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By Patsy R. Brumfield / Daily Journal
OXFORD – Former Booneville attorney Joey Langston takes the stand and talked about hiring Ed Peters, who took their legal issues to the judge presiding over the lawsuit against Richard Scruggs.
(Below is a running account in the courtroom. Please forgive the typos and glitches likely as I type fast as I can.)
MIKE MOORE TO QUESTION LANGSTON (Takes a few minutes to located him in courthouse.)
Langston sworn in – Booneville. 54, lived there most of my life. college, law sh, practiced law until 2008. Knows DS, probably since late 1990s. Worked on cases with him … variety, primarily plaintiff cases. Time to time, companies with litigation against them, served as resolution counsel. (Relationship?) A professional and personal friendship. (Know Steve Patterson?) Known Steve probably over 30 years, first met him at Millsaps and he was involved in politics. (Tim Balducci?) I know him. My law firm in Booneville hired him in 1990 or 1991… only stayed for ayear and left for Oxford. Years later, after not practicing in Oxford, came to Booneville and asked to come back to my law firm. Left a second time in 2007.
(Rep DS in any cases in 2005-06?) Yes, I did. (What?) A lot of issues that came up and I sometimes counseled him. Pending, Luckey and Wilson cases were prominent and pending at that time, I helped. (Wilson?) Involved, I did. (What was it about?) Generally, it was about a fee dispute among lawyers. Wilson claimed DS owed him certain asbestos fees. Later, it morphed into something else. He amended claims to include tobacco fees. (Did you do … did he ask you to represent him?) Chronologically, Luckey tried first in arbitration. Wilson came after, I was more actively involved in prep for Wilson trial.
(Before Wilson, do anything on this case about it?) I did. Naturally, read the pleadings. Balducci also did that. We read the briefs, a lot of motions in case. Not sure how long going on but in excess of 10 years. REad as much as we could. Talked to Dick about it, other lawyers too. (Assessment about it?) I felt very good about it. Expressed to Dick and other lawyers that strong… if didn't prevail pre-trial, I thought he would succeed at trial. (So, ever meet with DS… see timeline… 7/21/05 you meet?) I wouldn't dispute that date. I'd say correct … after the Luckey arbitration decision handed down.
(Next date, Langston hired Peters. Tell us about this?) Met with DS in New Albany… just a logical place halfway between Oxf and Booneville. Met for lunch, Discussed Luckey arbitration. Two cases weren't same but linked. Both former partners of DS in asbestos cases. Luckey filed claim, then Wilson filed separate. Luckey case was arbitrated and Dick and I talked … I was involved in Luckey case. WE initially prepared to try it. We conducted mock trials, been satisfied with results. Also, spending a lot of time on legal issues. Confident in good shape there with factual basis for defenses. Thought we were headed to trial. Difference of opinion with lawyers on our side … others felt best to go to arbitration, Luckey case. I was against it… felt would be giving up too many rights afforded someone who's sued. Liked what we had learned in prep of case.
I did not prevail and it went to arbitration. Arbitor held against Scruggs and it cost him a lot of money. He felt he was right. Angry with those who recommended arbitration. WE met at Safari … he wanted me to be more active in Wilson after what happened in Luckey case. (Where did idea to involve Peters come from?) As I recall it, … and I'm looking at timeline. Must have been in the fall … I recall DS said something about some lawyers from Jackson, I don't know who. Said to him… look, if got case in Hinds with DeLaughter you'd be smart to associate Ed Peters. Became more relevant, Wilson side associated Bill Kirksey. Had a lot of lawyers anyway… signal… he was former DeL law partner. I didn't know DeL, didn't know Peters, don't think Dick new Peters. We didn't know what was shaping up politically down there.
So, when suggested about Peters, fell to me. (Patterson knew him?) Patterson not my employee but he had consulting firm, Cotton Plant Consulting, maintained office in my building. That day or next, I walked into his office and said, hey, we're getting more active in Wilson v. Scruggs. Assigned to Del, someone says get Peters. He immediately said yes. I asked him how. He said he'd call him. Left it to Steve to call him. (He called, report?) Yes, after they spoke, I went back to office. Steve said he'll do it. At some point, Balducci joined conversation … Steve said he'll agree to it, then he also told me should pay him $50K in cash. (Who's idea?) Must have been an idea hatched when Peters and Patterson spoke. I didn't suggest it. First I heard it from was Steve. Didn't have $50K lying around. Said, how would I do that? To my surprise, Balducci said, I'll put it up.
I said, OK. He brought it in cash to office and three of us flew to Jxn to meet with Peters. That's where we paid him. (Paid him first time?) I don't remember if pre-meeting … I recall meeting where … as I recall it … first meeting…g ave him $50K from Balducci to gibe to him. (Who was there?) Peters, Patterson, Balducci, Peters, myself. Don't know if Balducci there when I gave him money.
(What asked Peters to do in exchange for money?) Here's way explained to me. $50K looks awful … explained to me that Peters owned a fishing camp in Louisiana, damaged by some storm .. he was paying people to fix it. Easier to do in cash … so why he needed cash. I didn't have it, we gave it to him. Reason, why associating him … at initial meeting, objective to hire him to talk to him about issues in case, bring him up to speed about fairly complex case as well as we could that day.
(Fair to say then, trying to balance influence of Kirksey?) Yes, that was a concern. It wasn't uncommon practice for lawyers to hire … others … but Kirksey was a good lawyer. Also a former law partner of judge, concerned us. Hired Peters. (Whether this is wrong, real or imagined? Felt like DS wouldn't be treated unfairly in court?) DS was a high-profile guy, very successful professionally and financially. As a result, a lot of people made odd claims against him. REgular basis. Someone would claim entitled to this or that, particularly tobacco fees. He was a little punch-drunk … no, concerned about people making claims that didn't have any legal or factual basis. He had to defend those claims in various parts of the country. Like, you've got a lot of money and I'd like to have some of it.
A lot of frivolous claims… he became concerned about these claims.
(Did you know that … or Patterson say, Hire Peters because close to DeL? Why?) No question, one of our motives. (Asked Peters to do what?) Well, initially we wanted him to get schooled on the case. To kind of coach him up about issues, facts, what law was… we felt was pertinent. That took some time. Initially, we didn't know how we were going to use him. Asked him not to make an appearance. Initially, we didn't have that in our mind. Didn't know what his role would be. But as our relationship evolved with him, talked about issues, law, research … apparent he was having ex parte communications with DeL. (Did he tell you?) Yes. (Where, how?) I don't remember if it was in chambers. They met somewhere, They were social and personal friends. (We lawyers know about rules of professional conduct. Prohibition of earwigging, prohibits ex parte contact with judge?) Yes. (When found out, reaction?) Well, obviously it was wrong. Looking back, I should have said no, stop it. Not what we intended to do. Not what I did.
I was told by Peters, at first meeting and many times after, that DeL was going to do his homework, his own research. If argue point of law, better be right. You can't make him not follow the law. He told us that … look back and regret … why I didn't stop him from going into those communications. (Justified them with feeling by Peters that DeL would follow the law, can't get him not to do that? Comfort to you?) Yes, in my own mind how I justified it. My have been reason, it wasn't a good excuse.
(This contact, unethical behavior … summer/fall of 2005, continued all the way until end of case?) Yes. (So, ex parte contact … began here… all way through? Did Peters have any trouble getting access …. through Feb. 2006?) No, never reported any to me? (Did access increase after March 20, 2006 or more because of anything? Anything change?) Nothing changed. At times, inactivity of case, not much would be going on. Don't know that his ability to access changed. (Skip through a few things here … so, this access – government calls secret access – what did it get you? What did you get? What did you win in this case because of this access? What benefit di dyou get? Point to something you got, contrary to the law… talked DeL into doing something wrong, contrary to the law?) Well, fo course, acknowledging ex parte was wrong … (So had access to Peters … we had damaging order … DeL rejects special master's ruling, that's good for Scruggs… what does DeL do? For you or against on fiduciary claim?) Ruled against us. Left us open for potential punitive damages if went to trial. (Did you send Peters in there to try to turn this around?) As I recall, … we thought ruling was not correct and that argued to Peters why we thought we were justified in believing it was not legally correct. WE asked him to carry our point and he did that. That was wrong. Argue out point more with DeL. But it didn't change. (DeL stayed consistent?) What he considered consistent. WE thought he was wrong.
(Later, special master's report that changed interpretation of Paragraph 32A… about settlements …were you concerned about that report Jan. 06?) We were. Generally, what it was about was that some previous rulings in case, which were I thought favorable to our side… about Wilson's ability to claim more money on certain asbestos settlements. The special master report came and we felt it was different than previous order in case. Contradicted the history of the case, the law of the case, if you will. So we sought to have DeL rule on whether special master's report was consistent or not. He ultimately said …about being contrary to previous rulings. (Refers to earlier rulings?) (2002, long before you were involved with Wilson case?) Oh, yes. (Approx 3 years before Peters was asked to have ex parte contacts with judge?) Yes. *(Law of case in 2002, DeL ruling consistent throughout case?) Yes, think his rulings were consistent with what shows here tht he ruled on that paragraph. May sound like a fine point but that graph became well known to all the lawyers.
(In existence Aug. 1992?) Yes. (What case was about?) Yes.
(Quantification order? Norman said and questioned Patterson, described it that some kind of reverse contingency agreement negotiated by you to incentivize everybody to go Zero this case out… reason why it occurred?) No, someone must be getting two mixed up. As we started preparing for this trial … I don't know when this conversation took place, I asked Dick, is there some number you would pay to resolve all this. He said $3M. (So, you met with DS and asked how to work out, willing to pay?) Meeting for various matters, that came up. I initiated the conversation. At some point, I said, look, if bring it in for less than that … would you pay that in attorney fees? He said yes. (What if brought it for $5M?) I would be zero. (Any connection with agreement and quantification order?)
