpena County Road Commission for being upset.
Nor do we fault Michigan Department of Transportation officials for determining the detour they did for the M-65 bridge work over the Thunder Bay River.
The detour was the focus of discussion this week at the road commission, as many motorists - including trucks - are choosing alternative routes that carry them over road surfaces never intended for sustained traffic.
As a result, county officials feared faster deterioration of those road surfaces. Residents feared living in dust all summer. And everyone involved feared safety concerns the extra traffic would create in those areas.
MDOT officials have a detour in place while the bridge construction is being done, but it is longer than the "back roads" route motorists familiar with the area can opt for instead. Because the "back roads" route is not the official MDOT detour, no state funds can be used on it for things like grading, gravel or dust control.
Road commission members this week approved no truck traffic regulations on many of the "back roads" being used as a detour to curb further deterioration of those surfaces.
We believe the action is a good effort. We also urge law enforcement to patrol those roads a little more frequently in the weeks ahead and issue tickets when appropriate. If that is done, we believe it would help to decrease traffic on the secondary roads.
We all will benefit from a safer bridge when the work is completed this fall. Until then, let's work together to make the best of a frustrating situation.


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"Founder's $40m tax bill will not force MONA to close." By Adam Fulton. Sydney Morning Herald. July 7, 2012. The millionaire gambler and arts patron behind the $180 million Museum of Old and New Art, David Walsh, is determined to keep it running and says it is unlikely to close to the public. "There is some risk but I would rate it as small," Mr Walsh said, of suggestions the Tasmanian museum could close as a result of his retrospective tax bill, put at about $40 million. It is my intention to support MONA ongoing – that has been the work of my life," he told the Herald yesterday. The museum has "significant possibilities". In saying that, the retrospective tax bill is not something that I can service. It is, in fact, more than 100 per cent of the money I've made. But I expect a negotiated settlement. I'm not just saying that – I fully expect to get an outcome." The comments from Mr Walsh, a professional gambler and art collector who founded and owns the museum, come after the Australian Taxation Office gave him a bill for the 2004 to 2006 financial years of nearly $38 million plus interest. He is appealing against the bill and the Tax Office's ruling, and the case is set to go before the Federal Court next month. The Tax Office alleged that an international gambling syndicate, including Mr Walsh, operated a billion-dollar business and tried to hide details of its operations. Mr Walsh said the tax bill meant he had put on hold expansion plans for the museum. But of it continuing to stay open,
"Church shuttered inquiry into abuse." By Linton Besser and Joanne Mccarthy. Sydney Morning Herald. July 6, 2012. eE church prematurely terminated an investigation last year into the alleged failure of a top Catholic education official to take action over the sexual assault of an 11-year-old boy in the 1970s by a lay teacher. A former principal of St Patrick's at Sutherland, Brother Anthony Peter Whelan, had been accused by Robert Lipari of failing to take action against a science teacher, Thomas Keady, after he reported being molested by the man at a caravan park. Shortly before being employed at the school, Keady had completed a three-year jail term in Victoria for child sex offences. The church commissioned an investigation by the former NSW Police assistant commissioner, Norm Maroney, who substantiated the 1976 assault, and the fact it was reported it to another senior teacher at the school, Brother John Vincent Roberts. But Mr Maroney was told to stop his inquiries while he was still trying to substantiate the boy's claims that he had personally reported the assault to Brother Whelan. The spokesman for the Australian Lawyers Alliance, Andrew Morrison, SC, said that in his view it appeared "the investigation was ended prematurely in order to protect Brother Whelan". "It is very disturbing in circumstances where the investigation was almost completed and the overwhelming inference was that an adverse finding was highly likely against Brother Whelan … there were other potential witnesses, but he was not permitted to speak to them." He said the inquiry should be reopened and he called for the police to investigate.
Related storiy:
"Pennsylvania: Archdiocese Bars Two More Priests From Ministry." New York Times. July 6, 2012.
