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Dothan, Ala.—Wallace Community College and the City of Ozark will sponsor the upcoming 2013 Alabama Community College Conference Baseball Tournament. The tournament will take place Saturday, May 11 through Thursday, May 16 at historic Eagle Stadium in Ozark.
"We are excited about the opportunity to provide top-notch, collegiate athletic competition to the Wiregrass area for another three years," said Ryan Spry, director, student life. "We are thankful to the City of Ozark for their continued support of this tournament and for the economic development this event affords the local community. Ten baseball teams, staff, friends, and fans will visit Ozark during the double-elimination tournament, which provides an economic boost for the area.
Ozark Mayor Billy Blackwell is also pleased at the opportunity to host the tournament. "We are extremely proud that officials with the Alabama Community College System have chosen Ozark and Eagle Stadium as the site for the JUCO baseball tournament. We are honored that they have confidence in the people of Ozark in putting on such a great statewide event. This partnership with Wallace Community College is a tremendous advantage for the people and businesses in our community", said Blackwell.
Wallace will host a banquet to welcome the participating teams on Friday, May 10 at the Ozark Civic Center. Former major league baseball player Jon Gregory Litton will address the visiting players and their coaches.
The City of Ozark and Wallace Community College won the bid last year to sponsor the tournament through 2015.


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Just got home, safe and sound. Great trip, report likely to follow. Site 10 was a great success and during my solitude on Saturday I found lots of fun trails to explore next time. Had a great time*chatting with everyone at what was my first backpacking potluck.
A warm and comfy weekend adventure out in the woods is just what I needed to charge up my battery. Thank you guys so much for your company.


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Confessions of the spymasters: Dror Moreh's 'Gatekeepers' takes us inside Israel's Shin Bet
Two questions immediately pop into your head when talking to Israeli director Dror Moreh, the man responsible for The Gatekeepers, the documentary about six former heads of the Shin Bet, the counterterrorist internal security agency of Israel which protects against Palestinian attacks and even right-wing Israeli extremists. The Sony Pictures Classics release, due in theatres on Feb. 1, is a nominee in this year's Feature Documentary Oscar race and has been named Best Documentary of 2012 by the National Society of Film Critics and the Los Angeles Film Critics.
1) Why was such a jocular fellow— reassuringly large and cuddly-seeming, comfortable in his skin, blue-jeaned and casually sweatered this fall day while in town to present his movie at the New York Film Festival—drawn to the topic of the sometimes nefarious activities of those he humorously refers to as "the Six Heads"?
2) How did he get the secret operatives, one of whom was still functioning as such during the making of the film, to talk? Clearly he didn't use, in the words of one of them in a euphemism for torture of Palestinians, "moderate pressure."
Let's address the second question first. The Shin Bet is so covert and secret that it makes omerta-bound Mafia dons seem like blabbermouths. So…it was an inside job. In Moreh's own words, "I got the one, Ami Ayalon, a pro-peace activist, and I asked him to call the others. 'Tell them I am coming to ask them to be in the movie.' And then, to the last one I said, 'I have the five in my pocket.' I told him, 'It will be amazing. You better come. There won't be another film like it, ever.'"
Moreh says the holdout was Yuval Diskin, then still working as a Shin Bet head. Yet perhaps the standout, charismatic "star" of the doc is Avraham Shalom, who ran the Shin Bet from 1980 to 1986. (Moreh admits Shalom is probably his favorite of all the "heads.") Indefatigable and widely admired, he was responsible for kidnapping Adolf Eichmann in Argentina and bringing him to justice—but also so ruthless that his order to execute Palestinian terrorists after an attempted bus hijacking, and before any trial, brought him to disgrace and ended his tenure. Today, the avuncular octogenarian in suspenders seems engagingly open, charming, wise and even tender, if still wily in his understanding of strategies and tactics. The other five are Yaakov Peri, head from 1988 to 1994, then going forward chronologically, Carmi Gillon, Ayalon, Avi Dichter and Diskin. All were interviewed by Moreh in their homes.
"I believe an interview should be a long conversation," says the alarmingly disarming Moreh. "In a conversation, in a comfortable setting, defenses get worn down gradually." It worked. (The six even allowed selections from their cache of personal photographs to be used in the documentary.) In the film, the "heads," some of whom are still working in academia, politics or business, seem not unwilling to talk. Their memorable quotes, such as "One man's freedom fighter is another man's terrorist," dot the film, and are sometimes used as headers, or "chapter" breakdowns. At intervals, too, you hear the interviewer's—the director's—voice, often taking them back to the topic of ethical behavior, even in war.
The Gatekeepers is most definitely not the "first time out" for the 51-year-old director, a former well-known cinematographer in Israel who studied filmmaking at Tel Aviv University. The segue to documentary filmmaking seemed natural to him, he says, and it was while making the doc Sharon [about Prime Minister Ariel Sharon] that he met Avi Dichter. For Sharon, Moreh used standard talking-head interviewing techniques. But the "Eureka!" moment came when he first saw Errol Morris' The Fog of War in 2004, a movie he says he has seen "about 100 or 150 times," and which has unmistakably influenced the thematic kernel of The Gatekeepers, as well as its style and structure.
"I was fascinated," he enthuses, "because The Fog of War is about power, and a retrospective view from the person who had that power." As Robert McNamara, the subject of Morris' film, did, the six reveal strategy, motivations, and what can happen when things don't go "according to plan." Morris saw The Gatekeepers at the Telluride Film Festival, and Moreh says, "He loved it, and hugged me." The six heads have all seen and approve of the film, he reports, and some even attended the premiere in Israel.
In addition to archival footage of historical events, Moreh recreated some on-the-scene moments. There are sequences of private Shin Bet property never filmed or photographed: nightmarish-looking control rooms, file cabinets, interrogation rooms. A few re-enactments are of "carefully drawn and reconstructed drones," he says, though he prefers not to use the word re-enactment as it implies actors. For much of this he used a French company specializing in CGI. He also believes he may have created a new technique for such re-imaginings, citing a "virtual cameraman who works in an environment we created on the computer using 're-photos.'"
All the right elements are there. Unprecedented access. Some chillingly beautiful shot-from-above warlike footage aesthetically reminiscent of The Fog of War. Cleverly edited archival films of the not-so-long ago past (events prior to the Six Day War are not treated). And all in the framework of the behind-the-scenes movers and shakers from their latter-day perspective, such as their conclusion that they were cut loose by the government.
"They abandoned the wounded on the field—us, the Shin Bet," says Shalom. "That's why I don't take the politicians seriously anymore." The final assessment among all six—astounding when you first hear it—is that maybe the situation cannot be improved through force after all. "I think, after retiring from this job, you become a bit of a leftist," says Peri. (Still, there is a lurid thrill in learning of the tactics used, war stories made even more dramatic because in many ways Israelis were the first to deal with today's type of terrorism.) What has occasioned their change of attitude? Overall, Moreh believes the six feel that despite their hard work and sacrifice, Israel is growing weaker.
But what of Moreh? Some decades younger than his subjects, he says his motivation for making the movie is because "Israel is losing." Losing what? He explains, "If you are always preoccupied with The Conflict, you can't deal with other things, or move ahead in life." It is simply more pragmatic, he believes, to make peace with Palestine, and he hopes The Gatekeepers might serve as an opinion-maker for voters in Israel. Forestalling certain accusations, he declares, "I'm not anti-Israel. I love Israel. I'm just pro-peace."
Not surprisingly, Moreh says he prefers reality-based documentaries (and would like to keep making them, but also narrative fiction films), though it's a bit startling if funny when he blurts out "I hate them!' about the entertainment-style documentaries of Michael Moore. He does admire the work of Alex Gibney (the current Mea Maxima Culpa), he says, though it was unforeseen that they might both be in competition in this year's Oscar race.