Point out date of quantification order? (Yes, it's 7/7/06) I would say that the agreement on reverse contingency fees was several months before. (One connected to another?) We didn't know about quantification motion when discussed the fee. (So, what was eventual result of case?) It was settled. (So we're clear, govt seems to think case was Zeroed out? Or had huge money already paid?) Well, can only speak for time I was involved. May have been money paid before I was aware of. Lay it out like it happened. Both sides had economic experts, experienced lawyers. Motion would be filed regarding a settlement or experts would incorporate a settlement… during time, Dunbar, Jones, Funderburg, others involved. Did very good work. Our experts determined a settlement, if we still owed money, we'd pay it as it was determined. If knew we owed money, we'd pay it. Don't want court to see you owe money. From time to time, paid Wilson. Amounted to a lot of money – don't remember exactly how much. Know some significant amt of money, and on occasions we paid them on determination of experts. Yes, paid as we went along.
(So, case is over. Let's look back. Fair to say, whatever influence you have with DeL was a direct result of Peters' involvement, ex parte, nothing else?) No. Whatever we had with him, I think … call it good will, through Peters. (Did anybody offer bribe to DeL?) I don't know of a bribe … if you're talking about .. if he made a demand of us. I'm not aware of a bribe. Aware of the matter of his interest in federal judgeship but we didn't offer that. (Deals with DeL to rule in your favor?) We were told, first sat down with Peters until last day I saw him, including …. DeL was going to follow the law. Regarding Peters' conversations, all I've go to go on what Ed Peters said. Never saw conversations, I was never party to conversation. Just what he said. I believed what he was telling me.
(From whom did you first hear that DeL might be interested in federal judgeship?) Well, would be Patterson or Peters. Believe, it was would you help support him for that. (Ever first time you ever heard a judge was interested in federal judgeship?) No. (Common knowledge to be asked to put in good word for somebody?) I think so. Lawyers have fraternity of sorts. Interest like that … would seek the support to people they think might support them. (Must be lawyer?) Yes. (Ever been asked by a judge to give him help to become a federal judge?) Yes, I have. State court judges too.
(What position put in when that happens?) Like I've said … really only have three options – can say yes I'll help, no I won't or you can do nothing. No I won't and do nothing are bad things, if they ever become a judge. As it turns out, yes I will help turned out badly. In this case, we had improper conversations with judge. (Is it really wrong if judge asks lawyer to make rec for him for federal judgeship? Or is that helping?) I know a lot of lawyers do it. Nothing wrong with practice. Think … know that selections aren't made just on files… that people look for recommendations, lot of vetting that goes on. … Ask people to help them, people who know them.
(We heard testimony yesterday… that various lawyers petitioned them … Jim Herring recommended DeL, Peters wrote on his behalf, DeL's father … asking someone to consider him? Wrong?) Doesn't sound that way. (You found yourself in position … this thing popped up in it? Idea, hey can you help me become federal judgeship?) No, wasn't my idea. They brought it to me. It popped up in middle or close to it. (Did you ever give second thought until investigation, conversations with feds, government … first think about this judgeship as some kind of problem … to make a federal crime out of it?) Answer? First thought could be a problem? DS arraignment in Lackey case … I wasn't involved but initially represented Scruggs Law and Dick. But, Dawson came to me and said he thought there might be 404B evidence involving me that … could be a problem and might result in me not being able to represent Scruggs. Didn't know what he was referring to. But as we moved forward through November, I spoke with them more, I learned might involved the DeL case. I remember … forgot question … I remember having talk with DS about that, first time I remember thinking about it. … about judgeship… well, before I knew that was the issue. They talked about 404B and might involved DeL case… I said to him, look I was on front line of Del, and know nothing … if Peters … his role was wrong. But if Peters did something with DeL, I didn't know it. He never told me he'd asked anything. Then, as it developed … about 404B stuff, then they laid it out for me… as it evolved November -December 2007 … comes down I assured Dick as I was talking to him there's nothing there. We didn't pay him anything. He didn't ask for anything, we didn't pay him anything. I became aware that allegation was something about federal judgeship … to answer question … remember someone bringing up issue of the federal judgeship discussion is the problem.
(So, only thing on board about judgeship … is right here… March 29, 2006, Trent Lott called Del. Phone call. Lott testified… court heard it. Do you know of anything else that govt has about some federal judgeship offered in exchange for anything? Anything? Other than what Trent Lott testified to?) I didn't hear his testimony but I know he made a all, learned that. We didn't … I'm not aware of anything else anyone had anybody else do. Not aware of anything else done. (Aware of anything extraordinary occurred after March 29 as result of this phone call that helped you in your case? Govt says this is the bribe … what was it that the bribe got? You already had access… what did it get you? Need quid quo pro?) Certainly wouldn't try to suggest to judge what would be. We had access and communications with Del all the way back to when I hired Peters in summer/fall of 2005,continued through end of case. Nothing changed. He continued to tell me same things… I can argue these points of law but he's going to do his own work and follow the law. (When Peters said DeL wanted to be federal judge …you knew he tried to be a magistrate, tried to help him… what was it,….anything else except to tell Dick Scruggs?) Sure I did. (Tell Peters how that might help or hurt DS to make this recommendation?) Was a standard response to these … DS says will hurt more than help but i'll support you. May hurt you but I'll support you. That's what he'll do. (Know DS long time.?) I have.
(In this case, Norman says DS is someone who is the gatekeeper for Trent Lott's judicial appointments. Is that true or false?) I never saw him like that. You said gatekeeper? Never saw that. (Know any judge DS ever recommended hwo's on bench?) Never known one. (Anyone he's rec to Trent and Lott went along?) Don't know of any. (Understand how people have their own ideas abou case… Norman a few mins ago said DS is kind of lawyer "screws" everybody he's ever dealt with. Is that ture?) A statement like that is not true. I've seen him treat people faar more fairly than dserved. I've seen him be tough. But statement like that is incorrect.
(About last point first, Jones law firm through everything it had to defend DS. When Wilson and Luckey were screwed?) They had disputes with him. (Jones had to sue to get paid?) I know that was in litigation. (Both cases were rigged? Jones, Wilson?) To some extent. (History of case … begin with meeting at Safari? DS wa smade as hell?) He was. (Said wanted to fire Dunbar and Jones because Dunbar was like an old lady?) Wanted to discharge them. (Called Merkel Junk Yard Dog, needed someone mean and combative?) Maybe (Wnated you to take over and make sure it didn't happen again?) yes. (When Luckey took case before honest judge and cost him $17M?) Think jduge David was honest judge. Cost him. (Luckey was companion case to Wilson?) Many of same issues. Luckey's complaint centered on rights of fomrer partner to recover money. Wilson's was more of a contract dispute.
(So, give that mandate … told by DS that someone told him toget Peters on side, you went to Patterson?) Yes. (Hired Peters ….) I don't remember statement about no 1099. (Paying lawyer for ability to corruptly influence a judge…admit it's tax-free. A few things wrong?) A lot wrong, admit that. (Compare Peters with Kirksey… Kirksey entered an appearnce?) He did. (Big difference) It is.
(Peters said DeL would follow the law… wasn't he already breking the law with access?) Yes. We were having secret access to him. (Norman,,, State Statute ….says felony under state law.. prohibits official from receiving anything … as an inducement of official act.. In other words, a judge who will accept offer of an intangible such as shot at judgeship in exchange for behaving way he was behaving … is a violation of law?) It is. (Moroe aske dyou if anything wrong with paying a lawyer $1M not for his legal abilities but to corruptly influence judge, then dangle federal judgeship … is thre anything wrong with that?) (MOORE – Don't think you'll find that on record at all.) Did I hear Mooe ask me that …. I think I acknoweldged something wrong … hiring Peters to go to DeL with ex parte communications. I said that. (But more than unethical… it was illegal?) I think it was (You plead guilty to it?) I did. (More than unethial?) I adopted that opinion. (Disagree with Moore that this was just unethical?) Depends on what point… (MOORE – Let him answer the question!)
If question is, was it improper, wrong. I said that a million times… Peters to DeL with ex parte communications, Wehther it constitutes a crime, this court must determine. Certianly our objective was to gain good will, try to influence the jduge to see our way as far as esoteric points ot law. That was wrong, improper. Believe court is charged with determining whether it's a crime. (Quesiton – did you plead guilty to unethical conduct or a felony?) A felony.
(DeL didn' walways rule for you. But yous aid, that would ahve been a red flag?) Yes, I have said that, it is true. Also said, not familiar with any cae that lawyer wins every ruling. We certainly didn't puick and choose to rule for or against us. But he didnn't rule for us ine very instance. (Never in career seen a judge rule for one side very time, obvious red flag?) It would be to me. (Ddidn' tknow of any bribes to deL? What case is about. When dangle possiblity of judgeship before this thirsty judge, you didn't think he'd think anything about it?)I didn't htink about it. They came to us. I said that's not my determination to make. (If you rack your brain…. to think back,… that feds might be worried about in Wilson case. Never thought it was a thing of value to influence a jduge?) Initially, it idid not occur to me. (Intended on front end … for Peters to have ex parte conversations with judge?) I knew that's what he was doing. I didn't put a stop to it. That's what he told me. (Acknoweldged haven't you, that ex parte resulted in favorable treatment?) We got it because Peters argued out position as points of law. Dick had opporrunity.