"Earthquake Relief Where Haiti Wasn't Broken." By Deborah Sontag. New York Times. July 5, 2012. On the first anniversary of the Jan. 12, 2010, earthquake, in a sleepy corner of northeast Haiti far from the disaster zone, the Haitian government began the process of evicting 366 farmers from a large, fertile tract of land to clear the way for a new industrial park. The farmers did not understand why the authorities wanted to replace productive agricultural land with factories in a rural country that had trouble feeding itself. But, promised compensation, they did not protest a strange twist of fate that left them displaced by an earthquake that had not affected them. Two and a half years after the earthquake, Haiti remains mired in a humanitarian crisis, with 390,000 people languishing in tents. Yet the showcase project of the reconstruction effort is this: an industrial park that will create jobs and housing in an area undamaged by the temblor and in a venture that risks benefiting foreign companies more than Haiti itself. Financed by $224 million in subsidies flowing to Haiti as a result of the earthquake, the Caracol Industrial Park is hardly reconstruction in the strictest sense. Its developers, though, take the more expansive view that, in a desperately poor country where traditional foreign aid has chronically failed, fostering economic development is as important as replacing what fell down. Caracol, the promotional materials say, will help make Haiti globally competitive "without compromising on labor and environmental standards."
"Ashok Chavan charged in Adarsh housing scam." No by-line. Times of India. July 4, 2012. Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan was among 13 people charged by CBI today in the multi-crore Adarsh Housing scam. The 10,000-page CBI chargesheet was filed before the registrar of a sessions court, nearly 18 months after the agency registered a case. The Adarsh scam had fuelled a political storm in Maharashtra leading to the resignation of Chavan as the chief minister. Earlier in the day, the CBI informed the Bombay high court, hearing a batch of public interest litigations seeking the court's supervision of the probe, that it would be filing a chargesheet later in the day. The CBI has registered a case on January 29 last year against Chavan and others which included bureaucrats and retired army personnel. The agency had in March arrested nine out of the 14 accused after receiving a rap on its knuckles from the high court for not initiating action against the accused persons. The nine arrested accused are – R C Thakur, secretary of Adarsh, retired brigadier M M Wanchoo, former Congress MLC Kanhaiyalal Gidwani, both promoters of the society, former deputy secretary of urban development department P V Deshmukh, IAS officers Ramanand Tiwari and Jairaj Phatak, retired major generals A R Kumar and T K Kaul and former city collector Pradeep Vyas. They were released on bail by a special CBI court after CBI failed to file charge sheet within the stipulated 60-day period after arrest. They have been charged with criminal conspiracy, cheating and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
"Foreign-Funded Nonprofits in Russia Face New Hurdle." By Ellen Barry. New York Times. July 2, 2012. In the latest move to rein in dissent, Russian authorities have introduced a draft law that would require nonprofit organizations that receive financing from outside Russia to publicly declare themselves "foreign agents" — a term that, to Russians, evokes cold war-era espionage and is likely to discredit the organizations' work in the eyes of the public. Lawmakers from United Russia, the governing party, have accelerated work on the bill and are scheduling the first of three readings on Friday. If passed, the bill would complement a new law penalizing Russians for taking part in unauthorized protests, which was rushed through Parliament at a similar pace last month. The bill would also put new burdens on nonprofit groups with foreign financing that are judged to be involved in politics, including annual audits and unannounced checks for the use of "extremist speech" in published materials. Organizations could face fines of as much as 1 million rubles, or $30,000, for violations. Rights activists have excoriated the proposal as an attempt to discredit their work, arguing that Russian donors are afraid to support organizations that criticize the government, which then leaves them dependent on foreign sources for money. The bill's sponsors say the law is no more restrictive than the Foreign Agents Registration Act, an American law requiring organizations to disclose foreign support. That law, however, applies only to entities that represent governments; the Russian proposal includes individual and private financial support as well.
Related story:
"Russia plans to register 'foreign agent' NGOs; Critics say bill targeting foreign-funded NGOs involved in political activities is part of a crackdown on independent activists." Guardian. July 2, 2012.
"Live Q&A: International social enterprise: To mark the launch of our new international hub, join us on 6 July to discuss the role of social enterprise in your corner of the globe." Guardian. July 6, 2012.