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New Farm Bill becomes law A new comprehensive Farm Bill known as the "Agricultural Act of 2014" is finally law of the land. One word sums up the 950-page bill: reform. Read more
A new comprehensive Farm Bill known as the "Agricultural Act of 2014" is finally law of the land. One word sums up the 950-page bill: reform. Some policymakers opposed the final agreement because they thought there was either too much or not enough reform, but a majority of the House and Senate determined this new legislation was better than the status quo in the current environment, and the new legislation now bears the president's signature. Below are some highlights that the bill covers - and left out.
Budget savings to reduce the deficit
A far cry from the $73.5 billion in additional funds invested into agricultural policy in the 2002 Farm Bill, the 2014 Farm Bill contributes $16 billion toward deficit reduction, according to a cost estimate prepared by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). This includes:
- Approximately $8 billion in savings from changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps)
- The repeal or consolidation of more than 100 programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- The consolidation of 23 conservation programs into 13, saving nearly $4 billion due in part to reduced acreage caps in the Conservation Reserve Program
Commodities and crop insurance
The 2014 Farm Bill ushers in a new approach for farm policy. It terminates programs considered "giveaways" to farmers, such as the direct payment program, and places greater emphasis on crop insurance, which requires farmers and ranchers to pay a portion of premium expenses. The bill also provides greater risk management opportunities, allowing for the development of new crop insurance coverage to protect farmer and rancher financial portfolios. Responding to the World Trade Organization (WTO) case brought by Brazil against U.S. cotton, the 2014 Farm Bill radically reforms the cotton program and creates a crop insurance strategy specifically for that commodity. The bill cuts commodity program spending by $14.3 billion and increases crop insurance funding by $5.7 billion, according to the CBO.
One of the highest profile debates was over dairy policy. House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) was backed by dairy processors, who assisted in the sound defeat of dairy supply management during House Farm Bill consideration. House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin Peterson (D-MN) was backed by producers, who helped secure supply management during Senate Farm Bill consideration. In the end, legislators reached a compromise that offers producers a voluntary margin protection program without imposing government-mandated supply controls. Both dairy processors and producers endorsed the conference agreement.
Livestock disaster assistance
Last fall's blizzard in the Dakotas reminded policymakers of the challenges facing livestock producers left unprotected during a lapse of livestock disaster assistance, due to Farm Bill expiration. The 2014 Farm Bill reauthorizes certain livestock indemnity programs beginning with fiscal year 2012.
Specialty crops
The 2014 Farm Bill expands investment in research and development for specialty crops, enhances crop insurance for specialty crops, and funds block grants used by state departments of agriculture to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops.
Important to farmers and lenders, the 2014 Farm Bill removes term limits on USDA-guaranteed farm loans.
Export assistance
Recognizing the importance of building commercial export markets for agricultural products, the 2014 Farm Bill reauthorizes the Market Assistance Program and Foreign Market Development Program.
Regulatory relief
Some provisions were included in the bill, while others were left out. The 2014 Farm Bill creates a permanent subcommittee within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Science Advisory Board to conduct peer review of EPA actions that would negatively affect agriculture. The legislation also clarifies that forest roads should not be treated as a point source for pollutants under the Clean Water Act.
The 2014 Farm Bill does not address two contentious issues: a prohibition on USDA implementation of rules related to the Packers and Stockyards Act, and changes to mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL). While advocates of COOL argued that consumers have a right to know the origin of meat and meat products, those seeking changes argued that the requirement is costly and trade-distorting. The COOL issue remains in review at the WTO due to concerns raised by Canada and Mexico.
More information about the new Farm Bill is available on the House Agriculture Committee website and the Senate Agriculture Committee website.
Christy Seyfert is Wells Fargo's government relations director representing the interests of Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS) and Wells Fargo Food and Agribusinesses. Seyfert has spent over 15 years assisting members of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives and private sector clients with agricultural, food and beverage, and finance interests.
Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Christy worked for Michael Torrey Associates where she coordinated government affairs and assisted in managing the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB), a leading international crop insurance trade association comprised of insurance companies and the reinsurance community. Christy also has worked as Senior Professional Staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture where she developed and negotiated legislation important to the agricultural community, including crop insurance improvements and commodity programs.
Christy comes from a sixth-generation diversified farm family and holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Food Science from The University of Georgia.
California wine industry update California, which produces 90% of the wine made in the U.S., will report another large grape crush when the preliminary estimate is released in February 2014. Read more
California, which produces 90% of the wine made in the U.S., will report another large grape crush when the preliminary estimate is released in February 2014. Industry sources expect the size of the 2013 crush to be close to the record four million tons crushed in 2012. The 2013 numbers would have been higher had wineries had adequate tank space and the ability to accept additional fruit above contracted levels. These numbers are in stark contrast to last year, when tanks were empty following light crops in 2010 and 2011.
Industry inventory levels are in relatively good balance. The 2013 growing season was warm and early, and many vintners are as excited about the quality of this vintage as they were about the stellar 2012 vintage. The combination of two consecutive years of heavy volume and high quality is rare, and will be welcome news to consumers as these wines are released. Holding high levels of inventory, wineries will have a difficult time raising bottle prices, and consumers should see some good discounts.
While average grower returns will not reach last year's record of nearly $6,000 per acre, 2013 was another strong year for most growers. This was not the year to be playing the spot market, as pricing for non-contracted grapes softened once it became apparent 2013 would be another large crush.
While grower returns have been on an upswing most of the past decade, there has been minimal planting of new vineyards. The California Department of Food and Agriculture reports that from 2009-2012, an average of 6,749 new vineyard acres were planted annually. This compares to 13,033 new vineyard acres planted annually from 2005?2008, and a "steady state" planting requirement of 18,367 acres annually to replace 459,187 existing bearing acres assuming a 25-year vineyard life.
Reasons for the recent planting slowdown include wineries' reluctance to offer long-term pre-plant grape contracts, higher returns from competing crops such as almonds for growers in the San Joaquin Valley, and irrigation water concerns. However, given the current drought conditions in much of California, the planting decision may shift back to grapevines, which require less water than almonds. However, if the drought worsens, planting of all new trees and vines will be minimal.
Looking into the future, California will need to ramp up new vineyard plantings to retain its share of the growing U.S. wine market. The alternative will be continued growth in wine imports, which now account for nearly 35% of the total U.S. wine market. This is up from 12% in the early 1990s.
All the major wine-producing nations have targeted the lucrative U.S. market for growth. Many global competitors have lower cost structures, and are able to sell wine to the U.S. market at attractive prices. They've also been aided by a stronger U.S. dollar relative to the euro and some other foreign currencies. Fueling the success of wine-producing countries targeting the U.S. market, young millennial wine consumers are demonstrating a greater interest in imported wine brands compared to older consumers.
Faced with increased grape costs compressing margins, many California wineries understand the need to become more cost competitive. Some are increasing their internal "estate" grape supply to better control grape input costs and ensure quality. Making margins at the winery level, producers don't need as high a return at the vineyard level as pure growers, and can better justify the investment in buying or developing new vineyards.
Wineries that are becoming more vertically integrated will be more competitive with global producers. This is particularly the case in Coastal California, which produces many wines priced between $9 and $20 per bottle retail. This segment accounts for 24% of total wine case sales volume as reported in U.S. food stores, with 10% growth reported for the combined category last year.
Source: The Neilsen Co.
Many Coastal California wineries producing at the $9?$20 price point have traditionally relied heavily on purchased fruit from outside growers. Large global wine companies have targeted this growing and lucrative wine segment, and between higher grape costs and increased imports, winery margins have been under pressure. So, California wineries in this market segment not having a significant number of internally produced grapes will be increasingly challenged to compete.
David (Dave) Berman, Wells Fargo agribusiness manager for the Agricultural Industries department, manages a team of agricultural consultants that evaluates the $15.8 billion agribusiness processor portfolio. Dave also serves as Wells Fargo's wine industry consultant.
Since joining Wells Fargo in 1989, Dave has worked in the Agricultural Industries Department, and for a time served as a relationship manager handling large agricultural commercial banking relationships in the Fresno, California region. Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Dave worked for Travelers Insurance Company in Fresno as an agricultural real estate loan representative. Dave graduated from the University of California, Davis with both his bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics, and holds a Certified General Real Estate Appraiser license in the State of California.
Corn and soybean crop acreage and options
for 2014 The outlook for corn and soybean planting in 2014 differs significantly from a year ago with corn acres down. Read more
The outlook for corn and soybean planting in 2014 differs significantly from a year ago with corn acres down. After a drought-reduced yield in 2012, farmers were motivated by strong futures prices to plant additional corn acres, and the market anticipated more than 98 million acres of corn to be planted. However, an excessively wet spring prevented the planting of as many as 3 million acres. Farmers managed to plant 95.4 million acres and produce 13.9 billion bushels of corn. This record production forced corn prices down from $6.89 a bushel in 2012/2013 to approximately $4.50 a bushel in 2013/2014. Given the higher input costs and cash rents, many farmers won't produce a profit on $4.50 a bushel corn. This has set off a search for alternatives; the current consensus is that Chinese demand for soybeans will yield the solution. However, history has shown that soybeans and corn will trade at a breakeven parity no matter what the market thinks. Producers need to lock in their premiums, and buyers should anticipate the softening of soybeans relative to corn.
Some of the early guesses coming out of the farmer surveys point to an all-time record for soybean plantings at 84 million acres. This level of planting would certainly "steal" acreage from corn. What would trend-line yields and normalized plant-to-harvest ratios suggest for this scenario?
How unusual would it be to see soybean acres climb to 84 million? Would the expected outcome significantly change the balance in the market? As always, it helps to look at history to say whether this would be a statistically unusual development. The last six years of the ethanol boom have reset many producer and user perceptions of what constitutes normal. In 2007, corn acres planted jumped to a modern record of 93.5 million from the previous year's 78.3 million. Since that shift, the market has come to expect that corn will always lead the price model. In reality, the corn and soybean price ratio always balances the market via the expected margin.
Prior to the ethanol shock of 2007, corn acreage always received an average seven percentage point planting advantage over soybeans. This additional acreage helps offset the great acreage loss in production. Normally only 91% of corn acreage planted is harvested. In comparison, over the last 15 years, 98.6% of soybean acreage planted has been harvested. From 2007 to 2013, the corn acreage jumped to a 22% average advantage over soybeans. If the current guesses are right, 90 million acres of corn and 84 million acres of soybeans would push the ratio back to the previous 7% differential. It also leaves the total planting in these two lead crops at 174 million acres. While it seems unbalanced relative to recent planting ratios, it certainly would be in line with the traditional balance.
The reason this balance holds is that the market always evens out the opportunity between corn and soybeans with a price ratio of 2.3 in terms of soybean to corn per bushel. Over a multi-year period, the 2.3 price ratio in favor of soybeans exactly accounts for yield and cost differences. At any point in time, the market can offer a significantly different ratio based on perceived supply and demand outlooks. However, producers and buyers who fail to lock in those perceptions find them being reversed as the market goes back to the long-term ratio.
Using USDA cash prices and yields for Indiana and Purdue variable cost per acre, the table below shows the implied net margin per acre for corn and soybeans since 2005. Clearly in any given year, yields and prices can favor one or the other crop.
In 2005, the market rewarded soybeans with a 2.9 price ratio over corn. In 2011 and 2012, it penalized soybeans with a 2.0 ratio, but the nine year average was the historical 2.3 price ratio.
The following table takes the difference in variable cost into account to look at implied net margin per acre.
Between prices and yields, the ability to predict the margin winner becomes less conclusive. Soybeans were big winners in 2005, 2009, and 2012. They tied corn in 2008, and they lost to corn in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2013. The market doesn't give producers or buyers any easy wins. The average margin ratio was a push with the 2.3 price ratio over the last nine years.
Since the beginning of December 2013, Chicago Board of Trade futures have been offering a soybean to corn price ratio of 2.52. This does not represent a historically large premium, but it is still a relatively strong incentive for soybeans over corn. This advantage has been augmented by the relative slow decline in fertilizer costs compared to the decline in corn prices. If producers lock in the stronger soybean prices and avoid additional fertilizer purchases, they could create an advantage in implied per-acre margin in soybeans' favor. The problem is that most, if not all, producers refuse to aggressively presell their crop. Even with modern crop insurance, many producers don't like to sell more than 25 to 50% of their crop prior to harvest. They might make acreage allocation based on the futures market and stories being told, but they don't lock in those advantages.
After the market has shifted the acreage based on incentives at planting, it starts to take away that premium based on the expected change. This leaves many of the producers chasing the market with little benefit from making a significant shift in planting. Many producers have learned the hard way that making big acreage shifts leaves them vulnerable to these post planting declines in premiums for one crop over the other. This repeated pattern of price shifts is one reason that producers stay in their rotations regardless of the premium offered in the futures market.
Unless the market premium for soybeans widens significantly, planting inertia and fear of getting caught with the wrong crop will make it hard for farmers to plant the forecasted 84 million acres.
Michael Swanson, Ph.D., Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist, forecasts key agricultural commodities such as wheat, soybeans, corn, and cotton, along with livestock sectors such as cattle, dairy, and hogs.
Michael received undergraduate degrees in economics and business administration from the University of St. Thomas and both his master's and doctorate degrees in agricultural and applied economics from the University of Minnesota.
California drought conditions increase agribusiness challenges Although California's classic Mediterranean climate (wet, cool winters and warm, dry summers) usually fosters high agricultural productivity, there are periodic multi-year droughts. Read more
Although California's classic Mediterranean climate (wet, cool winters and warm, dry summers) usually fosters high agricultural productivity, there are periodic multi-year droughts. It appears that 2013-2014 is one of them.
As of mid-February 2014, some key reservoirs in California were at extremely low levels. Lake Shasta, the primary water source for the Sacramento River and the Federal Central Valley Water project, was at 37% of capacity and 53% of historic average water storage for that date. Lake Oroville, the primary source for the State Water Project, was at 38% of capacity and 57% of historic average.
Daily updated information available at California Data Exchange Center - Reservoirs.
These numbers follow the three typically wettest months of November, December, and January in Northern California, but unfortunately November and December of 2013, and January 2014 were abnormally dry with little rain or snow. The second snowpack survey by the California Department of Water Resources completed on January 30 showed statewide snowpack at 12% of normal. In the chart below, an 8-station index of rain gauges in Northern California shows rainfall through February 6, 2014 of 4.5 inches, one of the lowest reports on record. Precipitation during the 2nd week of February resulted in a spike in the rainfall numbers, which hopefully will be more than temporary.
Could California get nearly a full year's worth of rain and snow later in the season? It's not likely, but it's possible. Through February 1991, the state was experiencing one of the driest years on record until "Miracle March" saw nearly 100% of normal annual precipitation in one month.
Even with a return to wet conditions in February and March, water supplies could still be reduced this summer. For the moment, early indications from both federal and state water agencies suggest severely reduced water supplies for the coming crop year. The state water agency has recently indicated little or no water will be available. Although it has not made an official announcement, the federal water agency has indicated that a 0% initial allocation is possible for the parts of the San Joaquin Valley it serves. Reducing the water allocation means that, even using purchased and well water as supplements, production costs will increase as crop acreage is reduced.
Areas not served by water districts also have significant water supply concerns. Because individual land owners may control well water supplies, continued water drilling in most parts of California has significantly increased the use of ground water. And, since 2012-2013 was also a very dry year, there have been extended heavy draws on well water. Heavy well draws over long periods of time coupled with a lack of ground water recharge from precipitation could result in wells in all parts of the state that produce less water than normal, or even go completely dry. Drilling new wells may be an option, but many drilling companies are working on backlogs extending as long as 18 months for new well installation. One major wine grape region, the Paso Robles area of the Central Coast, has already experienced well water supply issues, and has declared a water emergency for that area. The governor of California declared a drought state of emergency for all of California on January 17, and some cities, counties, and water districts are calling for either mandatory or voluntary conservation measures.
Dealing with drought conditions is part of California's agricultural heritage. Increased water efficiency gained through technological advances, diversified cropping plans, and an active market for water transfers usually puts available water to the best and most productive use. Successful agribusiness managers know that managing water supplies is just one of the many challenges of running an agribusiness in California.
Andrew (Andy) Broaddus, Wells Fargo Agribusiness Consultant, works with farming, livestock, and first stage food processing companies throughout California, Arizona and the Pacific Northwest.
Andy is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and holds a degree in Agricultural Economics. Andy has spent his entire life surrounded by agriculture, having been raised on a family ranch in Mendocino County, California that produced sheep, timber, pears, and prunes. Andy now resides in Davis, California.
Wells Fargo insightsWeekly Economic Podcasts and Monthly Economic Outlook. Read more
Weekly Economic Podcasts
Listen to our weekly audio podcast on the latest economic news and its potential impact on your business.
Monthly Wells Fargo Economic Outlook
Read our commentary and view forecast tables on U.S. and international economic conditions, including projections for the financial markets.
Food and Agribusiness Outlook for the Protein Sectors
View and listen to a replay of Wells Fargo's recent webinar entitled "Outlook for the protein sectors ? 2014 and beyond" presented by a panel of four Wells Fargo agricultural consultants.
Monthly Wells Fargo WASDE Report Perspectives
Gain Wells Fargo's perspective on the February USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report for corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Washington update Review a brief summary of recent U.S. government legislative activity and events that have impact on the Food and Agribusiness industry. Read more
Enactment of the government spending measure in mid-January meant that another government shutdown was averted, but it has shifted focus back to another budget challenge: raising the debt ceiling. Treasury Secretary Lew wrote House Speaker Boehner on January 22 requesting an increase in the debt limit in February.
USDA recently posted its map of counties receiving a Secretarial disaster designation for the 2014 crop year, with most receiving the designation due to drought.
In mid-January, the Senate Finance Committee held a hearing regarding trade negotiating authority.
The National Biodiesel Board held its annual meeting in late January and National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe's annual address highlighted the benefits of renewable energy as well as biofuels challenges.
USDA Agricultural Outlook Forum
Featuring a theme of "The Changing Face of Agriculture", USDA's annual Agricultural Outlook Forum will be held in Arlington, VA February 20-21, 2014 and focus on the future of agriculture.
Wells Fargo Webinar: Planting Intentions and Grain MarketsMarch 27, 2014
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The USDA's annual "Prospective Plantings Report" always moves the markets. One week in advance of the report's release, Wells Fargo Agribusiness consultants will discuss the crop dynamics that will shape the 2014 USDA report. This strategic webinar discussion will help to make sense of the environment that will generate the USDA's acreage report, and help to keep the market in perspective in a volatile situation.
Key topics to be discussed by the expert panel include:
- Midwest break-even costing for both soybeans and corn - Cash rents and inputs make $4.50 a bushel corn marginally profitable. What is separating the profitable from the loss generating operators
- Right behind cash rents, seed and fertilizer are the two largest input costs. These markets' fluctuations will have a significant impact on acreage decisions.
- Buyers' views of the upcoming crop year - Big crops are a welcome development for grain handlers, but they are always working on the spreads which matter to the farmers.
When: March 27, 2014
2:00 - 3:15 p.m. ET
Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural Economist
Ted Tice, Wells Fargo Agribusiness Consultant
Lon Swanson, Wells Fargo Agribusiness Consultant
Tim Luginsland, Wells Fargo Agribusiness Consultant
2014 American Pistachio Growers Annual ConferenceFebruary 17-19, 2014
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Sponsored by the American Pistachio Growers, the annual conference is a gathering of pistachio growers and processors featuring educational sessions on nutrition research, government affairs and pistachio marketing activities along with entertainment and opportunities for networking.
When: February 17-19, 2014
Where: Coronado, CA
Wells Fargo is a Platinum Sponsor of the conference.
Wells Fargo's Food and Agribusiness Group and Insurance Group will be exhibiting at this conference. Visit us at booth #11 during exhibit hours.
Annual National Pork Industry Forum March 6-8, 2014
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Members of the National Pork Board along with Pork Checkoff staff leadership will hear directly from the 156 forum delegates appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Each year the Pork Act Delegates confer, vote on resolutions and advisements, and provide valuable direction on the important issues facing pork producers and the industry. This year's delegates include 152 pork producers and four pork importers.
When: March 6-8, 2014
Where: Kansas, City, MO


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By Suzanne Batchelor - WeNews correspondent
(WOMENSENEWS)--With the verified sexual-assault count among Hurricane Katrina evacuees nearing 70, police and women's advocates in the Gulf Coast area say the risk of violence against evacuee children and women is intensified by crowded, temporary housing nine months after the storm.
"We have families doubling and tripling up in substandard housing, families living with extended family members they wouldn't normally choose to live with," said Alisa Klein, a public health and violence prevention specialist with the nonprofit National Sexual Violence Resource Center in Harrisburg, Pa. "We're seeing this increased vulnerability to sexual violence . . . When people are stressed, feel powerless, out of control, one thing we know: People do--if they already have violent tendencies--act out sexually."
Klein's group set up a database to coordinate and verify sexual assault reports from rape crisis centers following Katrina, but she considers the 70 incidents verified so far "the tip of the iceberg," considering that only 1 in 6 sexual assaults are reported under normal circumstances.
Nearly 10 months after the New Orleans levees failed following the storm's passage, the city's displaced cannot rebuild until new federal building regulations and funding are finalized, said Lt. David Benelli, commander of the New Orleans Police Department Sex Crimes Unit. "Many are under the same roof. You have a situation ripe for arguments, for domestic violence."
Benelli said sex-assault charges against people familiar to the accuser were mounting. "The number of acquaintance cases lately has increased, the number of 'stranger' cases of sexual assault has decreased."
Recommendations in Autumn
Klein's group and the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, based in Hammond, will issue a joint set of disaster recommendations this fall aimed at preventing sex assault.
"We're developing checklists and guidelines for first responders in disaster: rape crisis centers, local police departments, medical personnel, forensic examiners, the criminal justice system, disaster-relief people," said Klein.
Klein said that although U.S. disaster relief hasn't included policies to prevent sexual violence, international groups such as nonprofit Oxfam International, based in Oxford, England, and the United Nations have been sending teams trained in treating gender-based violence to disaster areas for decades.
In January, the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a list of Katrina evacuees so it could urge those witnessing or suffering sexual violence to contact them for help, but director Judy Benitez said FEMA sent a form letter denying the request.
"We don't release the names of people who have applied for assistance from FEMA," Earl Armstrong, a FEMA spokesperson at regional headquarters in Denton, Texas, told Women's eNews. "That would be a violation of the privacy act."
Nationally, at least 50,000 households of hurricane evacuees are currently receiving FEMA rental assistance, according to FEMA officials.
About 68,000 evacuee households are housed in trailers in Louisiana; 34,000 in Mississippi; and 1,800 in Alabama, according to a Louisiana state government Web site.
Three Meetings in May
Klein's group and Benitez's group held three meetings in May around the state to discuss ways to prevent disaster-related sexual violence.
"The questions we're asking are, how can people be kept safe in shelters?" the Louisiana Foundation's Benitez said. "When assault happens, how do we respond when all the normal response systems are in chaos? And, how can communities that are deluged with evacuees cope when their resources are so overwhelmed?"
Benelli, who attended one of the May meetings, expressed relief that New Orleans will no longer use the Superdome for shelter after reports of deaths, desperation and inhumane conditions among the 25,000 to 30,000 people who took refuge there last fall. When evacuation is ordered, the city now plans to bus residents needing transportation northward to shelters in upstate Louisiana and, if needed, to shelters in other states.
During Hurricane Katrina, Benelli and his unit were stationed and "trapped" along with everyone else at the New Orleans Superdome. There, in addition to handing out military Meals-Ready-to-Eat and bottled water three times a day to thousands, they aided two rape victims and found and charged the perpetrators. Benelli said rape is an underreported crime and other assaults may have occurred in the Superdome.
FEMA-supplied trailers arrived weeks and months later.
Martha Angelette of the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault estimates that 1,000 people--Red Cross staff and volunteers, Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness workers, medical personnel, police, probation officers, prosecutors, shelter volunteers and rape crisis counselors--were invited to the three meetings last month.
A total of 126 attended, of which 32 were in law enforcement, including police and sheriff's deputies, prosecutors, probation and parole officers.
Turnout Disappointment
While welcoming the high turnout from law enforcement, Benitez was disappointed by what she considered a low turnout by people from the state's Office of Emergency Planning and Louisiana's Red Cross, the chief entities responsible for setting up and running the state's shelters.
Northeast Red Cross' acting disaster coordinator LaVonne LeBlanc said she was unaware of the project and its meetings. "Sometimes e-mail gets blocked and we've been changing to a new Web provider," she said.
"We had a large shelter population but we did not deal with any sexual assault in our shelters," LeBlanc said. Her chapter serves 11 parishes in northeast Louisiana.
"We don't directly address sexual assault but we train to always maintain the dignity of the client," LeBlanc said when asked about her chapter's training and preparedness for preventing sexual violence. "We have licensed and specially trained mental health workers and health workers, RNs, (volunteering) in our shelters. They know the signs of sex assault, abuse, and we provide them with the resources and referrals to get the help they need."
Armed law enforcement personnel were on hand to provide security in her shelters, she added.
Cleo Joffrion Allen, press secretary for the Louisiana Department of Social Services, said its staffers receive no special training in sexual-assault prevention but that those who staff shelters have received American Red Cross training. Social service workers initially run Louisiana shelters then hand them over, in most cases, to the local Red Cross.
Allen said that this year the department will expand a color-coded badge system, used in one Katrina shelter, that will identify family members and keep them separate from single men.
"The state also plans to have specific sites for sex offenders," Allen said. "DSS is working with the state Department of Corrections to refine how to ensure that registered sex offenders are properly identified and placed."
Suzanne Batchelor is a Texas-based independent journalist.
For more information:
Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault: - http://www.lafasa.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center: - http://www.nsvrc.org
Relief Fund for Sexual Assault Victims: - http://www.relieffundforsexualassaultvictims.org/
Note: Women's eNews is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites and the contents of Web pages we link to may change without notice.
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text:
Auburn dispute over road work details still simmering
The attorney for Advanced Excavating and Paving, the defendant in the case backed by the Auburn Board of Selectmen, presented a motion for dismissal to the 10th Circuit District Division Court in Candia Dec. 17. The police department filed an objection to the dismissal.
Judge David G. LeFrancois has not yet ruled or scheduled a motion hearing. Nicholas Brodich, attorney for the defense, said he'd be shocked if a decision were not reached within "a week or two."
The case relates to the argument between the police and Auburn's Board of Selectmen over the town's need and use of police details. There is a paragraph in Auburn's road work regulations that allows the town and the road work companies it hires some leeway in how they handle traffic at work sites - exempting them from most requirements as long as minimum traffic control is maintained.
What is in dispute is when the town is required to call in a police detail or private, much cheaper, traffic flaggers - $22 an hour compared to $35.
The police issued the town's road work contractor, Advanced Excavating and Paving, a court summons on Sept. 13 for the use of flaggers on Rattlesnake Hill Road, an area police argue requires a detail. Selectmen later voted in support of the company and to pay for a portion of the legal expenses.
In November, the police union filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint with the New Hampshire Public Employee Labor Relations Board, requesting the ordinance be removed from the town's books.
During the discussions when the new ordinances were developed, police had requested their detail fees be increased from $35 an hour to $38. The selectmen cut a deal with them, keeping wages at $35, but specifying high-traffic roads which would require a police detail - including Rattlesnake Hill Road.
According to Town Administrator Bill Herman, however, even if a violation had occurred, a summons was not the way to go.
"Even if they're in violation of the ordinance as the department reads them, there's nothing they can do about that," Herman said. "Everything else in the ordinance, including the department's ability to cite them and fine them, the town and Advanced Excavating are exempt from."
"I think what they should have done," Herman continued, "is to come before the Board of Selectmen. The ordinance says if there is any matter of dispute, the selectmen are the arbitrators of the dispute and the ultimate decision."
While Herman notes that Auburn Police Capt. Gary Bartis notified the board of a later incident, the department never consulted the selectmen before the summons was issued. He also noted that the action taken by the union was "in the appropriate forum."
Both sides have expressed cautious optimism for their case.
"We thought we had a valid complaint to bring before the court," said Sgt. Charles Chabot. "We did what was expected of us, and we'll let the judge decide on the merits."
"There's really no facts to dispute," said Brodich. "Was Advanced Paving on Rattlesnake Hill Road? Yes. Did they have a police detail? Did they need one? From a plain reading of the statute, no. ... [But] there's an element of chance when you have another person looking at the facts who can come to different conclusions."
For Brodich, the "hard part to get around" is another part of the ordinance which notes that in the case of a dispute, the selectmen are the designated arbitrators.
"They've come out in spades saying, 'No, no, no, the police are misconstruing this statute,' but it's falling on deaf ears," he said.
- - - - - - - -
Brendan Clogston may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
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This product was discontinued October, 2014 and is no longer available. Please consider one of the Customer-Recommended Replacements above, or try a new search.
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text:
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
At Least Pablo Got Two Hits
A stirring rally in the 9th was the coulda half of coulda-shoulda. The geezer duo of Omar and Aurelia produced a few runs. One more and Webb gets a ND.
4 comments:
- M.C. O'Connor said...
That guy is something else. My skeptic's soul tell me those hit rates are unsustainable. But goddamn, he is tearing it up and making me a believer!!!
- Thu Sep 18, 06:38:00 AM PDT
And with that, the party's over. The Giants, with yesterday's loss, are 11 games behind the smog suckers (who also lost) with 10 to play. The amazing thing is, that it took until September 17th for the Giants to be mathematically eliminated from the pennant race. I chalk it up to 1) the Giants being better than most folks thought (I predicted last place, believed that they could improve on last season, but still be in last place), 2) the NL west is worse than almost anyone predicted, making the Giants' mediocrity appear competitive.
More irrationality from this morning's Chron: "...allowing Brandon Webb to earn his 21st victory and gain more footing in his race against Tim Lincecum for the National League Cy Young Award." Webb pitched 7 innings, gave up 3 in the first and got a win, thanks to the snakes putting up 7 against Sanchez and an offense that, young excitement aside, still sucks. He struck out 2 and walked 2. If it is about wins, then stop the nonsense about letting Tim throw pitches until he wins the thing. If it is not about wins, then don't say it is.
Also, "The Giants' downfall after eight straight winning seasons stemmed from an overplayed strategy of building around Barry Bonds." The "strategy" was not the issue. When you have the most feared hitter in the major leagues, even at age 65 or whatever Bonds is now, why not build your strategy around him? The fault was that the "building" consisted of stiffs like Rich Aurilia and Dave Roberts. I mean, really. Don't read the sports pages if you expect to have to do some critical thinking.
Baseball is a logical game with a great deal of short-term randomness built in. That is why a season is 162 games, and division winners, based on fundamental statistical analysis, are largely predictable. It is also why, with three rounds of playoffs, world series winners are crapshoots. It is why the "best" teams are no longer necessarily the ones in the world series, because the randomness of short-term events (like Craig Counsel having a good week, the little twerp) can sway an outcome. God, I hope Bochy doesn't want to "help" Tim win a Cy Young by letting him throw 300 pitches today.
- Thu Sep 18, 10:26:00 AM PDT
- Brother Bob said...
Damn, Zo, that was awesome. It should be the "Post" and my blurb should be comment #4.
Having the Sanchez assignment was more fun in June. I don't want it anymore.
Tonight might be a statement game for our cute young righthander. Does he have the stones to throw another dominating game? Will the Giants be able to beat the Big Eunuch?
- Thu Sep 18, 02:25:00 PM PDT
- M.C. O'Connor said...
Bob's right, that's a great piece o' work, Zo-meister. Headline stuff. Use that "create new post" button! This is why we blog--because the mainstream media doesn't give us what we want.
- Fri Sep 19, 06:38:00 AM PDT


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Will reality TV take us to Mars? The Mars One venture thinks so. They have a plan to send habitats and supplies to Mars starting around 2016 to prepare a settlement for four humans who will arrive in 2023 and live there until they die. After that more humans will arrive in batches every two years to build out the settlement. This is no government project, but a private initiative, and the whole thing will be televised on a grand scale to help raise funds. Are we going to the other planets now for real?
Watch the Mars One promotional video here:
Canada's big, and monitoring its Arctic territories is a huge job. Northrop Grumman says its Block 30 RQ-4B Global Hawk uncrewed surveillance aircraft, with a few modifications, would be perfect for the task. In the Arctic satellite communications are spotty and the craft also needs wing deicing and engine anti-icing capability. A mere three aircraft could cover the whole of Canada's north though. Or how about a satellite with a super duper telescope instead?
In spite of plenty of problems the Hubble Space Telescope has contributed a huge amount to our knowledge of space. But apparently the US also had two spy telescopes that are as big as Hubble but with more power and 100 times the field of view. And they've just been in storage all this time. It seems they're no longer needed for spying though, and have been donated to NASA. Now NASA have a new problem: they may be unable to afford to put the telescopes into orbit. The scopes need instruments and cameras, as well as to have their own mission. What a waste!
At the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid researchers have created a pair of goggles that can help people with visual handicaps to see obstacles. A virtual reality helmet includes two cameras and a computer that processes the images. Then two microscreens display coloured outlines of objects in view. The system can help people who need high contrast to be able to see objects ahead of them. Once the system is proved to work the team will improve its ergonomics. The idea of a helmet is off-putting. Surely they can find a way to put everything except the glasses and cameras in a pocket.
British engineers think the Kinect could work as the basis of an in-orbit proximity sensor and docking system. They're developing tiny satellites that will be launched together on the same rocket. Incorporating a Google Nexus One Android phone, the satellites will map the Earth with their 5-megapixel camera and conduct scientific and engineering experiments. On command, the satellites will use the Kinect to find one another and dock using a simple magnetic system. The engineers suggest that in future a system like this could be used in modular satellites that can connect for specific purposes. Snap on satellites FTW.
Miraz Jordan, knowit.co.nz


text:
Comment posted on Council Elections: The count by Stephen Mackenzie
Ah, thanks. My brain stops working on Friday evening.
So looks like none of the four councillors returned got first-preference votes from more than 10% of the electorate. Hope they're not going to go around claiming a huge mandate or anything.
Stephen Mackenzie also commented
- Uff, that's true. I wonder why people voted for her?
- Just trying to do some amateur statistics on my (Helensburgh Central) ward's results. The turnout was 45%… but I can't find anywhere how big the electorate was! Anyone got any idea?
- Cf. Morton's re-election (and several others), not everyone pays attention to politics. Not everyone has children in school (in fact a lot of people do not) and won't be aware of the issues there. Not everyone voted. Not everyone who voted will be fully informed as to what's going on (God only knows I try and avoid local politics as much as possible) and will vote for people that "we" wouldn't.
All these things combine to produce what scientists refer to as "unexpected results".
Also known as democracy, with all its failures and foibles.
Recent comments by Stephen Mackenzie
- A83 closed due to another landslide – now reopened
This is true; it was initially shown as a slip on Loch Fyne side just north of Inveraray.
I note that TS are yet to master the spelling of the word "Arrochar".
- A83 closed due to another landslide – now reopened
That photo looks like the slip is in a different place from normal. Can anyone confirm that?
- A83: Is there a planning issue in Transport Scotland's intent to revise the old military road below Rest and Be Thankful?
Is there a source for this story about naming the Rest? I was under the impression the naming was older than the era of the motor car…
I once walked up the remains of the old road from Butterbridge, and it occurred to me that it would be a very worthwhile part of a long distance route/cycle route into Argyll.
- Transport Minister tells McGrigor A83 emergency route ready in November
Go for a walk… all you will hear in Glen Croe is traffic noise. And don't forget it's full of forestry. So it's hardly unspoiled. So an appropriately designed road gallery would on the whole, be a benefit. I remain convinced that the best long term plan is to divert the trunk road away from that glen and that hill, though.
- 10 Downing Street to fly Saltire with Union Flag tomorrow for Andy Murray
It's to do with the authentication system that WordPress uses. Irritatingly, it uses the name of your blog as your ID. Thus, if I was ever logged into my increasingly defunct WordPress blog, I would be identified here as otan2.
powered by SEO Super Comments
2012 · 4 May 2012 · Argyll · Argyll & Bute · Argyll & Bute Council · Argyll First · council elections · The Count


text:
Boyhood Wish
By Terry Johnson
When I was young, I thought of slaughter,
Of the self, I was remorse,
I did nothing of the deed
To live on was, the only course.
I took to danger, all my life,
I dared the fates, you cant kill me,
I will stare you in the face,
And Satans eyes, I dare to see.
I jumped from airplanes in the sky,
I fought in wars in foreign lands,
I took people out to freedom,
From behind Eastern German bands,
Some who met me, passed this life,
And left it by my own device.
I danced with Thanotos each evening,
Survived being wounded twice.
But then I found the sunset pleasing,
To sit and watch it with my wife,
As the night came on like silence,
Knew the value of the life.
The golden of the eastern sky,
When the day brought new to see
Was the promise that more joy,
Would grace the world , just for me.
I still worked at testing danger,
Fought the fires from the air,
But, I had turned to be more caring,
And gone it seemed, was need to dare,
I felt Id grown to be a man,
Strong, and honest in my deed,
Doing work most can not do,
Charioteer of iron steed.
A fire started in my bowels,
A pain that seared, would not be quenched,
It seemed that happiness Ive found,
From my life would now be wrenched,
The pain was growing in my side,
It felt as if I were on fire,
The doctor looked with solemn eyes,
You have achieved boyhoods desire.
Malignancy,, pancreas, colon, liver.
No Terry! Not you!
God what can I say.
Please say this is just another poem.
well terry looks like you found desire in your family. you became more caring when your life took a course turn, after getting married, and seeing new life form right in front of you is when you changed your perception of life, though other things never change!
This poem is a thought in all of our minds as our maturity marches on.
Well put......and most understandable...
It is often questioned by the ignorant and foolhardy why some men value God, family, friends, good health and good times above material wants and needs.
At times like this described in your poem, the realism of faith in our God and our life's deeds do indeed matter. Our legacy is what we have done, how we have treated our family and friends and how we have helped make the world a better place.
Terry, you have helped make the world a better place. God bless you!
Wish it were JP... wish it were.
Terry: Bad News...this is bad news---the test is a piece of cake--the results---well--it depends on the results. I am so sorry-
You have the biggest fight of your life to face--God love you and help you and yours to deal with whatever follows...........
tears are falling..........
Terry, I started and re-started a response to this piece over and over again, but what does one say? I am very sorry about the news it conveys and want you to know that Jackie and I are thinking of you and are praying for you. May the spirit of our Heavenly Father give you and yours courage and comfort in the days ahead. jhs
My last poem ended with these two lines-
...Sometimes sorrow needs reminders,
Not to overlook the good.
So in my sorrow for you, and your family, I'm trying to remember the good.
I am so glad that I have been privileged to know you through this forum.
You have been a source of humour, inspiration and courage, and I pray these will help you get through this. I got into the habit of looking for your comments about the poems I posted, you always had the nicest things to say.
So from your favorite English poet....
I love you Terry Johnson, thankyou for being.
Thank you all. JP,, I have grown to love you too. You have such a wonderful spirit.
It does my heart good to see all the references to God and prayer. I strongly believe in both.
Please know, I am not done. I was born tough and I've stayed tough. First thing they are going to do is take a slice off my liver. Then, a chunk of the large intestine. (I won't need a bag). Then pump me so full of poison that no mere cancer can live. As Mr. Thomas said, "Do not go gentle into that good good night." I will not.
Terry old boy, don't give up yet!
I have something that I wish to send you, something I have been writing on and off for years now, and although in recent years it has been simply gathering the information and not compiling it into the text, none the less it has been progressing.
It is a health guide and was inspired by a man that I know, who in '78 was told that he had cancer, and only six months to live. Terry, he was doctor, and he said they were wrong. He is still alive today Terry, AND cancer free.
So no giving up here.
If it is truly your time, and God needs you eslewhere, why that is one thing, but I would like to call to your attention the parable of the talents. Invest your hopes Terry, and you will profit threefold, but do not bury them.
There is a lot of quite understandable doom and gloom going on here right now, and if I let myself, I too will sorrow for a good friend, but frankly, until that flag is draped I am not ready to believe that you can't make it through this.
First off Terry, you will need to give up all meat, start cooking with only olive oil (which is one of the best anti-carcinigens out there, which by the way, saved my dog Taboo from a malignacy two years ago). Eat lots of cabbage, yams, carrots, and other things that are high in Beta carotene. You can still eat sushi, as long as you avoid the salty stuff, and the Marlin.
Anyway. I will start work on my guide again, but will mail you what I have in the mean time. Hate to say this buddy; but no more coffee saucered and blowed... 'tis tea time for you Terry, from this point forward.
You are a warrior. Time to fight the good fight!
With love,
See then i ask some is it really what you want a knife at the wrist,but truely there are those like you out there with troubles like this and complaints,or wants to die,but to those who do this should be them. Even though i do not wish it upon anyone it didn't have to be you. Good luck Terry you are a good person. Also very talented. Nice poem.
"To write something, you have to risk making a fool of yourself." Anne Rice
Thank you all. The operation is today. They are going to try to do both the liver and intestine. Letcha know.
Hey Terry---just because I shed a tear did not mean I thought all is lost...when one receives "bad" news---one must grieve at the news
and accept and then prepare for battle............
here is Ell praying for you
and crossing my fingers and my toes
Remember the B&O boys, tough critters.
You'll take a piece of my heart with you.
Expect to be hearing from you soon.
Ell, I found this quote that struck me.
"Grief is not a problem to be cured. It is simply a statement that you have loved someone." ~ Barbara Baumgardner
exactly JP--thanks for sharing---Grief is something to accept---it is a part of one's existence---and it is because you care! hugs Ell
Obviously the pancreas was misdiagnoised, or I'd be reading this from a cloud,, or a furnace room.
Anyway, it's much sooner caught this time. And less is planned to fix it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/27/2008 02:04PM by Merc.
what do you always say to us? ya done good, ya done real good.
good poem from a good man.
like i said before...
If what I understand you to be saying is so, Terry, godspeed for treatment and full recovery. Good thoughts and prayers go out to you.
I second what Mary said Terry, sounds like you and your doctors are doing the right thing. We wish you a speedy recovery.
Positive thoughts your way, Terry, that everything will work out
We'll be praying for you in church today and will continue until I hear you've kicked cancer's butt once again, which you will do.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/2008 08:12AM by hpesoj.
I too add to the wishes and prayers for your recovery soon, Terry. Be well!!
Terry [Merc],
Every moment, what is it the Romans used to say?...carpe diem...human life is always a work in progress...I go to three or four funerals every five or six months and remind my friends that our friends live with us, it is our responsibility to keep them in the world when they pass, through what we do as well as in our memories...but I am not good with death...up close, I hate the bastard (as Hawkeye used to say)...but all that talk is just talk and premature...I think you, like me, have known living in and through the present, creating the future to live in for years now...If you decide to go, I will be diminished.
"The secret worlds are not regenerated.
And every time again and again
I make my lament against destruction."
Yevgeny Yevtushenko, "People"
btw, Merc, don't let anybody write a premature obituary for you. We in this forum have witnessed that the world has quite a bit to deal with in its struggle with you these last five years.
be well,
Let no man write my epitaph. When my nation shall take her place amongst the nations of the earth.......... oh wait, that has been done.
My emptiph should read, "If you can read this, and see anyone else, he is not where he wishes he was"
Thanks ya'll. I'm not a quiter. But Carol and I have had the conversation that if this goes south, I will fight with all that is in me, however, when I tell her the fight is over, she is not to be selfish. She is to let me go. I do not fear death, I only fear loss of life.


text:
posted by Hadrien Grasland on Sat 19th Feb 2011 10:24 UTC
Okay, source material is more than 10 years old so this is not exactly news, but I think it's interesting anyway. This BeOS promotional video is a good reminder of how powerful modern hardware truly is, what hardware should be needed for light computer use, and how laughable modern desktop&mobile OSs are as far as performance is concerned. Here are part 1 and part 2 on YouTube.


text:
It's great to see her again! That puppy line-up pic is just the best ever -- i'd love to see them all lined up as adults.
I like the oddly marked ones too. It's funny how you first look for a cavalier with great markings... then quickly you want the funkiest ones.


text:
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who make lists and those who don't.
Ironically, those who don't end up on a list anyway. And if the do-not-make-lists list is alphabetical, I'll be somewhere in the middle.
Yet twice this week I found myself in the middle of compiling lists by voting for The Associated Press stories of the year and again in a Northwest Herald boardroom discussing our overall and local stories of the year.
It's not that I find these exercises boring; actually, they can be quite interesting. Reflecting on a year of events and listening to why people believe they were more significant than dozens of others can be more engrossing than the list itself.
Sometimes there is passionate debate. Sometimes there isn't. The act of defining events as significant and others less so is naturally divisive. Even two intelligent people from the same place could have five or more completely different events on the same Top 10 list, although a discussion might bring about more agreement.
How much different would a frequent FOX News viewer's top 10 stories of the year be from someone's who considers NPR their chief source for national and international news? Would a 40-year-old, suburban white guy's list look the same as an inner-city teen's list?
We'll publish our top 10 stories of the year the weekend after Christmas in various categories: overall stories of the year abd local news stories of the year, as well as lists in sports, entertainment and business.
Expect disagreement. And feel free to disagree with our lists, although they aren't completely arbitrary. Section editors at the Northwest Herald and anyone who produces news content make judgment calls every day, often several times a day. It's an inexact science. You hope that you're more right than wrong.
Is a single domestic violence murder one of the biggest stories of the year? Almost certainly not in Chicago, but it might be in McHenry County. Does a big change in the local political scene matter more than the closing of one of the area's largest social-service agencies? It depends on whom you're asking.
This is the time of year when you'll see dozens of these kinds of lists, and many will look different. Just for context, I looked at one Wednesday compiled from Facebook traffic about the top 10 trending topics of the year.
Some of those topics were too obvious not to make our top 10 list, such as the presidential election and the shootings in Aurora, Colo., while others weren't even part of our newsroom discussion. The death of Whitney Houston was No. 3 on Facebook and even Dick Clark's death cracked its top 10.
Again, what will interest me more than the list itself will be the discussion it generates.
What do you think were the biggest stories of 2012? When it's your own list, you can't be wrong. Although, we probably could compile a list of 10 people who could tell you why you are.
• Kevin Lyons is news editor of the Northwest Herald. Reach him at 815-526-4505 or email him at email@example.com. Follow him on Twitter at @KevinLyonsNWH.


text:
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PPC Bid Management Technology Buyer's Guide 2009
There is a newer version of this report available: PPC Bid Management Technology Buyer's Guide 2012
Author: Jake Hird and Linus Gregoriadis, Econsultancy
Pages: 149 pages
Structure: Market trends and issues, 16 vendor profiles
About this Guide
This buyer's guide is aimed at those who are investigating the market for paid search bid management technology, with profiles of 16 leading suppliers. The guide, which has a UK focus, also provides detail on the issues and trends affecting this sector, as well as guidance about how to select the right technology.
Like all our buyer's guides, the report starts with a look at trends in the marketplace, as well as an assessment of this sector's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Trends in this sector include:
- Economic crisis means a sharper focus on getting value from PPC.
- Bid management technology becoming more complex.
- Providers strive to keep up with rapidly evolving technology.
- Marketers seek to balance automisation and manual optimisation.
The report contains profiles of the following vendors: Ad Director (WebTrends), AdLearn (Platform-A), Atlas (Microsoft Advertiser Suite), Coremetrics, DART Search (DoubleClick), DC Storm, Efficient Frontier, Kenshoo, MakeMeTop, Marin, Quant (Greenlight), SearchAdvisor (ChannelAdvisor), SearchCenter (Omniture), SearchForce, Searchware (TradeDoubler), VCCP.
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€ 68,-
European Yearbook on Human Rights 15Verschijnt 15 juli 2015
2014 was a year of transition and controversy in Europe: a new Parliament and new Commission were constituted. Across 38 contributions by 61 authors in five sections, the Yearbook 2015 covers political and legal developments in the field of the three main organizations charged with securing human rights in Europe: EU, Council of Europe and OSCE, accompanied by a chapter on cross-cutting topics.Paperback
European Yearbook on Human Rights 14Verschijnt 15 juni 2014
If 2012 was the year of furthering coherence in human rights protection, 2013 was the year of discussing new standards and their implementation in light of growing challenges to international and societal solidarity.Paperback€ 68,-
Vienna+20. Advancing the Protection of Human RightsVerschijnt 17 januari 2014
On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the World Conference of Human Rights in 1993 and the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA), an international high-level expert conference took place in Vienna on 27-28 June 2013.Paperback€ 48,80
European Yearbook on Human Rights 2011Verschijnt 14 juli 2011
Defining and discussing key developments in human rights in Europe and in the world, the third edition of the European Yearbook on Human Rights brings together 33 contributions by renowned human rights experts that provide a much needed overview and much sought after analysis.Paperback€ 68,-
European Yearbook on Human Rights 10Verschijnt 23 juni 2010
From the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty to policy changes in countering terrorism: 2009 was a year rich in legal and political developments that directly implicate human rights. Opening with four articles on 2009's most important human rights topics, the Yearbook contains extensive sections on developments in the field of the three main organizations charged with securing human rights in Europe: EU, Council of Europe and OSCE. A further...Paperback€ 42,80


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Bulldogs, Big Green Meet Saturday
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NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Expect a close game when Yale and Dartmouth play Saturday in men's soccer. Each of the last 13 meetings between the teams has been decided by one goal or ended in a tie. Kickoff at Dartmouth's Burnham Field is slated for 7 p.m.
The Bulldogs (1-8-1, 0-1 Ivy) know all about nail biters. In their last five games, four were one-goal decisions and the other ended in a tie. Yale opened Ivy League play last Saturday with a 1-0 loss to Harvard. The Crimson scored the only goal of the game midway through the first half. Goals have been hard to come by for the Bulldogs, who have just five in their 10 games. Andy Hackbarth and Andy Shorten share the team lead with two apiece. Hackbarth was named to the Ivy League Honor Roll on Monday after scoring in last week's 2-1 loss to No. 18 St. John's.
Dartmouth (4-3-1, 0-1 Ivy) dropped a 3-0 decision to Princeton in its Ivy opener last weekend. The Big Green has had eight different players score so far this season. Andrew Olsen, Bryan Giudicelli and Teo Larsson-Sax lead the way with two each. Sean Donovan has played every minute of every game in goal and has a 1.30 goals against average.
Last year in New Haven, Lucky Mkosona scored a pair of goals, including the game winner in the final minute of the first overtime, to lift the Big Green to a 2-1 victory. Scott Armbrust had the Yale goal.
Report filed by Tim Bennett, Yale Sports Publicity


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Do I have to know about other proggraming launguages before I start on java?
I am learning it from a book and tring to teach myself, but everywhere course
for training I look at says somthing about C++. Someone HELP!
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The cynic's reaction to Tim Murray's announcement that he wouldn't run for governor was pervasive: No man, especially a politician, wants to spend more time with his family.
So when the letter emerged last week that the lieutenant governor may have broken campaign finance laws, the "aha" narrative arc was complete. Murray knew about that letter, knew he'd have no chance at the corner office, but continued to raise money to pay for legal fees before offering the old excuse about the wife and kids.
Murray did know about the letter, so the rest is certainly possible. But like many puzzling aspects about the rise and fall of Worcester's golden boy, a simplistic narrative is unsatisfying.
On Friday, Murray faced reporters in his friendly hometown and fielded a barrage of unfriendly questions. And while our former Boy Mayor has many political gifts, deflecting tough queries with grace and aplomb has never been one of them. On television, he looks beleaguered and defensive, a tentative half smile fighting with the deer-in-the-headlights pose and a palpable sense that he's struggling with his notorious temper. His answers sound evasive, rather than on point. He bristles, perhaps because soul-baring has never been his style.
For example, when one reporter bluntly asked if he can be trusted, Murray launched a long response about his record, while his supporters were likely shouting at the television: "Say yes, dammit, say yes!" He did, eventually, but it took too long. If he lacks the personal magnetism of more seasoned veterans, he makes up for it with less glamorous traits, such as determination and devotion to his job.
Many in Boston are claiming that Murray's political career is over, after a recently released letter by campaign regulators suggested he may have violated state law by accepting campaign donations from a public employee who organized fundraisers for him. The fact that the employee is disgraced former Chelsea Housing chief Michael McLaughlin helps Murray not one whit, even though it was Murray himself who requested the probe. Written in September, the letter from the Office of Campaign and Political Finance refers the matter to Attorney General Martha Coakley for possible prosecution.
So it's not looking good for the home team, especially considering that OCPF had more informal and less damaging options at its disposal. And things will likely get worse before they get better for Murray, as speculation is rampant that the ethically challenged McLaughlin will cut a deal with prosecutors and deliver a bigger fish, whether through fact or fiction.
The possibility that the former three-term Worcester mayor could face criminal charges is surreal to the many people who know and admire him. Over his 15 years in public office, he's earned a solid reputation as an honest and hardworking public servant, a go-to guy who gets things done behind the scenes. And even though his association with McLaughlin carries a strong whiff of impropriety, supporters say it's more a result of Murray's loyalty and perhaps misjudgment, rather than political corruption.
"Anyone who knows Tim Murray knows he doesn't have a dishonest bone in his entire body," said City Councilor William Eddy, a longtime friend and supporter. "Anybody who thinks he'd intentionally do anything wrong doesn't know the man. There's no doubting his integrity or honesty. … Were mistakes made? I have no idea. It's awfully hard at his level to know what everyone is doing. There's an honor system in politics. You assume your supporters won't embarrass you."
Said City Manager Michael O'Brien, "He works his heart out on all issues, big and small, to help ordinary citizens. Ask my mayor and manager counterparts across the state and the stories will be the same. The man I know and respect is a public servant to his core."
Murray's latest blow comes a year after his mysterious, early morning car crash, for which he suffered massive political bruising. But the crash was overblown by the Boston media, which tended to treat the Worcester Democrat like a frat boy who must endure initiation to the big-city club. Boston columnists have always considered his gubernatorial ambitions delusional, claiming that he was "too small" even for the lieutenant governor's post.
"It's not that Murray never grew in the job," claimed The Boston Globe's Scott Lehigh. "He actually seemed to shrink there."
Nonsense. Many disagree, including Gov. Deval Patrick, who has continuously praised his loyal second-in-command and stands by him today.
"I trust him," Patrick said.
The reason is simple. He knows Tim Murray.


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A Las Vegas man stands accused of repeatedly ramming another man's car last week.
Steven Quintana, 31, 205 Commerce St., was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and tampering with evidence.
Shortly before 6 p.m. last Wednesday, Quintana, in a blue pickup truck, followed another man driving on Commerce Street, according to documents filed in Magistrate Court. After a few blocks, Quintana struck the victim's car a number of times, police said.
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It took six touchdown passes, but Aaron Rodgers may have finally calmed the fears that the Green Bay Packers' offense was in trouble.
The reigning MVP will look to lift his club to consecutive wins for the first time this season on Sunday when the Packers wrap a three-game road trip against the St. Louis Rams.
Green Bay had one of the more dangerous offenses a season ago, leading the league with 560 points while ranking third in the NFL in total offense (405.1 YPG) and passing offense (307.8 YPG).
However, the Packers went into last weekend's meeting with the Houston Texans averaging just 22.4 points and 338.0 yards per game, and more importantly, under .500 at just 2-3 on the season.
Rodgers did his best to get his unit on track, matching a franchise record with six touchdown passes in a 42-24 rout of the Texans. Three of those scoring strikes went to wide receiver Jordy Nelson, while fellow wideout James Jones hauled in two touchdown throws.
"This was an important game for us. We've had a couple not go our way, games we should have won," Rodgers said. "Two and four would have been very difficult. We've got a tough stretch still to play."
Green Bay rebounded from a loss to the Indianapolis Colts that opened its three-game swing, the club's first trip of that length since 1998 as Rodgers matched Matt Flynn's single-game club record for touchdown passes set in last season's regular-season finale versus the Detroit Lions.
Scoring has been an issue for the Rams over the past few weeks, with the club averaging a mere 14 points a game over the last four outings.
St. Louis has managed to go 2-2 in that time, but couldn't post a third straight victory last weekend due to a 17-14 defeat at the Miami Dolphins.
The Rams were held to just a pair of field goals through the first three quarters before quarterback Sam Bradford finally found the end zone on the ground with 8:30 to play. He then hit running back Steven Jackson with a pass for a successful two-point conversion, but Miami was able to eat up some clock and then come up with a big sack late in the game to set up a 66-yard field goal try by St. Louis' Greg Zuerlein.
Zuerlein's attempt was no good, his third miss of the game and the Rams came up short despite logging season highs of 462 total yards and 162 on the ground.
"Any time you are able to move the ball like we did and accumulate that many yards and only score six points, it's probably one of the most frustrating things there is," Bradford said.
St. Louis also fell to 0-3 on the road this season and will try to rebound Sunday and keep its perfect mark at home intact.
However, the Rams have lost three straight and six of their last eight in the regular season to the Packers.
Green Bay has won three of four in St. Louis during the regular season since the franchise relocated from Los Angeles.
The Packers didn't miss a beat through the air despite No. 1 wideout Greg Jennings missing his second game in a row due to a groin issue, with Nelson and Jones stepping up in the veteran's place.
Nelson matched a career high with his three touchdown grabs, while Jones became the second player in franchise history to haul in two scoring catches in three straight games. He joined Don Hutson (Nov. 14-Dec. 5, 1943) and his seven TDs on the season led the NFL and already match a career high set through 16 games last season.
"I think we're pretty deep, first of all, in that group," Rodgers said of his wide receivers. "When you can have Jennings and Nelson and James Jones and Randall Cobb as your top guys there and Donald (Driver) with his experience, when you lose a guy, the expectation is the next guy up is going to play well. And they have, in this case."
St. Louis' secondary faces a tough task, but does come into this game ranked fifth in passing defense. The Rams are yielding 210.7 yards per game through the air and also rank fifth in the NFL with 18.5 points allowed per game.
Cornerback Cortland Finnegan leads the team with three interceptions, one returned for a score, and defensive end Chris Long logged his fourth sack of the season in last week's loss. Fellow end Robert Quinn will also try to pressure Rodgers this weekend and add to his team-leading six sacks this year.
"Well, they're talented. I think they do a very good job with attacking the line of scrimmage from alignments and even their personnel," Packers head coach Mike McCarthy noted of the Rams defense. "So, it really starts up front with them. I really like their corners. Cortland Finnegan's been a good player in this league for a long time and (CB Janoris) Jenkins, he's off to an excellent start as a rookie, too. So, it's a group that's definitely going to be a challenge."
Injuries are continuing to mount for the Packers, who went into last game minus running back Cedric Benson and nose tackle B.J. Raji. Benson is on the injured reserve/designated for return list.
Middle linebacker D.J. Smith was lost for the season due to a knee injury suffered versus the Texans, with Brad Jones, Robert Francois and Jamari Lattimore candidates to replace him in the starting lineup.
Outside linebacker Nick Perry is also likely to miss some time due to a knee injury sustained versus the Texans and Jennings was unable to practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Sam Shields may miss this game as well.
Green Bay's issues at linebacker could open up some holes for Rams running backs Jackson and Daryl Richardson. The duo combined for 128 rushing yards on 23 carries, including 76 by Richardson.
Though Jackson is a former Pro Bowl back and can also make plays in the receiving game, Richardson could continue to see plenty of work. He owns the two longest runs by a Rams player this year at 53 and 44 yards, the latter coming versus the Dolphins.
"I think he's getting more and more comfortable," offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told the Rams' official website of Richardson. "You see less mental errors in practice. He's playing faster. You see all the little detail things that you want him doing, with little calls and stuff that he's making. That's exciting to see.
"Daryl is a great change of pace. We're going to try to keep people off balance."
The Rams have yielded 16 points over their last two home games, but those wins came against lackluster offenses belonging to the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.
St. Louis struggled in containing Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III in a Week 2 win at home, so the defensive unit could be in for a long day against a confident star like Rodgers.
Rodgers has thrown for 585 yards and five touchdowns to just one interception in two previous meetings with the Rams. That includes a trio of scoring strikes, including one each to Nelson (93 yards) and Jones, in a 24-3 win last season.
If the Rams can control the clock with a solid run game they may stand a chance, but the Packers are riding a big wave from last week and once again look like one of the NFC's best.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Packers 27, Rams 13


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IOC Official: Terrorism Only an Issue Because No One Cares About Anti-Gay Law
A Canadian official from the International Olympic Committee says the concern over terrorist activities at the upcoming Sochi Olympics is the result of the media losing interest in Russia's highly controversial anti-gay laws.
"Nobody has got anything else to write about and for some reason as they have sort of moved away from the anti-gay stuff -- I think it's not drawing the kind of attention that they wanted," Dick Pound told Canada's Metro News.
Pound said other countries have "far harsher laws" regarding homosexuals than Russia and little is written on that.
"In Malaysia, you can be put to death. In Nigeria, you can be put in jail for God knows how long," Pound told Metro News. "So it's a target of convenience with respect to Russia, not that I approve of the law, but putting it on a scale of 1-10 of odious laws, it's not way up there near 10."
Pound said much of the anti-Russia gay stand emanates from the U.S., where only a handful of states allow same-sex marriage. (Seventeen states currently allow legal gay marriage).
"So whose ox is getting gored here?" Pound said.
In August the CBC reported that Pound criticized Russia's anti-gay propaganda law, but said that calls for a boycott of the Olympic Games were misplaced.
"I think it's a shame that in this day and age such a law has been adopted," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "But I do not think that is a reason for the entire world to refrain from going to the Olympics, and those who urge that are being very free with the sacrifice of other people in their own interest."


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Obama campaign: Romney confuses immigration issue
The Obama campaign said GOP presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has confused voters in statements to The Denver Post that he would honor temporary work permits given to illegal immigrant DREAMers granted by the Obama administration.
Romney said in an interview Monday before a Denver rally that he would not deport illegal immigrants who were granted temporary amnesty under an executive order issued by President Obama in June.
"The people who have received the special visa that the president has put in place, which is a two-year visa, should expect that the visa would continue to be valid. I'm not going to take something that they've purchased," Romney said. "Before those visas have expired we will have the full immigration reform plan that I've proposed."
Romney said he will work with Congress to pass permanent immigration reform. While he didn't furnish a lot of details Monday about what that would look like, he has said in previous interviews kids who served in the military may be able to qualify for citizenship.
Obama's director of Hispanic press Gabriela Domenzain said in a statement:
"Romney's latest immigration pivot raises more questions than it answers. He still has not said whether he would continue the Administration's policy that provides a temporary reprieve from deportation for young people who were brought here through no fault of their own. Would he side with his extreme anti-immigration advisors and repeal this measure? What would he do with those who qualify for deferred action but haven't received it? Would he deport those who have received a deferment when the program expires after two years?"


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If this were a boxing match instead of a political campaign, the referee would have stopped the fight, disqualifying both fighters for refusing to throw a punch.
This would not be a stoppage like the famous 1997 disqualification of heavyweight Mike Tyson for repeatedly biting and chewing on Evander Holyfield's ear during their clinches. Nobody is biting anybody in this contest.
This is worse than Tyson/Holyfield because these are two old professional politicians who won't even come out of their corners to meet in the center of the ring. Even the cut men went home.
But this is not a boxing match. Instead it is a polite contest between two generally obscure men running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. By the looks of things so far, it appears a third strong contender -- if he or she existed -- would blow both of them out of the fight.
The two are U.S. Reps. Ed Markey, 66, of Malden, who has never had a meaningful job outside of government, and Stephen Lynch, 57, of South Boston, who at least worked as an ironworker before discovering politics.
Both are running in the April 30 Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate. Both have never run statewide and are not well known outside of their congressional districts. Perhaps that is why both made big deals out of gathering union endorsements (split between the two) and the number over the necessary 10,000 voter signatures (won by Markey) to get on the ballot.
And, speaking of obscure, the winner will face off with one of three relatively unknown Republicans seeking to become the 2013 version of Scott Brown. The fact that all three Republicans gathered more than 10,000 signatures each to qualify for their primary -- in this heavily Democratic state -- is really something to talk about. (More on them in a later piece.)
One of the problems is that neither Markey nor Lynch has so far been able to catch the imagination of the public. Neither candidate has shown much passion or has made much of an impression. They seem content to circle the ring rather than mix it up.
Their lack of fervor could be due to the fact that neither has much to lose if defeated in the primary or in the election. Neither is giving up his seat to make the run and the loser -- or losers -- will still be a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Markey is a hardcore leftist who has embraced every far left liberal cause that ever came down the pike, from acid rain and the nuclear freeze (remember them?), to the current liberal fads of global warming, electric cars, wind and solar, all of which eventually will go the way of acid rain.
Lynch is more of a moderate who, for some unexplained reason, seems to be redefining his positions on abortion and Obamacare in order to appeal to the liberals he thinks will decide the Democratic primary.
Lynch would better off going after the many disenfranchised moderates and conservatives still left in the Democratic Party. Massachusetts needs another liberal in its congressional delegation like it needs another Annie Dookhan in the state drug lab.
It has not been much of a fight so far. Instead of taking him on, Lynch surprisingly has spent his time shadow boxing and warily eyeing his opponent from a distance, apparently afraid to throw the first punch. Markey appears to be content with that, figuring he is out in front and will coast to a primary victory. This just might happen.
It would be nice -- and perhaps convincing -- if one of them showed some passion -- a fire in the belly -- the way Republican Scott Brown did when he came from obscurity to win the special Senate election in 2010.
Yes, it is a special election to fill the vacancy left upon the resignation of John F. Kerry, the new wandering secretary of state. And because it is a special, voter turnout will be low.
And, yes, the two Democrats have agreed to hold six debates before the April 30 primary, debates that are bound to attract every insomniac in the state.
It is understandable if most of the citizens of the state do not even know there is a fight going on. It is understandable because they are right -- there is no fight going on. These are just two guys meandering around hoping the other guy will trip over his shoelaces and fall down so the other guy can sneak through when nobody is looking.
Somebody throw a punch already.
Peter Lucas' political column appears Tuesday and Friday. Email him at firstname.lastname@example.com.