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The furriest member of Greencastle's police force will be safer when he's out on patrol thanks to a donation by the Pennsylvania K-9 Assistance Foundation of Bucks County.
GREENCASTLE — The furriest member of Greencastle's police force will be safer when he's out on patrol thanks to a donation by the Pennsylvania K-9 Assistance Foundation of Bucks County.
The foundation, headed by Mike Decher, a retired police officer who spent 22 years with the Northampton Township police near Philadelphia, donated a temperature-controlled heat sensor for Officer Keith Russell's vehicle.
The sensor will help keep Russell's partner, GPD's K-9 cop Rony, a German shepherd-Belgian malinois mix, from overheating in the vehicle if Russell has to leave it. When the temperature reaches a certain point, the device will automatically lower the windows, turn on the ventilation system and alert Russell via beeper.
Deadly threat
"Heat is more dangerous to a dog than cold," said Jules Ferraro, technical adviser to the foundation and a K-9 police dog trainer who has spent a total of 24 years in law enforcement.
Decher and Ferraro said the conservative estimate is that nationwide four or five police dogs die of heat exhaustion each year, but there is "really no way to know for sure."
The foundation decided to make the donation to the Greencastle Police Department after Decher read a newspaper article about Rony and Russell in early fall.
"Most of these guys operate on a shoestring budget," Decher said.
After a few phone calls, Decher finally got in touch with Russell and told him he had a free heat detection unit for him. The unit usually sells for $1,500, according to Decher.
And Russell's reaction?
"I think I surprised the heck out of him," Decher said.
Police partners
Both Russell and Greencastle Chief of Police John Phillippy assert just how important Rony is to the police department.
"I can't put a price tag on it," Russell said.
"I'm the luckiest one in the whole department. I will always have a partner, someone to protect me forever, no matter what," Russell said.
Russell gives commands in Czechoslovakian to Rony, and the dog obeys as quickly as Russell can speak them. Rony came from the Eastern European country because of the quality of his bloodlines, which feature a long tradition of police dogs.
Rony's training, which Russell initially did with him when the department received the dog in 2009, has to be maintained every couple of weeks and the pair heads to Maryland to work with specialists.
But the vigorous schedule pays off, according to Russell.
"At home, he's a pet," the father of four said. "At work ... he loves going to work."
Work for Rony includes sniffing out evidence and narcotics, tracking down individuals who could be suspects, victims or lost, suspect apprehension, and protecting Russell when confronted by aggressive individuals.
"Very few people will fight a dog," Russell said. "Just him barking is a huge deterrent."
Phillippy said that Rony, who wears his own Greencastle police badge, is dispatched when needed to help other police in the area as well. He recently helped police in Fulton County track a suspect through 3 1/2 miles of wooded area, with Russell right by his side.
Community support
Phillippy and Russell estimate that it takes between $3,500 and $4,000 each year to take care of Rony, including food costs, health care and training. But Rony is "majorly funded" by donations from the community, Russell said.
"He was even donated by a resident in Greencastle," Russell said. The anonymous resident paid $13,000 to initially obtain Rony for the police force.
Food Lion donates a bag of dog food; Greencastle Veterinary Hospital provides free checkups; even The Tennis Club in Zullinger gives Russell old tennis balls for Rony to play with.
"These dogs give 100 percent of themselves," Phillippy said. "(The donations) all go to benefit the dog, and the dog benefits the community."


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Recycling facility study can wait a while longer
A $25,000 study to assess whether Mono County and the Town of Mammoth Lakes need another, bigger re- cycling facility is a "last resort," pending more discussion and cooperation between the two governments, the county supervisors agreed Tuesday.
Both are struggling to meet new state requirements that force municipalities to recycle more of their garbage. Solving "the garbage question" is a high priority for both governments, given high costs and low revenues due to a huge decline in construction revenues.

subset: commoncrawl


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Jennifer Roback Morse is the author of Love and Economics: Why the Laissez-Faire Family Doesn't Work and a regular contributor to Forbes, The American Enterprise, and the National Catholic Register. She is a research fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and a senior fellow of the Independent Women's Forum in Washington D.C. She taught economics for 15 years at George Mason University and Yale University before moving to California where she combines motherhood with writing and lecturing.
Thinking of moving in with your significant other, just to see if marriage is a good idea? Turns out living together isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Helping young adults mature in Christ and prepare for marriage and family. Learn more
© Focus on the Family 1998-2018


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The Miss USA pageant representative from Pennsylvania resigned her crown claiming the contest is rigged, but according to organizers the beauty queen was upset over the decision to allow transgender contestants to enter.
A posting on Miss Pennsylvania Sheena Monnin's Facebook page claims another contestant learned the names of the top 5 finishers on Sunday morning - hours before the show was broadcast.
Monnin claims the other contestant told her the names of the top 5 she spotted on a planning sheet for the telecast - and she decided to step down as soon as those same contestants were named during the show.
"In my heart I believe in honesty, fair play, a fair opportunity, and high moral integrity, none of which in my opinion are part of this pageant system any longer," Monnin wrote in one of her Facebook posts.
Monnin, of Cranberry, Butler County, did not immediately respond to a Facebook message from The Associated Press.
Donald Trump, who runs the Miss Universe Organization, called Monnin's claims that the pageant was fixed "totally ridiculous" in a live interview Wednesday on ABC's "Good Morning America" and said the pageant organization plans to sue Monnin for making the "false charge."
"We're going to be suing her now. She made a very false charge and she knows it's a false charge," Trump said.
Pageant organizers confirmed Monnin resigned, but said it wasn't for the reason she claimed.
According to a statement from the Miss Universe Organization, the contestant who Monnin claimed saw the sheet vehemently refuted Monnin's account.
The statement includes text from an email organizers said Monnin sent citing the decision to allow natural born males into the competition as the reason she's resigning.
A transgender contestant was initially denied entry to the Miss Universe Canada pageant because she wasn't born female, but Trump subsequently overruled that decision.
Trump downplayed the role transgender contestants had on that Monnin's decision, even though pageant claim that was her motivation.
"I don't think that she had an issue with that," Trump said. "I think her primary issue is that she lost and she's angry about losing. And frankly, in my opinion, I saw her barely a second and she didn't deserve to be in the top 15."
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SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korean rapper Psy, whose latest video "Gentleman" tracked global megahit "Gangnam Style" by going viral on the Internet, has been knocked from the top of the music charts in his native country by a 63-year-old easy listening pop singer.
"Gangnam Style", which holds the YouTube record for most views with more than 1.5 billion, catapulted the sunglassed Korean with the garish jackets to world stardom and made him one of the best-known faces to grace the growing K-pop music scene.
But Cho Yong-pil, who has been a fixture of Korean pop music since 1975 with his electronic music and ballads, took over the top spot in Korea with "Bounce," according to both the daily and weekly charts on Naver, Korea's top Internet portal.
Fans lined up to buy "Hello," Cho's first album in a decade, when it went on sale earlier this week, and packed a stadium concert on Tuesday with people screaming his nickname of "Oppa" - a word used by Korean women for older men that Psy took to the world with the refrain "Oppa Gangnam Style".
Cho's songs took the top 10 places on the daily charts, pushing "Gentleman" to no. 13, and Psy had to settle for second place on the weekly charts.
But "Gentleman" surged to fifth place on the Billboard Hot 100 this week and has racked up over 220 million views on YouTube after smashing the record for first-day views for songs.
Psy told reporters he had nothing but respect for the veteran crooner, noting that Cho had praised him at a Tuesday news conference.
"I couldn't be happier, although getting on the Billboard chart also makes me really grateful," Psy told reporters on Thursday prior to leaving for the United States.
(Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Elaine Lies)