"Live Q&A: International social enterprise." Friday 6 July, 10am – 12 midday BST." To mark the launch of our new international hub, join us on 6 July to discuss the role of social enterprise in your corner of the globe. We recently launched our new hub for international social enterprise and, to celebrate, we're inviting you – wherever you are – to join us for a live Q&A on social enterprise around the globe. We'll be asking:• How social enterprise is supported around the globe; • How social enterprise is defined and perceived in different countries; • What's the main driver behind social enterprise? Perhaps it's to create jobs for young people, an off-shoot from the charity sector, or a desire to 'socialise business'? Log in and let us know what you think about the the progress of social enterprise in your country.
"Care home children sent north to save cash." By Andrew Norfolk. Times of London. July 2, 2012. Hundreds of troubled children are being moved many miles from family and friends — in breach of official guidelines — to private care homes bought cheaply in northern England, The Times reveals today. The south-to-north exodus, which comes to light as the Government prepares to open an urgent inquiry into residential childcare, is seen most starkly in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The town, with 205,000 residents, has 47 children's homes, four more than the 14 inner London boroughs combined, where the population is 3.1 million. Girls placed far from home are known to be particularly vulnerable to men who pursue young teenagers in care for sexual grooming. Over the past five years, there have been 631 reported cases of children's home residents in England being sold for sex. Looked-after children should be placed more than 20 miles from home only in exceptional circumstances, the guidelines state, yet 23,000 young people, more than a third of all children in care, are living outside their home local authority. Most are in foster care, but those with the greatest needs are often sent to children's homes run by private operators, which have built a portfolio of premises in areas of the country where property prices are low. Such companies, some owned by global investment funds, charge fees averaging £200,000 a year per child. Annual fees at one home were as high as £378,000. A government source described child sexual exploitation yesterday as "an abhorrent crime" and acknowledged that "for years we — police, social services, schools, agencies and governments — have collectively failed to tackle the problem". An MPs' report last month into children missing from care said that a belief that it was acceptable for adults to have sex with children who "consent" to their abuse was ingrained within the child protection system. The Government will announce tomorrow a review into "all aspects of the quality of provision in children's homes", including local authority commissioning practices and "the location and ownership of homes."
"Charities with a conscience are in a funding fix; Organisations may be sighing with relief at the government's U-turn on charitable tax reliefs, but traditional sources of funds are drying up." By David Brindle. Guardian. July 3, 2012. There will be sore heads tomorrow at the Institute of Fundraising's annual convention, following tonight's convention party. There always are: fundraisers know how to put on a good bash and the event is justly renowned. But many at this year's party will have special reason to celebrate. For the government's headlong retreat on its budget plan to cap charitable tax reliefs has lifted a dark cloud that for 10 weeks hung over the heads of big-gift fundraisers as their wealthy clientele pondered whether to put away their cheque books. Voluntary sector leaders can still scarcely believe their luck. Although the sector put up a solid public front in arguing for the plan to be dropped, as it ultimately was amid a flurry of budget U-turns, the picture behind the scenes was less united. The institute itself offered a compromise that would have exempted donors from the proposed cap only if they passed up their own tax reclaim to the charity receiving the tax-deductible gift. As Karl Wilding, head of policy at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations has now acknowledged, the sector was scratching round for evidence to justify continuation of uncapped reliefs. And "an awful lot" of charities thought it wrong to campaign to keep them, he told a conference last week. Some member organisations even told the NCVO to desist. The truth is that there is considerable discomfort in the sector at the exposure of a system by which rich people appear able to dictate how their contributions to the common good are spent – getting out of paying taxes for (state) schools and hospitals by electing to donate to projects of their choice, which very often will be in the arts or higher education rather than in general social welfare.
"Non-hierarchical structures: could it work for you? Breaking down the usual power structures and responsibilities can help charities improve and achieve better results." By Liz McDowell. Guardian. July 2, 2012. If I say 'collective decision-making' you might picture activists outside St Paul's taking turns to speak. And no wonder – collaborative, non-hierarchical ways of organising have recently been catapulted into the public eye through the Occupy movement. It's unsurprising that those trying to bring about a radically better world would want to break down structures of power and privilege through different ways of working. But these egalitarian approaches are spreading further than you might imagine – beyond protest groups to charities and even private sector organisations. The new generation of entrepreneurs is less comfortable with hierarchy and more ready to embrace the creative chaos of collective working. The Otesha Project UK has spent six months transitioning to a non-hierarchical structure. From having one executive director, we've shifted into a team of five co-directors, alongside decently paid interns who have an equal say but don't take on any managerial or administrative responsibility. So why choose this potentially risky course? We wanted to show that we value eveyone's skills equally in our decision-making, governance and salary structures. Meanwhile, long hours and feeling single-handedly responsible for the organisation's success or failure was difficult for me as the founder. Since going public with our new structure, other charities and social enterprises have been clamouring to know how it works.