(DS knew about $50K to Peters?) I told him. (You said kept DS advised of anything significant?) Not everything, but I would. (Including Peters corrupt behavior?) If Peters reported anything on points of law … people working on this case constantly. Had to make points of law. (Is there nay benefit to lawyer knowing what judge is thinking, what might be concerned about on points ot law, how he tends to feel about resolution?) Sure. (What?) Well, you know where you need to focus your efforts. If weak here, need to send reinforcements, doi research and work. Important. (As cse picked up speed … you talked to DS about what he would consider acceptable… money to be a win. He said $3M.) I don't remember exact date. Generally correct. (In his view, from what he told you, he was wiling to pay $3M more and consider that w in?) Yes. We felt like he would be saisfied to pay $3M to resolve all issues. (Still spending for Luckey, knows exposure is multi-miullions, still facing constructive trust… if loses to Wilson at state court level, doesn't hurt Wilson in federal court… Wilson said if paiud what I was owed in asbestos and invested, I'd be milionaire, right?) Generally. (Exposure was multi-millions?) Yes, based on what other side was asking for.
(How many millions did you have?) 12 or 15 … (Did not want DeL to rule contrary to law?) No, we were comfortable that law supported our defenses. We wanted him to rule what we considered the law to be. (Comfortable? But willing to pay $1M to hedge your bets?) We certainly paid Peters to do that. (If DeL ruled contrary and was reversed on appeal, would be wasting your money?) We certainly talked about appeals… one reaosn why we made payments all along. Elminate issuesl… by end of case, had few of them pending. (Despite all this corruptin, the appellate process workd? If jduge rules against law, would be reversed. Get you nothing?) Yes. (Discretionary calls were where you made your win?) We felt we had enough good will with court to prevail, wouldn't be punished … can't … trying to think about discretionary calls. (Example – Sneed interpreation of contract with Wilson and Scruggs, called for 40% even after 1992 agreement?) OK. (That's what Sneed thought was owed Wilson? About $8M swing?) Don't remember number, but owuld have been a swing. (But jduge could have refused to accept R&R and not be a clear violation of the law?) I'm uncomfortable making all… based on 1992 rulings. But DeL's ruling that "existing" means "Existing" helped us.
• • •
OXFORD – Second day of testimony starts with a key Jackson attorney explaining issues before Judge Bobby DeLaughter in Wilson v. Scruggs case and the timeframe involved.
Richard "Dickie" Scruggs seeks to have his 2009 conviction overturned that he improperly influenced the judge to rule in his favor in this lawsuit.
(Below is a running account.)
First witness is Steve Funderburg, an attorney for Jones Funderburg, which represented Scruggs prior to Langston-Balducci's take-over of defense in the Wilson v. Scruggs legal-fees lawsuit.
• • •
Scruggs atty Lee Martin doing questioning as hearing begins.
Steve FunderburG, Jxn atty, said his firm had been told in March 2006 to put brakes on some legal work with the case, then picked it up in May through August. Drafted pleadings and sent them along to Balducci for input.
(Who is Jack Dunbar?) Attorney, lead counsel for Scruggs defense when Jones and I became involved with Wilson. He was lead until Jan-Feb '06, continued in advisory capacity until end of case. (Who took over after Dunbar?) Joey Langston and, I guess, Balducci. Langston considered lead counsel after that. (After Langston took over as lead, did your role stay the same?) Other than March period, I was same.
PRB – In audience, Cal Mayo. Pet Boone, Curtis Wilkie, Mary Donnelly Haskell, Scruggs family members. About 50 people in hearing audience. Senior Judge Glen H. Davidson presiding.
FunderburG says disagreement occurred about contract for fees, basis for Wilson-Scruggs lawsuit. (When was specific graph addressed by court?) In 2002. (Special master in Wilson case?) That's correct. (To address special issues, make recs?) Yes. (Asks about report and rec by special master Bobby Sneed, 2002. Recognize it?) Correct. (Pg 3 – discussion section, says 1992 agreement clear and unambigious?) Yes, see that. (What do you recall fees?) On existing settlement in 1992, subject to fees. Anything after would not. (Aug 1992?) Date signed contract. (Pg 4 – says Wilson entitled to 40% of aty fees from existing settlements… thus as of Aug. 7, 1992. Decision?) Yes, with first-round defendants, yes.
(Did court accept special master's rec?) Court accepted it. (Shows him court order, dated Aug. 23, 1992… ?) DeLaughter signed, accepting recommendation. (He agreed with special master's rec?) Yes, and that it was a binding contract. (Issue of other fees came up later?) Yes. (Wilson made another attempt to enlarge settlement?) Yes. (Describe what Wilson's approach was to increase settlement?) Well, some language in contract that settlements reached … he would argue additional settlements. But after existing settlements in 1992, were modifiations to settlements. Complicated litigation about how it happened, but nature of settlements changed. Wilson claimed he was entitled to any modifications or extensions. Our position was no, different settlements.
(5 settlements at issue before special master?) Yes, in 2005? (Subsequent to Sneed's rec?) Yes, 5. (What was master's rec per Wilson's entitlement from subsequent settlements?) His R&R essentially said he felt extensions would be something Wilson would be entitled to fees from. (If Wilson entitled, what would be the financial impact upon the defendants?) On 5 major settlements, about $5.5 million across board. … up to about $8.5 million. (That more if decision solid?) Yes.
(Sneed's rec, in 2006, about subsequent settlements, was his rec a deviation from law of case as it existed?) That was out position. (Taking up court's attention?) Yes. (Did court hold hearing on defense motions for a continuance?) Jan. 12, 2006. (At that hearing, was Sneed's Jan. 9 '06 rec discussed?) It was. (What was DeL's impression of Sneed';s '06 rec?) Don't know what was in his mind. He commented that it was a radical departure of decisions before. (Pg 38 – transcript from 1/12/06 hearing… back up to Pg 36 … see DeL's comments at hearing… continues to Pg 38 … read what says.) Reviewing Sneed .. apparent that part was radical departure from what was agreed upon. (DeL said about May 06 ruling?) Yes. (Jan. 12. 06 – no federal judge vacancies? When Barbour took senior status?) I don't dispute that. (Filed objection to report?) We did. (What id DeL rule about fees?) Judge objected to special maser rec and took it back to a ruling that fees only to Wilson on original settlement. (When he did, 12-pg order by DeL… did he just reject it?) I thought he went through each one with some analysis, that he had spent some time explaining nature of modificatons and how they were changed later. Provided some conclusions. (Broke each down prior to 1992 and difference with modifications?) My recollection.
(Part of this … had each side retained accountants to calculate various fees Wilson would be entitled to?) Yes. (Did Wilson's expert follow DeL's order?) Our position was that he did not. Methodology was consistent with Wilson's interpretation. Sol Solomon. (How different?) His numbers kept treating figures to Wilson's fees on any money from first-round defendants, before or after. (Disregarding DeL's order?) Our position. (Based on report by Solomon to court, on his methodology, did you take action?) We filed motion to strike his report. (DeL ruled?) He did, on motion to strike. (Shows him order to strike.) Yes, 7/2006
(Look on Pg 2 of DeL's report …. see this, special master's review … DeL says Wilson due 40% on existing settlements, as of Aug. 1992. Is he taking them back to old order?) Yes. (Another paragraph… says court entered order accepting special master conclusion … footnote?) I think it was a typo… It was 2002. (That DeL accepted 5/16/02 rec by Sneed?) Yes. (Pg 5 – same order… reviewed all 5 contested settlements … modified after '02 … court of opinion .. spec master's finding wrong …. if accepted would erase "existing" … would change terms. Said Wilson wasn't entitled to more?) Correct. (Footnotes … read?) …. (So, he's taking it back to waht already ruled… can't share in modified settlements?) That's correct.
(After DeL issued 8/23/02 order, did subsequent rulings remain consistent with it?) IN my opinion, yes. (MOTIONS FOR QUANTIFICATION, RECALL?) Yes, three motions. (Shows him three agreements, familiar?) Unfortunately, I am. (Date Wilson filed those motions?) June 12, 2006. (Explain generally, what was Wilson asking court to do with motions?) Calculate actual amts of money due to Wilson. (Based on various settlements reached in asbestos settlements … determine new fees due?) Yes, to resolve conflicts between expert reports, to come up with a number for each of amts due Wilson. (REaction?) I was confused at first. Couldn't understand why do that. (Feeling?) Couldn't understand why plaintiffs would basically ask court to resolve thos issues without a jury. Would remove any element of what I considered compensatory damages… have court determine them. Then, we – defense SCruggs – hindered … so why would plaintiffs take role away from jury?
(Explain?) We contended that if apply methdology we used … if applied and compared to amounts paid, ended up with a net Zero. Saw it as opportunity… to compare the amounts against what Scruggs had paid. (So, Scruggs continued to pay fees to Wilson … that your team said he was entitled to?) Yes. (So, most quantification before judge … saw, first to calculate fees persuant to agrement. Then, also consider money DS had already paid him?) Yes. (Did team file response to motion?) I drafted responses to all three motions. One response, we did not dispute the procedural request but asked teh court to give it context … calculate money already paid. (Who actually drafted responses?) I drafted response … not sure if Jones added anything. Most went through Tim and Joey… bulk drafted by me. (During this time of Wilson v. Scruggs case… did DeL have law clerk named Lee Turner?) Yes. (Communicated with him?) Yes, a lot of paper. Confusing sometimes.
(Prior to filing response motion to quantification… did Turner give you info about DeL's thoughts on quantification?) Don't remember email about it … but I said Turner doesn't think much of motion for quantification. (You have learned that Peters was involved with Scruggs side of case … at time case was going on and you were involved in 2006, were you aware of Peters involvement?) No. (Talk to Peters about case?) No. (Didn't approve of anything Peters may have connected with DeL on ?) Certainly not. (Any info from Peters about DeL's thoughts?) No.
(Court has info that Balducci said in deposition … he says "a fatal error" made by Scuggs team in response to quantification. He says it was failure to attach any supporting docs, along with response. What is your response to that claim of fatal error, mistake on your team's part?) I don't know context he spoke about bu ton face doesn't make sense. We were responding to plaintiff's motion. We did not have burden of proof. Responding to thei request. Notion that we needed sworn information or supporting evidence doesn't make sense to me on its face. Also doesn't make sense because if look at DeL's orders, where he quantified … see where judge would adopt method, compare with DS claims he paid, and in every graph, said "x amount" due and compare with what's paid. DeL acknowledger our representations it was paid.
(Dispute?) Not sure if any factual disputes on actual money, if had gone to trial. (Exhibit – order quantifying money paid to defendant? DeL's order …. amts paid by DS .. says DS claims he has paid that amount. What you're talking about?) Yes. (Any fatal error in that filing?) No, it doesn't make sense that he would claim a fatal error. I drafted it. I don't think so.
(Staying with order of quantification, Wilson quantified amounts he said due. Scruggs side said more to consider?) Yes, amount already paid. (So, i …


text:
Chris Kluwe Discusses His New Book, "Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies"
Chris Kluwe continues to be the best person in the NFL, even if he's technically a free agent at the moment. (We had to google what free agent means, and it's someone who isn't signed to a particular team but hopes to be.)
What's important to know about Kluwe is that he's a punter, meaning he kicks balls for a living. In the past, he's played for the Seattle Seahawks, the Minnesota Vikings and — briefly during the off-season this year — the Oakland Raiders. In that time, he's earned a reputation as a shit-stirring voice of dissent in the NFL's rigid old boys' club. In his personal life, he's a straight, married father of two. But he's also an unapologetic defender of queer equality, a position that may or may not have cost him his position on the Vikings.
Kluwe recently published his first book, Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies, in which the author riffs on everything from Jesus to — you guessed it — same-sex marriage. The title of the book refers to a 2012 letter Kluwe wrote to a Maryland politician who suggested the Baltimore Ravens should stop linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, another proponent of marriage equality in the NFL, from voicing his beliefs.
In that letter, Kluwe called Maryland state delegate Emmett Burns "a narcissistic fromunda stain," among other similarly graphic descriptors. Kluwe's father suggested his son's letter would've been more effective had it not included so much cursing. So, in his book, Kluwe revised the letter to be more palatable to his dad. He changed "narcissistic fromunda stain" to "beautifully unique sparklepony," and therein found the title for his book.
On Monday, Kluwe sat down with Cara Santa Maria of Pivot's nightly news show, Take Part Live. The two discussed Kluwe's book, as well as the author's gift for colorful phrasings.
"I don't like lazy swearers," Kluwe explained. "Anyone can just drop an f-bomb or a shit or whatever… It's not intelligent, that doesn't draw someone's attention. But when you come up with something that people haven't heard before, then all of a sudden they're like, 'Whoa! Wait a minute, what did that guy just say?' And it triggers the point you were trying to make, because then they remember that as well."
In response to criticism that he's too political for a professional athlete, Kluwe said, "You look back at the history of athletics in the United States, and it's full of athletes who went out and spoke about causes that they felt strongly about. You know, they used their platform to speak out on things they felt they had to make a difference on… When I'm on the football field, yeah I am going to devote 100 percent of my time to football. That's my job there. When I'm off the football field, I am going to live my life just like I would hope everyone else would live their life."
If Kluwe doesn't get signed by another team, we think he seriously should consider moving into television. Say what you will about his punting skills, you can't deny the fact that Kluwe knows how to deliver a sound byte.
Vote for Kluwe in the 2013 Queerties here.
@Elloreigh..just think of the blog as pure entertainment and you will be just fine. Don't take this isshh seriously.
@Elloreigh: Good work. We need more grammar cops like you on the force.
@B Damion: It's not pure entertainment – it's also a [sassy] news source. Yeah, some nitpicking goes too far, but this is not one of those cases. People should take what they do seriously and turn out quality work, regardless of what it is or on what level.
I've zero idea of what type of a punter he was/is, but our community needs an ally telling the truth and setting straight all the lies,misinformation and vitriol by all the demonic soulless zombie Rethuglican sheeple!
I know he'd be a great asset calling them out and forcing them to keep it real!
@jwrappaport: It's not so much about being a 'grammar cop'. I don't go around correcting my friends grammar and spelling in informal conversations. On the other hand, my actual job does include fixing colleagues' errors before they have the chance to reach a wider audience.
So, I'm not going to pick on errors I see in the comments about an article, since I'm far from perfect when writing informally. I will, however, demand better quality from those writing articles when I spot things that detract from a piece. The writer is free to take that advice or ignore it.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Policy & Enforcement Briefing: LA Feed-in-Tariff, Solyndra Review, Coal Mining, EU ETS, Offshore Wind Lawsuit
Los Angeles City Council approved a measure to allow the Department of Water and Power (DWP) to move forward with a feed-in tariff initiative. The Clean LA Solar program will allow property owners to sell solar power generated from rooftops and parking lots back to the DWP, using a 150-megawatt feed-in tariff. The plan will create 4,500 jobs, generate $500 million in economic activity and offset 2.25 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2016, LABC said.
The Treasury Department's Office of the Inspector General found that the Treasury rushed its March 2009 consultation on the Department of Energy's $535 million loan guarantee for Solyndra. The OIG also found that the Treasury's consultative role was not sufficiently defined, and no documentation was retained as to how the Treasury's serious concerns with the loan were addressed.
The House Natural Resources Committee subpoenaed the Interior Department over planned regulations aimed at curbing environmental damage from Appalachian coal mining. The Interior plans to rework rules that regulate the dumping of debris from mountaintop-removal coal mining into nearby waterways. All documents related to the planned regulations are due by noon on April 12, The Hill said.
French prime minister Francois Fillon sent a letter to the European Commission president urging the EU to revisit the unpopular inclusion of aviation in the European Emissions Trading Scheme, due to the potential consequences for the bloc's aerospace industry. China has suspended plane orders from European planemaker Airbus worth $14 billion because of the scheme. Fillon said Airbus, airline Air France and engine maker Safran warned that 2,000 jobs were at risk, Reuters said.
EU nations are opposed to temporarily cutting the supply of carbon allowances in a new energy efficiency law, and are scheduled to discuss the legislative proposal in talks starting April 11. The plan was supported by the European Parliament's industry committee as a way to boost prices on the EU ETS, Business Week said.
United Nations experts have recommended that CDM carbon credits could be earned from cutting energy use in computer data centers, charcoal production and isolated electricity installations, Point Carbon said.
SouthPoint Wind has sued the Canadian and Ontario governments for $1 billion in damages for confiscation of its property and assets, $100 million for failure to negotiate in good faith, and another $100 million for punitive, aggravated and exemplary damages. SouthPoint is suing the province, three provincial ministries, Environment Canada, Hydro One and the Ontario Power Authority for declaring a moratorium on offshore wind farms, the Penticton Herald said.
A Romanian court annulled the Rosia Montana, Romania town zoning plan, striking a blow to Canadian-owned Rosia Montana Gold Corporation's plan for Europe's largest open-cast gold mine. Opponents say the four gold quarries, which would extract 314 tons of gold and 1,500 tons of silver with cyanide, would harm four mountaintops and three villages, Reuters reports.
Chevron and Transocean are being sued for $22 billion in environmental damages in Brazil, double initial claims, after a federal prosecutor filed a second lawsuit over oil spills off the nation's coast. The second suit is related to leaks discovered in March at Frade, the second incident at the offshore oil project, Bloomberg said.
The courts in Aceh, Indonesia, threw out the case against Indonesian palm oil company PT Kallista Alam brought by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment, seeking to protect a peat forest and endangered orangutans. Judges said the complainants should first have sought mediation with the company. An appeal is expected, the Sydney Morning Herald said.
Cosmoflex, a manufacturer of rubber and plastic hoses and belts, has agreed to pay an $80,000 civil penalty to settle claims related to the public reporting of toxic chemicals at its manufacturing facility in Hannibal, Mo. The company failed to conduct Toxic Release Inventory reporting for antimony, barium and zinc compounds for calendar years 2007, 2008 and 2009, the EPA said.
The Duvall Development Co., Duvall & Son Livestock, and the president of both companies, Jeffrey H. Duvall, will pay a $30,000 penalty and purchase five acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest in order to resolve federal Clean Water Act violations. The EPA said the defendants encased portions of four tributaries of a creek on their property in Clayton, Ga.
Reader Comments
L.A. STILL is #3 "America's Dirtiest City," rated by TRAVEL+LEISURE. THe City Council and Mayor need to be much more aggressive in getting debris and litter removed from public spaces(streets, roads, parks, waterways).
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text:
Lakeview Regional Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary will have a bake sale and raffle Feb. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the café area and front hallway of the hospital, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd, Covington. The raffle will feature prizes including a $200 money tree and much more.
All money made from this annual event will be donated to the American Heart Association. Raffle tickets may be purchsed the day of the sale, or any time between now and the event in the LRMC Gift Shop. Tickets are $2 for one, or three for $5.
Submit information for the north shore Community Connection to firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
International Edition
October, 26, 2016
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Design week paves way to a 'smart' Beijing
By Hugh Langley and Chen Nan, China Daily/Asia News Network
October 22, 2012, 12:40 am TWN
BEIJING--For many, the term "Smart City" denotes eco-friendly urban spaces with streets of driverless electric cars and houses powered by used drink cans. But as the recent Beijing Design Week demonstrated it's much more than that. Smart City is about completely open innovation.
While the week brought a vast array of ideas from designers around the world, Geo-City Smart City, curated by the China Millennium Monument Museum of Digital Arts, was the focus feature, displaying 82 projects from 14 countries.
GeoPulse Beijing, the Beijing-focused pilot demo by ARS Electronica of Austria, was one of the Chinese applications of this model on display, and its overall message was clear: Smart cities are the way of the future, and now is Beijing's time to embrace it.
Some predict that by 2050, between 70 and 85 percent of the global population will live in cities, but the problems of over-urbanization — pollution, traffic, overcrowding — are already starting to show. The idea of GeoCity is to put government and citizens' fingers on the urban pulse, and show how they can solve these problems.
The solution? Big Data. In the modern world, the magnitude of open data from social networks, smartphones and other means is phenomenal, yet barely any is being harnessed. According to the GeoCity initiative, if this data is collected, processed and understood, the possibilities for helping urbanization are huge.
"The first time we had it developed for the city of Linz (in Austria) in its first phase, it was a tool for the citizens," said Michael Badics, director of AE Solutions at ARS Electronica "From kids to the elderly, everyone could access this data. But we saw there was so much more potential in it."
Smart Cities will also give governments the ability to access information about the city and solve problems more efficiently. But to be understood, the data must be visual and accessible, and that's where the project's second proposal comes in: Big Design. ARS Electronica has paired with the Academy of Arts and Design at Tsinghua University, among others, to find ways of mapping urban mobility that's visually stimulating and easy to understand.


text:
Cardinal McCarrick jumped to a nine-point lead after one quarter, then held on for a 50-48 decision over New Brunswick to present head coach Joe Lewis with his 300th career victory in South Amboy last night.
Lewis has compiled a record of 300-136 in his 17th season at the South Amboy school. Lewis has captured 11 division titles, two Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament titles and three South Jersey, Non-Public B crowns.
Marques Townes led Cardinal McCarrick with 21 points while Samaad Thomas had 16 for New Brunswick. New Brunswick trailed by 10 at the half before scoring the first 11 points of third quarter. Cardinal McCarrick, leading by four with the ball and 15 seconds left, turned it over and New Brunswick scored on a putback by Ahmad Sannoh to cut it to two with 11 seconds left. New Brunswick forced another turnover, but one final shot to tie it was off the mark and Muhammed Alli grabbed the rebound to end the game.
"It was a great high school game, both teams played hard,'' Lewis said. "As far as winning 300, I don't get caught up in that. I've been fortunate to have had some great players and some great teams and it's all about them.''


text: I have been collecting posters from the Halloween series, and in the past I used onegoodscare.net as a guide to all of the different items from different countries. It looks like they are no longer around, and I was hoping someone knew of a place I can now go to use as a guide moving forward. I just picked up the Australlian daybill, and I wanted to see what all is out there. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!


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Reilly and Maloney Christmas concert comes to Valley Center Stage
West Coast folk singing duo Ginny Reilly and David Maloney give a one-day performance, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Valley Center Stage in North Bend.
Inspired by popular folk music groups of the '60s such as the Weavers and the Kingston Trio, Reilly and Maloney have drawn a regional following. Their voices, songwriting talents and guitar accompaniments have been on national tour, sharing stages with Judy Collins, Tom Paxton and Greg Brown. They have produced seven vinyl LPs together and continue to perform and record both together and individually.
Valley Center Stage is located at 119 North Bend Way, downtown North Bend on the second floor of the Unity Masonic Lodge above Singletrack Cycles. The theater is handicapped-accessible.Tickets are $17, available online in advance at www.valleycenterstage.org or at the door.
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text:
Obama vs. Boehner: Tax battle again plagues debt ceiling tax
First the basics from Reuters:
Here is what's happening on Friday in negotiations to raise the U.S. government's $14.3 trillion debt limit by Aug. 2 and avoid a credit default:
* U.S. House Speaker John Boehner walks away from talks with President Barack Obama on a deficit reduction deal that was to clear the way for an increase in the debt limit. Boehner says Obama wanted to raise taxes. Boehner says he will now begin talks with U.S. Senate leaders.
* Obama says it "hard to understand" why Boehner would walk away from what he called an "extraordinarily fair" deal. Obama says deal would have cut $1 trillion in discretionary spending and $650 billion from Medicare, Medicaid and other entitlements. Deal would have sought $1.2 trillion in revenues, which could have been achieved with raising income tax rates.
Roll Call is all over this, too. And here is the take of congressional GOP source to me:
We never had agreement on a revenue number. But the WH did demand more revenue post gang of 6 – a lot more revenue. Entitlements [changes included] Medicare raising age, significant savings, combining Medicare parts A and B, means testing. Also chain cpi on social security and additional savings. GOP proposed over 200 billion in medicaid savings, WH up to 120. But n agreement on$800 billion. But there would have been tax reform and 3 flat rates – broadened base, lower rates. WH wanted higher rates post gang.
Here is how I see it: Boehner says they had an agreement on $800 billion in revenue, but then Obama asked for $400 billion post Gang of Six report. The "goal posts" were moved. That extra $400 billion would come from higher tax rates. That is an absolute, no-go, red-zone issue for Republicans. Where would the original $800 billion have come from? First, extra revenue from more economic growth generated by tax reform efficiencies. Second, and this is a pretty good guess based on what Boehner said, better tax enforcement. Here is Boehner describing where the money came from " … and a tax system that was more efficient in collecting the taxes that were due the federal government>"
That is a classic item on the liberal agenda, and I can easily see Obama pushing it. Here is the Center for American Progress describing it:
An estimated $400 billion to 500 billion in taxes go uncollected every year in the United States because of tax evasion and noncompliance. … This yawning "tax gap" increases the deficit and undermines the faith of honest taxpayers who don't cut corners. Every additional $1 invested in tax enforcement and compliance can shrink the deficit by at least $3. President Barack Obama's proposal to invest an additional $13 billion in IRS enforcement and compliance activities over the next decade will generate more than three times that amount in additional revenues—$42 billion, according to official estimates. The funding will allow the IRS to contact potentially noncompliant taxpayers that "it currently identifies but cannot contact given resource constraints" and strengthen pre-refund compliance checks, according to the Government Accountability Office. Better enforcement leads to greater compliance: After the IRS in recent years began targeting people using offshore bank accounts to evade taxes, about 19,000 taxpayers entered a voluntary compliance program and paid billions in back taxes and penalties.
My best guess is still $1.5 trillion in cuts (no tax increases) plus a debt hike through 2012.
UPDATE: Here is bit more from another GOP aide:
Despite what WH briefers may be saying, any new revenue in the framework would NOT have been generated by letting the current tax rates expire. That is simply false. Under the framework discussed, a CEILING was agreed upon that could generate $800 billion in new revenue over ten years. This would be done through comprehensive tax reform that would clear out deductions, credits, and loopholes in the system – and spur economic growth. After the gang of six plan came out, the White House moved the goal posts and insisted on $400 billion more in higher taxes – a 50% increase in revenue – and wanted that to be the FLOOR instead of the ceiling. The President acknowledged this in his remarks tonight. "Letting tax cuts expire" was never part of the tax reform agreed to.
We welcome comments that advance the story through relevant opinion, anecdotes, links and data. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters. For more information on our comment policy, see http://blogs.reuters.com/fulldisclosure/2010/09/27/toward-a-more-thoughtful-conversation-on-stories/
What the president offered was MORE THAN FAIR.
Obama offered 1.65 Trillion in cuts that would offend his base of poor and middle class.
Obama wants Boehner to offer up 1.6 Trillion in revenues from his base of 2% richest people and corporations.
Boehner is GETTING "MORE" cuts from the poor people than he is willing to give from his rich base!
And…it was a big part of Boehner's base (bankers and wall street corporations) who created this financial mess.
Then Americans had to bail them out to the tune of 700-800 Billion.
NOW – Boehner and his rich buddies want another $700 billion from social Security and Medicare.
Wall Street and corporations are CASH RICH right now – and they want MORE off the backs of the middle class and poor.
Who is going to buy Corporation's goods, if the middle class become poor and seniors die off quickly from living on less than $1,000 month and reduced health benefits?
To me, it is the corporate Republicans who WANT the economy to NOT RECOVER, so they can get into the president's chair in 2012. Nasty.
The corporations have a ton of money to spread propoganda before the 2012 elections and support radical Tea Party candidates. (Thank you Supreme Court for allowing ANY international corporation to control US elections)
What is fair?
1.65 billion in cuts from Obama & 1.6 in revenue from Boehner. How is that not fair???
[…] enough of a distraction to allow Obama to shift the goalposts on revenue halfway down the field, as Jim Pethokoukis reports from sources on the Hill: We never had agreement on a revenue number. But the WH did demand more […]
If I understand this properly, Bush tax cuts were extended to promote growth. Surely the time has come to pull that plug?
Examples of successful ways out of this type of mess are abundant: Canada, UK, Sweden(?). They all involve tax increases. The US isn't even doing that. And what are the effect of all the loopholes? Repat profits at 5% seems fine, but how many on Main St pay 5%?
At some point the big end of town will need to realise that the recovery must be general: the small end is where their wealth comes from. Companies are hoarding cash, big public money was spent on propping up the financial system, as if that is the heart of your economy. Now, surprise! the cupboard is bare.
The GOP created this mess & got the boot because of it. I doubt voters will be so stupid as to blame the Democrats for this mess. If they are, god help you all. more & more, it looks like the GOP are in hock to a bunch of loan sharks & would rather cripple the country than lose their kneecaps. Your 'loony Right' is a luxury you can't afford.
Supposedly, when the GOP held up supply during Carter Admin it raised cash rates 0.6%, forever. WHEN the US gets downgraded that will happen again.
It reminds me of those (American) stories of 500 lb guys, can't even get out of bed. They phone out for 12 pizzas. When one gets stuck in their gut they have to be airlifted to hospital. That's you.
