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The name "Labrador" didn't appear even once in the policy platform the now-governing Parti Quebecois published before their recent election.
Labradorians, however, should pause before releasing that sigh of relief they've just inhaled.
The omission doesn't mean the region won't escape the consequences of a separatist government in the neighbourhood.
The region wasn't mentioned because the Labrador Question is so deeply entrenched in Quebec political culture that even separatist politicians hesitate to name it for fear of sparking a fire they can't stamp out.
Border issues
The biggest issue has always been the border between territory and province — an issue that recently resurfaced over a Hydro-Québec plan to flood some of Labrador.
Governments of Quebec have been claiming Labrador territory ever since it was an international dispute.
They originally argued that Newfoundland's colony should only consist of a thin strip of land along the coast and nothing more.
Canada went to court on Quebec's behalf, but lost to Newfoundland in 1927 before the Privy Council of the British Empire — a court that set the boundaries of Labrador as currently drawn on Newfoundland maps. In defiance of the council's ruling, that's still not how the boundaries appear on Quebec maps.
Status quo
This is a problem for Quebec separatists because when they leave Canada, they'll want Quebec's borders to remain unchanged — thus denying aboriginal peoples, particularly in the north, the right to separate their territories from Quebec in order to stay within Confederation.
For Quebecers to demand that part of the border with Labrador could change would be to admit that every part of it can.
The last thing any Quebec politician wants is to lose Nouveau-
Quebec, since the north still has many resources worth exploiting. That was one issue that was much on the minds and in the speeches of campaigning politicians.
All parties want to dam rivers, dig mines and cut timber in the province's northern territories, but there was some disagreement on how to go about it.
The now-not-governing Liberals had formulated and were implementing their Plan Nord — a
$2.1-billion program for building airports and roads in northern Quebec. Resource extractors loved it, calling Quebec "one of the world's friendliest mining jurisdictions" because of it.
Corporate giveaway
The Parti Québécois hated it, dismissing it as a public relations exercise designed to get the Liberals re-elected.
They called it a multibillion-
dollar giveaway to large corporations.
"A Parti Québécois government won't pay the whole bill for building new infrastructure," the party proclaimed last March.
The Parti Québécois was most concerned about money spent to help open some new iron ore mines near Schefferville, calling the arrangement "scandalous." The developers, a partnership between the Canadian company New Millennium and the Indian company Tata Steel, has plans for mines on both sides of the Quebec-Labrador border and they want to construct a new railway to a new deepwater port now being built in Sept-Iles.
"There will be no refining in Quebec of 22 million tonnes of iron extracted by the Indian multinational Tata Steel," the PQ's mining critic complained in June. "Quebecers will see this iron shipped by boat directly and entirely to Asia."
While mining company executives say nothing the Quebec government can do will effect operations in Labrador, they claim the PQ will make development too expensive in Quebec. The PQ has proposed a five per cent minimum royalty and a 30 per cent tax on profits.
And more …
That could mean a slowdown in Labrador, too, but it's another PQ policy that wasn't mentioned during the election that could have the most impact on the region: the party's opposition to Ottawa's promise to guarantee the $6.2-billion loan Newfoundland needs if it's going to build another dam on Labrador's Grand River.
Last year, the Parti Québécois claimed that the loan equals what Quebecers pay to Ottawa in taxes and that therefore Quebecers are being asked to subsidize a company that competes in hydro markets against their own beloved Hydro-Québec. The Newfoundland government isn't trying in the slightest to get on the good side of the new rulers in Quebec City, so the PQ has no reason to back down.
If all sides dig in on this issue, there's no telling what could happen next.
Michael Johansen is a writer
living in Labrador.


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DENVER -- Ron Sparks, Alabama's commissioner of agriculture and industries, spent some of his down time in this convention city exploring the Rocky Mountains. Sparks spent about 11 hours in a rental car driving over and around the mountains. When he returned a smart aleck asked if he had found an elective office for which to run.
Sparks let out a big laugh and said not yet.
"The mountains are just incredible but I didn't find a lot of Alabama voters up there," Sparks said.
Sparks has been a man in search of the next office almost since the time he was elected to a second term in 2006. State law bars him from a third term.
Last year he mulled over a run against Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions but opted not to challenge someone who already had built a sizeable war chest and enjoyed strong poll numbers.
Sparks said he is now considering a run for governor in 2010 but that run would depend on whether Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom decides to seek the same office.
"If Jim runs for governor, I won't," Sparks. "If he runs, I think I would then look at his current job and maybe seek it."
Sparks, who counts Folsom a friend, said he would not want to see the party divided by a tough primary fight. Asked if that meant that U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, should not challenge Folsom, Sparks said no.
"I have a world of regard for Artur and it's his decision whether he should run," Sparks said.
But, Sparks said again he'd hate to see the party divided in a bitter primary battle.
"I'd hate to see Artur give up his seniority in Congress where he has been just a great voice for Alabama and has such a bright future," Sparks said.

subset: commoncrawl


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SPRING LAKE — Holiday Road, the popular synchronized-to-music light show in Spring Lake, is back for the sixth year, and organizer Brad Boyink promises it will be more amazing than ever.
All 14 houses in the Heather Court cul-de-sac will be lit, and Boyink says he's given the show the biggest upgrade since its 2006 debut.
"We have added an amazing amount of technology," said Boyink. "For example, the two main anchor houses on the street have been upgraded to new RGB (red, green and blue) pixel technology."
What that means is that each bulb on the two homes is individually controlled and can be any of 16 million colors.
"We are able to do things that just have never been able to be done before," said Boyink. "We can now do color flowing over the houses and graphical patterns on upper and lower roof grids."
Holiday Road, which has in the past been clouded by complaints from neighbors about the noise and traffic, received a go-ahead vote after last year's show. In February, 85 percent of the neighborhood voted in favor of the event.
Holiday Road
• What: Annual holiday light show
• When: Friday through Dec. 25; 6-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; closed Sundays and Mondays
• Where: Heather Court, Spring Lake
• Admission: Free, donations accepted for the Special Olympics
• More info: holidayroadlights.com
Last year, Boyink said, they had about 250,000 lights in the show. That's been increased to 300,000.
"But this year was not about adding a bunch of new lights," said Boyink. "It was about putting in new technology that would allow me to be even more creative."
Other highlights, he said, are new large-scale lighted yard displays, including a 12.5-foot-tall candy cane ferris wheel.
While the show is not the country's largest, the upgrades, said Boyink, make the show the most technologically advanced private computerized holiday show in the nation.
He calls it a "mega show" — a show that uses more than 512 circuits to turn on and off lights. This year, he said, his circuit count is at 15,888.
"That now puts it into the extreme range," he said. "You just don't see numbers like this in a private show."
To accommodate traffic flow, cars must enter the display from the VanWagoner Road exit off U.S. 31. Cars are to follow signs to the display and, once there, are signaled forward between each song (on radio station 88.7-FM, and also at the site via speakers).
Viewers will see three songs before exiting, and Boyink said the system works well to avoid congestion as much as possible.
He said he personally thinks the display is best enjoyed by walking the display on foot. For those who don't want to wait in long car lines, they can park for free at Emmanuel Free Church, 17737 W. Spring Lake Rd., just southwest of Heather Court, and walk to the show.
Holiday Road is free with donations accepted. This year, Boyink has chosen the Special Olympics to receive 100 percent of all contributions. To date, he said he's raised more than $140,000 for local charities at the event that annually attracts an average 70,000 people.
"This is a hobby for me, said Boyink, who pays the bills through his Computerized Lighting Productions company. "It makes me feel good that, in the hard times we are all going through, for a few minutes, people have a smile on their face and are just happy."
Dawn Veltman is a Chronicle correspondent.


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NEW YORK — David Stern welcomed the crowd to the NBA Draft at the Theater at Madison Square Garden Thursday night, exited the stage and returned four minutes later.
That's all it took for the Washington Wizards to decide that John Wall, a point guard from Kentucky, would be the next cornerstone of the franchise.
This night, when the NBA welcomed its next crop of young millionaires, was a formality for Wall and the Wizards.
In fact, Stern could have made the announcement 38 days ago, shortly after the Wizards jumped over three teams, including the Nets, at the draft lottery to land the top overall pick and jewel of the draft. The normally rigorous process of pre-draft workouts and interviews was reduced to one simple question: What number do you want on your uniform?
Former Ohio State point forward Evan Turner was selected No. 2 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by Derrick Favors, a power forward from Georgia Tech, whom the Nets chose No. 3.
The Knicks, without a first-round pick, waited until the second round to select Andy Rautins, a shooting guard from Syracuse, at No. 38, and Landry Fields, a small forward from Stanford, at No. 39. They passed on New York native Lance Stephenson, who was selected No. 40 overall by the Indiana Pacers.
Wall was the presumptive No. 1 overall pick from the moment he announced he would be leaving Kentucky after one season, in which he was a consensus first-team All-America and the top freshman in the country.
When Stern announced the pick, Wall popped out of his seat, kissed his mother and his college coach, John Calipari, and made his way on stage to shake the commissioner's hand, a rite of passage into the pros that was little more than perfunctory in this case.
"It was an emotional experience," Wall said of being the first to shake Stern's hand on the dais last night. "He said, 'You were waiting for this, weren't you?' "
At 6-4, Wall's natural position is point guard — and his tremendous speed, vision and passing ability make him an electric one at that. But like other recent Calipari students Derek Rose and Tyreke Evans, the past two Rookie of the Year winners, Wall is also a scorer, which sets him apart as a multi-dimensional player.
Now Wall must transition his raw skills and enormous potential to the NBA, where he will step into the Wizards backcourt immediately. Joining Wall in the backcourt will be veteran guard Kirk Hinrich, whom the Bulls traded to the Wizards along with the 17th pick in the draft for a future second-round pick, according to the Associated Press.
Turner, who edged Wall as the national college player of the year, was taken next by the 76ers. At 6-7, he has the size of a small forward but the vision and playmaking skills of a point guard.
He is expected to play point forward, even though the Sixers drafted a young point guard, Jrue Holiday, with their first-round pick last year.
The Minnesota Timberwolves selected Wesley Johnson, a small forward from Syracuse, behind Favors at No. 4. DeMarcus Cousins, a hulking center from Kentucky, was taken No. 5 overall by the Sacramento Kings.
Kentucky became the first school in NBA history to place five players in the first round of the draft. In addition to Wall and Cousins, Patrick Patterson was selected No. 14 by the Houston Rockets, Eric Bledsoe No. 18 by the Oklahoma City Thunder then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, and Daniel Orton No. 29 by the Orlando Magic.
Four of the Kentucky quintet left school after just one season, a trend that carried through the first round. The first college senior wasn't selected until pick No. 23, when the Timberwolves chose Trevor Booker, from Clemson.
Michael J. Fensom may be reached at email@example.com.