"Notable & Quotable: Joel Mokyr on the private provision of public goods in "The Enlightened Economy: An Economic History of Britain 1700-1850" (2009). Wall Street Journal. July 4, 2012. The argument that economic development in Britain in the age of the Industrial Revolution was the result of "the rule of law," that is, well-defined and enforced property rights through third party (i.e. the state) enforcement, is a gross oversimplification. . . . Private law enforcement remained of substantial importance until well into the nineteenth century . . . The enforcement of property rights through private-order institutions reflects something deep and supremely important about British institutions in the eighteenth century. The culture of respectability and gentility helped solve the standard collective action problems that bedevil the production of public goods. The emergence of a plethora of networks, clubs, friendly societies, academies, and associations created a civil society, in which the private provision of public goods became a reality and created what might be called a civil economy. What was true for property right enforcement was true for other projects, for which elsewhere in Europe the state had to play a major role. Roads, harbors, bridges, lighthouses, river navigation improvements, drainage works, and canals were initiated through private subscriptions. In some cases, of course, there was the hope of making a profit, but commonly the entrepreneurs were motivated by a desire to improve local trade and employment.
"Charities protest at delay in decision on care for elderly; Crucial decision on how to fund reform to be postponed until next year's spending review." By Daniel Boffey. Guardian/The Observer. July 7, 2012. Charities and health organisations reacted with fury to the breakdown of cross-party talks on the future of social care for the elderly as ministers said key decisions on how to fund reform would be postponed until next year's spending review. A long-delayed white paper on the future of social care will be published on Wednesday along with a draft social care bill. But most attention will focus on a separate progress report – not endorsed by the Labour party – that will make clear that funding for the changes has yet to be agreed. The Treasury denied claims, circulating within the coalition, that chancellor George Osborne had blocked changes that would cost at least £1.7bn a year. In 2011 a review chaired by economist Andrew Dilnot recommended a number of changes to adult social care funding in England. These included placing a cap of £35,000 on what people should pay towards home visits or care home costs before they get help from the state. In England, council-funded home help and care home places for the elderly and adults with disabilities are currently offered only to those with assets of less than £23,250. The Dilnot report said the threshold for assets should rise to £100,000 and a £35,000 cap would be fair. It is estimated that the reforms would cost an additional £1.7bn a year, rising to £3bn as numbers of elderly grow. Currently £14bn a year is spent by councils on social care. Health secretary Andrew Lansley and the Liberal Democrats are understood to have been keen to agree the Dilnot plans, but had to accept that the Treasury's hands would not be tied ahead of the 2013 spending review. A Treasury spokesman said: "It is completely untrue that we have blocked anything. We have not even been in the talks."
"German Bishop to Head Vatican Orthodoxy Office." By Stacy Meichtry. Wall Street Journal. July 2, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI tapped German bishop Gerhard Ludwig Mueller to head the Vatican's office in charge of doctrinal affairs, placing a respected theologian at the helm of one of Roman Catholicism's most powerful posts. Monday's appointment comes at a delicate time for the Vatican. Bishop Mueller, 64, succeeds retiring U.S. Cardinal William Joseph Levada as the prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the formal name of the Holy See's doctrinal office. Cardinal Levada, 76, presided over a turbulent period in church history as the Vatican struggled to overcome controversies ranging from tensions with dissident movements to the long-running child-abuse scandal. Bishop Mueller cut his teeth in the world of academia, following a path very similar to the pope. He is the bishop of Regensburg, Germany, the same city where Pope Benedict taught theology in the 1960s as the then-Rev. Joseph Ratzinger. Like the pope, Bishop Mueller has distinguished himself in theological circles. A prolific writer, Bishop Mueller has published a wide array of works, and he is the editor of Opera Omnia, a collection of the pope's theological writings. , The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is spearheading the Vatican's response to some of the most sensitive issues facing the Catholic Church. In Europe, the office in involved in efforts to bring the breakaway traditionalist group Society of St. Pius X back into the Catholic fold. Bishop Mueller will also oversee the Vatican's controversial effort to overhaul an umbrella group of nuns in the U.S. He will also continue to lead the Catholic Church's world-wide efforts to crack down on sexual abuse. Due to the importance of his new post, the prelate is likely to be named a cardinal in the future. In a statement announcing the appointment, the Vatican said Pope Benedict was elevating the prelate to be an archbishop.