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UC Hastings' Startup Legal Garage is working to broaden the Silicon Valley pie to create more opportunities for women and minority entrepreneurs.
New community partners include Black Founders, Women 2.0, and Girls in Tech, each of which strives to bring under-represented players into the tech ecosystem.
The Startup Legal Garage provides corporate and intellectual property counsel to early-stage startup companies under the supervision of leading attorneys throughout the Bay Area, with some supervising attorneys as far away as San Diego and Washington, D.C. Students gain an in-depth understanding of the incentive structures that drive businesses outside of and in addition to the law; clients get high-quality legal services supervised by leading practitioners in the field. Founding partners include Hackers & Founders and the UC research incubator QB3.
Named Among Most Innovative Legal Programs
Students bring redacted versions of their deals into the classroom, which allows faculty to harvest hypotheticals in real-time and bring the teaching of legal doctrine alive. "We are teaching our students to be more than just the lawyer in the room," said Professor Robin Feldman.
As part of the college's Institute for Innovation Law, recently named as one of the 25 most innovative legal programs in the country, the Startup Legal Garage is working to serve a broader range of entrepreneurs.
"Traditionally, premier legal services are concentrated on a few companies with the right connections or funding," said Charles Belle (@CharlesBelle), Executive Director of the Institute for Innovation Law. "The Startup Legal Garage has introduced an innovative model that provides premier tools to all clients, increasing their likelihood of success."
Leading the effort for UC Hastings is Innovation Institute Research Fellow Nnena Ukuku. She launched Black Founders with three co-founders in San Francisco almost three years ago to increase the numbers and successes of black entrepreneurs in technology. She serves as its CEO. She met Belle at a Black Founders event hosted by Mozilla.
"Charles offered me an opportunity to do three things I could not say no to. I am able to interact with law students, give people within my community access to legal representation, and to help create connections between policy makers, startups, the legal profession and the public," Ukuku said.
Looking for Unmined Riches
Ukuku is a young super-connector and corporate lawyer on the go, named by Forbes magazine in 2012 as one of six women changing the venture capital world. From her law office at Hatch Today in San Francisco's SoMa (South of Market) area, she keeps an eye out for promising young companies that need the legal counsel and guidance of the Startup Legal Garage.
"I focus on our community partnerships and relationships," Ukuku said. "I'm looking for the unmined riches of women and minority entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley."
She works through partners like Women 2.0, a media company at the intersection of women, entrepreneurship and technology. "Our community is a mix of individuals working in tech and those starting tech companies," said CEO and Co-Founder Shaherose Charania. "When it comes to resources and services, the entire technology ecosystem naturally operates through word of mouth recommendations."
It's the right mix of talent at the right time, Feldman says. Thanks to local payroll tax exemptions, Twitter and other companies have created a boom in San Francisco's Mid-Market tech corridor, just a block from UC Hastings. Incubators like Runway at 9th and Market streets mean more companies are looking for assistance in their own neighborhoods, Feldman said.
"Just as San Francisco is evolving and attracting more tech companies, we are evolving to serve their needs," Feldman says. "It's a win-win-win for students, entrepreneurs, and the broader legal community."
Go Further
Follow Ukuku (@nukuku) on NPR Dec. 19 on NPR and Twitter at #NPRBlacksinTech. Follow the Institute for Innovation Law at @DataDrivenLaw.


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No Nursing Shortage At The Present Time - page 27
I am assured that some of you are reading this and saying to yourselves, "Duh! This topic is old hat. We already know there's a glut of nurses in many parts of the country, so why are you writing... Read More
Dec 3, '13Nursing Shortage?? *scoff*
I am an experienced BSN, RN, CCRN. Worked in ICU for 8 years at biggest hospitals in the nation. I left my job to take 6 months of maternity leave. I am now having a very difficult time finding a permanent position. When I graduated 8 years ago, hospitals came to my community college to offer us jobs before we even graduated!! So Im not used to this. Sure, Im picky. I want to work at a large academic hospital in the ICU and not get paid peanuts. But point is, its super competitive out there. If there is a job opening, you are in competition with their current travel nurse who wants to go permanent.
I SMH at the thousands of students entering nursing school right now and who have graduated nursing school within the past 3 years. It's a tough time. Wishing you all the best and future opportunities.
Dec 3, '13"The nursing shortage lies—local major hospital corporations are not hiring nurses, despite continuing to falsely post job openings"
Knoxville, Tennessee
December 1, 2013
After deciding to go to school to become a Registered Nurse, many had the hopes and promises of never being unemployed or ever having to worry about finding a job. So many figured this would be a good investment in their future—but it may be time to reconsider that idea.
For as long as I can remember, and most definitely for as long as I had aspired to be a nurse, I had been hearing the term 'nursing shortage' tossed around by the multiple media streams as well as from other healthcare professionals. It was brought up everywhere. If you looked for example, in the newspaper, you would find ads boasting huge sign on bonuses for Registered Nurses with excellent wages and benefits— some even paid continuing education opportunities.
Many people began to jump on the bandwagon to obtaining their nursing degrees. With many opting to do BSN programs, there were also many ADN programs that offered nursing education and the 'RN' title after only 2 years of study. This made it appealing to a lot of already employed individuals looking for a stable, steady career change. All kinds of nursing programs began to spring up, with as many as 6-10 nursing programs per city or region. Most of these programs here in Knoxville are producing roughly 60-100 nurses every 2 or 4 years depending on the program, but with a job outlook growth projected at "faster than average" and the "shortage of nurses", it seems like a no brainer! With quotes like this plastered all over the American Nurse's Association's website, where could you possibly go wrong?
The Shortage Isn't Stopping Soon You've likely heard about the "nursing shortage" for years now, and perhaps you think it's been resolved. However, registered nurses are still at the top of the list when it comes to employment growth (BLS, 2010).
What we have failed to see as a society is the impact of market saturation. With so many local nursing programs producing a steady supply of new graduates, it's not difficult to see that eventually the supply is going to exceed demand in any given geographical region, as it has already done here in Knoxville. But this isn't the only contributing factor in and of itself. This is just one of the complicating factors in a multiple faceted, bigger issue.
At the same time we saw such an increase in the amount of nurses that were being turned out into the job market, we also began to see some political changes within the healthcare industry itself, in particularly with the hospitals. Many of the smaller market hospitals began to merge or be 'bought out' by larger corporations, such as Covenant Health and Tennova Healthcare Systems. These larger corporations have ended up owning many smaller hospitals and dominate the job market in the Knoxville area. This is a great investment for the corporations, but can be pure disaster for the nurse seeking employment.
If those two strikes aren't enough to put nurses behind the eight ball, then add in the fact that many jobs that used to be held only by Registered Nurses are now being filled by Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Medical Assistants. This is in part due to an increase in the availability of educational programs for these careers. Also, the job descriptions have changed which allow these individuals to do more than the previously could, thus eliminating the need for RN's. This also eliminates the need for a company to pay RN wages for the same tasks that can be done by a CNA or LPN.
This leads to another problem that is wreaking havoc on nursing job opportunities—the greediness of these large corporations. The idea of "doing more with less" has caught on BIG with employers. In jobs, such as retail, this only hurts the employee by working them to a personal limit and exhaustion. In the employer's eye, if they can get one person to do the work of three people, then why would they want to pay three people? This idea has really taken a hold on the nursing industry as well. The employers however, have neglected to see the real problem with this. When you implement this ideology, not only do you work the employee beyond his or her limits, but you also endanger the lives of patients. I have found this to be the case first hand, working for Covenant Health. This is especially true on medical surgical units and critical care units. It is not uncommon for one nurse to carry the load of 7-8 patients per shift on a medical surgical unit and 3 patients at a time in a critical care unit. This patient to nurse ratio has increase drastically over the past few years and is simply unsafe practice. I can remember having traveling nurses come to our facility, see our nurse to patient ratio and make comments about how 'unsafe" they felt working with that load. The employers are slowly increasing the workload per person until they find a "breaking point", which usually consists of a patient harm event and/or a subsequent lawsuit involving patient harm. Unfortunately, patients must be injured or harmed before the issue is viewed in any other light aside from a "bottom line" or "money" issue. Despite bringing these issues up in staff development meeting numerous times, it was always "blown off" as not important. These large corporations are able to get away with such treatment of their employees because of the very thing they are creating—the saturation of nurses and the fact that they dominate the market. If you have nurses that are seeking jobs so desperately, then they are willing to "put up" with harsher working conditions and lower wages in spite of having a "job". At the same time, the reason for those harsher working conditions is greediness from the employers by not hiring additional nurses to spread the workload out and make conditions safer for everyone. It's a vicious cycle and until the healthcare corporations such as Covenant and Tennova realize this, they may be facing more patient dissatisfaction and lawsuits than they bargained for.
Interestingly enough, employers do a great job of "masking" the fact that they aren't hiring new nurses too. Just go to any large hospital website and view the job opening boards. You would be amazed at the amount of "open" positions that are posted there. I have heard from numerous nurses, that even after applying for upwards of 30 positions, they have yet to receive one call for an interview. I have experienced the same thing first hand. After speaking with one local Human Resources agent, it was apparent that their facility had only hired five RN's over the past 5 months, despite countless pages of open job postings. I have spoken with several managers who have informed me that hiring is just 'dead' and there are no plans to hire additional nurses, especially before the beginning of the year at the earliest. In addition, you never see those attractive 'sign on' bonuses that once were a commonplace among nursing positions.
If these large hospital corporations are not going to hire new nurses, and we have in fact seen the end of the 'nursing shortage era", then they at least need to stop feeding the public a constant stream of lies by continuing to post job openings daily. This is a very misleading and dirty way to do business in the community.
Dec 4, '13Quote from zack1110Many big businesses engage in misleading and 'dirty' conduct to keep the revenue stream flowing. Hospital corporations and schools are big businesses. What's new?If these large hospital corporations are not going to hire new nurses, and we have in fact seen the end of the 'nursing shortage era", then they at least need to stop feeding the public a constant stream of lies by continuing to post job openings daily. This is a very misleading and dirty way to do business in the community.
Dec 3, '15I agree. I've been applying for all these postings at my local hospitals and get a rejection email but they go and post a similar to identical position. It really baffles me because they're so in need supposedly.
Dec 4, '15In my experience, no one facility typically relishes a bedside nurse. These are task oriented jobs that "anyone" can do, and many have UAP's that have taken over many tasks. (And zack1110, no it is rare that LPN's are in acute settings. Because we are licensed nurses not UAP's, and most have been within the system long enough that we are paid at or close to the top of the wage scale due to time in--and they can mostly hire 4 UAP's at the cost of one seasoned LPN--so we shouldn't lump LPN's in with UAP's.)
These facilities want someone who is not "emotionally" invested in nursing. Emotions don't make them money. Which is the ONLY goal. Well that and don't kill anyone to slur their reputation.
Major hospital systems seem to be going in the direction of encouraging a MBA. Some paying for/reimbursing for a large percentage of same. Others are equally searching for masters in nurse informatics. Others that are into nurses who are certified in medical coding....this is all profit based stuff. And atypical according to how hungry one is. 5 new nurses with MBA's and the talent and desire to raise the profit margin is so worth it as opposed to 2 seasoned nurses whose goal is that Mrs. Such and So can be safely discharged home.
And if your dreammmmmm is to help and care for people, to get on your unicorn an put your glittery sunshine up and rejoice in the warm embrace of saving the world one patient at a time.....then today's nursing may not be for you.
If you are using a BSN as a stepping stone to become a medical marketing maven, first and foremost with the only goal of assisting a facility to get more bang for it's buck--if you can follow the blah, blah script, get your numbers up, get people moving and out and go on to another....see every patient as a unit on which money is made, and can act as if you are REALLY into the "delight" of patients as delight=money.....then your focus is NOT on the "compassionate" care of anyone.....but the business based graduate degree that will keep YOU a known commodity.
Numbers of administration are not nurses. They just want their bottom line up. And if nursing schools are honest about this, then more students could decide to get the skills down, have a good knowledge of how to make a patient function in the least amount of time. Smile, nod and be generally polite, act invested emotionally in the well being of your people......THEN go in for the bottom line dollar--and create savvy business decisions that are noticed and admired by the higher ups--THEN you have a chance of getting a job.
We are all deluding ourselves in thinking nursing is about being a "angel" or direct eye contact lean in and really LISTEN to whatever--and/ or getting entangled in the hand holding "I really care about my patients" job anymore. It has not been that way in quite some time.
Best thing new nurses can go into this profession thinking is along the lines of "these are people that require their dignity intact by my actions. They deserve a safe admission under my watch. Otherwise, they are units of measure from which I get paid. So every documentation, every time management decision, every intervention needs to be at the highest reimbursable level. Period. And I will follow the script with a smile on my face, as that seals the deal.
There is a giant disconnect between those who go into nursing for the touchy-feely emotions invested, and those who see it as a business that requires tact and savvy. And business wins every time.Last edit by jadelpn on Dec 4, '15


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Lalita Panchami Vrat, or Lalitha Panjami, is a highly auspicious day during the nine-day Navaratri festival. It is observed on the fifth day of Navratri. In 2018, the date of Lalita Panchami is October 13. It is dedicated to Lalita Devi, a form of Shakti or Mother Goddess. She is associated with the Pancha Mahabhutas or five elements. Goddess Lalita is believed to be the representation or form of the five elements –earth, water, air, fire, and space.
The day is of great significance in Gujarat and parts of
Maharashtra. Some people also observe a fast known as Lalita Panchami Vrat. It is believed to bring wealth, happiness and knowledge.
Goddess Lalita is an incarnation of Shakti that appeared to annihilate demon Bhanda who was created from the ashes of Kama or Manmata.
Kama had tried to disturb the intense tapas performed by Shiva. An angry Siva opened his third eye and reduced Kama into ashes. One of Shiva's Ganas took the ashes and drew a portrait of a man and when Shiva glanced at the figure it came to life and blessed him.
Bhanda after getting the blessings of Shiva started rule the world and showed demonic characteristics. Indra performed a yajna and Shakti appeared sitting on Sri Chakra in the form of Lalitha.
Bhanda was killed and his original form of Kama or Manmata was restored.


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Like many Connecticut residents who didn't matriculate at Yale, I know the university in bits and pieces — a lecture at the law school, a play at the Rep, a dinner at the Commons. I don't have a good sense of how the whole place fits together, yet it is fascinating to explore.
I've walked through the campus wondering when buildings were built, who designed them, why in that location. My friend Patrick Pinnell to the rescue.


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Garlic bread with cheese , a yummy starter, which are crunchy and cheesy. This is our favourite evening snack at home. This garlic bread is quick and very easy to make. Here is the recipe.
- French Bread - 1 loaf
- Butter - 1/4 cup
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Cheese - as much as you would like, i used mozzarella cheese.
- Parsley leaves - 1 tbsp, chopped
This is going to participate in " Say Cheese " event hosted by Sara.
- Cut the bread into diagonal slices with 1 inch thick.
- Combine butter and minced garlic and mix well.
- Spread this mixture on each slice of the bread.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly on all the slices.
- Then sprinkle parsley leaves over it.
- Arrange it in a microwave safe tray and microwave at 60% power for 2 Min's.
- Serve with tomato ketchup.


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PINOLE, Calif. --A Richmond man was killed at a Pinole bar early Sunday morning, according to Pinole police.
Officers responded to a report of a disturbance at Green Lantern Bar at 1907 San Pablo Ave. at 12:02 a.m., Police Chief John Hardester said.
Arriving officers found an unresponsive man lying on the ground with gunshot wounds in the bar's parking lot, he said.
Emergency medical personnel were on the scene but the man was declared dead, Hardester said.
The victim is described as a 30-year-old black man whose identity has not been released, according to Hardester.
No arrests have been made and police continue to investigate the case, Hardester said.
Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Pinole police at (510) 724-8950.


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Case Tony Bose Chestnut Bone Coffin Jack
Case Knives has featured Tony Bose collaborations for years. This new series have are a 'coffin jack" style with a distinctive shape to the handle and two blades. So far, the chestnut color bone handle model has arrived. They are limited to 300 pieces worldwide and very collectible. You can see this new series at www.knifecenter.com and the chestnut bone model here
Case Knives offers the following description: Continue Reading


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to display fear, cowardice, trepidation, and a yellow stripe that starts at the base of your shoulder blade and beelines straight down toward your spine, when you're confronted by an aggressive and intimidating person who calls you out. To run in the opposite direction with your tail between your legs when aggressively confronted.
The ghetto hamster confronted Lee in the dark alley and demanded his wallet and all of its contents. Lee's knees began to quiver, accompanied by a sudden backdoor gush in his skivvies. Lee definitely punked down to the mulignan that day.
by weave September 07, 2003
buy the domain for your cat vlog


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text: Animal Stuff cat furniture offers many intriguing no-assembly designs for your favorite feline. These products have been thoroughly cat-tested for durability and stability. All cat furniture is made from real wood and is covered with attractive plush, cut-pile commercial carpet. Nails and glue are not used in the building process.


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Time for a name change?
Can or should there be a distinction between "progressive" Churches of Christ and "conservative" Churches of Christ. I know it would make it easier for ministers looking. Yes, I know that there are code words, like "sound in the faith", "gospel preacher", etc. but do you sometimes wish there could be a distinction so we know who is who and even make it easier on where to go for worship? I am all for unity. I love all brothers but is it time for a Christian Church / Church of Christ distinction between the progressive churches and conservatives? What do you think?


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|Fingerling Potato Salad
March, 2002
Serves 6 / Buttery baby potatoes combined with anise-flavored fennel make a refreshing salad that goes well with grilled fish or chicken.
1 pound baby fingerling potatoes, washed
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 small fennel bulb, washed and sliced
1/2 cup thinly sliced Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon coarse-ground mustard
Salt and pepper
1. In a small bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients and set aside.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes and salt. Cover partially and cook until tender, 15-20 minutes.
3. Drain potatoes. When cool enough to handle, slice thickly and place in a serving bowl. Add fennel and cheese; combine gently. Pour vinaigrette over mixture. Chill before serving.
Calories 205,Fat 11,Perfat 48,Cholesterol 5,Carbo 22,Protein 5


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The practise of blogger or influencer "engagement" is one of the most widely-used tactics in marketing these days, done by almost everyone, from PR agencies to SEOs, social marketers to spammers.
It's also one of the most commonly derided amongst the recipients and much-debated amongst bloggers and professionals - but rarely addressed by marketers themselves.
If you're doing it well, why share the secrets with your competitors? Sadly, a lot of marketers are doing it very badly indeed, and something needs to be done about it...
As both a blogger and a marketer, I've spent a long time contemplating whether or not to write this post. Many of my fellow bloggers (with whom I regularly discuss this subject) take the view that we should count ourselves lucky that brands want to work with us at all, and should avoid upsetting the proverbial apple cart.
Nobody likes a whistle-blower, and many bloggers believe that if they speak-up or "name and shame" they will be marked out as trouble-makers, blacklisted from all the best blogger lists and identified in "do not work with" posters on PR department desks across the land.
I'm more than happy to take one for the team though, for several reasons. First up, my position as a marketer gives me a fairly unique perspective - I work with bloggers as part of my job (indeed, it was one of the reasons I started blogging in the first place - to experience it "from the other side") and I blog myself.
Secondly, the chance of me ever carving a living from my blogging is slim-to-none - so if I DO get blacklisted and marked out as a trouble-maker, it won't make much of a dent in my future (I hope!). So I'm making a stand and calling a spade a spade.
The following list is accompanied by 10 genuine, real emails which I (as a blogger) have received in the past year. I get these emails at a rate of probably one a week - but knowing other FAR more popular bloggers, I can tell you that these things come in thick and fast when you have a popular blog.
Wherever possible I have anonymised the emails I'm quoting. Whilst crappy pitches really drive me to despair, I also believe in a little bit of karma - so naming and shaming isn't in my plans quite yet. If any of you reading this are the authors behind these approaches, I hope you will forgive me for using your words - trust me, I'm TRYING to do this for everybody's benefit.
I actually LOVE blogger engagement as a marketing discipline, and when it's done right it can be an absolute joy. But the people who do it badly are giving all of us a bad name, and the sooner it stops, the better.
So, here are 10 painful examples of blogger engagement done badly – accompanied by some tips that might help you to do it better.
1. Don't expect something for nothing
[Boring details about a boring piece of research removed] Feel free to share this information with your readers if you think it would be of value to them. Thanks for reading and have a great day.
This is probably the most common cruddy approach bloggers get at the moment – the "something for nothing" message. If we were that desperate for content to put on our blog, we'd do research for ourselves.
I personally use Google Alerts and social bookmarks to help me find relevant content to blog about (if I don't have ideas of my own to hand). I don't sit at my desk waiting for an amazing piece of research or a dull article to drop in my inbox.
You might think you're getting something for nothing (as I'm sure there are some bloggers who DO respond well to this – otherwise why do you bother?) but you're actually ruining your chances of ever developing a real and useful relationship with bloggers and influencers – and probably ending up on hundreds of email blacklists to boot.
2. Don't pretend it's not about SEO
Hi there! Nice to "meet" you! I am an aspiring writer looking to gain more experience and boost my portfolio by contributing to travel sites such as yours. I loved the articles on your site, and would love to be able to contribute some of my work! I love writing about travel and cultures from around the world.
Bloggers get these on a daily basis – they're the scourge of our inboxes. Unless you manage to catch a brand-new blogger who is as fresh as the driven snow, NOBODY is falling for this BS.
Trying to trick us into posting your SEO content under the guise of "boosting your portfolio" or practising your writing skills is both patronising and niaive – if you're stupid enough to mention the client you want to write about in that first email too, I'll quite happily call out the client in question and explain to them how lazy their SEO people are.
3. Don't just send us press releases
Dear Henry, We are a small company […] and have a product we genuinely believe could help kids, and so be of interest to parents, hence why we are approaching you. You may have read in the last few days that the UK has one of the worst literacy and numeracy levels in the developed world…
If you feel that you HAVE to send us your press release content to make your approach make sense, don't stick it all at the front of your message. I haven't got time to read great reams of content before you decide to get to the point – if you want to offer me an opportunity, tell me upfront and save the waffle for later in the message.
As much as bloggers are news and information sources for many people, we AREN'T the same as journalists. We don't have pages we've got to fill or deadlines to meet, so we don't want to spend hours wading through press releases – save them for somebody else.
4. Don't be sloppy or lazy
Hi Henry, I hope you are well. I am contacting you regarding my current project which concerns [REDACTED] and I thought it might prove to be an interesting feature for "Blog name". With the rising costs of…
Look, we all know you don't always have time to personalise every single approach – and frankly, as some of these other examples show, sometimes it's best just to be honest anyway.
But if you ARE going to use a mail-merge or some sort of automated mailing program, make sure the bloody thing works before you use it. Getting an email telling me how much you love my blog, "Blog name", is amusing for me but doesn't look at all good for you OR the brand you're working for. Don't do it.
5. Don't patronise us
I noticed your interest with regards to finding out whether books we enjoy here in the UK are also enjoyed elsewhere in the world. I also enjoyed reading your blog about using reading to prepare your children for starting school. I'm also aware you value a creative and fun environment for your children from your multiple posts that centre on toys and lego.
Aside from the slightly sloppy English, this person is attempting to show what an avid reader of my blog they are. In reality, what they've done is read the titles of the most recent three blog posts on my blog – they haven't even read the posts, as is evident in the fact that the second example bears no similarity to what the post was actually about.
As I mentioned in the previous example, personalising your approach CAN be useful – but it can also backfire on you. I find this patronising and lazy, and will probably put me off more than if you just got to the point straight away. Honesty is often the best policy, after all.
6. Do your research first
Dear Henry, I just wanted to get in touch to let you know about a competition that may be of interest to you and your children, in particular Sam.
The painful nature of this approach (an approach which had me crying with laughter) may not be immediately obvious, but if it's not clear I'll give you a clue: I have two children, one named Robert and one named Freddie. So who 'Sam' is remains a mystery to me!
This may be the result of a bad mail-merge or mass send out, or could be a genuine mistake. Either way, it makes you look rubbish and doesn't make me want to work with you!
7. Don't treat us like a second-class journalists
I hope you're well today. I was looking at your blog and wanted to get in touch. Sorry it's bit late in the day but I just wanted to check if you might be free to attend an afternoon tea this Wednesday with [REDACTED]
If you think I'm good enough to attend your event, invite me in the first place. Don't wait until all your "real" journalists have declined the invite and send me a desperate plea the day before the event, in a hope that you can make up the numbers.
Or if you ARE going to do that, at least be honest about it.
8. Don't sign us up to other stuff
Thanks for joining our mailing list…
Just because I reply to your email approach – or even if we work together – doesn't mean I wanted to be signed-up to yours and your client's mailing lists.
There are rules about that these days and the last time I checked "being nice" wasn't the same as opting-in to a mailing list. Don't do it.
9. Don't go back on your word
Hi Henry, Sorry for the slow response. I am on to the client about product reviews. I can't guarantee anything but I need to show some stats for your blog. Can you email me some?? thanks,
There's very little more annoying to a blogger than a PR who offers them something, then goes back on their word.
Telling me that you love my blog, that your client is DESPERATE to work with me and that everything is ready – THEN telling me you have to review my site (once I've expressed an interest) to check I qualify as a good enough blogger? Screw you – you dangled a carrot at me and then snatched it away.
You end up looking like an arse, your client comes out badly and I shall add you to my spam-senders list.
10. Don't ask us to do your work for you
Sorry about that – my client need bigger reach, and your blog just doesn't have enough followers yet. If you know any other bloggers who might like it though, I'd love it if you could pass on my details to them…
This one follows-on from the above example – and I've experienced this on several occasions. If I don't meet your criteria as a blogger, fine – I'm grown-up enough to know that my blog isn't all-powerful yet.
But to then add insult to injury and expect me to pass your details on to my other blogger friends, so you can toy with them as well? Are you having a laugh?
In conclusion...
As you can see, I've dealt mainly with the process of communicating with bloggers and influencers. Whilst I was tempted to include my thoughts on incentives, reviews, payments and freebies, the truth is that most bloggers will have different preferences in these areas.
You're only going to know what a blogger likes or doesn't like in terms of the above is by talking to them – and hopefully, if you learn from the mistakes listed in this blog, those conversations will be a little more fruitful!
Comments (25)
Great post Henry. And very funny!
Brilliant insights Henry. About time somebody did this, helps us all!
Thanks guys - if even one PR person reads it and decides not to hit 'send' on one of these approaches, I'll consider that a win!
Whilst you're at it, I wonder if I could interest you in a new and revolutionary new.....oh, never mind!
Nice stuff, deserves to be shared so off it goes..
Spot on Henry!
For this reason, I have a canned response ready to go whenever I get any of these emails.
It goes something like this...
(No Hi or Hello or name because they are not addressing you properly either)
Thank you for contacting (insert your website)
Currently, I am not accepting unsolicited guest posts.
However, I do accept unique sponsored posts from reputable companies with one no-follow text link (good for one month period.) for $250 per post.
If you are interested, please let me know and I'll email you the guest post guidelines.
Thank you for your interest in (your site)
Most cases, they stop emailing me after seeing the price or "no-follow" links.
I love this post! Thanks for your transparency - sharing to all of my networks!
Harry (sic), very eye-opening!
We've been wine blogging for under a year, so these insights are helpful, thanks (hope I'm not contravening #5??).
Thank you for posting this. I have stopped responding to the "guest post" offers. If they follow up, then I tell them my prices. Otherwise I don't waste my time.
Along the same lines as the pitches who don't properly change their cookie cutter emails or don't really read your blogs are the ones that address you by the wrong name or even the wrong gender. I know men bloggers who have received pitches addressing them as the mommy. Or for feminine products.
There are good PR out there though and I make a point of telling them how much I appreciate them.
Nice one, Henry. I can't fault any of your points and, as someone also desperately trying to educate the masses, I'm very glad you decided to post it. I think the PR industry is facing a bit of a conundrum - they need to get away from the lazy, spammy, automated approach; yet too few actually invest the time to do outreach properly, as, with most things in life, the more effort you put in, the greater the rewards.
Fantastic post. As both a blogger and a PR consultant, I always find it interesting to see how both sides work.
I don't think I've ever been persuaded to write a 'guest post' as yet and have rarely seen any decent blogger outreach.
From what I'm told, there are many bloggers who are happy to write guest posts and reviews so it's worth the mass mailings, I guess.
Personally, my least favourite approach is getting a mass mailout for reviewing products and then getting a reply saying my blog isn't big enough. Thanks but don't clog up my inbox then.
Thank you for the post Henry,
From a Digital Marketing agency perspective it would do a lot of SEO & Marketing Managers well to read this article as many have no idea how ineffective or even insulting their "outreach" programs are.
I know of several companies that use the tactics listed here and some of the templates are almost verbatim. It is a link building / content marketing process that is paint-by-numbers.
A lot of time there are inexperienced staff in charge of these outreach campaigns because it is treated like a data entry position with repeatable steps. Rarely is there an actual relationship established or genuine interest in the person being contacted. It appears to be more about filling up the outreach funnel and taking inventory of who responds.
Part of this is due to the time it takes to build these relationships, produce great (non-promotional) content and engage with a blogger in a way that establishes mutual respect and mutual benefit.
In an agency environment, most companies that sell these services to their clients have deliverables to meet under strict timelines and pressure for results. They only care about the link or social share.
It is probably the fault of the agency for not educating the client on how the process works (or should work), what the time and quality commitment is, or simply over-promising in order to close a deal.
For those that are genuinely interested in changing their ways the main question asked might be how bloggers would LIKE to be contacted and approached that might at least open the door for a dialogue.
Thanks again for the insight Henry. With the scenarios you describe being rampant in this industry I hope this spawns a much needed discussion that can clean up the process, bridge the relationship gap between marketers and bloggers, and hopefully provide a better connection between clients and their target audience.
Great post Henry - #9 and #10 were the most outrageously shocking for me, sounds like the problem you can encounter as a brand when you're working with an agency...
As a brand, whether you do this in-house or via an agency I always think there should be a sign-off process before emails are sent out :)
Great post Henry! I agree with everything you said.
The one that really bothers me is when the person doing outreach tries to over-value themselves, and devalue your site in the process. I often get outreach emails along the likes of "I can provide you with much needed high-quality content" or "I will write this content for you, free of charge."
Excuse me? You're trying to put links on my site, advertise your brand on my site, and I'm supposed to pay you? Hahaha.
Daniel Hebert,
Inbound and Community Manager,
InNetwork Inc.
Daniel - Me too! My biggest annoyance is when they offer you something, you say an excited "Yes please!" and then they say "Oh, actually, we've had lots of replies - sorry, we can't offer it to you after all". Makes you feel about this --> . <-- small.
This was fantastic, and I agree with all your points.
A point I would like to add however is that a lot of PR's seem to be quite disrespectful that this is not my job, and that I do have to be in an office seven hours a day for five days of the week. I can't find out about an event on Monday that is happening on Thursday and be able to shuffle a few things around in order to make it.
I am willing to take some holidays off if it's an event I'd really like to be at but I need to give my boss two weeks notice.
And tell PR's not to get bitchy if I choose not to take a holiday, or wasn't allowed it. I get the UK's legal minimum and need to choose them wisely. I wasn't able to make a 'press day' of a fair and had to go on a regular day and the PR got bitchy (even more shockingly they got bitchy at a fellow blogger who is still in high school and would have got suspended if you she was caught skipping for this).
This is a really great post. I get a lot of last minute invites to events, it's a bit shoddy and I can never go to them. I also get a lot of invited to events in London when I live in Edinburgh. They're about 400 miles away from each other!
I was just browsing around trying to understand how the authors community works when I found your post Henry. Although it poses more problems than expected to my own little project, I found it amusing and enjoyable. I would say that once an industry starts to squeeze the profits from any human activity this is what always happens. It doesn't matter how carefully or personal you want to be addressed by the other side, or what you consider correct and respectful, the minions on that industry will always treat you like one more in the crowd unless you are already a big shot. And if that's the case they will even lick your boots on any rainy day.
I'm not a blogger myself although I would like to have the required skills, but on a common sense base I agree with most of the comments (NOT all of them) and I understand the feeling. Maybe the problem comes from those influencers or bloggers who accept and even embrace the spamming approach? I mean, if everyone in the activity did what you said, this world would be a little better.
I have a question though, and I would be grateful if you shed some lights on the path to find the right answer. What happens to small people trying to get their products known? I mean those 2-3 persons working on something they love and trying to get their short-run pocket-financed garage-built products out there. In my case, I'm trying to build awareness about the products I do in my small workshop. Branding I think it's called. I also know that the only valuable way is through blogs since other tools like AdWords or Google Shopping are designed to be unaffordable for this kind of things. Anyway, I was thinking along these lines when I found somebody advising about the advantages of guest blogging. I thought to myself "ok, this may worth a try but... who's going to accept guest bloggers just like that?". On the other hand, if I want my site to even appear on Google Search I need several hundreds of links, preferably editorial, right? So I should be counting on $250 multiplied by several hundreds. If my maths are not too old or out-dated by now, for a small start-up, garage-built-and-pocket-financed product I need hundreds of thousands of US$ just to get the word out.
So, you tell me. I don't know if you share all of the comments written previously but, is this access to bloggers something already out of reach for this kind of small start-ups? Are they reserved nowadays for big companies with a budget big enough to pay for $250 an article with one link (good for one month, as said above)? Most probably those small start-ups are off scope, they may not be fancy or draw a huge attention in the media. What to do in those situations?
Brilliant post - I get all of these regularly.
I hate it when they say "I am a huge fan of your blog and long-time avid reader" ..... really? Then why have you never commented?
Maybe we should all start replying to these requests with a link to this post!
I'm feeling really left out. Shall I start a blog so I can also complain about these uninvited requests? What do you think? I am already guest blogging on Rock The Deadline - find me and my words here: http://rockthedeadline.com/author/jhenley/
Unsolicited gifts far preferable to unsolicited requests for me to write for an unknown PR gonk.
Andre - Thanks for the feedback. I'm really keen to know which ones you didn't agree with, for discussion's sake.
In regards to the people who can't afford it: I recently reviewed a product (of very low value, and completely free) for a guy who is running a kickstarter to get his invention funded. He approached me in a polite and friendly way, and because I like supporting "the little man" I was more than happy to help him. I'm sure plenty of others would be too.
Ive been dealing with reach outs like this for your years im glad you stood up and spoke about it.
Informative post!, there are many untrained or rookies out there trying their luck. Anyways keep up the good work!
Loved reading this. I get such emails daily. I usually reply with my fees or saying I don't work for free.


text:
|Plano, Tex.
|High School:
|Ursuline Academy
|Undeclared Engineering
Watch Kaci Talk about the Fall 2013 Season
2013 BSU Fall Invitational Champion
2013 & 2014 WCC All-Academic Team
2012 NGCA Academic All-American
AS A JUNIOR IN 2013-14: WCC All-Academic Team pick for a second straight season ... one of two players to compete in all 31 rounds compiling the second-best average on the team at 76.71 ... won her first tournament with four top-10 and six top-20 finishes ... scored par or better in four rounds ... claimed medalist honors with a career-low round of 69 (2nd) and best 54-hole score (71-69-75=215) for a 2-shot win at 1-under ... tied for 10th at the WSU Cougar Cup (81-71-75=227) ... scored 74-77=151 to tie for 4th at the SCU Colby Invitational ... ended the fall with identical rounds of 82 at the Firestone Grill Invitational ... finished +13 to tie for 6th at Grand Canyon Invitational (79-76-74=229) ... even-par 72 first round and followed with 78 and 76 for a 20th place finish (226) at the Anuenue Spring Break Classic ... rounds of 75-79-73=227 to tie for 17th at +11 at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic ... tied for 21st at the WCC Championship with rounds of 82-79-79=240.
AS A SOPHOMORE IN 2012-13: Named to the WCC All-Academic Team … played 13 rounds in five tournaments … shot a final-round 73, her best score of the season, at the WSU Cougar Cup … shot a second-round 78 at the Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate … top finish was a tie for 27th at the Long Beach Gold Rush with scores of 80-81-80=241.
AS A FRESHMAN IN 2011-12: Competed in eight of nine events for the Broncos as a true freshman and showed marked improvement towards the end of the season … top finish was a tie for 11th place at the 2011 Santa Clara Colby Invitational … tied for 27th at the Firestone Grill Invitational shooting rounds of 81-83-81=246 … shot a season-best round of 72 at Wyoming Cowgirl Classic … finished tied for 22nd at the WCC Championships with rounds of 78-83-82=243.
HIGH SCHOOL: Led Ursuline Academy to three-straight Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) 5A State Championships ... finished among the state's top ten in each of her four prep seasons and was a four-time all-state honoree ... as a sophomore in 2008-09, McCartan's top five finish helped Ursuline win its first state title since 1994 … in 2009-10 Ursuline won it again, this time by 55 strokes ... finished third in the state tournament as a senior, third in the district and fourth in the region … has won several Texas Legends Junior Tour (TLJT) tournaments, was named the 2009 TLJT Player of the Year, qualified for the Trusted Choice Big "I" Tournament in 2010, and played in the Kathy Whitworth Invitational in 2010 and 2011 … she was named an academic all-state honoree as a senior in 2011 and the school's 'Scholar Athlete of the Year.'
PERSONAL: Born and raised in Plano, Texas ... daughter of Luan and Mike McCartan ... older brother, Kyle, currently plays golf at Boston College ... an outstanding student, was a National Honor Society member and Ursuline Ambassadors club member ... has enjoyed doing different community service projects, including a three-day walk for breast cancer in 2009 and tutoring at various elementary schools ... will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering.
Top Finishes
1st – Bronco Fall Invitational (Sep. 16-17, 2013)
T-4th – SCU Colby Invitational (Oct. 21-22, 2013)
T-6th – Grand Canyon Invitational (Feb. 24-25, 2014)
Lowest Rounds
69 – Bronco Fall Invitational, 2nd Rd (Sep. 16, 2013)
71 – WSU Cougar Cup, 2nd Rd (Sep. 23, 2013)
71 – Bronco Fall Invitational, 1st Rd (Sep. 16, 2013)
Lowest 36-Hole Scores
140 – Bronco Fall Invitational (Sep. 16-17, 2013)
148 – Juli Inkster Invitational (Mar. 3-4, 2014)
150 – Anuenue Spring Break Classic (Mar. 24-26, 2014)
Lowest 54-Hole Scores
215 – Bronco Fall Invitational (Sep. 16-17, 2013)
226 – Anuenue Spring Break Classic (Mar. 24-26, 2014)
227 – Wyoming Cowgirl Classic (Apr. 7-8, 2014)
227 – WSU Cougar Cup (Sep. 23-24, 2013)


text:
June 8, 2011 Obituaries
Kim Christiansen Erikson
Kim Christiansen Erikson of Denver, Colorado, died on Friday May 27, 2011, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
She left this earth with dignity and grace and leaves behind many friends and family members.
Ms. Erikson was born December 4, 1957, in Berlin, New Hampshire, and attended school in West Campton, New Hampshire.
She leaves behind her son Wayne, her daughter Heidi, and her grandson Owen, all of Denver. She is also survived by her twin brother, Kurt, of Tucson, Arizona; her sister Sherry of Rio Vista, California; her brother Allyn of Concord, New Hampshire; her brother Owen James of Nashua, New Hampshire; and her brother Eugene of Rouses Point, New York; as well as several neices and nephews; and her very special friends, Kim, Wolf, and Michael. She was predeceased by two brothers: Terry Lee of Thornton, New Hampshire, and Arthur of Plymouth, New Hampshire; her mother, Arlene Jesseman; her father, Clarence Christansen; and her stepfather, Elmer Jesseman.
There will be no calling hours and at Ms. Erikson's request, her ashes will be spread near a lighthouse in northern California at a later date.
Arrangements by DeWitt and Tabler Funeral Home.
Harold Dean Griffin
Harold Dean Griffin, 89, of Derby died on May 30, 2011, in Newport.
He was born on June 5, 1921, in Newport, a son of Harold W. and Etta (Bowley) Griffin.
He served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II.
Mr. Griffin hauled milk for 27 years for H.P. Hood and Sons in Coventry, St. Johnsbury, and Newport before going to work for the Vermont Highway Department from which he retired after 27 years in 1992.
He always enjoyed traveling, gardening, fishing, and was a great baseball fan and liked to play for the town team in West Charleston. He also liked to go to the highway garage and swap stories with the boys.
Mr. Griffin is survived by a daughter, Valerie Griffin, of Derby; two sisters: Dorothy Lamere of Derby and Phyllis Russell of Orleans; sister-in- law Mary Griffin; his grandchildren Shawn and Heather Griffin of Eatonville, Washington; and by several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son, Robert Griffin, in 2006, and by two brothers, Donald and Francis Griffin.
Funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport on Thursday, June 9, at 11 a.m. with Monsignor Peter Routhier celebrating a Mass. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Derby Line Ambulance Service, care of Brian Fletcher, P.O. Box 105, Derby Line, Vermont 05830.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Rodney Everett Griffin
Rodney Everett Griffin died unexpectedly on May 24, 2011, at his brother- and sister-in-law's home in Silver Spring, Maryland.
He was born August 14, 1950, in Burlington and spent his early childhood there and in Towson, Maryland. He grew up in Saxtons River where he played graded school basketball, Little League, Babe Ruth, and Legion baseball and became a Life Scout. Mr. Griffin graduated from Vermont Academy in 1968 and ran track and was captain of the cross-country team.
He graduated from UVM in 1972 and also earned a master's degree in natural resource and regional planning from UVM. He worked for the Northeastern Vermont Development Association in St. Johnsbury for many years and spearheaded such projects as the waterfront at Island Pond, the Barton Graded School gymnasium, and the Central Street revitalization in Newport, the Willoughby Lake beach, and many other projects. Mr. Griffin later worked for Dufresne-Henry in Springfield, the state of Vermont and TD BankNorth in Barre. He had a lifelong love of the Baltimore Orioles and the Indianapolis Colts.
He is survived by his former wife, Margaret Hammond, of Springfield; his three daughters: Annaliese Griffin and her husband, Tom Mylan, of Brooklyn, New York, Jennie Griffin and her husband, Kwangwoo Lee, of Seoul, South Korea, and Lauren Griffin and her fiancé, Jacob Loiko, of Ridgwood, New York; by his parents, Dr. Ray E. and Olive Griffin, of West Glover; his brother Ronald Griffin and his wife, Pam Hinds, of Silver Spring; his brother Robert Griffin and his wife, Kathy, of Duxbury, Massachusetts; his sister Judy McKelvey and her husband, George, of Newport; his sister Rebecca Tobey and her friend, Ben Nazzaro, of Ludlow; his former wife Marsha Wilmot of Barre; and by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mr. Griffin was predeceased by his uncle and namesake Everett Rodney Griffin on March 3, 1945, during World War II.
A memorial service will be held on June 18 at 2 p.m. at the West Glover Church. Burial will be in the Andersonville Cemetery in Glover prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mr. Griffin's memory to Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 381, Burlington, Vermont, or www.vermonthabitat.org, or Orioles Reach at https://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com, or a charity of one's choice.
Jean J. Messier
Jean J. Messier, 84, of Derby died on May 28, 2011, in Newport.
He was born August 14, 1926, in Enosburg Falls, a son of Norbert and Laura (Beauchairme) Messier.
On December 14, 1944, he married Madeline Guillette who predeceased him on May 28, 2008.
He entered the U.S. Army and was a veteran of World War II.
During his lifetime he was a heavy equipment operator for Tomasso, Inc., in New Britain, Connecticut, for 30 years.
He was a member of St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Gibbons Council #2285 of Newport.
He is survived by several nieces, nephews, godchildren, and by special friends Priscilla Fortin and Bill Gilding. He was predeceased by two children: David and Joanne Messier; his sisters Mary Jane, Olive, Marion, and Edna Marie; and by his brothers Elphege, Lucien, Rosaire, Andrew, and twin brother Paul Messier.
Funeral services were held on June 3 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newport where a Mass was celebrated. Interment followed in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 191 Clermont Circle, Newport, Vermont 05855.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Alan Roger Myers
Alan Roger Myers, 76, of Coventry died suddenly at his home on June 4, 2011.
He was born August 22, 1934, in Burlington, a son of Harris and Helen (Lavalley) Myers Sr.
On January 7, 1972, he married Mary Chesney who predeceased him on May 29, 2008.
Mr. Myers was a member of the Vermont Air National Guard. He worked at Northeast Kingdom Mental Health in Newport, was a machinist at Union Butterfield in Derby Line, and he was employed at one time at Sears in Burlington and Ethan Allen Manufacturing in Island Pond.
He was a member of the Masonic Union Lodge #44 of Island Pond and a past member of the Brighton Rescue Squad as an EMT. He enjoyed camping, square dancing, and building cradles, bookcases, picture frames, and toys for the grandchildren.
He is survived by his children: David Myers and his wife, Shelle, of Georgia, Carolyn Palmer and her partner, Walter Hausermann, of Hinesburg, Steven Myers and his wife, Amy, of Shelburne, Angela Myers of Burlington, Alfred Myers and his wife, Karen, of Ferrisburgh, and Stacey Davis and her partner, Christopher Peck, of Georgia; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his sisters Elaine Neary and her husband, Chuck, of South Burlington and Janet Baker of Tennessee; his sister-in-law Jean Myers of New Hampshire; brothers-in-law Ron Chesney and his wife, Roberta, of Island Pond and Bruce Chesney and his wife, Lora, of Coventry; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers: Bruce Myers and Harris Myers Jr.
Funeral services will be held at the Christ Episcopal Church in Island Pond on Thursday, June 9, at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Brendan Whittaker officiating. Interment will follow in Lakeside Cemetery in Island Pond with military honors.
Should friends desire, contributions in his memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 100 Dorset Street, Suite #4, South Burlington, Vermont 05403.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.curtis-britch-converse-rushford.com.
Richard C. Rives
In loving memory of our beloved father and husband, Richard C. Rives Sr., who died on May 23, 2011.
He was born in Barton on June 21, 1940. He was 70 years old.
He leaves behind his wife, Ana Maria Rives; his son Richard C. Rives Jr.; daughter-in-law Patricia Rives; son Christopher Wright Rives; stepdaughter Claudia Rodriguez-Diaz; son-in-law Jaime Diaz; three grandchildren; his sister Mary Rives Emmerson LaBranche; and his brother Christopher Rives.
We loved him very much. May he be at peace with God.
Raymond R. Rogers
Raymond R. Rogers, 93, died on Monday, May 30, 2011, at the Gifford Medical Center in Randolph.
He was born July 1, 1917, in Glover, a son of Richard H. and Effie M. (LaFont) Rogers.
He attended school in Barton, graduating in 1935 from Barton Academy. He attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 1939 with a degree in science.
On August 8, 1939, he married his high school classmate Gerry Mooney in Barton. They lived in Bradford for the first five years of their marriage where Mr. Rogers taught vocational agriculture at the high school, and Mrs. Rogers worked in the school office. They moved to Chelsea in 1944 when Mr. Rogers became the Orange County agricultural agent.
Mr. and Mrs. Rogers' marriage lasted 66 years, until Mrs. Rogers' death on July 26, 2005.
Mr. Rogers taught for many years at the Chelsea High School where he was also the Future Farmers of America advisor and the assistant principal. He worked at People's National Bank in Barre as the farm loan supervisor and for the Vermont Department of Agricultural before retiring in 1981.
He was a member of the Orange County and Vermont Farm Bureau, the George Washington Lodge #51 F&AM, the Chelsea Fish and Game Club, and the United Church of Chelsea, all of Chelsea. He had been a lister, school board member, and auditor for the town of Chelsea. He was a founding member of the Chelsea Health Center and on the board of directors for the Chelsea Co-op where he served as its treasurer. He enjoyed deer and rabbit hunting, fishing, and flower and vegetable gardening. When asked a few years ago how he would like to be remembered, he answered, "I would like to be remembered as a good provider, a good teacher, and a guy who thought a lot of his family".
He is survived by three daughters: Nancy Button and her companion, Frank Keene, of Chelsea, Peggy Ackerman and her companion, Dean Leanard, of Rutland, and Susan Rogers of Vershire; a son, Richard Rogers, and his wife, Betty Rogers, of Chelsea; seven grandchildren: Pamela Cantrell and her husband, Ronald, of New London, New Hampshire, Richard Button and his wife, Patty, of Highgate, Lori Stever and her husband, Kevin, of Fairlee, Gary Ackerman and his wife, Lynn, of West Rutland, Laura Ackerman of Balston Spa, New York, Fay Goettsche and her husband, Oliver, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Shawn Rogers and his wife, Karlyce, of Plainfield, New Hampshire; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandsons; a sister, Arlene Bickford, and her husband, Bill, of Essex Junction; and by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Gerry; a grandson, Jeffrey Ackerman, of Mechanicsville, New York; a son-in-law, Roger Ackerman, of Rutland; and a sister, Rena Blodgett, of Barton.
A memorial funeral service was held on June 4 at the United Church of Chelsea in Chelsea with Pastor Tom Harty officiating. A Masonic committal service was held immediately following the service at the Riverside Cemetery in Chelsea.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Branch Ambulance, Inc., P.O. Box 74, Chelsea, Vermont 05038.
Arrangements by the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home.
Franklin Elliott Skinner
Franklin Elliott Skinner, 90, died on May 16, 2011, at his daughter's home in South Acworth, New Hampshire.
He was born in Barton, on July 5, 1920, a son of Preston C. Skinner and Hazel C. (Elliott) Skinner.
He graduated from Orleans High School in 1938 and attended Becker Business College in Worcester, Massachusetts, then worked as a page and driver for Governor George Aiken in Montpelier.
Mr. Skinner enlisted in the U.S. Army on November 20, 1940, and was honorably discharged on September 22, 1945, after serving nearly four years with the 172nd Battalion, Army 44th Infantry. He was decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Theater Campaign Ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Service Star.
In the early 1950s, Mr. Skinner, along with his wife, Madeline, and their two children moved to Stowe, where they operated a ski lodge, The Brick 'N Ell, for over 20 years. He had a deep love of the Northeast Kingdom where, with his family, he spent nearly 91 summers fishing, swimming, boating, picking blueberries, antiquing, and telling stories. He loved the outdoors and was a great fly fisherman and gardener, especially for his beloved raspberries. He always ate well and kept himself in good shape, doing 100 pushups a day well into his eighties
Survivors include his wife, Madeline Gray Skinner; his daughter, Randa Tenney, and his son, Robert Skinner, all of Acworth; a sister, Eleanor Stoughton, of Ipswich, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren: Jim, Kyle, Sarah, Gray, Micah, Whit, and Paige; many nieces and nephews: Terry, Carol, Paula, David, Preston, Helen, Frank, Sharon, Dara, Carl, Patty, Danny, Barbara, Jackie, Robin, and Jay; and two great-grandchildren: James and Matthew.
A celebration of Mr. Skinner's life will take place on July 3 at Willoughby Lake in Westmore.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: The Antrim Girls Shelter, P.O. Box 531, Antrim, New Hampshire 03440.
Pauline Mary St. Onge


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Charlotte Dean Barnette Low
Charlotte Dean Barnette Low, 25 of Colusa, Calif., passed away June 16, 2013.
She was born July 7, 1987, in Greenville, Miss., to Johnny and Joy Barnette of Arbuckle, Calif.
Charlotte was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a homemaker who loved her children dearly and enjoyed taking care of her family. She had earned am associate degree in early childhood education and was working toward becoming an elementary school teacher.
Charlotte is survived by her loving husband, Brayden Low; her children, Andon Wolfe Low and Alice Faye Low, both of Colusa, Calif.; brothers, Dustin Barnette and wife Jennifer of Jefferson, Wis., Nicholas Barnette and wife Katie of Lehi, Utah, Brian Barnette and wife Jessamyn of Arbuckle, Calif.; nieces and nephews, Kayllen, Brooklyn, Benjamin, Iris Jane, Chad, Johnny Oliver, and Lincoln; her grandmother, Eppie Dean Barnette of Benton; and numerous aunts and uncles and cousins.
She is also survived by her father and mother-in-law, Keith and Cheryl Low of South Jordan, Utah; her brothers-in-law, Shaun and wife Crystal of South Jordan, Utah, Courtland of Murray, Utah, Tyceson and wife Cami of Draper, Utah, and Parker and wife Heidi of Pleasant Grove, Utah; nieces and nephews Skyler, Kennady, Ellyit, Race, Addie, Brady, and Brooks.
Funeral service will be held at l1 a.m., Saturday, June 29, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Yuba City Stake Center at 1470 Butte House Road, Yuba City, Calif. All family and friends are invited to attend.
Arrangements are under the direction of McNary-Moore Funeral Service.
Online guestbook: www.mcnarymoorefuneralservice.com


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Colorful Kitchen Chemistry
Calling all mad scientists! Set up a home chemistry lab in the kitchen to explore slime, acids and bases, and even make your own homemade frozen yogurt.Download All (8)
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Click on an activity in the set below to see more info.
The Red Cabbage Acid TestView Full Activity
How to test for acids and bases? In this activity you and your child can make your own indicator from red cabbage!
Oobleck Science: Solid or Liquid?View Full Activity
Is it solid or liquid? Create oobleck and witness the amazingly weird oscillation between the two!
Make a Fistful of Slime!View Full Activity
Get your hands on a concoction that breaks the rules about what's a solid and what's a liquid.
Make a Homemade Lava Lamp!View Full Activity
A homemade lava lamp gives any room a retro flair. Find out how to make a homemade lava lamp, and learn some science too, with this educational activity.
Make Marbleized Paper!View Full Activity
Learn how to make marbleized paper with simple everyday ingredients in this fun activity! Your child will learn about oil and water while doing this project.
Make Colorful Crystals from CoalView Full Activity
In this activity, your kid will watch coal turn into crystals right before her very eyes, and learn some science along the way!
The set is continued below.
Layering Liquids: Explore Density ScienceView Full Activity
Teach your child some scientific basics as you explore the densities of various liquids in this fun experiment.
Homemade Frozen YogurtView Full Activity
Your kid can learn about the process of making frozen yogurt and enjoy a homemade, flavorful dessert. Experiment with this fun, chilly food!
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Carnegie Mellon and other Pittsburgh-area universities and community colleges have joined forces with more than two dozen industry partners to create a new associate degree program in robotics.
The two-year program is intended to educate future mid-level managers and highly qualified technologists in robotics and other embedded computer systems industries.
Courses are set to begin this fall at the California University of Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County Community College and Butler County Community College.
http://www.cmu.edu/news/archive/2009/Fe ... gree.shtml


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For months now, I have been hounding virtually every mobile manufacturer about an increasingly problematic matter.
You guessed it! Storage space.
As smartphones and tablets have matured and substantially grown in capabilities over the last two years, so have graphics and the size of things we store on them. Install files for games, for instance, were merely a few hundred megabytes in size. With 1080p displays (and some far beyond), game graphics have advanced to near console-quality in some cases. And those install files have expanded from hundreds of megabytes to several gigabytes.
With many 720p displays, some 1080p displays and panels like those found in the Nexus 10 or third- and fourth-generation iPad, video files have also increased in size. A Blu-ray quality movie – which is now logical on some mobile devices – is several gigabytes in size. That is much larger than that of a 600MB 720p video file.
Day-to-day applications, pictures (from the camera and for wallpapers), documents and other various files take up their fair share of storage space, too.
The problem is that built-in storage has hardly increased over the last several generations of smartphones. And a handful of manufacturers are moving away from expandable storage for the sake of simplicity. In other words, these manufacturers are creating a bottleneck for consumers who prefer to take their mobile device usage to the extreme.
Even those who don't may also run into that very same bottleneck. Take DROID DNA users, for example. It's a device with a 1080p display and only 16GB of built-in storage with no option to expand. After only a week with the device, I managed to use 10.2GB of storage of the 16GB available to the user. For those keeping count, that was 3.83GB of applications (one game, The Amazing Spider-Man), 1.25GB of photos and video, 28.2MB of downloads and 5.06GB in the "Other" category. Not a single music file was on the device. Of the 16GB, only 11 are available to the user. Roughly 5GB are used for the system. This left only 5.83GB of free storage on a device I didn't use for all that long.
Fortunately, this gripe of mine might be resolved in months ahead. To the surprise of many, Apple started this morning off with a bang. Sort of. It was a low-key press announcement of a new configuration to an existing iPad model, one that came without all the hubbub of a full-on press event.
What the Cupertino-based firm announced is something that arguably should have happened months ago, a fourth-generation iPad with 128GB of built-in storage. That's right, an iPad with the same amount of flash storage as the solid state drive on my MacBook Air.
The major caveat here is, of course, the price. Come February 5, the largest iPad model will cost a whopping $799 before taxes. If you need more than just Wi-Fi, the cellular model will set you back a staggering $929 before taxes.
I can't imagine many people will be lining up to throw down $800 to $930 for an iPad with 128GB of built-in storage. I told my mother – who loves to have the latest and greatest and just got a 64GB fourth-gen iPad on Verizon for Christmas – of the news this morning. She said, "Wow. But I'm good."
That doesn't mean this model with a ridiculous amount of storage is in vain, however. It ups the ante, and could mean smaller models – 16GB, for one – are on their way out. Considering Apple is no longer following any particular pattern or sticking to a rough tradition, I could be way off base.
Either way, come February 5, Apple will offer a tablet with storage options that are more than double most competitors' offerings. In fact, the 128GB model has quadruple the storage as many manufacturers' best offerings. The Nexus 10, for example, only comes in a 16GB or 32GB variant. Such is the case with many high-end Android or Windows RT tablets.
And it's not terribly outlandish to think the next iPhone might see a similar spec bump. The 128GB eMMC NAND chips by Samsung are reportedly the same size as its 64GB and 32GB eMMC chips. So it's safe to say size isn't an issue.
The only hurdle is the cost of manufacturing, which should be more than covered by the additional $300 for the jump from the base model. (I hardly believe 128GB of flash storage costs anywhere near $300 for someone purchasing wholesale.)
While I have trouble believing many will go nuts over this new iPad, there's a great chance this seemingly premature move by Apple will prod the cattle and get competitors on the 128GB bandwagon. As much as I love cloud storage as an alternative, it's a poor solution to an ever-growing problem. And if microSD cards aren't the answer, more inbuilt storage has to be.
One thing is certain. My fingers are crossed for the next iPhone and next Android flagships to have at least an option of 128GB. At the very least, 64GB should suffice. But I definitely hope days of 8GB and 16GB are over.
What say you, ladies and gents? Is 16GB enough for you? 32GB? Or do 64 and 128GB sound more your speed? Is a 128GB iPad for $800 or $930 enticing to you?


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AVON -- Now that John Kasich is governor-elect, Avon Mayor Jim Smith thinks it's time for a change with how and who will build the city's Lear Nagel Road/Interstate 90 interchange.
A couple days after the election, Smith wrote to Kasich and said the city should be responsible for the building of the interchange, not the Ohio Department of Transportation.
"I sent him a request to let us do it ourselves because that's how projects in the city have run previously," Smith said. "Since it's our project, we should be at the head."
The city's engineering partner for the interchange is Trans Systems, of Cleveland. The firm has told Smith the city could cut eight-and-a-half weeks off construction time and save at least a half million dollars by overseeing the project.
"We have a good track record for getting things done on time and under budgets," Smith said. "We can run it as well as ODOT could run it."
When the project started in 2003, it was planned to be locally run and completed. Under Gov. Ted Strickland, cities and municipalities lost the ability to control their own highway projects, Smith said. He said he hopes Kasich will give them back the reins.
If the city did gain control, it would go out for bid to find a contractor, city employees would oversee the projects and it would be completed within ODOT's requirements, said Planning Coordinator Jim Piazza.
"Your boss would be right around the corner," Piazza said. "Not miles away in Ashland (where the ODOT district office is located)."
Smith, Piazza and Service Director Gerald Plas agree the city is more than qualified to handle this project on its own.
"We would have complete control," Plas said. "This isn't our first rodeo."
"There's no reason we should have anyone else do it when we're paying for it," Smith said. "There's no federal or state money involved. It's all us."
At last night's City Council meeting, members added two more property owners to a list of owners who will face eminent domain if a payment settlement for interchange property is not reached. This brings the total number of properties to 14. The first 12 were passed at a council meeting last week.
The land appropriation project started in July, City Law Director John Gasior said, and each property was appraised two to three times by different appraisers.
Negotiators then went in and offered a price which was either accepted or negotiated. The city needs to acquire 29 parcels and has acquired 17. The properties are all vacant land. Now, letters will be sent to each property owner warning them that in 30 days the city will file legal action in Lorain County Common Pleas Court so the court can determine the price of the land, Gasior said.
Property owners who have yet to settle include: Ann Dehart and Carol Ann Hall; DiBenedetto Building Co.; RFM Facilities Management; Lemke; Jenne Distributors; Discount Drug Mart (two parcels); Nagel, Dietz, Haehn; Goins; Lawreszuk executor; Wechter; and Root.
Added to the list last night were Westlake Auto Body and Lorain County Vacant Land LLC. They are offered anywhere between $4,800 to $1.2 million.
Also at last night's meeting, Smith said Ross Builders, of North Ridgeville, was awarded the bid for the outside renovation of the building at Avon Isle. Phase 1 of the project will be funded by a grant from Northeast Ohio Public Energy Commission and will include exterior waterproofing and making the building more energy efficient. It does not include renovating the interior, Smith said.
Ross Builders hopes to begin the project immediately, and a representative at the meeting estimated it would take about three months to complete, depending on the weather.


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Trek Transport: Last Impression
By Eric McKeegan
I was in such a hurry to get on this bike and get riding I neglected to get a first impression post written and published. Now that the review is wrapped up and printed, seems like it would proper to write a follow up post about it.
Quick intro to the bike for those of you who haven't read the review (get your subscription here): The Transport+ is a longtail cargo bike from Trek (check it out on Trek's website). The + part of the name denotes an electric assist motor in the rear hub. Regardless of some crotchety folks' opinion on the matter this does not make it a motorcycle, any more than the pedals on moped make it a bicycle. The motor is only an assist, there is no throttle and power is only added when the rider is pedaling. The motor is a great help in hilly areas, running out of steam on a steep hill, on a cargo bike in traffic is pretty scary. You've got to get your feet down, keep your bike upright and figure out whether it makes more sense to try to push up the hill or turn around and coast down and find another way around.
One of the most common larger loads I carried on the transport was a second bike. The lower rack supports made it pretty easy to get a bike strapped down and secure, although a bit of padding wouldn't hurt to keep paint from getting scratched.
Best accessory for this bike you won't find in a bike shop? Six foot bungee cord. I've strapped flat out ridiculous stuff to the Transport, and you can make it out in the picture above holding the frame and wheels to rack. I've always got one stashed on my personal Xtracycle longtail, and usually one in my motorcycle top box.
What were we talking about? The Transport! The market for cargo bikes continues to grow which a great sign for the future of transportation and utility cycling in the U.S.A. I'm not here to preach to people about going car-free, with two kids I realize how difficult that would be. But bike like this can replace the car in shorter trips, or maybe even replace a second car altogether for some households. With better cycling infrastructure being created everyday I often feel we are on the cusp of a sea change in car dominated transportation system.
Worst part about reviewing this bike? I've got to box it up and send it back. It's a BIG box.Tweet Print


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Can there be a happy Knicks return for Shawne Williams?
According to his agent, Happy Walters, Williams will work out for the Knicks in the coming days, and a source said the workout will be Monday. The Knicks are trying to add more scoring pop to the roster at the small-forward position now that Carmelo Anthony is viewed as their power forward.
Williams, despite baggage that included multiple arrests on drug charges, prospered at the Garden in his lone season in 2010-11, when he was a threat as a 3-point shooter and an excellent defender. He likely will be available for the veteran minimum of $1.4 million.
The Knicks were disappointed Williams didn't re-sign with the team after the 2010-11 season and jumped to the Nets.
But Williams had a lousy stint there, playing one injury-wracked season before being traded to the Trail Blazers. Williams didn't play last season because of a foot surgery. But Hoopsworld.com reported last week Williams looked terrific in workouts at IMG Academy in Las Vegas.
Williams is friends with Amar'e Stoudemire, also represented by Walters.
"Shawne loved his time there,'' Walters told The Post. "He'll be the first to tell you. But it is also about where he'd get playing time.''
The Williams camp is concerned because the Knicks found a budding young sniper in forward Chris Copeland. But he's a free agent, and the Knicks may be unable to re-sign him because they would have to dip into their $3.1 million mini mid-level exception.
The Knicks also are competing against Mike D'Antoni's Lakers, the Clippers and Bulls. D'Antoni, who coached Williams as a Knick, wants him back and also has scheduled a workout for him.


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