Funny that, the GOP are happy to lie when it means starting a war, costing you trillions. Yet they feel they can't break their pledge to your Tea Party idiots to not raise taxes.
There is one positive. It's kind of cool to be alive & witnessing in detail the events that led to the demise of the US empire. Frankly, I don't think you can get it done. You lie to yourselves too much, you treat your population like slaves, your rich/poor ratio is too extreme. It's like watching the clumsy cartoon giant tripping over it's own feet, off the cloud, making a huge hole in the ground below. Or Wile E Coyote running off the cliff.
Lenin once said the last capitalist will be hung with a rope bought from the 2nd last capitalist. I wish I was being melodramatic but the numbers don't lie. Russia isn't buying US debt anymore, frankly I'm amazed that that China still is.
[…] it would appear that the "revenue increase" Boehner was discussing largely related to enhanced enforcement and not fundamentally changing the tax laws. If roughly $500 billion of the $800 billion involved […]
Did you know that right now, the IRS is in a comment period on a new regulation revision. (REV.Proc. 2000-43)
The IRS, bending to the administration wishes, wants
the IRS commissioner, and deputy commissioner to be
able to discuss details of individual cases with the
currently INDEPENDENT Office of Appeals
without the knowledge of the taxpayer (or his
representative). The basis of this sought after change
in the existing ex parte communication rule is
said to be only supervisory in nature. Bull.
A supervisor needs to talk an independent body behind
close doors…maybe even lean on them a little?
Well, I think so. Here is another great
example of the liberal socialistic/communistic-leaning
mentality currently in the WH that wishes to bend
and control tax cases so that due process isn't
going to happen no matter what…only what is beneficial to the governing authority! If a tax case goes
before the Appeals….the person is guilty on arrival,
why bother?
In a democracy, independent MEANS independent!
We just saw the CFPB's (Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau) birth this last week wishing to be the first
agency (in a democratic country!) that doesn't need
to answer to Congress, and therefore the people.
The CFPB is the silencing of the American majority!
In this debt ceiling debate, there is more at play and it is Boehner's wish to stop the trampling of the democratic process.
I'm from Wisconsin and in this state, we've witnessed
the democratic process going-to-the-dogs under the
stresses of union/minority fiscal and political power,
mainly the democratic party.
A republican governor stepped in and fought
like everything to get the movement turned back
to sane, equal, and forthright.
Yet, the Obama administration and Chicago-
style politics forced it's way into our state struggle against (yes) communistic-like leanings.
Well, the tables are turned by law now. Democracy
is once again working properly, but the communistic-like
leanings are STILL in Wisconsin trying to recall
themselves back into power. And much, much
of that funding is being generated at the bidding
of Obama and gang.
In this current debate on Washington Hill,
Congress MUST show whose boss and that's the whole of it. Boehner has to win here and stop the
momentum of this whole country turning eventually away from democracy.
[…] also consider that the White House already walked away from one short-term deal when it thought it could get a better offer from the Gang of 6. Gabriel Malor put together a reasonable reconstruction of those events in a blog post here. […]
[…] it would appear that the "revenue increase" Boehner was discussing largely related to enhanced enforcement and not fundamentally changing the tax laws. If roughly $500 billion of the $800 billion involved […]
[…] word of the above item is true. Every one. But what have they left out? Via Reuters' James Pethokoukis last Friday: Under the framework discussed, a CEILING was agreed upon that could generate $800 […]
[…] it would appear that the "revenue increase" Boehner was discussing largely related to enhanced enforcement and not fundamentally changing the tax laws. If roughly $500 billion of the $800 billion involved […]
There isn't a making your way around the possibility that eco-friendly, puppy pleasant shoes are high-priced in comparison to the alternative kind. But as a swelling heart and soul, you ought to consider this value onto your satisfaction. Individually, I'd rather bleed a bit of money when compared with wear an issue that bled an increased amount of another thing..


text: MASON CITY - Irene Z. Hart, 98, of Mason City, died Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at the Heritage Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the Church of Christ, 501 Commercial Street Union, IA, with Rev. Rick Schill officiating. Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in State Center, IA. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM 7:00 PM on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue Mason City, IA. Memorials may be directed to the Irene Hart memorial fund in care of the family. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com


text: This weeks episode of On the Run gives the insider scoop on how two fierce competitors, Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher, became the best of friends. You'll also discover the power of running as a universal language as we follow one brave seventh grader in Chinatown. Hear Joe Battaglia and host Karla Bruning debate pacers vs. racers—what do you think? And for more information on Kara listen check out the On the Run Radio Podcast.


text:
Two Grandville Board of Education candidates are running unopposed in the Nov. 6 election.
Incumbent Karen Cheydleur and newcomer John Garbarino are on the ballot for two board seats. The terms will end in 2018.
Karen Cheydleur, of 3823 Superior St. SW, is currently the board vice president.
John Garbarino, of 5365 Palmair Ave., is running to fill the open seat being left by current board Trustee Tim Grifhorst, who is not seeking re-election.


text:
Cisco Live!: Threat-Centric Security from Networks to Data Centers to CloudsSecurity
Security has emerged as a leading pain point for CIOs, executives, and even in the boardroom due to changingRead More
Cisco Live 2014 San Francisco: Security Technology TrackSecurity
Cisco Live, May 18-24, 2014, is quickly approaching and registration is open. This is the 25th anniversary ofRead More
Taking Complexity Out of Network Security – Simplifying Firewall Rules with TrustSecSecurity
Bruce Schneier, the security technologist and author famously said, "Complexity is the worst enemy of security." We have been workingRead More
Network World's Top VPN Choice: Cisco ASA and AnyConnectSecurity
Network World recently completed a competitive review of the leading Virtual Private Networking (VPN) products and the Cisco® AdaptiveRead More
Coordinated Attacks Against the U.S. Government and Banking InfrastructureSecurity
Prologue On April 10, 2013, a collective of politically motivated hacktivists announced a round of planned attacks called #OPUSA. These attacks,Read More
Cisco ASA Family receives FIPS 140-2 Certification!Government
The Global Certification Team is proud to announce the FIPS 140-2 crypto certification of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) family.Read More


text:
SPRINGFIELD - Transition teams are being formed to guide the region's two newly elected district attorneys as they prepare to take office in January.
Tuesday's election set the groundwork to mark the first time in two decades that Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties will have new law enforcement leadership.
While Mark G. Mastroianni, of Westfield, faced a challenging race to succeed Hampden District Attorney William M. Bennett, it was a foregone conclusion that David E. Sullivan, of Easthampton, will follow outgoing Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth D. Scheibel.
Sullivan, now serving as Hampshire registrar of probate, faced no opposition in the general election, while Mastroianni's campaign against state Sen. Stephen J. Buoniconti went down to the wire on Election Day. Neither Bennett nor Scheibel sought reelection.
On Wednesday, Mastroianni was at home, taking a day off but in the midst of planning how he will use the next two months to ensure a smooth transition from Bennett's administration.
Sullivan, meanwhile, said his transition team, headed by Greenfield lawyer and former Judge Thomas T. Merrigan, who won reelection to the Governor's Council on Tuesday, is already in place. The team will work closely with Scheibel, said Sullivan.
"We'll see if there are any vacancies and give people the opportunity to reapply," Sullivan said. He said he wants to ensure all pending cases are handled in a fair and transparent manner which considers the alleged victims.
Sullivan faces taking over the prosecution of several major cases, including those of Anthony P. Baye, the Northampton man facing charges of murder and arson for a spree of fires last December and the six teen-aged defendants in the Phoebe Prince bullying case from South Hadley.
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Mastroianni said he had yet to assemble a transition because he thought it would have been presumptuous to do so before the election was over. "I was very hopeful but I didn't expect this," he said. "I expected if I were to win it would be very close."
As it turned out Mastroianni took a decisive victory over the three-term state senator from West Springfield with 59 percent of the vote to Buoniconti's 41 percent.
It was a costly campaign for the senator who had entered the race in March with a huge war chest that some predicted could help him capture the election. Newly-filed figures with the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance show that from Jan. 1 through Oct. 31 Buoniconti spent $312,553 to Mastroianni's $121,621.
October proved the highest spending month for each candidate, with Buoniconti tallying $96,089.01 in the final 30 days before the election and Mastroianni spending $75,036.87 in October.
Hampden DA race spending
Those figures translate to $5.87 per vote for Buoniconti and $1.67 per vote Mastroianni. Previous calculations showed that Buoniconti spent $18.92 per vote in September's primary, where he beat four other Democrats.
Mastroianni said he hopes to have a transition team in place by next week. It will include "people with familiarity with the court system, with the office and the personnel there" and will likely include someone from Bennett's staff, he added.
The transition group will study key positions in the district courts as well as leadership of the victim-witness program and the prosecution units, he said. He also wants the team to address diversity issues.
"I expect there's going to be some turnover due to retirements and due to me just wanting to bring my own people in," Mastroianni said. "I don't expect there to be massive turnover. I am not going to be doing things like having everyone resign and reapply."
Mastroianni said he's going to rely on his courthouse experience over the past 20 years and his familiarity with the office where he once served as a prosecutor in the 1990s. He said he's looking for people "who I want to work with me, who carry themselves in the way I want the office to run (and) who is best for what job."
He also said he wants to move swiftly to set up his staff and let current staff members know if they will have jobs come January. "I don't want people to be hanging around torturing themselves," Mastroianni said.
Mastroianni said he will also work with Bennett about which cases the district attorney hopes to resolve before leaving office and the direction he hopes others will take. He estimated there may be fewer than 20 cases which could post a potential conflict due to his private defense practice, and a special prosecutor would be sought to deal with those cases.
Staff reporter Fred Contrada contributed to this report from The Republican's Northampton bureau
|Newly elected D.A. Mastroianni's transition is underway


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Cork Jaeger
John T. (Cork) Jaeger, Jr.
President and CEO
Platinum Research Organization
Cleveland Marshall Law School, 1965-1967
B.A. Trinity College, 1961-1965
Cork Jaeger began his career in the automotive industry in 1965, holding a variety of positions, including assignments in technical sales, sales management, distribution, marketing and general management. All of these activities were with firms engaged in the manufacturing, distribution, sales and service of truck, engine, coach/bus or auto product lines.
In 1978, Mr. Jaeger relocated to Dallas and began an entrepreneurial career. He formed or co-formed several firms in diverse fields, including consulting, investment advisory services and technology. In 1984, Mr. Jaeger formed The Fairmount Company, a management and investment firm that absorbed most of the previously-mentioned startup activities, but also focused Jaeger's marketing and general management background on turnaround acquisitions.
In addition to his responsibilities at Fairmount, Jaeger was also the chief executive officer of a circuit board manufacturer and a builder of entry-level boats and a director/shareholder of an environmental engineering business.
In 1996, Fairmount co-founded Platinum Research Organization (PRO) with the purpose of designing and commercializing patented, high-performance lubricants and coatings. PRO's patented technology was developed in collaboration with researchers in UT Arlington's Materials Science and Engineering Department. Since 1999, PRO has collaborated with the College of Engineering, the Office of the Vice President of Research, and the Departments of Chemistry and Materials Science and Engineering. These activities brought considerable research capital to UT Arlington and exposed the research capabilities of the University to a global marketplace. In addition, these activities provided Jaeger a unique working understanding of the capabilities of the College of Engineering. As a result, Jaeger was appointed to the college's Board of Advisors.
Mr. Jaeger has served as a director of several private companies and has also had non-profit board experience with the Downtown Dallas YMCA, 1982-88 and 1998-2008. Currently, he is active only in a consulting capacity involving initiatives in acquisitions, distribution and technology.


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Testing Qantas Domestic Economy SYD-CNS-MEL-SYD with QF Business lounges (w/pics)
This is Part 2 of a series of three trip reports. Part 1 can be viewed here; Flying The Kangaroo Route – QF A380 First Class (by Genius12 Sep 18 2010 in Trip Reports)
After 4 fabulous days in Sydney, it was time to head back to the airport, but this time to the domestic terminal (T3) for our flight up to Cairns. Upon arrival at the airport, we walked into the spacious check-in hall and strolled up to one of the vacant Business desks. Check-in was quick and efficient, with our bags tagged with orange priority tags. Whilst there was no Fast Track security line, there was only a very small queue and we were through to airside within 5 minutes.
I felt that T3 was very well designed, with two wings of shops and gates to each side after security. The wings were bright and airy, and all of the shops appeared to be fairly high quality – similar to T5 at LHR.
Qantas operate two different types of lounge for domestic flights – the Qantas Club for oneworld Sapphire and paid lounge membership, and the Qantas Business Lounge for oneworld Emerald and Domestic Business passengers. At SYD, the two lounges are separate, and once up the escalator we turned left to the Business lounge where we were welcomed upon production of our BPs and my BA Gold (oneworld Emerald) card. The lounge was very well decorated, in a similar style to the International Business lounges, and featured a good view of the gate and maintenance area. There were lots of different seating areas, and it wasn't difficult to find a good spot by the windows in which to relax for the hour and a half or so before boarding.
View from SYD QF Business lounge
QF 767 viewed from the lounge
Business lounge interior
Business lounge interior
Business lounge interior
Business lounge interior
Business lounge interior
I made use of the free wifi, in between watching the breaking news about the New Zealand earthquake on the TV, which was causing several people who walked past to stop and gape. Shortly there was a little group crowding around the TV, and so we moved to a quieter spot.
Coverage of the NZ quake
I went in search of some mineral water, but was left disappointed with only tap water available – I thought that was very strange for a 'premium' lounge. There was a bar which would open at 12:00, and one of the servers poured me a glass of sparkling water from a can in the fridge behind the bar, but there was no still mineral water anywhere that I could find. Refreshment options for breakfast included pastries, cold meats, cereals etc. – standard business class offerings, nothing spectacular by any means.
Food area, with old school information screens
Main food area at the entrance to the lounge
Business lounge interior
Business lounge interior
Business lounge work area – note the Apple iMac computers
Relaxing in the Business lounge with tap water
Australian weather
Male washrooms in the Business lounge
With 10 minutes or so before boarding, we strolled down to Gate 2 where a small queue had formed at the desk. Shortly pre-boarding was announced for those 'requiring a little more time', followed by a general boarding announcement. There seemed to be very little order or clarity to the boarding process, but eventually we were through onto the airbridge, picked up a couple of complimentary headsets for the IFE and boarded our 767 through Door 1L.
Date: September 2010
Route: Sydney Kingsford Smith [SYD] (T3) – Cairns [CNS] (TD)
Flight: QF922
Type: B767-338ER
Registration: VH-OGE
First Flight/Delivery: 1989/1989
Seats: 25A, 25B
Class: Economy
We were welcomed on board and directed down the aisle to our seats, in the third row of the forward Economy cabin. The seats were fairly comfortable upon first impression (and certainly featured a more than adequate 32" pitch), but after an hour or so I could have done with a little more support on the base of the seat… Our 767 had definitely seen better days, but the cabin was fairly clean (and the washrooms weren't bad either).
View before pushback
View into the Business cabin during boarding
Forward Economy cabin during boarding
How I longed to be the other side of that divider…
Customary legroom shot
Looking across to the forward cabin middle galley between Business and Economy
Pushing back
Glimpse of an A380 as we push back…
…which was being pushed back itself
Sydney's domestic terminal viewed as we push back
We had a rather long taxi to the active takeoff runway, waiting for a turboprop and Jetstar jet to land, and a Virgin Blue 737 and Cathay Pacific A330 to takeoff.
Shortly after takeoff, the IFE system was fired up, and as this particular aircraft had the old projection system fitted, we were asked to close the window blinds to make viewing of the movie (Robin Hood) easier. I really wish cabin crew wouldn't do this on a day flight, as I like to look out of the window and, particularly in Economy, do not want to feel any more depressed in the dark than I would in the daylight! I didn't partake of the IFE, which was poor quality (even on the LCD bulkhead screens), not made any better by the hopelessly poor headphones.
Forward Economy cabin inflight
Forward Economy cabin inflight
Around an hour into the three hour flight, a meal was served (yep, chicken or beef – how original). I chose the chicken and was not expecting it to be great, but just wanted to try it for completeness of this report! The dish was completely inedible. The 'orange juice', which was actually some form of multi-concentrated fruit drink stuffed full of E numbers, made me want to spit it out after the first mouthful. Is it too much to ask for some 'normal' concentrated orange juice in Economy? The only edible item on the whole tray was the tiny Toblerone bar.
What's under here I wonder?...
…Maybe I shouldn't have asked.
Trays were not collected promptly, service was slow and the cabin crew seemed disinterested. I asked for a bottle of water at one point, and our request was refused by one FA, with some vague explanation about 'not being set up yet'. Come on, Qantas - not good enough. Luckily, another FA (who was mainly serving Business) was in a better mood and happily have us a bottle. Another small thing to note – the air quality was noticeably poorer than that found on the A380.
Qantas Domestic Economy slightly redeemed itself when the cabin crew came around with ice creams about 40 minutes before landing, but overall the experience was one that I was not looking forward to repeating on the way back down to MEL.
Ice cream
View prior to descent
Descending, with speedbrakes deployed
Almost there…
The Captain came on the PA just before landing, warning us that we would be flying a non-ILS approach into Cairns due to their ILS system being upgraded. He warned us to expect a go-around, and described how this would feel and reassured us that it would not be anything to worry about. I felt the whole cabin tense, regardless. Luckily, although the approach and landing was somewhat bumpy, there was no go-around required, and we landed just about on time.
Pulling up to our gate at Cairns
Passing through the Business cabin upon leaving the aircraft, the seats did not look as if they had a significant amount of increased space, but from what I could see of the service through the curtain during the flight, it would certainly have been a much comfier ride.
Cairns currently has a temporary baggage claim building whilst the Domestic Terminal is redeveloped, and so we exited the building before waiting a good half an hour for our bags to emerge in the makeshift structure. So much for priority handling!
Having only flown Economy once in the past six years (and that was only a two hour flight with BA), I didn't really know what to expect from this flight. The ground experience was largely as you would expect from a premium airline (with status privileges), but I did not enjoy one moment of the 3 hour flight. If anything, this experience just reinforced how lucky I have been to travel almost exclusively in J and F in recent years.
We arrived at Cairns Domestic Terminal around 3 hours prior to our departure to Melbourne, having been treated to a great ride by a seemingly all-knowing taxi driver. This guy literally had something to say about everything, with no prompting necessary!
An efficient, but not exactly friendly, check-in agent checked us in at a free Economy desk (the Business desk being occupied by a couple checking in). There was a small queue for the single scanner at security, and we were through to airside. This terminal is fairly new, and had quite a good choice of shops for what is a fairly small airport.
We went upstairs to the new Qantas Club lounge (there is no separate Business lounge at CNS). Unfortunately, whilst the lounge is new, the chairs and tables are not. A missed opportunity by Qantas I feel, as some of the chairs were visibly worn and dirty. Maybe they are upgrading the furniture in the near future? However, the washrooms were immaculate, there was free wifi, the food choice for lunch was pretty good (soup, breads, salad, cold meats, cheese etc.) and the staff were fairly efficient. The lounge was consistently full, with lots of families with children returning to the cold after their sunny winter break. Due to the late arrival of our aircraft, we had a little longer to wait than anticipated, and took advantage of the free wifi catching up on the news back home, emails, Facebook etc.
Cairns Qantas Club
Club lounge overview
Free wifi is very welcome
Lunch in the Qantas Club
More lunch
The aircraft that had carried us from SYD to CNS arriving at the gate in front of the Club lounge…
…named 'City of Orange'
'City of Orange' being serviced
Qantas 737-800
Our aircraft arriving
Our aircraft taxiing
At the gate, a small queue had formed, and we waited a good 20-25 minutes for the gate agents to show up and commence boarding through Door 1L at around 14:25, 30 minutes behind schedule.
Date: September 2010
Route: Cairns [CNS] (TD) – Melbourne [MEL] (T1)
Flight: QF703
Type: B767-336
Registration: VH-ZXE
First Flight/Delivery: 1991/2000
Seats: 23A, 23B
Class: Economy
The VH-ZX 767s were bought by QF from BA around the Millennium time, and as such are in slightly better shape than the doddery VH-OG 767s. The configuration is also better for Economy passengers, with a mini forward Y cabin of two rows – we were seated in the very front row, with great legroom under the bulkhead separating Business from Economy.
Looking into the Business cabin from the front Economy row
Legroom with the bulkhead cutaway
Pushing back, with QantasLink regional aircraft visible
Very little to add to this flight, so I will let the few pictures do most of the talking. Suffice to say we declined the meal (much to the shock of the friendly FA), sipped on some water, attempted to watch some of the rubbish quality IFE (film – The Joneses), and nibbled at the uninteresting ice lolly towards the end of the flight.
Useless IFE
Dated 767 interior of the forward mini whY cabin
Peeking into Business
Ice lolly
Spectacular lighting effects – one of the reasons I like the window shades open!
View prior to descent into Melbourne
Melbourne CBD in the distance
On the ground in MEL
We landed just prior to 18:00, and then proceeded to wait for a good 35 minutes before our luggage emerged, complicated by an almost unannounced change of carousel to one that was being shared by two other flights. Luckily I was one of the few people who had noticed our flight number disappear from the screen and had positioned myself ready to run to a new carousel!
The crazy taxi marshal, shouting at everyone and everything, ensured we got into the correct taxi, and we shortly arrived at the fabulous InterContinental for a relaxing week in what was to become my favourite Australian city.
Melbourne – Sydney
After a great week in Melbourne, we headed out to the domestic terminal for our flight back to Sydney, connecting the same day to our BA flight to London via Bangkok. There was brief confusion at the Business check-in desk, as the agent tried to check our bags through all the way to London. She assumed that we were in First on the way back, rather than Club World, before I stepped in and informed her we were in I class, rather than the A class she way trying to input into the system. When I mentioned these class codes, I was asked by the next door agent whether I was airline staff! No dear, I'm just a FlyerTalk addict…
With our bags eventually checked through all the way to London, and tagged with Business tags, we went through the fairly quick security checkpoint (no fast track). The Business lounge at MEL is within the Club lounge, and has its own entrance desk to keep out the riff raff. The lounge is fairly small, decorated in the same style as the SYD Business lounge, and I imagine it could get quite overcrowded during busy times, but we managed to find a good pair of seats by the window. Food and beverage options are almost identical to SYD.
MEL Business lounge
MEL Business lounge
Looking across to MEL's international terminal from the Business lounge, with an A380 visible
Boarding was on time, and although there was a separate, clearly signed Business lane, it was un-policed and there was no priority boarding announcement, except the usual drivel about 'those needing a little extra time'.
Date: September 2010
Route: Melbourne [MEL] (T1) – Sydney Kingsford Smith [SYD] (T3)
Flight: QF426
Type: B767-336ER
Registration: VH-ZXF
First Flight/Delivery: 1991/2000
Seats: 23A, 23B
Class: Economy
View prior to pushback
Forward Economy cabin during boarding
QF 767 landing
The pleasant cabin crew welcomed us onboard, and before long we were off on the short hour-long flight across to Sydney. Another uneventful flight, with a biscuit offering and drinks run. I declined the biscuit in favour of a proper lunch in the international F lounge. I had failed to get the aircraft's registration on boarding through Door 1L, and asked one of the FAs for it. She said she would come back later, but never did. Luckily on arrival into Sydney, there was a good view of our aircraft in the domestic terminal from the gate area and I was able to make a note of the registration.
Short cruise
Blue Mountains
Approaching SYD
Beautiful coastline on approach into SYD
After disembarking, we made our way to the international connections counter, had our onward boarding pass swiped (which we had been issued with in MEL at check-in), descended into the waiting lounge and then hopped on the bus after a 15 minute wait. The bus gave us a nice tour of the airfield as it crossed around the end of the runway to the other side of the airfield and the international terminal. Once at the terminal, we ascended to the departures level and exited into the check-in area, which meant we had to re-clear security which I thought was a bit odd. Thankfully the queue wasn't long, largely due to our 'Express' passes issued at MEL check-in, and we were through to airside of the international terminal and on our way to the F lounge.
QF have a solid ground product for premium passengers flying domestically. Whilst their Club lounges could do with a refurbishment to the same standard as the Business lounges, there is nothing terribly wrong with them, and the Business lounges are more than adequate for domestic flying. It would be nice to have still mineral water, though.
Unfortunately, the onboard Domestic Economy product is simply not up to scratch. The food on the longer flights was appalling, and the staff on the whole did not seem terribly interested. The seat, whilst sufficient in pitch and width, is not comfortable after the first hour. The sound quality of the IFE on the longer flights is really rubbish. Are all economy class products like this nowadays?
I wish QF offered discount Domestic Business tickets. I would happily pay more for the added comfort onboard the longer flights, but just cannot justify the fully flexible cost QF currently charge.
Thanks for reading, and as usual I welcome all comments and questions – watch out for my 'SYD-BKK-LHR with BA in Club World – with SYD QF First lounge (w/pics)' report, coming soon…


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Was jedermann vom Buchdruck wissen sollte by Jan Tschichold1949
- Jan Tschichold
Photo(s) by "Philipp Messner" on Flickr.
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Herman Miller ads for George Nelson Designs, 1948–501949
- Irving Harper
Contributed by Stephen Coles
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Bell Telephone System ad: "He Helps to Get the Message Through"1949
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When Macy Scott woke up and went to school on Monday morning, the senior midfielder had no idea the accomplishments she would have by the time she finished her game on Thursday afternoon.
Scott's memorable week began on Tuesday when Toms River South traveled to Manahawkin to take on Southern Regional.
In the first half, Scott stepped up to the eight meter mark to take a free position shot after she was fouled. She ripped the ball past the goalie offside her left hip as Scott picked her 200th goal.
"I was really relieved," she said. "I was definitely pressing. It took me four or five tries to get that shot off. I was pretty confident."
The Rutgers-bound senior finished with eight goals as Toms River South handled Southern Regional, 20-8.
Scott's week had just begun. Only two days later, she would make the record books again, this time breaking her own school record. With 7:40 remaining in the second half of Toms River South's bout against Brick Memorial, Scott had the ball behind the net, rolled around and shot top side right to score her 11th goal of the game. The 11th goal broke her previous record of 10 goals that she set last year.
"That was so exciting today," she said. "When I went into the game, it really wasn't set in my mind at all. Definitely the last one stands out the most because I was so excited about getting it. I was striving for it all year."
Scott hopes that the 11 goal game, which puts her at 215 career goals, can be a sign to her younger teammates that anything can be accomplished.
"As a captain I like to be someone for the younger players to look up to," she said. "To have that record shows them that literally any record is capable of breaking."
Despite all the individual accomplishments, Scott is proud of her entire team which has its first winning record since she was a freshman. On a team led by 10 seniors and coached by a first-year head coach in Tara Murray, Smith accounts team comradery as a big reason for South's 8-1 record.
"We always get along and click really well," she said. "We have 10 seniors and we're all great friends. This year is a matter of how much better we all get along together. This is our last year so to get the chance for all of us to play together and have a winning season is really a great feeling."
Scott and Toms River South will get a chance to continue its memorable season when it travels to Jackson at 11:30 am on Saturday.
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A repair project will impact traffic Sunday morning on the connection between the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Toll Plaza 247 and Interstate 283 in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
The work is expected to start at about 6 a.m. A PennDOT maintenance crews will be conducting repair work on the Route 283 bridge that crosses over the roadway between the turnpike and I-283.
Most of the work will affect motorists with a lane closure and shifting traffic patterns from the turnpike to northbound I-283 and from the ramp from eastbound Route 283 to northbound I-283.
The bridge repair operation under the bridge is expected to take a few hours to complete, PennDOT said.
Southbound traffic on I-283 headed to the turnpike's toll plaza may also be affected by lane restrictions, PennDOT said.


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Start your new chapter in life, arriving to a bottle of chilled bubbly in your romantic four poster bridal bedroom. Continue your experience in our AA rosette WineGlass restaurant for a candle lit 3 course dinner, served with a choice of red or white wine. Wake to a full English champagne breakfast served to you in the comfort of your bedroom or in our restaurant before jetting off to your honeymoon destination
£185.00 per couple (based on a 4 poster double bedroom, based on 2 adults sharing)
Please call our reservations team on 0161 4990500 to make your booking
Or email
*Subject to availability
For more information please contact our Wedding Coordinator on 0161 493 2103
Telephone: 0161 499 0500 | Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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On Sunday's ABC televised game between the Lakers and the Rockets, the commentators took time out to give our Sixers some love. Yesterday, the Chicago Sun-Times had a nice article about our up and comers.
When your team starts getting buzz nationally, you know things are turning around. Nuff said. Go Sixers.