Related story:
"Pope Names German Bishop as Leader of Doctrinal Office." New York Times. July 2, 2012.
"Pope Defends His Top Aide Amid Vatican Infighting." By Stacy Meichtry. Wall Street Journal. July 4, 2012. Pope Benedict XVI defended his closest aide against a tide of "unjust criticism" in an unusual open letter that underscored the pontiff's struggle to quell months of infighting within the Vatican's corridors. The pope's July 2 letter to his top lieutenant Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone marked a rare acknowledgment of the cardinal's controversial standing among Roman Catholic officials. As the Holy See's secretary of state, Cardinal Bertone acts as the papacy's prime minister, running day-to-day operations of the Vatican's government, the Roman Curia, and keeping church officials united behind the pope's ministry. Publication of the letter, which praised the cardinal's "enlightened counsel," aims to put an end to weeks of reports in Italian newspapers that Cardinal Bertone's ouster was imminent. In the hushed world of Vatican politics, however, the standing of a secretary of state is rarely questioned in the first place. The fact that the pontiff, on the eve of his summer holiday, publicly defended Cardinal Bertone is a clear sign that the cardinal is under siege, according to Vatican analysts. Some Catholic officials are unhappy with Cardinal Bertone's handling of myriad crises facing the papacy, ranging from his response to the long-running sexual-abuse scandal to his struggle to referee turf battles over Vatican finances. The battle has been laid bare by a hemorrhage of internal documents that have recently been leaked to the Italian media.


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The Firelands Regional Medical Center Spine Center has a long-standing record of top performance, providing the region's only team-based approach for Back, Neck and Spine Care.
In 2016, Firelands received the following awards, ratings, and rankings related to spine surgery from Healthgrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization:
Firelands Regional Medical Center Spine Center has also been designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Ohio. The Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® program is a national designation awarded to medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality specialty care.
Firelands Regional Medical Center Spine Center provides the best-quality care and the best possible outcomes, in the best imaginable location—close to home. For excellence in spine surgery and beyond, choose Firelands.


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The Hornets are playing the way most prognosticators thought they would be from the beginning.
Winners of seven straight, surging up the list in the Western Conference standings and positioning themselves for one of the high seeds when the playoffs begin next month.
A great performance by Julian Wright over the weekend, solid play by Tyson Chandler and what-you-expect play from Chris Paul and David West and there's a lot of excitement surrounding the team.
So let's chat. Times-Picayune beat reporter John Reid will be with you at noon today.


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FLINT, MI -- In early December, the Flint Cultural Center will give a gift to Genesee County: A night of activities and access to its variety of facilities.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the Flint Cultural Center will host its 30th Annual Holiday Walk from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The free event will begin with Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and Santa Claus lighting a Christmas tree during an annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m.
Afterward, Santa will make his way to The Whiting for family visits and photo opportunities.
For the rest of the evening, multiple components of the Center -- Applewood, Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Public Library, Flint Youth Theatre, Longway Planetarium, Sloan Museum, Sarvis Conference Center, and The Whiting, along with the Whaley Historic House Museum -- will offer a variety of free, fun activities to visitors of the 33-acre campus.
Sarah Dunne, events and marketing coordinator for Flint Cultural Center Corporation, said the event has attracted an average of 5,000 to 6,000 people for the past vfew years.
"This is usually the craziest time of the year. So many people come here," she said. "It's been growing. It keeps getting bigger and bigger."
The grounds will be decorated with holiday light displays, and Dunne explained that each building will have its own specific activity, most of them with some respect to what that building usually offers.
For example, Longway Planetarium will offer planetarium shows, the Flint Institute of Music will feature festive musical performances, the Flint Institute of Art will showcase art pieces, and the Flint Youth Theatre will feature holiday performances. Other activities include seasonal craft demonstrations, refreshments and more.