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First Looks: Sony MDR-570LP Headphones
Sony's new MDR-570LP headphones might look good, but is it all style and no substance? We take a listen to find out.
First Looks: Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System
If you've been hunting for a high-end audio solution for your iPhone or iPod, the Bose SoundDock 10 demands your attention.
Tuning in to the Microsoft Zune HD
Make way for the Microsoft Zune HD as it's coming at you with earphones blasting. Oh wait - that's only in the US for now. Even so, you have to check out Microsoft's latest attempt to unseat the iPod. For that, we've got a video overview and a full review in this article.
First Looks: Archos 3 Vision Player
The Archos Vision 3, one of the newest PMPs from Archos, sets to impress with its sleek form, but how does it fare overall?
First Looks: Audio Technica ATH-ON300 Headphones
Audio Technica's follow-up to its ATH-ON3 headphones, the ATH-ON300, retains its trademark "seamless" headbands and keen sense of style.
2.1 Speaker Systems Face-off - Altec Lansing vs. Sony
Pitting audio veterans Altec Lansing against electronics giant Sony, we take a look at the two newest top of the line 2.1-channel multimedia speaker systems in the market - the uber-cool Expressionist Ultra MX6021 from Altec Lansing and the somber-looking SRS-DB500 from Sony.
First Looks: Audio Technica CKF300 Bloom Series Headphones
Audio Technica introduces a new range of in-ear headphones, CKF300 (Bloom), under its Ladies series.
First Looks: Panasonic SC-HC4 iPod Docking Station
We check out the handsome and ultra slim Panasonic SC-HC4 iPod docking station to see if there is more to it than its good looks.
ZoneOut: The iPod Nano's Video Day Out
The 5th generation iPod nano has been out for a little while but today, we're going to show you just how capable its new integrated video camera is. In fact, we've shot everything in the video using the new nano, so go ahead and see firsthand if its video quality is sufficient as a decent pocket video recording gadget.
First Looks: Creative Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes
If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to stream music in your home, the Sound Blaster Wireless for iTunes might be just what you need.


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a href="http://topics.masslive.com/tag/chicopee/index.html" target="_blank">CHICOPEE – Planning Board member Ronald M. Czelusniak has announced his candidacy for at-large seat on the City Council.
If elected on Nov. 5, Czelusniak pledged to be fiscally responsible so the city can retain a high bond rating and continue to borrow at low rates and provide essential services to residents.
"As your city councilor at-large I will continue to exercise prudent decision-making skills as I have for years on various boards and commissions across the city of Chicopee," he said.
Czelusniak is one of six candidates running for the four at-large positions on the City Council. Also running for the seats are incumbents James K. Tillotson, Robert J. Zygarowski and Frank N. Laflamme. Other newcomers are James E. Tanhauser Jr. and Gerard "Jerry" A. Roy.
Czelusniak has worked in retail and commercial banking for nine years. He recently served as chairman of the Planning Board and has been a member since 2001 and is also treasurer for the Chicopee Cultural Council. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors for the Valley Opportunity Council and the Visiting Nurses Association.
"I will not play games when it comes to providing essential services to the residents of Chicopee. Police, fire, school and public works departments represent the most essential services. These are the services that are not to be compromised in any way in my opinion," he said.
Czelusniak said he understands when residents pay property taxes it is an investment into their city. He pledged to ensure the money is spent for the common good to ensure a safe and vibrant community.
He said his experience of the Planning Board also gives him a perspective on how to improve the city.
"Moving Chicopee forward on a prosperous path by representing the city in a business friendly manner is how I help protect the unique balance of business and residents prosperity in a diverse city through smart development," he said.
If elected he also pledged to work with other members as a team to do the best for taxpayers.
"It's important to know that I have no personal or professional conflicts with any of the current City Council members and look forward to working with them," he said.


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Don't let it get away!
Keep track of the stocks that matter to you.
Help yourself with the Fool's FREE and easy new watchlist service today.
The occasional shower of pennies from heaven might do our bank accounts some good. Alas, Fools can't say the same for penny stocks. They're often subject to manipulation and deceit, making it harder for investors to separate the few good offerings from the multitude best ignored.
Still, many investors enjoy dabbling at the low end of the stock-price spectrum. At Motley Fool CAPS, a "penny stock" is any stock trading under $10, and you'll find some of the best CAPS All-Stars regularly seeking out winning investments there. We identify them with a penny charm.
Pinching pennies
This week, we'll look at some of the low-priced investments these All-Stars have praised. If the best investors regularly scanning this end of the market have singled out these companies, we might want to turn our umbrellas upside-down -- or run for cover!
Here are three low-priced stocks enjoying All-Star support:
CAPS Rating
CAPS Member
Exelixis (Nasdaq: EXEL )
General Steel Holding (NYSE: GSI )
Huntsman (NYSE: HUN )
*Price when the outperform call was made.
Your two cents
Earlier this year biotech Exelixis decided enough was enough and it needed to focus more on the birds it had in hand instead of the flock in the bush. The company doesn't have any products of its own on the market, instead earning money from contracts and licenses. It apparently felt things were getting a bit unwieldy with its collaborative agreements with sanofi-aventis, Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY ) , and Genentech, as well as the numerous products it has in its pipeline.
To focus matters, it announced in March it was lopping 270 positions and halting new drug development until all the threads it currently had in hand could be combined. Shares of Exelixis has fallen 38% so far this year, and they're down 14% over the past month. That despite reporting that contract revenue had nearly tripled to $19.7 million in the first quarter while licensing revenues surged 32%.
Although it's been facing some costs related to this restructuring that have dampened earnings, it should be in a better position regarding its cost structure. Highly rated All-Star and CAPS biotech guru zzlangerhans views these developments favorably, noting that Exelixis's issues were never about funneling more drugs into its pipeline:
The story with Exelixis for years has been balancing the market cap with copious quantities of faith and patience, or lack thereof. The current downward momentum was accelerated by the company's announcement of a 40% reduction in workforce and a restructuring of the pipeline to focus on partnered compounds. For longtime followers of Exelixis, that news is not unwelcome. Exelixis never had problems bringing new compounds into the pipeline, they've just been very slow to progress them. So hopefully a narrowing will be followed by a lengthening.
A short circuit
Chinese steel producers are pushing back against the 30% price hikes that BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP ) and Rio Tinto are apparently trying to impose on iron ore, and they're calling for a single, unified price for all imported iron ore, which they've done since 2008. Falling prices for steel at the same time that costs are rising may cause Chinese producers to cut back on output.
Even so, it's hard to find investors who aren't bullish about Chinese steel producer General Steel Holdings. Most apparently believe, as SIO394 does, that General Steel's cost containment policies will insulate it from the worst ravages of any pullback:
Simply put, The company is finding ways to manage costs when demand is down, for example: General Steel (China) Co., Ltd has entered into a Lease Agreement with Tianjin Daqiuzhuang Steel Plates Co., Ltd., a related party of the Company. This will allow the Company to reduce overhead costs while providing a recurring monthly revenue stream from rental payments. When demand picks up again, the company will have positioned itself for a nice upside pop.
Chemically bonding
Despite the many signs of a double-dip recession that appear to be all around us, even perma-bears like me have a tough time reconciling the often contradictory indicators of economic growth that abound. Take the performance of chemical giants Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW ) , DuPont (NYSEL DD), and Huntsman, all of which reported strong growth in volumes in recent weeks and were cautiously hopeful about the trends continuing for the rest of the year. Because of their commercial and industrial uses, the chemicals industry can be a good indicator of future growth in the economy.
CAPS member alandefeld noted earlier this year that Huntsman was initially a turnaround play for its failed acquisition of Hexion. Now it's just an solid, undervalued company:
Huntsman started out as a special situation based on the failed Hexion acquisition and subsequent lawsuits against erstwhile financial backers. These events, along with the high price of oil pre-recession, severely depressed Mr. Market's view of the company's value. While the value has come up in my estimation, I believe that it is still undervalued
Penny for your thoughts
Should we fill up the change jar with these penny stocks, or ignore 'em like a discarded coin on the street? It pays to start your own research on these stocks on Motley Fool CAPS. Read a company's financial reports, scrutinize key data and charts, and examine the comments your fellow investors have made, all from a stock's CAPS page. Consult our free CAPS investor-intelligence community, where your two cents count as much as anyone else's.


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Who is President Obama, and why does he behave politically the way he does?
In "2016: Obama's America," conservative writer (and now movie-maker) Dinesh D'Souza offers a compelling explanation of what motivates Barack Obama, and what he might do if elected to a second term.
The popular film opened over the weekend in New Jersey and across the nation. During that period, the movie beat out two new Hollywood releases and almost beat out a third new movie in the weekend box office.
So, consider: Why, for example, does President Obama seem totally unconcerned about the ballooning federal debt?
Overseas, why does President Obama disrespect Israel, our longtime ally, while telling NASA that its new top mission is an outreach to Muslim nations? Why does he tell outgoing Russian President Medvedev that he (Obama) will have "more flexibility" after the election?
And small, telling, details: why, in a gratuitous snub of perhaps our best ally, did President Obama insist on removing a bust of Winston Churchill from its honored place in the White House?
The usual explanation for all these and other "odd" actions is that President Obama is a liberal-leaning Democrat, perhaps a bit more to the left than many in his party. Others suggest that Obama is so enamored of big government that he is a socialist. D'Souza argues that the conventional explanations (lefty or socialist) don't quite "fit" the pattern of the president's behavior.
Instead, President Obama's actions can best be explained by understanding that he is motivated by a belief system foreign to most Americans: a deep-seated (but well-disguised, for political purposes) rage against colonial oppressors. In President Obama's estimation, D'Souza argues, America is the last remaining colonial oppressor.
This is a thesis you probably won't hear from CNN or the broadcast networks, which seem determined to get President Obama re-elected. Better to cast D'Souza as a right-wing Michael Moore (as some critics have done) or to lump D'Souza in with the "birthers." (For the record, D'Souza says in the movie that Obama was born in Hawaii.)
In contrast to Moore's conspiracy theories, D'Souza offers three pieces of compelling evidence: Obama's own words, his life story, and his choice of those who would influence him (and their worldview). Then he examines which explanatory "grid" best explains Obama's actions since becoming president.
For example, Obama's background is not that of someone who grew up in the civil rights movement. He seems indifferent, for example, to affirmative action. By contrast, he seems to relish punishing "the rich," a favorite anti-colonial theme. He keeps apologizing for America. He seems comfortable with massive federal debt, which promises to humble a colonial power.
In making his case, D'Souza starts with Obama's own words. In "Dreams from My Father," the future president's autobiography, Obama recounts how he received his worldview from his Kenyan father.
In many ways, D'Souza's life journey parallels Obama's own, making the author especially suited to understand Obama's perspective. They both grew up overseas in a nation newly independent of European colonial domination (D'Souza: India; Obama: Indonesia).
Despite their similar backgrounds, they reached different political conclusions. D'Souza went on to join the conservative cause, working for a conservative college magazine and then serving in the Reagan White House. By contrast, Obama is guided by the anti-colonial dream he inherited from his father.
To understand that dream, D'Souza re-traces Obama's life journey as told in his autobiography. Obama Sr., the father of the future president, left his wife in Kenya to marry a woman (in Hawaii) who became Barack Obama's mother. That marriage broke apart, his mother remarried, and Barack grew up in Indonesia.
Although Obama only saw his father once while growing up in Hawaii (when his father came to visit), the younger Obama remained influenced and motivated by his father. As a young man, Obama made a special journey to visit his father's village and grave in Kenya. Obama's father was an anti-colonial radical. That is the dream that Obama has received from his father.
Were his father -- and his father's anti-colonial worldview -- merely a childhood fantasy of Obama's, the president's autobiography might be merely the story of an unusual youth who grew up to be president.
Unfortunately, Barack Obama followed up that dream from his father with a series of mentors who confirmed him in that anti-American viewpoint. (Our war for independence from the British was vastly different than the 20th century anti-colonialism of Obama or his father.)
Perhaps the best-known influence on Obama was the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, the pastor of a Chicago church, who famously called down curses on America. Obama was no stranger. He attended Wright's church for decades. Wright officiated at his wedding. Obama also was influenced by Frank Marshall Davis, a communist and anti-colonialist, and radical activist Bill Ayers.
Obama went on to discover that he could depend on the reliably incurious media to gloss over his radical worldview as expressed in his book and confirmed in his choice of intellectual companions.
For the 2008 election, Obama also discovered that he could offer voters a chance to prove that they had moved beyond racism by electing the first African-American president. It did not matter that Obama was a first-term Senator with no discernible accomplishments.
Voters are getting a second chance to examine Barack Obama – his motives, worldview, and how he might implement that worldview were he to be re-elected. This movie might help in that reexamination.


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Ford Foundation Supported India-China Knowledge & Capacity-Building Initiative
The India-China Knowledge & Capacity-Building Initiative (ICKCBI) is a unique partnership among the University of Calcutta, Yunnan University in Kunming, and The New School in New York—three universities with a shared commitment to advancing scholarship on India–China interactions. Faculty members from each university worked together to co-design a cross-disciplinary approach to graduate-level instruction on India and China that emphasizes cross-cultural dialogue and intensive student interaction. For more information, click here…
Application Guidelines
Student Travel Research Grants
Five awards are available for undergraduate or graduate students to support an independent study project or to defray the cost of attending a New School program in India or China. The field visit must be undertaken by the end of summer in 2013. The funds could be used towards expenses such as airfare, local transportation, room and board, and interpreters. For more information click


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Marcella Laasch filmography
Here you can learn about the movies Marcella Laasch acted in. You can see the names of the movies, their budget, years of release and the money gained from the screening of the certain movie. It is always interesting to know.
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Speaking on 'The Howard Stern Show', Alec Baldwin revealed that he had turned down a role in a Marvel movie. The actor didn't want to say which movie it was but he explained that he couldn't take the
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Friday, September 25, 2009
Pathways to Home
This is the longest I've lived in one place, though I'm settling into the land with thirsty roots. I won't retire in this home. The city is growing too close. At one time I thought I'd build back in Montana, but the Midwest has claimed me, and the song of the Plains is a siren to the gregarious loner in me. For now, this is what I need, close enough to where I can fly out for work, or make it into a city office in less than an hour. In a few years, a self sufficient and smaller home on a whole lot of land, big enough to hunt on. This fits me for now. For most of my life, I couldn't imagine living anywhere for more than a few years, and it's not because the desire isn't there. It's just been the life I have led. I guess the wandering spirit runs in my blood, passed on my from Air Force father to me. Seems like ever since I got a control yoke in my hand I've been wandering across miles of land . . . across rivers and towns. My Mom would have preferred I marry a hometown boy and stay in the tiny town in which I was raised, but once I tasted adventure, I was born into that gypsy life and have never really known another.
I have probably moved a dozen times in 20 years, chasing a flying dream for a while, then, back to school, then another school, then internships and a promotion in another city. St. Expurey said "he who would travel happily must travel light". And this adventurer did travel light, living on a boat, and small apartments for those first years, my books my biggest possessions and my photos of friends and family around my bed my only company most nights.There have been so many flights, so many moment that shine in my memory, milestones along the uncharted airway that made up my life. In the early years, I remember not just the airplanes themselves as I instructed to pay for college, but the feel of the cotton shirt I wore, the smell of my students aftershave, the song that was playing inside when I ran in to check the weather again. It seems as if all my early years were reflected in the window of those moving airplanes. I see my reflection, my past, through bug sprayed glass that tints the world bright.
The airplane, the destination and the years changed, as did the landscape of my career, but what was inside was always the same, drawn back to the sky as a way of release. The firm tension of the throttles, the ever varying display of numbers on gauges that ranged from the antique to the technically sublime. My memory just remembers my hands, clasped on the yoke, a testament to their refusal to be separated for long. The voices of the controllers reminding me that I was of the earth, the window reflecting the satisfied smile of being exactly where I wanted to be. My friend or a copilot with me, chatting with me of his or her life, our plans for the weekend, our dreams for the future. It might have been Fall or Spring, morning or night, but the feeling deep within the remembrance always stays the same. My life's journey have have changed and if I didn't have roots, there was that one constant. That of my reflection in that little plane window, still enraptured by a cockpit's illumination of a dream. No one could take that from me.
To some people all those changes would have been upsetting. But the adventurer in me looked on it as simply new landscapes to a life that broadened. Certainly, not all the changes I chose, but I found crying about it didn't make it easier, it's easier to pack what remains and look onward. So I looked at each new move, each progression in my career, like a new page, a chance to experience each day, each sky in all its glory. Another suitcase to unpack, full of memories of adventure. Besides, I wouldn't know what to do with a full size bar of soap anyway.
So what if at an age when my friends had 3 kids and their mortgage half paid, I was grasping the second dream of my live, living out of boxes again. Boxes in which somewhere was my favorite Led Zeppelin tape. I could still crawl in the cockpit of a little plane once in a while, watching the day in yet another new state slowly unfold above the clouds. The sun casting a pink haze over the sky, long before I could actually see its rays, as the ridges that rose from the land took on a glow you can't see from the ground. For just a moment I could block out the sound of the Air Traffic Controller, and I could hear life whispering to me in the sound of a Lycoming engine. For that moment in space I could feel the depth and potential of my whole existence. No matter what my troubles were, fretting whether I'd done the right thing with a total career change mid thirties, or the time spent away from my parents and siblings - when the earth turned on its axis one more time and I saw that sun rising over the nose of my airplane, it was universe reminding me of all that I did have. Amongst which was yet another day aloft, breathing deep the freedom of choice.
Choices, like when I moved to a place I had never been, a place where my grandparents were born, when I found suddenly found myself single. Packing up books and a 12 point deer mount that sat on the front seat of my car wearing a baseball cap, eliciting honks from truck drivers and waves from little kids as I embarked on the journey. I drove two solid days, to arrive in the middle of the night in a place I'd never set foot except for a brief job interview. Miles and hours spent watching the landscape, silver grain elevators, red winged birds, gold winged motorcycles and farm trucks all blending into a bright diorama of my new life. From my view point in that tiny car I was sitting tall, this new land rushing past me, racing at me, then away from me, the bug spattering on the window and the chatter of the DJ in my ear. I watched a dozen cumulus clouds erupt, mass assassination of mayflies and the disappearance of a slice of cherry pie at a tiny diner and the trip was just beginning.
It's still ongoing, though I've been here a while now. I've healed in this place. Though adult when I got here, I've grown up in this place. My home has gone from an apartment with all the coziness of a dental lab to a sprawling, warm, wood and art filled home on a bit of land. I sit here tonight after a couple of days on the road, with a cold beer, watching the sun set on a pond. MY pond. My land. And despite setbacks and a couple of tears along the way, it's spawned new faith, and strength in the countless days marked with bitter cold and radiating warmth, monotonous wonderful days of work and friends, gunfire and laughter, water and sky. Countless days here, now receding like ancient glaciers that once crept down upon this place, leaving the land flat in their wake, leaving an ancient mark upon my heart. A gypsy heart that's taking root.
I may someday decide to move, but my heart will have a place here always.
31 comments:
That was moving (sorry; bad pun alert), and very beautiful.ReplyDelete
What remarkable resilience. May even surpass your abilities as a writer.ReplyDelete
Enjoy your trip.
You're a lucky woman, my friend. Not too many of us have had the chance to live our lives "Where The Winds Took Us".ReplyDelete
I did the flying thing for a while, and then got into road racing, going to whatever track I could make it to and get back in a Long Weekend. Traveled the world for various jobs, and learned that Home was where you unpacked for the night.
Enjoy your vacation, you've earned it!
- Bruce B.September 25, 2009 at 7:22 PM
Rev. Paul beat me to it but this was moving and beautiful.ReplyDelete
Have a safe and enjoyable trip.
I hope you enjoy your trip the way I enjoyed reading this.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 25, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Well written Brigid. Hope you enjoy your holiday. Its great to see people with the courage to take off on a true adventure.I know what its like to roam as I went many places with a restless heart. I left my island home at a young age to go to sea and roamed the world on my leave as wellmostly by myself. I came home every year for the fall though. I remember one year my parents bought a bird dog pup hoping to toll me home for the fall. I have a daughter and roots now but I still the pull of the road at times. I may head someday to the Yukon or the NWT. The idea of living back of beyond appeals to me.ReplyDelete
Have a great vacation, B.ReplyDelete
H the IH
Have a good trip. If you go past Utah, wave...ReplyDelete
Beautifully written, as always..ReplyDelete
I think a place can own you, as much or more than you own a place, once you find "your spot".
When I was a boy, we camped in Colorado almost every summer. Riding the narrow gauge railway from Durango to Silverton was a summer ritual that I treasure to this day. Haven't been in many years - have to fix that.
Saw the Koontz book in the one pick. If you've read the first two Frankenstein books he co-wrote - be sure to get the third one that's just out. It's 100% written by him alone, and it's classic Koontz.
Have a safe trip -
Your life's experiences have left you rich beyond any material wealth. You savor each moment as if it were your last. So many people just exist but you really live!ReplyDelete
- The CartmanSeptember 25, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Fantastic post, as usual. Take some steam train pictures for us, please. At least for me, I am a huge fan. Most of all have a great vacation.ReplyDelete
Marvelous post. Enjoy your trip, and soaking in as much as you can. May each minute last an hour as you need this time off more than most!ReplyDelete
When I came to this state, everything I owned fit into international baggage requirements, except my computer's monitor. Now as I read this, my heart aches - because I'm packing a full house, noting what to give away, what to donate, what to recycle, and what very few things I'll take to UPS and ship - because I'm leaving again for a new life, and when I come back, only the things that'll fit in a Taylorcraft can come with me.ReplyDelete
This land had dug deep roots in me, and I don't know if I'll find another home to transplant my heart to again. I hope I may find my own space, as you have - thank you for showing a light at the end of the tunnel.
Enjoy your vacation!
That's a nice part of the world; my brother and his family live in Boulder so they get lots of visits from me! Have a wonderful, restful, restorative, safe trip.ReplyDelete
Ha ha ha, Air Traffic Controllers:ReplyDelete
"We tell pilots where to go."
Had to add that in. I love your writing.
- Joe in RenoSeptember 26, 2009 at 1:47 AM
On the other hand..... Now that you are a plains girl, what are you going to do with your Montana land?ReplyDelete
I often wonder if my home is the one I'll REALLY retire to. If so, I better start taking better care of it. OMG, the carpet is a mess!ReplyDelete
Our journeys do in deed make up the expanding universe of our lifes. Like the silver flash of a salmon that returns to its birthplace we do not swim upstream to our demise but sail the rushing currents and shifting eddies that sweep us to our rebirth.ReplyDelete
Thank you for the reminder that we live not simply exist.
Stay safe and enjoy the trip!ReplyDelete
Be safe-enjoy your vacation. You earned it. I hope to see out west one of these years.ReplyDelete
See Ya
I do hope you know that you bring us all with you when you write about what's next to your heart. And ... you're not going to be alone on that vacation of yours, either. We'll all be with you, Brigid.ReplyDelete
Have fun and know that we'll welcome you back.
Those with a restless spirit, the soul of a gypsy, and the courage to be an adventurer illuminate the shadowy paths that most of us cannot walk. Not for lack of desire, but shackled by an existence dictated by a path not chosen long ago. Those who dare, like yourself, allow the acquiescently moribund to dream, to soar with you. Thank you for that Brigid. The melancholy side of the life you have chosen is not without positive influence beyond your immediate realm. I have never piloted an aircraft but experienced flight because of you. That is powerful. Someday when you nail your final touch and go, I wish only happiness and satisfaction for you. Your innate and spiritual chronicling of your adventures is a special gift for all of us. steveReplyDelete
I hope I am as lucky as life goes down yet another path. "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger" Yes?ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 27, 2009 at 2:08 AM
Just needed this, thanks as always for sharing the journey. Your timing amazes me sometimes.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 27, 2009 at 2:10 AM
PS I just saw that you're taking the steam train while out! Aw, man!!! Someday.ReplyDelete
Meantime, travel safe.
Looks like Barkley is making sure your not taking Watchers - he must like reading too. I like the idea of a self sufficient small home on a lot of land....perfect!ReplyDelete
As always, your words move me more than my feeble attempts at writing can express.ReplyDelete
I'm incapable of putting down roots here in Las Vegas, this is just the place where I live, not home. I hope that I find my true home one day.
Have a wonderful, enjoyable trip, and take plenty of pictures, please!
Dean Koontz... good stuff. Doesn't get nearly the recognition he deserves.ReplyDelete
You never regret the trips you take. it's always the ones you don't that come back to haunt you in the wee hours and the steadily increasing years.ReplyDelete
I, too, have moved quite a bit. Army brat, PK, active duty Navy, etc. I'm on my 25th permanent address. We've been here ten years, the longest I've ever stayed in one place and the only home my son has ever known. Now, due to the pressures of advancing careers and the changing tides of (un)employment, we're facing yet another move. I'm used to it, but it'll be a rather novel experience for the kids.ReplyDelete
We're looking at Houston... does anybody have any words of wisdom or warning for us.
Steve the Engineer.
I started this blog so the child I gave up for adoption could get to know me, and in turn, her children, as well as share stories for a family that lives too far away. So please keep it friendly and kid safe. Posts that are only a link or include an ad for an unknown business automatically to to SPAM..


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HATTIESBURG, Miss.-Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns soccer team was forced to postpone their home match with LSU, but was able to make their scheduled trip to Southern Miss and returned to Lafayette with a 1-0 shutout victory.
The Cajuns improve to 2-4-1, while the Eagles fall to 3-2-1.
The win is the first shutout for the Cajuns this season. The Ragin' Cajuns posted six shutouts during the 2007 season and have boasted 16 shutouts under head coach Scot Wieland.
Goalkeeper Stephanie Weston was credited with the win. The shutout was the 10th of her career, moving the senior into sole possession of first place in the Cajuns record book for career shutouts.
On the day, Weston kept Southern Miss off of the scoreboard by blocking all five Southern Miss shots on goal on the day.
Weston earned the win as Erika Saffer netted her first goal of the season. Saffer took a pass from Chelsea Balestra and slipped it past the USM goalie to give the Cajuns the one-goal victory.
The match-winning goal was the first of Saffer's four-year career. The goal was the first for Saffer since she netted a goal in the Cajuns' 4-0 win over McNeese State on Sept. 15, 2006.
The Cajuns were out-shot by the Eagles 22-to-11 and had only three shots on goal, compared to five by USM. Louisiana made their shots count as Saffer netted the match-winner in the first half and never trailed in the contest.
The Ragin' Cajuns soccer team will resume play on Sunday, Sept. 21, as they travel to Natchitoches, La., to take on Northwestern State. Kickoff for the match with the Demons is slated for 1:00 p.m.


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Big Gigantic Black Clock wrote: The thing about the OBD is that some members are so full of shit that they believe they are better than everyone else and just because they know most fictions.
Truth this. Some people there overestimate themselves. Though I know a few who are definitely good people.


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Beltrami County, MN (NNCNOW.com) --- Authorities in Beltrami County are investigating a fire they believe was set to a house to cover up evidence of a burglary.
Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Cass Lake Fire and Leech Lake Tribal Police responded to a house fire in the 6800 block of Maple Beach Court NE in Sugarbush Township just before 2 p.m. Monday. They found a house fully engulfed and evidence that the house had been burglarized prior to the fire. The house is considered a total loss.
As authorities began to investigate the scene, they found indications that the fire had been set as a means to cover up evidence of a burglary which occurred. The State Fire Marshall's Office was contacted to aid in the arson investigation while Beltrami County continued to work on the burglary investigation.
Police learned that an older model sedan, described as being light brown or tan in color with a darker brown driver's door and a loud exhaust system, was seen driving away from the area.
The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in providing any information about anyone who may own a similar vehicle or a license plate for a vehicle with this description.
If you have any information, please contact the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office.
Posted to the web by Raeanna Marnati


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Main Menu
I get this error: "NET_SendPacket ERROR: WSAEINTR (winsock error) A blocking operation was interrupted by a call to WSACancelBlockingCall." when I try to run Steam or connect to a server - what should I do?
The recommendations provided here may also help in addressing other WINSOCK errors:
Remove all references to Steam.exe and HL.exe and let them be re-learned. Be sure to give permission for all TCP and UDP ports.
Please see the help topic which addresses repairing common Winsock errors.
Add +clientport 27025 to the Launch Properties for Steam.
ICS is not compatible with Steam. You will need to disable ICS to use Steam.
Check your motherboard drivers and, if you are using a VIA KT133A motherboard chipset, please visit http://www.viaarena.com/?PageID=2 to get the 4-in-1 patch.


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Does your LO or your alarm wake you up in the morning?
Does your LO or your alarm wake you up in the morning?
Alarm clock, I have to get up much earlier for work. Ds is usually sleeping still when I leave.
Alarm. My day starts at 430am. LO doesn't wake until 7.
Mainstream Moms Attached Parenting/Crunchy not quite your style?Come join other like minded moms.
I don't have an alarm because I'm a SAHM and my husband works second shift, so there's usually no need to wake earlier than naturally. Usually my husband wakes up, which then wakes me up from his rustling, and then I'll wake my toddler.
I mean I can get her fully dressed and she'llgo back to her room and get in bed.
Neither, I wake up on my own and almost always before anyone else.
My children for now but I plan to go back to using an alarm


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A handful of candidates for mayor laid out their ideas for crime reform, a topic most often listed as a city priority, in a forum Thursday night.
More than 170 people, largely members of the many grass-roots and criminal justice reform groups that sponsored the forum, crammed the Treme community center to quiz candidates.
Businessman Troy Henry, State Sen. Ed Murray, fair-housing activist James Perry and former Civil District Court Judge Nadine Ramsey participated in the forum.
All pledged to conduct a national search for a police chief. Each vowed to push work and rehab programs for formerly incarcerated citizens. And they also emphasized the importance of investing in the city's youth, bulking up recreation programs and educational opportunities.
A spokeswoman for businessman John Georges told the crowd he had a scheduling conflict, and a spokeswoman for Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu said he was attending an annual spiritual retreat in Convent. Attorney Rob Couhig was not represented.
The forum, for the most part, presented a template for change desired by the reform groups. The groups, which included Safe Streets/Strong Communities, the Juvenile Justice Project, VOTE, and many others, presented the candidates with a 10-point crime platform.
The platform proposed changes such as initiating a national search for a police chief, creating a municipal office for formerly incarcerated persons, and forcing the police to focus less on minor offenses, such as traffic violations and marijuana possession.
Perry agreed to back the platform, and made a point of putting his signature on a sheet of paper. Henry backed it too, but quibbled with the language of some of the reforms. Murray and Ramsey both said they have made it a habit of not signing such pledges, but instead will take it into consideration.
The crime forum capped a week of public debates for the candidates. Twelve appeared for the first televised debate of the campaign season, a Tuesday night affair broadcast on WDSU.
Because five long-shot candidates were not invited to Thursday night's two-hour crime debate, the forum provided the candidates an opportunity for a more in-depth, head-to-head battle on one of the most pressing, and talked about, issues in the race for mayor.
The candidates mostly played nice, with Perry taking the most aggressive stance criticizing the other candidates' plans.
Perry repeated his promise that if the murder rate isn't lowered during his tenure, he would not run for re-election. He said that, while growing up in New Orleans, he long felt the city ran a "criminal injustice system." He reiterated his desire for dramatic change, such as the ones outlined in the proposals offered Thursday night.
Henry painted himself as the chief executive officer for the job. He focused on his business background, saying he was the only candidate to have run a major company with a major budget, and that he oversaw more than a thousand employees and was tasked with hiring top executives. He talked about "effectiveness and efficiency."
Murray, meanwhile, touted his legislative work in funding work and rehabilitation programs. He noted his record on programs that trained prison inmates pre-release. "When released from prison, you have a tool belt and a steel-toed set of shoes," he said.
Ramsey pushed the importance of engaging community stakeholders, appointing skilled leaders and paying attention to quality-of-life issues.
The two-hour forum sputtered out after an hour of questions from the crowd.
Deon Haywood, executive director of Women With a Vison, an advocacy group that focuses on women's health and wellness issues and a co-sponsor of the forum, said she was not impressed with what she heard.
"I feel like it was kind of surface material," she said. "They stuck to the general theme all candidates seem to say."
Haywood's group pushed for a change in NOPD action toward women caught soliciting, one of the proposals in the 10-point platform. She said the criminal justice system is too draconian in dealing with women arrested of solicitation. Many of the offenders are poor, uneducated and unhealthy and are labeled registered sex offenders upon conviction, she said.
Brendan McCarthy can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com or 504.826.3301.


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Get an overview of this hotel3-star Valencia hotel in Ciutat Vella, walk to Serranos Towers
Collect 200 points
Simply enter your Nectar card number when prompted. Your points will be credited 30 days after you return from your trip.*Offers may apply
Located in Ciutat Vella, this boutique hotel is steps from Benlliure Museum House and Serranos Towers. Silk Exchange and Central Market are also within 15 minutes.
Hotel Features
Along with a bar/lounge, this hotel has a coffee shop/café and a spa tub. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a sauna, a rooftop terrace, and 24-hour room service.
Room Amenities
All 25 rooms offer 24-hour room service, separate bathtubs and showers, and plasma TVs with satellite channels. Hair dryers, safes, and phones are among the other amenities that guests will find.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
HolaHotel del CarmenCarrer de la Blanqueria, 11 Valencia Valencia 46003
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
HolaHotel del Carmen features a spa tub and a sauna. The hotel offers a coffee shop/café. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary.
Business-related amenities at this 3-star property consist of a business center and a meeting room. This boutique hotel also offers a rooftop terrace, multilingual staff, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby.
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Rooftop terrace
- Free WiFi
- One meeting room
- Spa tub
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 25
- Number of floors - 5
- Bar/lounge
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Business center
- Coffee shop or café
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Elevator/lift
- Multilingual staff
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Sauna
- Television in common areas
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Room Amenities
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Plasma TV
- Separate bathtub and shower
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Free toiletries
- In-room safe
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Desk
- Satellite TV service
- Room service (24 hours)
Where to Eat
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM.
24-hour room service is available.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the hotel include a spa tub and a sauna.
To make special requests for accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- Accessible bathroom
- Roll-in shower
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at 11 PM
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
- No onsite parking is available.
24-hour check-in
- Resort fee
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: EUR 9 per person (approximately)
Hotel Name
- del Carmen Valencia
- Hotel del Carmen Valencia
We should mention
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 2500, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation. A resort fee is included in the total price displayed. Children 8 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.


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A soprano who has sung the silver-voiced role of Nannetta in Giuseppe Verdi's "Falstaff" at the prestigious Santa Fe Opera is one of three young singers to join Portland Opera's Studio Artists program next month. Jennifer M. Forni from Puyallup joins two other newcomers, mezzo-soprano Daryl Freedman from Philadelphia and tenor Steven Brennfleck from Trenton, N.J..
Forni graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio and received her masters degree from the University of Maryland. This season, she will sing Trio in Leonard Bernstein's "Trouble in Tahiti," Amore in "Il Ballo Delle Ingrate and Clorinda in "Il Combattimento Di Tancredi E Clorinda." She'll also cover the roles of Mimi in "La Boheme" and Fiordiligi in "Cosi fan Tutte."
Freedman has a masters degree from the Manhattan School of Music and has sung roles in Kurt Weill's "Street Scene," Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" and Offenbach's "The Tales of Hoffmann." This season, she'll sing in Philip Glass' "Orphee," "Trouble in Tahiti" and "Il ballo."
Brennfleck was a finalist in the Marian Anderson Prize for Emerging Classical Artists and is singing this summer in the Glimmerglass Opera Young American Artists Program. He received bachelor and masters degrees from Westminster Choir College. This season, he'll sing Parpignol in "La Boheme" and roles in "Orphee," "Trouble in Tahiti" and "The Barber of Seville."
A fourth Young Artist, Jose Rubio, returns to the program for his second year. He'll sing Schaunard in "Boheme," Sam in "Trouble in Tahiti" and Fiorello in "The Barber of Seville."
"Trouble in Tahiti" and the two one-act operas by Monteverdi, "Il Ballo" and "Il Combattimento" are designed around the young singers. The productions open in March at the Newmark Theatre and are often a highlight of the year.


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X-Men actor James Marsden has been added to the cast of the pilot about a futuristic theme park filled with android residents that fulfill human desires, according to ew.com.
The HBO offering is a remake of the 1973 science fiction western-thriller film, which was written and directed by novelist Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park). The film starred Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin and James Brolin. It spawned the sequel Futureworld.
Other headlines:
- Geena Davis headed to 'Grey's Anatomy.' (eonline.com)
- Holt McCallany joins 'The Perfect Guy.' (deadline.com)
- Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton in talks for Catholic priest sex abuse scandal film. (hollywoodreporter.com)
- Paul McCartney composes video game soundtrack. (rollingstone.com)


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This well-known prayer dates its origin from the first half of the fourteenth century and was enriched with indulgences by Pope John XXII in the year 1330. All the manuscripts practically agree as to these two facts so there can be no doubt of their exactness. In regard to its authorship all we can say is that it was, perhaps, written by John XXII. Of this we are not certain, as this Pope has been falsely accredited with similar pious compositions, and a mistake could easily be made of confounding the one who gave the indulgence with the real author. The Anima Christi was and is still generally believed to have been composed by St. Ignatius Loyola, as he puts it at the beginning of his "Spiritual Exercises" and often refers to it. This is a mistake, as has been pointed out by many writers, since the prayer has been found in a number of prayer books printed during the youth of the saint and is in manuscripts which were written a hundred years before his birth (1491). James Mearns, the English hymnologist, found it in a manuscript of the British Museum which dates back to about 1370. In the library of Avignon there is preserved a prayer book of Cardinal Peter De Luxembourg, who died in 1387, which contains the Anima Christi in practically the same form as we have it today. It has also been found inscribed on one of the gates of the Alcazar of Seville, which brings us back to the times of Don Pedro the Cruel (1350-69) This prayer was so well known and so popular at the time of St. Ignatius, that he only mentions it in the first edition of his "Spiritual Exercises", evidently supposing that the exercitant or reader already knew it. In the later editions, it was printed in full. It was by assuming that everything in the book was written by St. Ignatius that it came to be looked upon as his composition. All this has been told at length by Guido Dreves (Stimmen aus Maria-Laach LIV, 493) and B. Baesten (Précis Historiques, XXXII, 630).
The Catholic Encyclopedia is the most comprehensive resource on Catholic teaching, history, and information ever gathered in all of human history. This easy-to-search online version was originally printed between 1907 and 1912 in fifteen hard copy volumes.
Designed to present its readers with the full body of Catholic teaching, the Encyclopedia contains not only precise statements of what the Church has defined, but also an impartial record of different views of acknowledged authority on all disputed questions, national, political or factional. In the determination of the truth the most recent and acknowledged scientific methods are employed, and the results of the latest research in theology, philosophy, history, apologetics, archaeology, and other sciences are given careful consideration.
No one who is interested in human history, past and present, can ignore the Catholic Church, either as an institution which has been the central figure in the civilized world for nearly two thousand years, decisively affecting its destinies, religious, literary, scientific, social and political, or as an existing power whose influence and activity extend to every part of the globe. In the past century the Church has grown both extensively and intensively among English-speaking peoples. Their living interests demand that they should have the means of informing themselves about this vast institution, which, whether they are Catholics or not, affects their fortunes and their destiny.
Copyright © Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company New York, NY. Volume 1: 1907; Volume 2: 1907; Volume 3: 1908; Volume 4: 1908; Volume 5: 1909; Volume 6: 1909; Volume 7: 1910; Volume 8: 1910; Volume 9: 1910; Volume 10: 1911; Volume 11: - 1911; Volume 12: - 1911; Volume 13: - 1912; Volume 14: 1912; Volume 15: 1912
Catholic Online Catholic Encyclopedia Digital version Compiled and Copyright © Catholic Online


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eXtensible Business Reporting Language, XBRL, enables preparers to utilize software to tag all financial items in their business reports using the elements within a taxonomy. This course will provide the background of XBRL, how it works and how it is used for business reporting. Part 3 will focus on dimensional taxonomies and how facts are dimensional qualified in an instance document.
Throughout this course, you will:
Prerequisites: Completion of XBRL Fundamentals: Understanding XBRL, Part 2
Advanced Preparation: None
This course is part of the XBRL U.S. GAAP Certificate Program


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David Walker didn't look anything like the beautiful but cursed Cassandra of Greek myth when he walked into WW.
And in fact, Walker—a 54-year-old bald, white guy who's considered the nation's top fiscal cop—stressed that he doesn't want to share the mythological character's fate of prophesying disaster without being believed.
Yet Walker, who as the country's comptroller general heads the U.S. Government Accountability Office, carried a very scary (and abstract to most of us who can't conceive of hundreds of billions of dollars) message during a visit last week to Portland.
His warning: America is heading for an unprecedented financial crash-and-burn, if the federal government doesn't stop spending more than it collects. And it will be his two grandchildren along with today's twentysomethings and teenagers who will suffer the most from that fiscal disconnect, Walker says.
"They will bear the burden if we fail to act,'' Walker said in a 45-minute interview. "They could face a tax burden two-and-a-half times higher than today.''
Walker made multiple stops in Portland as part of a national Fiscal Wakeup Tour sponsored nationally by the deficit-hating Concord Coalition.
So who's to blame for what could be an "Argentina scenario'' ahead where the U.S. government defaults on its debt, much of it held by foreign investors? So-called leadership in both political parties that leaves little room for a "sensible center," says Walker (no relation to WW's film critic).
Walker, who as GAO head reports to Congress, rejects laying the blame for growing deficits solely on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the costs of homeland security. He sees those as part of a larger spending problem that's not supported by current tax levels.
Pressed to assess President Bush's share of the blame in frittering away surpluses, Walker says, "Unless things change dramatically in the balance of this president's term, he's at risk of going down in history as one of the most fiscally irresponsible presidents.''
Walker contends today's federal deficits are much scarier than those piled up during the 1970s and 1980s because we face a "demographic tidal wave'' of retiring baby boomers who will place huge demands on Social Security and Medicare.
And don't believe anyone who tells you the economy will grow fast enough to churn out more tax money over time to cover the problem, he told listeners at Portland State University forum.
"We're on a burning platform,'' Walker says. "The status quo is not an option."


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TURF: 10th Annual Smith Optics Garden State Grudge Match Presented by DaKine; Adrenaline Bowl, Seaside Heights, NJ; October 14, 2013
ENERGY: Lacking. There was plenty of motion in the ocean, but the general mood of this event has tanked… more about that later. In the event's 10-year history, this was the worst surf: four- to very occasional six-foot and northeast in the morning, with dead low tide closeouts. Conditions improved, but there was never a pocket. And you know how good a contest is when the wind picks up out of the east right during the quarterfinals… To be fair, though, there has only been one good day of surf in the area throughout October (shoulder-high). New Jersey got shafted on this nor'easter, and there is nothing significant on the map.
The contest was also held at the Adrenaline Bowl, a few blocks north of Casino Pier. Pieces of the sunken Jet Star roller coaster, which became the symbol of Sandy and the gutting of Casino Pier, forced the contest to be held with no protection or sculpted sand. "I think this year, the momentum kind of slowed," offered Ocean City's Rob Kelly, "Every year, people look forward to the Grudge Match, but losing a year to Sandy, it kind of lost momentum. And the pier being in the condition it's in has a lot to do with that. If we had been on the south side of the pier, we would have been protected, but we were just kind of out there for 20 minutes in wide-open beachbreak."
SLIDE: Early round highlights included 2010 champ Zach Humphreys finding a deep cave amongst the onshore shit for a 9.0. Surf City's Royce Weber laid down a carve that left the judges surprised that his board didn't break under his feet. Connor Willem nailed a sweet air reverse. Rob Kelly's multiple bashes scored the highest heat total, at 15.0 points. But the last quarterfinal will be talked about for years to come. In advance of the inaugural Grudge Match, a brash 19-year-old Andrew Gesler gave this reporter golden quotes. 11 years later, he remained one of the most colorful characters of the Grudge legacy as he faced off against Sam Hammer.
Conditions mostly favored the goofyfoots, but Hammer found respectable rights, which he slayed. His highest score was awarded for a vertical first hit, followed by stylish carves and a run to the beach, where he finished his final smash in the heavy shorebreak. Gesler, on the other hand, had possibly the best forehand turns of the contest, coming off his bottom turn and laying his body out in full commitment. But it was just the one turn, which the judges saw falling short of Hammer's combo punches. Then Gesler boosted way above the lip, spinning down to the flats, where he landed on his board, but didn't ride out. If not for the last bobble, he would have beaten Hammer, which is basically winning the event.
Next, in semi number one, Surf City's Randy Townsend was trailing a very in-form Tommy Ihnken in the final seconds, when he found a rare open section. He blazed down the line and cracked a full fins-free reverse to take the heat. Meanwhile, "Raw" Rob Kelly looks like he's ready to wrestle Mick Fanning and was able to find power where no one else could. But in semi number two, he was up against Sam Hammer, not only the face of New Jersey pro surfing, but also the man who rallied surfers to the forefront of Sandy recovery. Kelly sat wide, trying to backdoor the lefts, which he did to some extent. But Sam smashed the life out of an overhead wall on his backhand.
That led to a Hammer/Townsend showdown: a rematch of the 2005 final. Both of these guys were original Grudge invitees and are mentors to the state's young hopefuls. Both have great work ethics and have taken pro surfing and made it fit into their vocations and lives. Hammer returned from his semi and was simply waiting at the shoreline when Townsend came loping down the beach. Like Gesler, he had never won a Grudge Match, despite an outstanding record.
Hammer drew first blood, crushing a big backside hit for a 7.0. But Townsend was not going to let Hammer walk with this one. He answered with a 7.5, slicing numerous precision carves into a wave face that was anything but precise. Hammer willed himself in and out of an ugly barrel that would prove to be a throwaway. With minutes remaining, Townsend dropped a perilous frontside hack on a closeout section, only to watch Hammer zip off on a right, getting off that all-important first gouge to stylish cutback, skating sections that gave him every reason to bog, and again finishing at the shoreline to win his fifth Grudge Match belt 14.8 to 14.4.
THE PAIN: Smith Optics Northeast Rep and Casino Pier local Rob Cloupe started this event with his buddy Rob Z. back in 2002. That's 10 years of events, taking 2012 off when Seaside was almost erased from the map. The initial goal was to bring everyone together in a very personal, performance-oriented contest that would settle all the rivalries that popped up in the state. It would be held on-call at the pier, guaranteeing, if not perfect waves, at least exciting conditions. And everyone dropped whatever they were doing – new lives in California, family commitments, plumbing jobs, college, trips to Fiji, etc. Every year, the heats became passionate battles where the loser would start drinking and sometimes blow off his rage in an outburst, only to hug the Jersey brother who'd bested him by the end of the after party.
But in recent years, the excitement waned. The throw-downs became bro-downs, and the kids born in the '90s didn't have the same craving for the belt. No one is in Seaside to settle a score anymore. And considering most people were off for Columbus Day and the surf sucked everywhere else, the crowd was sparse. People are rebuilding from Sandy, and the Seaside fire in September didn't help. There was talk that this might be the last Grudge Match, but the no-shows on Monday put the nail in the coffin.
2006 champ Mike Gleason and 2011 semi-finalist Pat Schmidt were on a Volcom trip in Portugal. 2002/07 champ Dean Randazzo didn't make the trip up from Atlantic City. Brendan Buckley is busy writing clever captions at Surfing Magazine. 2011 finalist and once future belt-heir Mikey Ciaramella wasn't able to get back from UC San Diego. PJ Raia was getting fit in California. And Clay and Al Pollioni simply decided to boycott the event because of the conditions. "I have surfers all over asking me if they can surf in this event," said Cloupe. "Ben Bourgeois was born in New Jersey. He asks me all the time if I'll open it up. And Jersey guys can't show up at their own event – or they yell at me when the waves aren't good enough."
FIRST TIME AT FIGHT CLUB: A bunch of surfers, all solid, who hadn't qualified for the event but happened to be on the beach, stepped up to fill spots left by the aforementioned no-shows. Jonathan Smythe (senior account manager at a tech company by day) was the true dark horse, surfing brilliantly to the quarterfinals.
THE MAN: Cloupe. This event grew into a fan favorite, with a healthy buzz after each event (pun intended). Over the years, Cloupe implemented a Grudge Qualifier, fantasy heats, a Grom Grudge, and even brought the format to New Jersey's snowboard community. It was a fantastic tradition that every surfer aspired to be part of, and it coincided with a golden age of surfing in this state. Cloupe has hinted that he may shoot for another type of event, but this was the end of an era. You have to imagine that Townsend, Kelly, and Gesler, who came so close so many times, are gutted, and rightfully so. It's also a bummer for guys like Willem, Ihnken, and Smythe, who grew up aspiring to surf in this event, will likely never get paid to surf, and now don't get a chance at the belt either. 12-year-old Mikey Vanaman has to be crushed.
YOU DO NOT TALK ABOUT FIGHT CLUB: "I love Sam Hammer. I am all for lifting him up as a human being. He's a good dude, and he takes care of his people. But I surfed to a curriculum that commits to the initiation of the ride. I chose waves that gave me the important section, and I didn't care about the reform. I put everything into my first turn, and that didn't get me the win in the end. I had the opportunity to land that air after I thought I had secured my two good scores, and I fell at 95 percent completion. I was hungry this year, and I really thought that I did it, but it's up to the judges." –The ever-candid Andrew Gesler
"Rob Cloupe always runs a great event. I couldn't be more excited on a 2nd-place result. Sam always surfs with precision and is an amazing competitor. It was great to see everyone ripping, even in chunky conditions, especially Mikey Vanaman. Spectacular performances all day long. The boys were ripping." –The even-keeled Randy Townsend
"I'm bummed that this was the last one, but I get it. It's supposed to be a Grudge Match, and there's no more angst. I love surfing against Randy in the final. He's so deserving, and he pushes me every time. This event was Cloupe's baby, and it was an amazing idea. It's sad to see it change, but that's not always a bad thing. Hopefully it evolves into something else and benefits the kids coming up." –2013 Grudge Match Champ Sam Hammer
"This is the last one. There isn't going to be another Grudge Match…. asshole." –Rob Cloupe showing Jersey affection to a good friend


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In advance of today's landmark vote by the Boy Scouts of America on whether to accept gay youths, five of the six scouting councils in New Jersey had urged the change be adopted.
The sixth council, Boy Scouts of Northern New Jersey, ended up simply sending along the results of its survey without making any recommendation. The reason, said Pat Coviello, deputy scout executive, was there was no clear-cut consensus from members and sponsors.
"There was a preconceived idea that because of where we are -- the Northeast -- it would be heavily weighted towards changing the policy. But that wasn't the case," he said. "It was pretty well divided, for or against."
No council from New Jersey opposed the controversial change – which some argue goes too far, while others say it doesn't go far enough. The policy voted on today would allow gay youths to participate in Scouting, but would continue to ban "open or avowed" homosexual adults from being leaders.
When the change was proposed earlier this year, local councils were urged to survey their members and sponsoring organizations. Of the more than 200,000 leaders, parents and youth members who responded, 61 percent supported the current policy of excluding gays, while 34 percent opposed it, according to the Boy Scouts of America.
The New Jersey numbers were different, though.
"The majority of the people want change," said Ian Lilien, the Central New Jersey council scout executive, of participants in his council. "It wasn't overwhelming. It was a simple majority."
The Patriot's Path council, based in Morris County, supported the change, but expressed disappointment gay adults would still be banned. Its resolution called the acceptance of gay youth "a step in the right direction," and vowed "to work toward further change."
The Garden State, Jersey Shore and Monmouth councils also supported the change.
Regardless of the outcome, Lilien said his council will follow the national policy on handling gay participants. He foresees an impact on participation no matter which way today's vote goes.
"If the policy changes, we're going to lose some kids," he said. "But if the policy doesn't change, we're going to lose some kids too."
Results from the vote taken at Scouting's annual meeting in Texas, are expected to be announced late today.
• Boy Scouts proposing to lift gay ban for young members
• Nothing courageous in Boy Scouts' move on gay ban: Editorial


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A Special Note from Rich's Wife
I am so grateful that we have had this opportunity to help so many people who have been hurt or misled by Kenneth Copeland "Ministries" (KCM), and other similar organizations. Since the launch of this website back in October of 2008, we have had numerous (even documented) reports from people who have worked for KCM—some for over a decade—who all had similar testimonies of the ungodly emotional terrorism that they experienced at the place that proudly states, "We're Here for You." It is our sincere hope that KennethCopelandBlog.com continues to bring much healing to those people and to their families. It is also our strong desire that those within the Copeland family and among the leaders of KCM will take the things that we say to heart and judge themselves—for they will one day face the One Who is above us all (even above Kenneth Copeland), Who will certainly judge righteously.
We have been told by some whistle-blowers that the faithful ex-employees of KCM were (and are) heavily intimidated by the various fear tactics used towards them by the "ministry" that boasts of "No Fear Here." Those who were fired were apparently pressured into signing (illegal?) confidentiality agreements, and were told by these ministers of Satan about potential legal ramifications if they ever spoke out. This fear tactic of law suit threats is also documented on the recent report from Senator Grassley's office. (By the way, in case you have been wondering what might be the REAL reason why KCM's website says they are "Now Hiring" during this economic recession, it is because they have "Been Firing" long-term, higher-paid employees in order to cut their overhead. So it is not really expansion that is happening, but rather down-sizing.)
The workers were also told that if they spoke out and told people that KCM had fired them, then "God" would strike their households for "touching God's anointed" (i.e. Kenneth and Gloria—the "only ones" who have a pipeline straight to God…almost up there with the Trinity in some people's minds).
God's anointed what? I'm trying to figure out what they are "anointed" to do. "Anointed" to give false prophesies to their buddies? "Anointed" to received obscene salaries (by faith, of course) and to fly around in style to spread heresy? "Anointed" to…well, you fill in the blank. This does not compute. And why do these ravenous wolves think that they are not guilty of "touching God's anointed," when they crush members of the Body of Christ (i.e. members of the Anointed One) repeatedly? My friends, the Copeland family's public image persona does not at all seem to line up with their behind-the-scenes dealings with people.
We once told an associate pastor of KCM's Eagle Mountain International Church (EMIC) about some major concerns that we had about one of their favorite guest ministers. He told us that he was very interested in what we had to say but that we needed to provide documentation. That was fair. (You can probably tell by this website that we are actually very much in favor of documenting things.) So we gave proof to him.
He later came back with the cowardly reply that we should "lay low" about it. (He had obviously received instruction from his superior on the matter.) He told us that this errant "minister" we warned them about was in "very good standing with the 'ministry'" (i.e. KCM/EMIC)—that is, in the form of writing big checks, of course—and that if we pushed the issue any further, it would "harm our relationship with Kenneth" (God forbid!). He also told us that this might harm our own ministry future (as if Kenneth was the one who had called us into the ministry, and was the most influential member on God's advisory board or something).
The fact that this particular guest "minister" was also an admitted member "in very good standing" of a Satanic cult was completely irrelevant to the EMIC leadership. Can you see a serious absence of the fear of God here? Can you also see the propensity of this associate "pastor" to almost deify Kenneth, to the point that what God's Word said about this issue suddenly did not matter at all in his decision-making? His "counsel" to us was very telling. It showed us his complete lack of character. But, after all, that is likely why he was placed in such a high position at EMIC to begin with.
This guy was apparently typical of those in leadership positions there. More titles! More status! More popularity! In their minds, no one gets promoted in ministry except through Kenneth and Gloria Copeland. My friends, this is nothing more than unrefined idolatry—just pure and raw, straight from Hell itself. That same EMIC associate pastor told us that he liked titles. He laughed when he said it, but anyone hearing it (and seeing the fruit in his life) could tell he really meant it.
On a closing note, let me point out we are not in the same exact category as those who have been directly abused by KCM in some way (though we were indirectly mistreated by them). Unlike many of our whistle-blowers, we were never employed by KCM. There is also no desire for "revenge" in our hearts. There is no "standing up for our rights" going on here.
Rather, we are simply standing up for righteousness—partially for the sake of those who cannot speak out for themselves (i.e. because they have been threatened so harshly by these ravening wolves). We are bringing many things about KCM/EMIC out into the light where these issues can be exposed, confronted, and judged according to God's Word. It is our prayer that KennethCopelandBlog.com continues to bring healing to the wounded—and that it results in a compulsion to repent in the hearts of the evildoers.
Blessings to all of you who serve Him,
-Donna Vermillion


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Forrest Ellsworth
HOMEWORTH – Forrest "Pete the Painter" Ellsworth, 69, of Homeworth died Monday at Alliance Community Hospital.
He was born Sept. 12, 1944 in Alliance, the son of the late Harold and Margaret (Smith) Ellsworth.
He was self-employed as a painter at Ellsworth Painting.
He is preceded in death by two brothers, William D. and Jim; and two sisters, Yvonne Oyster and Carol Ellsworth.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda (Blackmon) Ellsworth; two sons, Dale Ellsworth of Columbus, Georgia and Robert Ellsworth of Norwich; a daughter, Joyce Vizzuso of Homeworth; 10 sisters, Ruth Weigand of Kent, Maryelva Urdiales of Akron, Margie Fitzgerald of Salem, Irene Shea of Saginaw, Mich., Karen Willard of Deerfield, Sandy Kepner of Sebring, Twyla Painter of Salem, Elaine Roberts of Massillon, Cheryl Urdiales of Canton and Debbie Moreland of Alliance; three brothers, Harold O. of Goldsboro, N.C., Wayne L. of Canton and Ron A. of Alliance; nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home, with the Rev. Paul Freer officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park.
Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion 395 W. California Ave. Sebring, OH 44672.


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Longtime Our Redeemer's Christian School volleyball coach Sherry Carlson, who helped start the Knights' program in 1996, announced her resignation from the head coaching position Tuesday.
Carlson, who compiled a 225-145-8 record at ORCS, said she expects to help out somewhere in the ORCS program - possibly with the junior-high group - but stepped down from the head position to free up time for her family. Carlson has nine grandchildren, all ages 6 and under.
"I'm in a different season of life," she said. "I want a little bit more time for my grandkids. Any coach knows that it does monopolize a lot of your time. That's in the summer, open gyms, getting (players) to camps. ... It just comes to a point where I want to be free from those responsibilities."
Carlson - a 1975 Minot High School graduate - helped build the fledgling ORCS program into a regional power. The Knights are mainstays at the Region 6 tournament, were state tournament runner-ups in 2004 and finished fifth at state this season.
"She's definitely gonna be tough to replace," ORCS athletic director Jeremy Feller said. "If you come in here and look at our trophy case, you see a lot of volleyball trophies."
Before coming to ORCS, Carlson started the Bishop Ryan program in 1989. After one season there, Carlson spent the first half of the 1990s in Bismarck as an assistant at Century High and Shiloh Christian. She also coached the Solheim Middle School team for a year.
Carlson said she knew the 2012 season would be her last, and a talented Knights squad gave her an appropriate send-off.
"For me, going to state was just icing on the cake," Carlson said. "It was just a blessing to finish the year out that way with a great group of kids. I can say that with pretty much every group I've coached. I just love my groups, I love coaching, I love every aspect of it. I just felt like it was time."
Feller said the five-month lull between season's end and the coach's resignation was the result of him "trying to talk her out of it," but the AD is glad Carlson plans to continue coaching in a lesser capacity.
Interviews for a replacement could begin as soon as next week, Feller said.


text: Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems Inc., a Lockheed Martin Co., Syracuse, N.Y., is being awarded a $5,469,588 modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-99-C-6212) to provide up to 61,014 man-hours of engineering and technical services for the development of Navy towed systems. Work will be performed in Syracuse, N.Y. (50%), and Sylmar, Calif. (50%), and is expected to be completed by December 2002. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.


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In the Old Testament, Mt. Pisgah was the peak from which Moses finally saw the Promised Land, so what could be more appropriate for a mountain overlooking this area?
My acquaintance with Pisgah goes back to my childhood. Today, skiing's a pricey venture but it wasn't back then. For a long time, kids skied for free. Then when we started getting charged (which as I recall was in the late '50s), a season's pass went for a whopping $5, cash money.
As for equipment? There was no need to buy it new - instead, we went to the Ski and Skate Sale where we could get a full set - skis, boots and poles - for a pittance.
Of course, that old time stuff was nothing like today's high-tech gear. The poles were bamboo and the boots were ankle-high, square-toed leather clunkers. The skis were wood, often without steel edges and always with what we fondly called "suicide bindings," because they could only be released by hand.
The label "suicide bindings" was hyperbole - of course they couldn't kill you. But if you fell, your skis stayed on as if riveted to your boots and any sudden motion could generate enough torque to snap a tibia like it was a matchstick.
Not that any of us knew there could be a better way: A broken leg and its resulting cast, traction and months in bed were just the acceptable price for the philosophic, frozen-cheek hellcats of My Home Town.
I never got hurt skiing, but not due to my expertise so much as my lack of it. I was a lousy skier whose only technique was the snowplow, so I couldn't go fast enough or turn sharply enough to hurt myself. When I fell, it was with a soft "plop," rather than a bone-crunching bounce and roll that filled the air with poles, gloves, toques and all too often pain-filled shrieks.
I spent less time at Pisgah than I did at the skating rink. Then again, why wouldn't I? Though a failed skier, I was at least a mediocre skater. I was also a lad of immediate gratification. While there were always lines at the rope tows, to skate you only had to lace 'em up and head out the door of the warm-up shack.
Dope, slopes and spokes
After I got out of high school, I never went back to Pisgah ... at least not to ski. But a few summers ago, I came up with a project: I was going to ride a bicycle to the top of the ski slope without stopping.
I practiced my Pisgah assault religiously, which is more religiously than I practiced anything else, including religion. Every day I used my ride there to warm up, and once there, I'd stand by the lodge scoping out an approach and psyching myself up. Finally, when scope and psych hit redline, I was off.
No matter how I started, what route I took, or how I paced myself, I always ran out of steam, gas, breath and je ne sais quoi far short of my goal. Usually I made it to the top after four stops; a few times I made it after three, and only once did I make it after one. But it didn't matter because the real thrill was coming down the mountain.
The trip down was blindingly fast and those few minutes gave me more kicks than I'd had in the previous five years. Both the speed itself and the nostalgia of flying down that old slope of my childhood gave me a rush that wouldn't quit. Or at least I believed it wouldn't quit. But like a lot of things I once believed in - Santa, the Tooth Fairy, honorable politicians - my belief changed once it collided with reality.
And in this case, the collision was literal.
My first one happened as I was riding across the slope rather than down it and I hit the water pipe for the snowmaker.
It was Instant Isaac Newton Time, a perfect example of his law that a body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force.
The external force was the pipe and once my front tire hit it, my bike stopped. Then I jackknifed over the handlebars and hit the ground head-first.
Not only were my stars aligned, but so were my vertebrae: My helmet absorbed the impact on my head and no body part got broken, wrenched, dislocated or sprained.
It was both a shock and a good lesson. I realized not all wipe-outs took place at high speed, so even going slowly I had to watch the ground for pitfalls, which after that, I did. The only problem was no matter how hard you look for them, some pitfalls can't be seen.
A few weeks after my first wipe-out, I was coming downhill, slowly, braking all the way, checking everything in front of me for potential danger when suddenly my front wheel dropped into a 3-foot pit that'd been covered with grass.
Again, the bike stopped, and again I kept going. But this wipe-out was the opposite of the first. While the first one was over before it began, this one lasted forever. First, time stopped. Then everything happened in slow motion and in clear, discrete increments.
I didn't fall off the bike, so much as get launched from it - up, up, up, till I was at least 6 feet off the ground. And there I stayed as if suspended by sky hooks - open-mouthed and goggle-eyed, The Grim Reaper breathing down my back, Ron Keough staring me in the face.
I hung there, helpless, petrified by fear and paralyzed from pupik to payess, about to be punished by the full extent of the law of gravity.
Amazingly, the punishment never came. Instead, I hit the ground with a hard "Whump," but on all fours and fully flexed. And there I stayed for a long minute, waiting to see if once the shock wore off, there were any pains, strains or unexpected expulsion of body fluids. Then, satisfied there were none, I got up and took stock of my situation.
Cliche has it the third time's a charm. But since my first two wipe-outs had been charms, I swore there would be no third time: Right then I promised myself my days of riding Pisgah's slope were over and I kept my promise.
I still bike up and down Pisgah, but only on the truck road. It's not as thrilling as riding on the slope, but it's a whole lot safer, plus the view from the top is just as spectacular.
Besides, regardless of what I've lost with my new conservative approach, I've still got it better than Moses.
While he got to see the Promised Land, he never got to go there.
For me, on the other hand, the trip's only five minutes by bike.


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At a Glance :
Region : Himachal Pradesh, Chail
Constructed In : 1891
Altitude Location : 2,250 meter
Special Feature : One tiniest hill resort of Himalaya
Among the hill resorts of Himalaya, this is a tiniest resort; on a height of two thousand two hundred fifty meter the Chail is located. The moment Patiala's King Bhupinder Singh was barred from Shimla, he took the decision to build his personal summer capital that was Chail. The selection of Chail was absolutely correct; this location is a thick wrap of royal, bounded by towering deodars. From Chail, you can reach Shimla in very less time because it is only forty five kilometers away. The Chail hill is comparatively bigger than Shimla which was under the British rule. From Chail's downtown area the highest point is around 1.5 kilometers, the peak point is at eight thousand feet. The down area of Chail is renowned for temple of Sidh Baba. As per the legend, this location is situated among the wide deodhar mountain; it was an actual location of the King's palace. But the sage manifested in the dream of the Maharaja and estimated that this location is holy because this was the spot where he meditated. On the next day,he moved his palace and decided to construct a beautiful Temple in the respect of Sidh.
During the year of 1891, the construction of Maharaja palace was finished; the entire look of the palace was splendor, it was adorned by delicate and classic furnishing. With relaxed bug cottages and huts, tranquil walks and wide forests, Childrens Park, extensive lawns, sport facilities and lovers hill and the entire tremendous palace was decorated. If you deeply observe Chail, you will find that actually this place is a resort. You can stay in one of the surrounded cottages or huts, because the tariff is very cheap. There are 4 rooms in Rajgarh cottage. You can also take the entire cottage on rent along with the kitchen and dining room. There are double rooms in Monal Cottage, Wood Rose Cottage and big huts with kitchen. This is the perfect place for honeymooners. This hill resort serves you interesting and amazing opportunity to have the fun of trekking and fishing, here you can also enjoy cricket on the highest cricket pitch of the world & a polo ground.