"I think it's a silver lining if we get to showcase who we are, what we do and what we're passionate about," Dunne said. "The main goal is to say thank you to the community for their support during the year."
She added that people often wait in line for hours to see Santa, and that the planetarium shows fill up quickly, but the event's assortment of activities keeps everyone occupied.
"We make the flier and the schedule available from Oct. 30," Dunne said, "So most parents plan and have an idea of what they're going to do with their kids before they come here."


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Nick Tosches
|Nick Tosches
|Nicholas P. Tosches
October 17, 1949
Newark, New Jersey, United States
|Biographer, essayist, journalist, novelist, poet
Nick Tosches (/ˈtɑːʃəs/; born October 17[1] or 23,[2] 1949) is an American journalist, novelist, biographer, and poet. His 1982 biography of Jerry Lee Lewis, Hellfire, was called by Rolling Stone "the best rock n' roll biography ever written."[3][4]
He was born in Newark, New Jersey. The name Tosches originates from Albanian settlers in Italy, known as Arbëreshë; his grandfather emigrated from the village of Casalvecchio di Puglia to New York City in the late nineteenth century.[5]
According to his own account, Nick Tosches "barely finished high school".[4] He had a variety of jobs, including working as a porter for his family's business in New Jersey, and as a paste-up artist for the Lovable underwear company in New York City,[1][6] before spending time in the early 1970s in Florida working as a snake hunter for the Miami Serpentarium. A fan of early rock and roll music and "oddball" records,[4] he also began writing for rock music magazines, including Creem, Fusion, and Rolling Stone. He has been described as "the best example of a good rock journalist who set out to transcend his genre and succeeded,"[3] and as someone who "along with Lester Bangs, Richard Meltzer and a handful of other noble notables from the era... elevated rock writing to a new plateau."[4] He was fired by Rolling Stone for collaborating with Meltzer in filing record reviews under each other's byline.[6]
His first book, Country: The Biggest Music in America (later retitled Country: The Twisted Roots of Rock and Roll), was first published in 1977. It was followed in 1982 by Hellfire, a biography of Jerry Lee Lewis, and in 1984 by Unsung Heroes of Rock N' Roll: The Birth of Rock in the Wild Years Before Elvis. Subsequent biographies have covered the lives of singer and entertainer Dean Martin, Sicilian financier Michele Sindona, heavyweight boxer Sonny Liston, country singer Emmett Miller, and racketeer Arnold Rothstein.[3][6]
Tosches has worked as a contributing editor at Vanity Fair,[5] and has also been published in Esquire and Open City. He has published four novels, Cut Numbers (1988), Trinities (1994), In the Hand of Dante (2002), and Me and the Devil (2012); and a collection of poetry, Chaldea and I Dig Girls (1999). He also worked on Never Trust A Loving God, a book in collaboration with the French painter and friend of the writer, Thierry Alonso Gravleur.[7] He has described his literary influences as "Hesiod, Sappho, Christopher Marlowe, Ezra Pound, William Faulkner, Charles Olson, and God knows who else."[5] A compendium, The Nick Tosches Reader collects writings from over the course of his career.
He was featured on the popular Travel Channel show Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations in the episode "Disappearing Manhattan". He and Bourdain shared a drink at Sophie's in the East Village, a Manhattan dive bar, and they discussed the changing nature of the city.
- Hellfire, 1982 (first edition), Grove Press, ISBN 0-8021-3566-8
- Dangerous Dances: The Authorized Biography with Daryl Hall and John Oates, 1984, St. Martin's Press, ISBN 0-312-35716-8
- Power on Earth, 1986
- Dino: Living High in the Dirty Business of Dreams, 1992
- The Devil and Sonny Liston, 2000
- Where Dead Voices Gather, 2001
- King of the Jews, 2005
Fiction and poetry[edit]
- Cut Numbers, 1988
- Trinities, 1994, St Martins, ISBN 0-312-95689-4
- Chaldea and I Dig Girls, 1999
- In the Hand of Dante, 2002
- Me and the Devil, Little, Brown and Company, 2012
- Johnny's First Cigarette, Vagabonde, 2014
- Under Tiberius, Little, Brown and Company, 2015
- Country: The Twisted Roots of Rock 'n' Roll, 1977, Da Capo Press, ISBN 0-306-80713-0
- Unsung Heroes of Rock n' Roll: The Birth of Rock in the Wild Years Before Elvis, 1984 (first edition), Da Capo Press, ISBN 0-306-80891-9
- The Last Opium Den, 2002
- Never Trust a Loving God, Art Stock Books, 2009
- Save the Last Dance for Satan, Kicks Books, 2011
- The Nick Tosches Reader, 2000, Da Capo Press, USA, ISBN 0-306-80969-9
- Blue Eyes And Exit Wounds, with Hubert Selby Jr. and produced by author Harold Goldberg, 1998
- Nick & Homer, with Homer Henderson, 1998
- Fuckthelivingfuckthedead, 2001
- For the taking: Vol. I from CHALDEA with Rick Whitehurst 2006
Film and television[edit]
- Louis Prima: The Wildest!,1999
- Hubert Selby Jr: It/ll Be Better Tomorrow, 2005
- Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride: Hunter S. Thompson on Film, 2006
- Mobsters, in the episode Tommy Lucchese, 2008
- Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations in the episode "Disappearing Manhattan", 2009
WTF with Marc Maron Mon, February 23, 2015 http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_579_-_nick_tosches
- ^ a b Raab, Scott (December 13, 2012). "Nick Tosches: The ESQ&A". Esquire. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
- ^ Calendar of Historical Events, Births, Holidays and Observances
- ^ a b c Christina Nunez. "Meet the Writers: Nick Tosches". Barnes and Noble. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ a b c d Doane, Rex (November 12, 1999). "Nick Tosches, the man in the leopard-skin loafers". Salon. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ a b c Bloom, Michael. "Nick Tosches's Satisfaction". Scram Magazine. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ a b c Miliard, Mike (September 26, 2002). "Saint Nick". The Phoenix. Retrieved 12 August 2013.
- ^ Robert Birnbaum, Nick Tosches's unpredictable enthusiasms and obsessions are worth paying attention to, The Morning News. Retrieved 12 August 2013
External links[edit]
- 1949 births
- Living people
- American non-fiction writers
- 20th-century American novelists
- 21st-century American novelists
- American biographers
- American music critics
- Boxing writers
- Writers from Newark, New Jersey
- American people of Arbëresh descent
- 20th-century American poets
- 21st-century American poets
- 20th-century biographers
- 21st-century biographers
- American male novelists
- American male poets


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Joan Lucile (Diehl) Hamilton
Joan Lucile (Diehl) Hamilton, 83, formerly of Duncansville, went home peacefully to be with her Lord surrounded by her family the afternoon of March 5, 2013, at The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg.
She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Sylvester and Ava (Freeman) Diehl. She married Thomas Hamilton on June 20, 1953, in Altoona.
Surviving are her husband, the Rev. Thomas Hamilton; two daughters: Holly Joan Hamilton and husband, Edward Rapport, of Milwaukee, Wis., and Jill Ann George and husband, Robert, of Summerhill Township; five grandchildren: Christopher Rapport, Hamilton (Kristen) George, Zach Rapport, Morgan (Aaron) Luprek and Rachel (Michael) Hannah; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Wayne Diehl of Tucson, Ariz.; and a special niece and caregiver, Deborah Diehl.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Sylvester Diehl.
Joan was a 1947 graduate of Altoona High School and attended Eastern Bible Institute, Green Lane. She was a member of Abundant Life Assembly of God, Altoona. Throughout her life, she participated in many church activities, leading women's groups, teaching Sunday school and serving as pastor's wife for many years. She was an integral part of Hamilton Church Builders, serving as office manager for 30 years.
In retirement, Joan traveled extensively by RV with her husband, and in their travels, they served with volunteer groups, building churches across the country. She enjoyed flower gardens, especially roses, and shopping and was a terrific seamstress. One of the great joys of Joan's life was her dog, Lil Darlin.
Friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2013, and 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2013, at Abundant Life Assembly of God, 231 Howard Ave., Altoona, where a funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Pastor Walt Smith officiating. Private interment will be made at Rose Hill Cemetery, Altoona, at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements are by Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona.