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(It also led to a title I've always wanted to use somehow -- when writing a note to someone once, my mother, quickly recommending a book, typed the title as The Still Small Vice of Strumpets.)
Not having read The Still, Small Voice of Trumpets in many years, I decided to look for a used copy and discovered that Wildside Press has reprinted a bunch of Biggle over the past five years. Suddenly I remembered other old favorites: Silence is Deadly, Monument, The World Menders, as well as a few I hadn't encountered before.
Wildside has also reprinted two of Biggle's short story collections, The Rule of the Door and A Galaxy of Strangers, though not The Metallic Muse, which contains Biggle's most famous short story, "The Tunesmith", a satire positing a world where the television commercial is the only remaining form of art (Orson Scott Card, a tireless proponent of the story, has included it in his recent Masterpieces anthology).
Biggle died in 2002, and what I didn't know until today is that he founded The Science Fiction Oral History Association, which is currently offering -- until the end of the month -- "a CD copy of a selection from the SFOHA archives prepared by Lloyd BIggle, Jr." for the cost of a $5 membership. It sounds like the association needs funds to begin transferring their reel-to-reel recordings to less fragile media, and their archives could be a tremendous resource, so if you're looking for a worthy project to support, this may be it.
In an appreciation for Locus after Biggle's death, Michael A. Banks wrote:
I recall many conversations with Lloyd Biggle, more often than not about words and writing. He would talk about how ideas could be held and shaped and turned around into something wonderful. He showed me how he sometimes created stories simply by looking at a situation from a new, and different angle -- or perhaps just backwards.I can't necessarily recommend Biggle, not having read his books since I was an adolescent, but I'm going to read some of them again, because what I remember intrigues me: a writer who conveyed a passion for the arts through pulpy sci-fi adventure plots. There are moments when I think that's the recipe for sheer bliss.


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Funnyman Jack Black became the butt of all jokes on Friday (05Apr13) as he was roasted by celebrity pals Sarah Silverman and Bob Saget at his induction to the Friars' Club in New York City.
A host of comedy stars lined up to poke fun at Black as he officially joined the legendary private members' club during a risque ceremony in Manhattan.
Saget, who was master of ceremonies, was first to take aim, quipping, "If you don't know what fertiliser is, just watch Jack Black's last two movies," and later joking, "There's no one like Jack Black. I'm sorry, I read that wrong. What I meant was, no one likes Jack Black."
Blushing Black pretended to run off the stage before security guards dragged him back on to endure further ribbing.
His School of Rock co-star Sarah Silverman later stepped up to poke fun at Black's portly shape: "John Mayer wrote one of his most famous songs about Jack Black: Your Body Needs a Wonderbra."

subset: commoncrawl


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Relaxing in Luxury with Big Easy Spas
Sep 5, 2012
Despite its reputation for lively nightlife, spicy Creole cuisine, and brassy Dixieland jazz, the French Quarter boasts a lineup of luxury day spas where visitors can wind down and adopt the Big Easy's famous, carefree attitude. Ranked #2 on Travel + Leisure's list of the World's Best Hotel Spas in 2011, the Ritz Carlton's spa stays true to its Southern roots thanks to a design scheme that recalls the beau monde interiors of 19th-century New Orleans—note the luxurious satin fabrics and baroque furnishings—and a selection of New Orleans–inspired treatments. The Marie Laveau Voodoo Love Massage and Bath pays homage to the famed voodoo practitioner with flickering red candles, earthy aromatherapy oils, and voodoo music. Known for its rotating carousel lounge and literary history, the Hotel Monteleone can also count Spa Aria among its many assets. Spa Aria transports clients to the tropics with treatments that incorporate organic awa puhi ginger scrubs, kukui nut oil, and detoxifying Kauai clay. The boutique spa's staff also inject a "breath of fresh air" (its signature tagline) into the traditional spa formula by using only products that have not been tested on animals and giving a preference to those that exhibit a philanthropic or environmental philosophy. Those opting to stay away from a landmark hotel will seek refuge at Riverside Day Spa and Nails, tucked into a quaint storefront on Iberville Street. The intimate boutique spa provides an extensive menu of hair, skin, and body treatments, including foot reflexology, citrus salt scrubs, and hot-stone or deep-tissue massage. Fingers in need of some post-sightseeing freshening can find themselves lengthened and strengthened with gel, solar, or acrylic tips, while feet tired from keeping time with the city's brass bands find relief during the platinum pedicure, which pairs a lanolin silky sea-salt treatment with a citrus silk massage, minty mask, and paraffin-soaked hot towels.
BY: Groupon Guide Staff
Groupon Guide Staff


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By Misha Hussain
GOUDEBOU, Burkina Faso (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - T en-year-old Atahib goes to school in the Goudebou refugee camp in the savannah of Burkina Faso, not hoping to become a teacher or a doctor like his classmates. He wants to learn so he can better serve his Tuareg masters.
Each day, Atahib wakes up before the Muslim morning call to prayer to help his mother with her chores - unpaid work that people from their Bella ethnic group have been doing for the lighter-skinned Tuaregs for centuries in Mali, Niger and Mauritania.
Campaign groups call the arrangement slavery - though Tuaregs in the camp insisted the Bella were free to take their chances and leave.
At 7 a.m., Atahib walks along a dusty track to join the rest of the children in school.
"Reading and writing will help me to do chores like going to the market so that I don't get ripped off," he said in a barely audible voice, his eyes fixed on the ground.
His masters fled to Burkina Faso after a rebellion erupted in their home, northern Mali, two years ago. Tuareg separatists and Islamist rebels seized control of desert territory in 2012 until a French-led campaign seized it back.
That was followed by revenge attacks on anyone associated with the rebellion, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee, some crossing the border to neighboring Burkina Faso. Tuaregs took with them their livestock and Bella workers.
Slavery was formally abolished in Mali after independence from France in 1960. But thousands of Bella still work without pay in Tuareg households - preparing meals and cleaning, and looking after livestock, say campaign groups.
They receive food and shelter but are regarded as their masters' property and are often named after his favorite food or a day of the week, anti-slavery campaigners say.
For some Bella children, their new life may provide an opportunity for change: in Mali, children like Atahib would never have had an education. The school in the Goudebou camp is trying to redress this cultural inequality, providing Bella children with daily classes, just like their Tuareg peers.
"In school, the children realize even though there are differences, they share a lot in common. Some of the Tuareg children even see that those they consider subservient are just as bright," said Oscar Nkulu, community officer for UNHCR.
Though some progress has been made, many Bella children see their future as workers in the households of Tuareg classmates.
"When I grow up, I want to be a servant," said Aminata, doing everything to avoid eye contact - a contrast to buoyant Tuareg kids who want to be humanitarian workers or politicians.
Ibrahim Ag Idbaltanat, president of Temedt, an anti-slavery organization in Mali, said slavery remains common in the north. Many born into it see no future beyond their masters' walls.
"They have never had the taste of freedom so for them this life is normal. They are prisoners of their own mind," said Ag Idbaltanat.
"Those that think about running away are afraid the authorities will return them to their masters with terrible consequences," he said.
In the Goudebou camp, only a few acacia trees scattered around the savannah can withstand the Sahel sun. Pastoralists take refuge under their branches, while Tuareg women lie in the shade of their tents. But the Bella are working.
The UNHCR's Nkulu said attitudes were slowly changing, particularly in school where children mixed and played together.
"Before the Bella were hiding, now they are coming out. The Tuaregs were confrontational, and now apologetic," said Nkulu.
Mohamed Ag Artegal, head of a Tuareg community in Goudebou, said other ethnicities kept slaves and the Tuaregs were being unfairly singled out for criticism.
"In the past, if you were black, you had nothing. No land, no livestock and there are no jobs. You were obliged to work for someone," said Ag Artegal, adding that the Bella were free to leave if they wanted.
But with no food and water in northern Mali's vast desert, and scarce jobs in its few towns, the odds are stacked against runaways.
In Mali, little is being done to tackle the problem, said Sarah Mathewson of the London-based Anti-Slavery International.
A post-war election last year unlocked $4 billion of foreign aid but most funding is being channeled towards security.
"Donors see security as a bigger priority than eradicating slavery," Mathewson said. "But if you are talking about fostering sustainable peace then slavery needs to be addressed."
(Editing by Daniel Flynn and Andrew Heavens)


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Traveling in Lone Pine
Welcome to Inyo County, home to the highest and lowest point in the continental United States and to Lone Pine, one of Hollywood's favorite filming destinations. Located about three hours north of Hollywood, and nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Sierra Mountains, the town of Lone Pine, California and the nearby Alabama Hills have been the locations for hundreds of films, commercials and television shows. CLICK HERE to explore Lone Pine,and its history, The Alabama Hills, Motels, Owens Lake, and explore the many wonders of the Eastern Sierra and Highway #395 in our area.


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At Zingerman's, we have our own Charlie, and, yes, he has a small chocolate factory. Charlie Frank is his name. His Zzang!® chocolate factory is a small, clean, white room with a minimal number of machines—two at last count: one to mix and one to dress the candy in chocolate, appropriately called an "enrober."
Charlie makes great, old-fashioned American candy bars almost entirely by hand. Chunky, fat, fudgy bars you can wrap your hand around. They're not the serious kind of sweet you nibble with your eyes closed, hushed, your tasting notes near at hand. They're the kind where you chew great chunks off—fun, fantastic candy, made with all natural ingredients, without cutting a single corner.
"They remind me of the 1930s bars that were hand made, slab style."
Beth Kimmerle, author of the History of Candy
"Chewy, crunchy, sweet, salty and highly addictive—this luscious handmade candy bar puts the vending machine stuff to shame."
Oprah's O Magazine
Most Popular: Zzang!® Original
Charlie starts with honey nougat made with natural peanut butter. He rolls it up in silky caramel made from organic muscovado brown sugar. Big Virginia peanuts come next, and the whole endeavor is finished off with a dip into a rich bath of 64 percent dark Colombian chocolate.
For Nut Lovers: Ca$hew Cow
Cashew butter, roasted cashews, our own cashew brittle and a bit of puffed rice, milk chocolate and just a smidge of sea salt. Dipped in dark chocolate. An appropriate bar for anyone with a career in finance.
Kids Favorite: What the Fudge?
If you turned a hunk of fudge into a candy bar, this is what you'd get. Layers of milk chocolate fudge, muscovado brown sugar caramel, and malted milk cream fondant make this the sweetest bar on our shelves. Great for kids of all ages.
Raspberry Wowza
Raspberry ganache covered with raspberry nougat. Raspberry jelly candies come next, then a bath in dark chocolate. It's fresh and fruity.
Peanut Butter Crush
Smooth peanut butter and crisped rice mixed with bits of peanut brittle and covered in dark chocolate. A crunchy twist on a classic combination.
If you're interested in selling Zzang!® candy bars at your shop, please fill out our wholesale inquiry form.
New foods, discounts, love letters.
If you are not pleased with any aspect of your order, please let us know.
We'll quickly replace it or refund your hard earned cash.
And you never, ever have to return anything.


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Record-low mortgage rates aren't cheap enough for Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke as he tries to spur economic growth and create jobs.
Policy makers are disappointed that lower yields on mortgage-backed securities haven't led to more savings on home loans after the Fed expanded its balance sheet to an all-time high of almost $3 trillion through bond purchases. Bernanke this month called the trend "unfortunate," and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York held a workshop to examine the issue.
The gap between the bond yields and home-loan rates is blunting the economic benefits of the Fed's record accommodation, New York Fed President William C. Dudley said in a speech in New York this month. Among the reasons for the spread: banks are reluctant to take on the expensive fixed costs of new staff to process the paperwork and tougher capital requirements are making it less attractive to service loans.
"The Fed is pushing really hard to try to get the mortgage rate down," said Stephen Stanley, chief economist at Pierpont Securities LLC in Stamford, Connecticut. "There just doesn't seem to be much of an inclination on the part of banks to get out there and beat the bushes."
Central bankers have been examining how to reduce the spread to increase the impact of their existing stimulus as options for further easing dwindle.
The Fed has kept its benchmark interest rate near zero since 2008. The central bank eased policy this month by saying the rate would stay low "at least as long" as unemployment remains above 6.5 percent and inflation projections are for no more than 2.5 percent.
At the same Dec. 11-12 meeting, the Fed expanded its quantitative easing program by adding $45 billion of Treasury security purchases each month to the $40 billion of monthly government-backed mortgage bond buying it began in September.
Bernanke's latest steps have helped make it cheaper to buy a home. The average fixed rate on new 30-year loans was 3.37 percent in the week ended Dec. 20, down from 3.55 percent on Sept. 13, the day the Fed announced its third round of bond buying, according to Freddie Mac data.
That has left the spread, or difference, between so-called primary and secondary rates at about 1.1 percentage points, compared with less 0.7 percentage point in March and an average of about 0.5 percentage point in years before the credit crisis, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Lower mortgage rates have helped fuel a rebound in housing, the industry whose collapse sparked the financial crisis. Purchases of existing houses increased 5.9 percent in November to a 5.04 million annual rate, the most since November 2009, according to figures from the National Association of Realtors.
The median home price increased 10.1 percent to $180,600 from $164,000 in November 2011, the group said. Higher home prices are bolstering household finances, spurring the consumer spending that accounts for 70 percent of the economy.
"It is imperative that the key channels of the monetary policy transmission mechanism are operating as effectively as possible," Dudley said in Dec. 3 remarks in New York. "To the extent that the primary-secondary rate spread widens, the reduction in pass-through limits the full impact of the policy actions."
The spread arises because lenders package home loans into bonds and sell them to investors, giving them fresh cash to make more loans. Lenders set aside a portion of the interest income to pay insurance premiums, and they keep another portion to service the debt.
Sales of government-backed mortgage securities now form the lifeblood of the home-loan market, representing about 90 percent of originations, with those guaranteed by taxpayer-supported Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac accounting for almost 70 percent.
Total originations may rise 21.6 percent this year to $1.75 trillion, the highest since 2009, amid a 33.9 percent gain in refinancing to $1.25 trillion, according to Washington-based Mortgage Bankers Association.
"Under any other historic circumstances, a wide spread had been enough to cause lenders to modify their rate sheets lower to increase volume," Merrill Ross, an analyst with Baltimore- based Wunderlich Securities Inc., said in a report last week.
One reason mortgage rates aren't falling more: Fannie and Freddie, under pressure from their regulator to behave more like private firms, have raised their annual insurance premiums by an average of 0.2 percentage point since April.
For 30-year loans at large lenders, the premiums have increased by about 0.25 percentage point, Garry Cipponeri, a senior vice president at JPMorgan Chase & Co.'s second-ranked home-loan unit, said at a Dec. 6 conference in New York. Mortgage rates have climbed to cover those costs, he said.
Tighter regulation may also be to blame. Prices for contracts to service loans have fallen since last year, when the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision drafted rules requiring banks with concentrations in these assets to hold more capital.
With lenders making less money creating service contracts, they must charge more on home loans. The Fed, as regulator for banks, enforces the capital requirements in the U.S.
"The Fed has been taking the capacity out of the market by punishing people that own large portfolios of servicing contracts," Paul Miller, managing director at brokerage FBR Capital Markets, said in a telephone interview.
Andrea Priest, a spokeswoman for the New York Fed, declined to comment.
At the same time, staff shortages make it harder for banks to make more home loans, limiting supply and keeping mortgage rates higher than they otherwise would be.
Banks are reluctant to hire because they know that record- low borrowing costs can't last, said David Cannon, global co- head of mortgage trading at Royal Bank of Scotland Plc's securities arm.
"Everyone knows rates are going to go higher eventually," Cannon said in an interview at the unit's offices in Stamford, Connecticut.
It's also tough to find and train workers, and harder for new mortgage companies to gain approval to enter the business as oversight becomes more stringent in the wake of the financial crisis, said Willie Newman, head of Taylor Capital Group Inc.'s home-loan unit, which originated $1.4 billion of mortgages last quarter.
U.S.-backed mortgages still account for about 90 percent of new lending and Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae are seeking to protect taxpayers as new originators apply to do business with them. Fannie Mae has begun limiting how many loans it will guarantee annually or buy from certain firms. Ginnie Mae has gotten tougher this year about approving lenders even as it's signed up about 50, Ginnie Mae President Ted Tozer said in an October interview.
To handle higher demand, Newman's Ann Arbor, Michigan-based unit started running night shifts employing 30 to 45 part- timers, mostly college students and graduates from the three universities in its area. The eight-month-old effort also helps groom full-time workers, he said.
"We're really happy with how the program's gone and anticipate expanding it next year," Newman said.
Lenders say their existing staff must spend more time scrutinizing loans in the aftermath of the credit crisis, after being reminded how underwriting errors or incomplete documentation can expose them to being forced to repurchase soured debt. Bondholder claims that the mortgages backing Countrywide Financial Corp.'s securities never matched their promised quality led to a pending $8.5 billion settlement with parent company Bank of America Corp.
Bank of America, which has added about 5,000 mortgage-origination workers to the roughly 18,000 it had 18 months ago, does quality checks on mortgages three times, Chief Executive Officer Brian T. Moynihan said Dec. 14 in response to questions after a speech at the Brookings Institution in Washington.
"We have to make sure the loan we originate is ironclad," Moynihan said. "It's frustrating to me because we can't get our loans closed fast enough for our customers."
To reduce the yield spread, the Fed can "encourage good policy" that "will reduce the perceived risk and cost to the banks in making mortgage loans," Bernanke said at a Dec. 12 press conference in Washington. Policy makers could take steps to limit banks' concerns that they could be forced to buy back loans after defaults, he said.
Relief may be in sight. Next year, home-loan volumes are projected by Mortgage Bankers Association to decline 23 percent because a lot of the refinancing activity has already occurred, potentially providing lenders with more resources and reason to compete in ways that would narrow the gap in yields between mortgage-backed securities and home loans.
Still, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's regulator is at the same time pledging further increases in their guarantee fees that would expand the spread.
Bernanke says he's optimistic retail borrowers will get the "full benefit," or "most of the benefit," of the Fed's mortgage-buying.
"It does seem to be the case that, over a period of time — not immediately, but over a period of time — most of the declines in MBS yields do find their way through to mortgage customers and, thereby, strengthen the housing market," he said.


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how dirty is dirty? ive got a superior zero clearence wood burner, class A triple wall stack approx 12' high with slight offset so less than 10% of the stack is hidden from veiw at the bottom. daylight visable clear to cap.
a couple of shiny spots reveil that the creosote layer is approx 1/16", maybe more but less than 1/8". this is approx 1-1/2 feet past the offset
Am i ready??
p.s. 21 yrs in hvac service.. i've cleaned many sooty boilers. i think i can tackle this my self without having to buy new carpeting.
I'd rather wait 'till spring,, its cold out there now


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Average Rating: 4.8 out of 5 based on 275 user reviews.
So you would like to port your existing number to Google Voice. For many people this is a great AND needed option. For more details on please visit my page on . You have all the details on why you might want to port your number to Google Voice, but you don't know how. Here's a quick tutorial on how to get it done.
Creating a New Google Voice AccountIf you are creating a Google Voice account for the first time all you need to do is indicate that you want to port an existing number. There is a $20 one-time fee to port your number to Google Voice.
Please note! If you port your existing phone number to Google Voice you will not be able to use that phone unless you get a new number for it. ALSO, porting your number to Google Voice will, in most cases, cancel your phone service with the previous carrier!


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Take a look at Andy Serkis in the mocap suit he'll be sporting while he plots his domination over all of mankind. Rise of the Apes is the origins story of Caesar, the world's most devious ape.
Also in the shot is James Franco and Frieda Pinto, who appear to be Caesar's caretakers. Frieda is a primatologist.
Rise of The Apes is an origin story in the truest sense of the term. Set in present day San Francisco, the film is a reality-based cautionary tale, a science fiction/science fact blend, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.
The tentative release date is set for June 24, 2011.
[via Just Jared and WENN]


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38 U.S. Code § 8119 - Annual report on outpatient clinics
§ 8119.
Annual report on outpatient clinics
(a)Annual Report Required.—
The Secretary shall submit to the committees an annual report on community-based outpatient clinics and other outpatient clinics of the Department. The report shall be submitted each year not later than the date on which the budget for the next fiscal year is submitted to the Congress under section 1105 of title 31.
(b)Contents of Report.—Each report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A list of each community-based outpatient clinic and other outpatient clinic of the Department, and for each such clinic, the type of clinic, location, size, number of health professionals employed by the clinic, workload, whether the clinic is leased or constructed and operated by the Secretary, and the annual cost of operating the clinic.
A list of community-based outpatient clinics and other outpatient clinics that the Secretary opened during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year during which the report is submitted and a list of clinics the Secretary proposes opening during the fiscal year during which the report is submitted and the subsequent fiscal year, together with the cost of activating each such clinic and the information required to be provided under paragraph (1) for each such clinic and proposed clinic.
A list of proposed community-based outpatient clinics and other outpatient clinics that are, as of the date of the submission of the report, under review by the National Review Panel and a list of possible locations for future clinics identified in the Department's strategic planning process, including any identified locations in rural and underserved areas.
(4) A prioritized list of sites of care identified by the Secretary that the Secretary could establish without carrying out construction or entering into a lease, including—
any such sites that could be expanded by hiring additional staff or allocating staff to Federal facilities or facilities operating in collaboration with the Federal Government; and
(Added Pub. L. 110–387, title VII, § 708(a), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4139.)
Deadline for First Annual Report
Pub. L. 110–387, title VII, § 708(b), Oct. 10, 2008, 122 Stat. 4140, provided that:
"The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit the first report required under section 8119(a) of title 38, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 10, 2008]."
LII has no control over and does not endorse any external Internet site that contains links to or references LII.


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The Wild Search DVD
Follow documentary filmmaker Georgia Mann and her crew through the streets of San Francisco as they capture some of the most raw and compelling sex to date. Read More
Studio: Good Vibrations DVDs
Sign In or Create Account to rate.
Follow documentary filmmaker Georgia Mann and her crew through the streets of San Francisco as they capture some of the most raw and compelling sex to date. One woman's quest to find, film and understand "real lesbian sex" leads her into the depths of queer sexuality. Femme-on-femme, one stud boi, and traffic-stopping transguy action that won Best Trans Scene, makes this hilarious and HOT mocumentary the ultimate PoMo-homo porno by Shine Louise Houston.
Awards & Recognition
- 2007 Feminist P*rn Award's "Best Trans Sex Scene - Jiz Lee, Papi Coxxx, Will Thrustwell"
- Selected - Frameline San Francisco Film Festival
Special Features:
- Behind the Scenes Interviews
- Storyboard Comparison
- Director Commentary
- Outtakes
- Chapter Selection
- The Making of the Making of
Why We Like It:
- Authenticity drips off this film – real queer folks/dykes having real queer/dyke sex.
- Hot sex scenes that are not at all formulaic.
- Shine Louise Houston was a SESA at Good Vibrations!
- This film is Houston's answer to "What is Lesbian Porn?" (and why is it different from Girl/Girl Porn?)
- Final scene with Wil Thrustwell and Papi Coxxx is smoking hot!
"There is power in creating images, and for a woman of color and a queer to take that power… I don't find it exploitative; I think it's necessary."
- Shine Louise Houston
"Shine is the producer, director and creator behind what is one of the hottest, most authentic lesbian porn companies around…"
- Violet Blue on NPR
"Shine Louise Houston is one of the most influential, groundbreaking and talented queer filmmakers of this century."
- Tristan Taormino
DVD, DVDs
Runtime: 60 minutes
Studio: Good Vibrations DVDs
Also Starring:
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Customer Reviews
Pink and White Productions has paved the way for some truly amazing pornography. This film is hilarious, and perfect for a porn party viewing by folks taking Feminist Theory, Gender Studies, Queer Studies classes. It's that smart! All the cast were brilliant, from a cameo by No Fauxxx founder Trouble Royalle, to Pink&White All-Stars Jiz Lee and Dylan Rion and Rozen, and those HAWT transmen Papi and Wil... Will you come home with ME? When will the fourth video by P&W come out?
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text: We would like to commend the decision of Justice Edwin Cameron for his stand on openness before the Judicial Services Commission today. For many years before his appointment as a Judge, Justice Cameron was one of the pioneers of calls for human rights, equality, dignity and privacy for all people -- including people with HIV and AIDS. His decision today is in keeping with this.


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Posts TaggedRead Quick
When did reading become a labor rather than a love? Was it in school when we were forced to read stuff we didn't like – all while balancing homework assignments from other courses? That may have been a contributing factor, but was it maybe because you felt you were a slow reader? While other kids were (allegedly) zipping through the third chapter, were you still on the tome's third page trying to absorb each detail?
Maybe now the challenge of slow reading finds you hoarding articles online, saying "I'll get to them … one day." Instead of filling up your bookmarks, maybe it's time you tried ReadQuick, the iPad app that aims to make your reading more rapid and your absorption of the text immediate. Can ReadQuick help you cut through lengthy reads in a fraction of the time? Find out after the break. (more…)


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Science Friday® is produced by the Science Friday Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Science Friday® and SciFri® are registered service marks of Science Friday, Inc. Site design by Pentagram; engineering by Mediapolis.
|Why does the smell of roasting turkey or baking pie immediately transport people into a holiday mood? Why do fragrant pine wreaths get many people thinking about family gatherings? In this holiday segment of Science Friday, we'll look at the psychology of taste and smell - and why it can make those holiday smells so evocative.


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High Line Photographer Melissa Mansur captured this great shot of a honeybee collecting nectar and pollen from the bright orange bloom of a butterfly milkweed plant this past week.
When you're at the High Line next, take time to observe carefully and you'll see a flurry of beneficial insect activity in our planting beds. From butterflies to bees of all sizes, the High Line's flowers provide food to a large variety of winged pollinators who you'll see excitedly racing from plant to plant.
On September 12, Friends of the High Line is partnering with Brooklyn Grange Farm to celebrate the industrious honeybee with an afternoon of free honey tastings and hands-on educational activities for all ages, celebrating sustainable artisanal honey production from the five boroughs of New York City. High Line Food vendors will also be offering a range of honey-themed treats for purchase.
Learn more about Honey Day at the High Line.


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What is the Writers Guild of America, East?
The Writers Guild of America, East, AFL-CIO, is a labor union representing writers in motion pictures, television, digital media, and broadcast news. The WGAE conducts programs, seminars, and events on issues of interest to, and on behalf of, writers. In addition, it represents writers' interests on the legislative level. For a detailed description of our history and what we do please visit our About the Guild section.
How do I become a member of the Writers Guild of America, East?
We're glad you asked. Please visit Become a Member.
How do I join the Guild if:
… I'm creating a pilot.
Congratulations! That you've gotten this far is quite a testament to your talent and your perseverance. If your pilot is for network television, it should already be covered by the Guild. If you're not sure, please contact our membership department at 212-767-7821.
Many production companies that create shows for cable television are also signatory to Guild contracts so you may be covered. If not, getting coverage may be as simple as a phone call from the WGAE Signatory Department to the producer.
A full list of Signatories can be found in the Guild's Signatories Directory.
… I'm selling a script.
When a writer sells a screenplay, television script, web series script, or any other WGAE-covered literary material to a signatory company, then the project is automatically covered by the Guild and the writer can become a Guild member. WGAE membership is automatically part of that process. In either case, the script should be registered with our script registration service in order to be protected.
Script registration fees are:
- $10 for WGAE member
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… I'm on the staff of a successful network television show.
It is likely that you're already a member. For membership information, call 212-767-7821.
… I'm on staff of an episodic cable show.
Many, though not all, of the production companies making episodic cable shows are Guild signatories. Check our Signatories database to find out. If they are a signatory, please contact the Membership Department at 212-767-7821 to start the process of becoming a member. If your company is not listed, please call the WGAE Organizing Department at (212) 767-7808 for discreet advice.
… I own my own production company.
You aren't the first prospective Guild member to be a writer who owns his or her own production company. Production companies owned by writers must meet several requirements for their companies to become signatory to a Guild agreement. However, we are usually able to figure out a way for a writer-owned production company to become signatory to a Guild Agreement and for writers employed there– including yourself—to join the Guild.
Digital Media companies interested in becoming signatories should contact Ursula Lawrence at 212-767-7836. All other production companies should contact Rochelle Rubin at 212-767-7837.
… I work in news and don't know if I'm covered by the Writers Guild.
Television news magazines, like 60 Minutes or 20/20, are covered under the Writers Guild Minimum Basic Agreement. Local and national TV and radio news are covered by company-specific Writers Guild contracts such as ABC, CBS and Fox 5. Please call the WGAE Membership Department at (212) 767-7821 to confirm your membership eligibility.
Am I eligible for Guild membership?
When you begin work for a Guild signatory company, the company should inform you of your need to become a Guild member, if you are not one already. When you are hired, the company should provide the WGAE Membership Department with a Notice of Hire. The WGAE then sends you a membership application.
As a first step, you can check the Signatories Database to see if your employer is listed. If the company is a signatory, but you have not been informed that you are working under the Guild contract, call the Guild's Signatories Department at 212-767-7837. If you are working for a signatory company that is claiming that your job description is not covered by the Guild contract, contact the Organizing Department at (212) 767-7808.
Do you offer an Associate membership?
As a member, who can I talk to about my Health Insurance and my Pension Plan?
If you have questions regarding your pension or health benefits, please contact the Pension Plan/Health Fund at 1-800-227-7863 or visit their website at www.wgaplans.org.
What's my username and password to the members only section of the website?
Call the Membership Department at 212-767-7821 to find out.
How do I inform the Guild of a change in my contact information?
Click here to update your contact information or call the Membership Department at 212-767-7821.
How can I ensure that I'm getting email correspondence from the Guild?
Contact our Membership Department at 212-767-7821, or e-mail to verify we have your current e-mail address.
Does the WGAE offer screenwriting instruction or advice?
The FAQ section of the Writers Guild Foundation website provides information about script formatting, treatments, pitching, script libraries, copyright, screenwriting contests, writing classes, and other useful resources.
How do I find and contact a writer's representative?
You can find representation and contact information for Writers Guild members using our Find a Writer search function or call our Membership Department at 212-767-7821.
Can you help me obtain an agent?
While the WGAE does not help writers find agents, the Guild does provide an online Agency List. Each agency has its own submission policy. The WGAE recommends that writers send a query letter, rather than submitting an unsolicited script. This concise letter should briefly describe the nature of the work and outline relevant credentials.
Can the WGAE help me find work as a writer or submit my work to a production company?
The Guild does not obtain employment for writers, nor can we accept or handle material for submission to production companies.
Can the Guild recommend a writer for my script idea?
The Guild does not refer or recommend writers for assignments, however you can find contact information for many of our members by using our Find a Writer search page.
What does a sample script cover page look like?
A sample cover page, which is included in the booklet, "What Every Writer Needs to Know," can be found here.
How are writing credits determined?
The Guild administers the credits arbitration process though a confidential system dictated by the Screen Credits Manual or the Television Credits Manual.
To help you understand how the system works, we have created a Credits Survival Guide that explains the process established in both manuals and how to navigate it.
How can I make sure I receive proper credit for my work?
When principal photography on a project has been completed, the company must send a Notice of Tentative Writing Credits to the Guild and to each participating writer. Writers who contributed to the project should review this Notice to make sure their name is included. Residuals and other ancillary rights are based on credit, so it is imperative that writers are officially recognized on the Notice. Credit disputes may result in arbitration, which the Guild will handle on behalf of the writer.
Further information can be found in Credits Administration and Arbitration. Additional information can be found in the Credits Survival Guide. For more information on the credits process, please refer to the Screen Credits Manual or Television Credits Manual.
If I believe I should be a participating writer on a project and have not received a Notice of Tentative Writing Credits, what should I do?
Writers who have not received a Notice and know that principal photography has been completed, should contact the Guild's Credits Department immediately at 212-767-7804. The Credits Administrator will investigate the status of the project and determine whether you are entitled to be considered a participating writer.
What should I do if I see an incorrect writing credit on-screen or in advertising?
Contact the Guild's Credits Department immediately at 212-767-7804 so that the staff can investigate whether there has been a credit violation.
What should I do if I have a possible grievance and/or claim against a Guild signatory company?
If you have a problem or question concerning bonuses, initial compensation, late payments, merchandising, publishing or separated rights, program fees, theatrical reacquisition, video games based on covered movies or TV shows, or other terms and conditions of your employment or sale of literary material to a signatory company, please contact the Guild's Senior Counsel at 212-767-7844.
For questions or concerns about credits or residuals, contact the Credits Department at 212-767-7804 or the Residuals Department at 212-767-7814.
Does the Guild need a copy of my contract?
Contract enforcement is one of the most valuable services the Writers Guild provides to its members. In order to do that the Guild needs a copy of your contracts as is required by the Minimum Basic Agreement. If we do not have your contract on file, it may delay our enforcement efforts on your behalf. If the Guild does not have a copy of your contract, please send it to our Signatories Department at .
Can the Guild refer me to an entertainment attorney?
The Guild does not provide lawyer referrals. For a listing of entertainment attorneys, visit Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts at http://www.vlany.org.
How can I reach a member for a press interview?
If you are a member of the media and would like to contact a Writers Guild member, contact Director of Communications Jason Gordon at 212-767-7809 or .
Where can I find press releases from the WGAE?
For press releases from the WGAE, go to our Press Room.
Does the WGAE sponsor special events? Who should I contact about getting the Guild to co-sponsor my event?
The Guild considers sponsoring special events on a case-by-case basis. For inquiries, contact the Director of Programs Dana Weissman at 212-767-7835 or email email@example.com.
I am a member of the WGAE and am unable to sign in to my account. What should I do?
Contact the membership department at 212-767-7821.
How do I sign out of my MYWGAE account?
Contact the membership department at 212-767-7821.
Who do I contact with questions about registering a script?
For information and questions about script registration, go to our Registration page or call 212-767-7801.
Do I have to be a member of the Guild to register my material with the WGAE?
No. You can register material with the WGAE regardless of membership status.
The cost of registration is:
- $10 for WGAE member
- $17 for students with ID
- $25 for nonmembers
Does registering with the Guild make me a member?
Registering your script does not make you a Guild member. For more information on registering your literary material so it is Guild-protected, please visit our Script Registration page.
Do I have to live in the eastern U.S. to register my material with the WGAE?
No. You can register material with the WGAE regardless of where you live or work.
What are residuals?
Residuals are compensation paid for the reuse of a credited writer's work such as syndicated television shows. Detailed answers to this and other general residuals questions can be found in the "Residuals Survival Guide."
Am I paid residuals on all my work?
Residuals are only paid on WGA-covered projects. This means that in order to be eligible to collect residuals, the company that hires you must be a signatory to the WGA Agreement. To find out if a company is a signatory, contact the Guild's Signatories department at 212-767-7837.
How often are residual payments made?
Typically, residuals for theatrical projects are due to the Guild on a quarterly basis. Television projects are due within 30 days of usage (if used on network television) or within four months (most other usage). The Guild's Rapid Residuals system sends out checks to members as soon as they are received. Please see the "Residuals Survival Guide" for more details.
If my residuals are overdue, what should I do?
Contact our Residuals Administrator at 212-767-7814. We will investigate any usage you report that may be overdue, as well as all exhibition markets for your project. If you wrote an episode of a series, we will check the entire series for unpaid residuals. Potential claims are researched on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the initial investigation is completed, your claim will be assigned to a collections coordinator who will pursue any unpaid residuals and, if warranted, any late fees you are owed.
I saw a clip of a script I wrote used on another television show or in a movie. What should I do?
Contact our Residuals Administrator at 212-767-7814.
When I complete my quarterly Dues Declaration, should I list residuals checks I've received that don't appear on MyWGAE account?
You should only list residual checks that appear in your account. When you receive a residual check, it will appear on your MyWGAE account, though not necessarily in the same quarter in which you received the check.
I received a check, but it doesn't appear on MyWGAE account. How do I know what it is for?
The large volume of checks we receive daily, especially at the end of the quarter, may result in a substantial delay between the time you receive your check and the time it appears on your MyWGAE account statement. This is because the Residuals Department confirms each residual to ensure every writer receives the correct amount at the correct time. Once your check is listed, you can click on the check number for detailed information regarding the payment, including market usage.
If you are underpaid, the Guild will pursue the balance due to you; if payment is late, we will pursue late fees. This is one of the many ways the Guild works to protect members' rights. We appreciate your patience.
If MyWGAE Account lists a check that I never received or if I lose my residuals check or if, for some reason, it cannot be cashed, what should I do?
Contact our Residuals Administrator at 212-767-7814.
How long does it take to have my check reissued?
Your residuals check is reissued by the company that issued the original check. Every company has its own procedure for reissuing checks but, typically, it takes at least six weeks once the Guild makes the request.
When my check is reissued, will I be assessed dues on both the original check and the reissued check?
No. The Guild will retain records of the original check only. If you access your residual records online and bring up the original check, it will include information regarding the new, reissued check.
I received a check for "Foreign Levies." What is this for?
Foreign Copyright Levies are funds received by the Guild on behalf of U.S. writers. Foreign collection societies send the WGAE taxes and levies imposed by foreign governments in order to protect copyright holders of audiovisual product made available on public television, cable television, and through DVD rentals. The primary source of these monies is "private copy" taxes on the sale of blank videocassettes and VCRs, although taxes are also imposed for cable retransmission of programs.
I have questions about my Foreign Levy payment. Who should I contact?
Call our Residuals Residuals Administrator at 212-767-7814.
I have questions about my IRS W-2 form or 1099 form. Who should I call?
Contact the company that issued your payment. The Guild does not issue tax forms to its members.
How do I designate a beneficiary to receive my residuals in the event of my death?
Please contact our Residuals Administrator at 212-767-7814.
Why did I receive a check marked "void?"
A payroll company might void a check for many reasons, including if you have a tax lien or garnished wages. The check itself is your property and might contain important information for your records. The Guild will still process the gross amount of the check in order to track the fact that the Company met its residuals obligation. For check details, contact the payroll company that issued it.
I recently moved. How do I make sure my residuals are sent to the correct address?
Email the Membership Department at .
I have questions about my Pension Plan and/or Health Fund contributions. Who should I talk to?
Call the Writers Guild-Industry Health and Pension Fund at (818) 846-1015 or visit http://www.wgaplans.org. You may also visit our FAQ on Health Insurance and our FAQ about the Pension Plan.
What is a WGAE signatory?
A signatory company is one that has signed a collective bargaining agreement with the WGAE and agrees to abide by its provisions. For a list of signatories, visit our Signatories Directory or call the Guild's Signatories Department at 212-767-7837.
Is there a fee for a company to become a signatory to the Basic Agreement?
There is no fee to become a signatory. However, as a signatory, the company is bound to the terms of the Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA), including minimum compensation for the writer, pension and health contributions if there are writing services involved, and residuals if the project is produced.
Can a signatory company employ a non-Guild writer?
Yes, because being hired by a signatory is how non-Guild writers become Guild members. For further information, please contact the Membership Department at 212-767-7821.
How do I get a contract for writing services with a WGA signatory?
Retain an agent to represent you and to shop your material around to companies.
How long does the signatory process take?
If the documentation submitted to the Guild is complete, the signatory paperwork can be processed within a few days to a few weeks.
Can an individual person become a signatory?
Yes, but make sure you understand the legal and financial ramifications of signing this way. Please contact the Signatories Department for more info at 212-767-7837.
Can a foreign company become a signatory to the Minimum Basic Agreement?
Yes. The Guild will sign a company whose principal ownership is outside the U.S., however, the company must provide financial assurance from an individual and a U.S.-based Agent for Service of Process.
Will the Guild sign a member-owned company to the Minimum Basic Agreement?
Yes. Please contact the Signatories Department for more info at 212-767-7837.
Can a company sign the Minimum Basic Agreement on a project basis?
No. When a company becomes a signatory, it is bound by the Minimum Basic Agreement for the duration of the contract.
Does the Guild contract require that low budget films pay screenwriters as much as high budget films?
Productions operating on any budget can be covered by the Guild's Minimum Basic Agreement. However, the contract has some flexibility for low budget films. Films with a projected budget of less than $1.2 million generally qualify for the Low Budget Agreement—an appendix to the Guild's standard contract. The Low Budget Agreement is designed to meet the demands of the low budget film business while ensuring the rights and benefits writers are due. Visit our Low Budget Agreement page for more information.
What are the rates for screenwriting?
Screenwriting fees can be found in the WGAE Rate Book.
What is the Film Society and how can I join?
WGAE members may join the New York SAG/WGAE Film Society, which entitles them to attend major studio, foreign, and independent film screenings during the season that extends from September through the following August. Screenings are held at the Directors Guild of America Theatre at 110 West 57th Street in Manhattan. The subscription fee admits the member and a guest to 24 regularly scheduled screenings. Subscriptions are limited and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Members who would like to join the Film Society should contact Venesa Gomez at for information on how to join.
How can I join the Film Society committee?
Members interested in applying to join the Film Society committee should contact Venesa Gomez at (212) 767-7811 for further information. Committee members work 16 screenings a season and attend three to four committee meetings annually. Committee members receive a complimentary subscription, which allows them and a guest entry to all screenings.


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2 found shot to death at Upstate motel
2 found shot to death at Upstate motel
A suspected murder-suicide is under investigation at an Easley hotel.
Authorities tell News 4 shots were heard at the Sun Inn Saturday afternoon.
Sunday Pickens County deputies told News 4, it appears a 77-year-old man shot a 39-year-old woman, then turned the gun on himself.
The Pickens County Coroner identified the man as Robert McPeak, of Iva, and the woman as Christy Ingram, of Piedmont.
Autopsies show both victims died of gunshot wounds to the head.
The sheriff's office said they are sending evidence collected from the scene and the autopsies to SLED for further analysis and evaluation.
Ballistic testing will be performed on the seized weapon to identify if it fired the shots that killed both victims.


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Missing mushroom picker found safe
Missing mushroom picker Brian Stephens of Amity has been found safe, according to the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office.
Stephens was cold but otherwise unhurt following his overnight ordeal, according to Capt. Tim Svenson of the sheriff's office. He did not require hospitalization.
See Friday's print edition for additional details.
— — —
Yamhill County Search and Rescue has members out this morning looking for 55-year-old Brian Stephens of Amity, who was reported missing Tuesday night after he failed to return home earlier in the day from a mushroom picking trip.
His wife, Patricia, reported him missing about 6:30 p.m., according to Sgt. Russ Vandewettering of the sheriff's office. She last had contact with him at 11 a.m. and he was scheduled to return home at 3:30.
His vehicle was located northwest of McMinnville on Gopher Valley Road, about one mile south of Peavine Road, Vandewettering said.
Stephens is 5-foot-8, 260 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. It's believed he was wearing a long-sleeved shirt, blue jeans and hiking boots. He may not have been wearing a jacket.
"We're getting resources together," Vandewettering said of the effort that includes ground searchers on foot and on all-terrain vehicles, in addition to canine teams and possibly air support. "We've asked Marion County for help, and we'll have our mounted posse out."
Stephens hunts so he is familiar with the woods, according to Vandewettering.
He's also familiar with the area where his vehicle was located, as there is a photo he took posted on his Facebook page that was taken from a clear cut on Gopher Valley Road.
"He may have gotten disorientated and is wating for daylight to find his way out," he said.
Anyone who sees someone matching Stephens' description should call the sheriff's office, 503-434-7506, during business hours, or the Yamhill Communications Agency non-emergency line at 503-434-6500.


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I loved the movie, Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves.
I still do.
There. I've said it. You may laugh now. It's ok. I've got a good set of armour on.
For me that movie, Kevin Costner's accent and all, was a game changer. It gave my life some much needed direction in the confusing dark times of my early teenage years.
I've heard Robin Hood, Excalibur, Braveheart, Gladiator, the shows Hercules and Xena, and others, all called 'popular crap', 'ridiculous', 'inaccurate drivel', and loads of other names mostly by academics from the dusty upper floors of their ivory towers.
The critics pan these movies and shows, citing the poor acting, sad story lines and over-stretched budgets that somehow mark them as unworthy of viewing. Gladiator was the only one to garner any respect (less so for Braveheart) and that was probably due to the Oscars it rounded up (that was fantastic BTW!).
Robin Hood tends to lay gutted on the bottom of the pile of popular historical 'shite', bleeding into memory – that movie that was so 'bad', the one that Kevin Costner 'butchered'.
You know what? I don't care. I thought that film was brilliant and magical. Here's why:
When the movie came out in 1991 I was fifteen going on sixteen and trying to navigate that utterly depressing world known as High School – which, for the record, I loathed.
I was hanging out with some questionable characters, not doing very well in class and had no real idea or vision for the future, my future.
Don't get me wrong, I wasn't beaten or fed plates of gruel. I'm one of the fortunate ones who had a caring home life, parents who listened and a brother with whom it did not often come to outright fisticuffs. Swords yes, but rarely fists.
However, I did lack an interest to give me direction.
Then one Friday night, my dad comes home and hands me a video tape of Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves.
"Look what I've got," he says. "Let's watch it tonight. I think you'll like it."
Being a black-clad teenager, I grunted in response and hunkered down in silence on the sectional for a couple of hours.
If I remember correctly, I was hooked right from the beginning as the opening credits rolled images of the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman Conquest.
|Scene from the Bayeux Tapestry
Of course, I didn't know what the Norman Conquest was at the time, or that the year 1066 was any more significant than a thousand other dates.
It was the power of those images, the heroic music by Michael Kamen, and of course the fantastic story of Robin Hood that pulled me in and didn't let go.
I can still remember sitting there that first time. Oh yes, I think I was a 'popular historical' virgin up to that point. I was so hooked that I watched that movie every day for six days straight, enjoying it every single time.
I watched Robin's skill with blade and bow with awe, thrilled to his duel with the Sherriff of Nottingham, expertly played by Alan Rickman. The romantic in me was even awakened by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio with whom I had fallen desperately in love.
History, and an ancient story, had spoken to me and I was having an epiphany – I loved it and that was what I wanted to do. I then decided that history was what I wanted to study.
As it turned out, that summer I had the opportunity to go to England with my mom to visit family. That first journey across the pond only served to fuel the fires of my enthusiasm.
I wanted to walk through every castle and manor house I saw, touch every suit of armour and look closely at every nicked sword blade on display in every museum. I was insatiable.
|Carcasonne - France
Where part of Robin Hood was filmed
When I returned home, my parents bought me all the books (new and used) that I wanted on the Middle Ages, ancient world, swords, armour, the Crusades, you name it. I got a used book on the Bayeux Tapestry that I still have to this day. Biographies of kings and queens, chivalric ideals and stories of King Arthur, Robin Hood and others abounded. I also took up archery and fencing.
What is the point of all this?
My point is that without having seen that supposedly 'crappy' movie, I might not have become interested in all of this. I might not have improved my grades in high school, or gone on to undergrad studies in medieval history, a Master's in Dark Age studies, or to work in museums or archaeology.
Without Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves, I might not be writing!
Throughout my years in university and academic circles, I've always heard the same old argument that popular history is rubbish and a complete waste of time. "Stay away from that stuff!" one of my professor's said one day after Braveheart had hit the big screens.
But you know what? That so-called 'popular shite' sparks more interest in young people's minds than any lame, snoot-nosed history teacher who lectures their students without caring whether or not they are capturing their listeners' imaginations.
It's no wonder that movies like Robin Hood or Gladiator have left increased enrollment in medieval and ancient history courses in their wakes. They got people excited. What a concept!
I've been fortunate enough to have a couple of good history teachers who did capture my imagination, who loved anything having to do with history. Sadly, most were not so good, but I'm glad that didn't deter me.
I've been told by several of my readers that my writing makes history interesting to them, and THAT pleases me to no end.
This applies not only to movies but to all forms of popular historical fiction.
In the current issue of the Historic Novels Review, Richard Lee, the founder of the Historic Novel Society, notes that he has "heard EVERY type of historical fiction ridiculed for being untrue to the history. Sometimes the spite that is unleashed is phenomenal… My own view is that all kinds of historical fiction have value."
I couldn't agree more. Whether it is the period of history, or the format (book, TV or film), the sad truth is that popular history has often been frowned upon, locked out of the academic castle.
However, the numbers are far greater outside the walls of that castle and it is my hope that the gates will eventually be battered down so that the people can flood in, not to massacre, but to live together with the few in their towers.
Academia has its purpose, which is of utmost importance to our knowledge of the past. But there is also a place for popular historical fiction, a purpose in gathering people around, firing their interests and setting them on the path to learning more. It's all good!
To quote Morgan Freeman's character, Azeem, in Robin Hood – Prince of Thieves:
"Allah loves wondrous variety."


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Archive for Jaroslav Halak
Previewing the Olympic goaltendersPosted by: | Comments
This year's Olympic competition sports a pool of goaltenders amongst the strongest we have seen since the NHL began participating in the games. The United States and Finland are especially deep, each with three goaltenders that could easily start for most nations. Although the tournament has already gotten underway, and we have seen some solid (Lundqvist, Hiller) performances and some sketchy (Rask, Halak) ones, let's take a look at what each county's best stopper has to offer. I realize there are going to be some changes made between the pipes as the tournament goes along and most teams have several starting caliber tendys, but I'm going to break down the ones who should be starting based on ability level and previous performance.
United States- Jonathan Quick
Why not start with the Red, White and Blue? Despite this being a Rangers' blog, I have committed a significant amount of digital ink to the King's world class netminder. Ryan Miller was dynamite in 2010 and deserves some ice in Sochi, but this is Quick's team. The Americans will only go as far as he can carry them, and judging from some of his playoff performances, that could include the podium to accept the gold medal. His athleticism in this tournament is rivaled only by (ironically enough) the two Russian netminders. However, his technical skills, vision and positioning are lightyears ahead of the hosts. Read More→


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AK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE:AKS) is a fully-integrated manufacturer of steel, including flat-rolled carbon, tubular products, and electrical and stainless steels. AK Steel Holding has seven steelmaking and finishing facilities in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Ohio, while AK Tube LLC, a subsidiary, has operations in Indiana and Ohio[1]. AK Steel's operations also include European trading companies that buy and sell steel products.
In 2009, AKS incurred a net loss of $74.6 million on revenues of $4.08 billion. This represents a turnaround from 2008, when the company earned $4.0 million on $7.64 billion in revenues.
AKS operates in a single business segment which produces carbon and steel products.[3]
Steel Industry's Cyclical Nature: The U.S. Steel industry is traditionally very cyclical and closely connected to the overall state of the general U.S. economy. A significant downturn in the U.S. economy may lead to a noteworthy decline in the demand of steel products.[4]
Contract v Spot Pricing: Sales in the steel industry usually fall within two categories: fixed price contracts typically renegotiated twice a year, or spot market transactions. Depending on a collection of different variables that affect the state of the steel industry (steel prices, prices for raw materials, supply and demand, etc.), both can be beneficial or detrimental to the company that uses them.
It is estimated that 70-80% of AK Steel's revenues are based on fixed price contracts (the company does not publish exact information). This is advantageous when spot market prices decline over the duration of the contract, and contracts have been negotiated in the company's favor.
Prices of Essential Raw Materials The profitability of the steel sector is closely tied to the prices of necessary raw materials. Considering the steel industry, these materials include (but are not limited to) iron ore, coal, coke, oxygen, chrome, nickel, silicon, molybdenum, zinc, limestone, carbon, stainless steel scrap, etc. Depending on the holdings of each firm, drastic changes in the prices of these raw materials can have profound effects on revenues and profits[5]. .
Exposure to Other Industries: The U.S. steel industry is gradually becoming further specialized in certain markets within the general steel market. As a result, steel producers are becoming increasingly reliant on the state of their specialized markets.
AK Steel focuses much of its production towards the U.S. automotive sector and the stainless and electrical steel markets. In recent years, the U.S. automotive industry has been experiencing multiple challenging years, while the stainless steel market has lately been undergoing significant pressures[6]. .
Globalization of the Steel Industry: The U.S. steel industry is increasingly being forced to compete with foreign companies, particularly China. China is expected to become a net exporter of steel in the very near future, placing further pressure on domestic producers. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) has reported that applications for the import of steel has been continually increasing.
AK Steel's operations are focused in the United States whereas some of its larger competitors have a larger international presence. When compared to its closest competitors, AK Steel has significantly more fixed price contracts versus spot market sales. This can either work to the company's advantage or disadvantage given certain changing variables such as steel prices. Furthermore, AK Steel's sales productions are focused towards the U.S. automotive and stainless steel markets, making its success related to the success of those industries. AKS is in a relatively less favorable position concerning the acquisition of raw materials because its closest integrated steel competitor, US Steel (X), has significant self-sufficiency concerning |iron ore and metallurgical coal; on the other hand, AK Steel does not have the same level of these materials [7]. Also, AKS has more significant pension obligations and post-retirement liabilities than its competitors, although the company has successfully been working to decrease them.
The company's most significant competitors are:


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History of Motion Sensors
Motion sensors have been used with alarm systems since the 1970s. Back then, motion sensors were based on ultrasonic technology. Sound waves were emitted from a sensor, and the resulting reflected sounds were analyzed to detect changes. When a change was detected, the motion sensor notified the alarm system's control panel (or whatever it was connected to). These ultrasonic sensors were frequently blamed for triggering false alarms. A phone ringing, an alarm clock sounding, or the heating system coming on could cause a false alarm. A better solution was needed.
The best solution found and used today is based upon infrared technology (abbreviated "IR"). Other technologies based on microwave and radar were tried, but they never gained the popularity of infrared technology. Infrared sensors began to appear on the market in the 1980s. When they first came out, they were somewhat expensive, but as production ramped up and more manufacturers found ways to use them for different applications, the price dropped quickly. The most popular consumer uses of IR sensors are for motion-sensing floodlights.
How Motion Sensors Work
IR sensors look for the presence of human heat moving across their field of view. The sensors are passive, which means that they are looking for the movement. Unlike radar and ultrasonic systems that emit a signal and look for a reflection, IR sensors just receive.
All IR sensors have some common ratings and specifications. The first is the detection pattern or the field of view. This defines how wide or narrow the IR sensor can detect. Typically, they look like the image on the right.
The Problem Using IR Sensors Outdoors
If motion sensors are so much better now than the early ultrasonic models, why can't they be used outdoors with an alarm system? Strangely, it still comes down to the issue of reliability. With motion-detecting floodlights, if the sensor false alarms, the only consequences are the lights' coming on for a few minutes. If an IR sensor connected to an alarm system falses, the sirens are set off and in some cases, the police may be dispatched to investigate. The noise of the sounding alarm sirens will surely irritate your neighbors. You don't want a mob burning down your home because the alarm system is going off constantly!
When IR motion sensors are used outdoors, they are more likely to cause false alarms. The most common cause of a false trip is rapidly changing weather conditions. For example, when strong guests of wind, snow, rain and hail comes across Steinel America Outdoor Dual Floodlight Motion Sensor, can cause switching error since the sudden temperature changes cannot be distingguish from heat sources.
There are some alternatives to IR sensors that can be used outdoors that will decrease the likelihood of false alarms. The IR beam system sends an invisible beam between two points. If the beam is broken, it trips the alarm system. The Weatherproof Infrared Beam Motion Detectors are not affected by weather unless you have tumbleweeds or small compact cars blowing across your property during high winds. The transmitter and receiver can be placed outdoors up to 130 feet apart.
Some alarm systems have a feature called "Cross-Zoning", which will reduce false alarms. Cross-zoning requires that two zones be activated at nearly the same time in order to trigger the alarm system. Basically you place two sensors looking at the same area that needs to be protected. When someone enters that zone, the two sensors will have to detect the intrusion within a few seconds for the alarm panel to consider it a valid detection. The Web-Enabled SecureLinc Kit has this feature built in.
Finally, if you do choose to use a motion detector outdoors, be sure to choose one that is rated for outdoor. The regular indoor models do not have the protection to keep the effects of moisture from damaging the electronics on the circuit board. If an indoor-rated model is placed outside, even if it is protected from the rain, it will soon malfunction. Here are a few models that are rated for outdoor use:


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The sooner that Google and/or Samsung goes official with much rumoured Nexus One successor - dubbed the Nexus S or the Galaxy Nexus S - the better.
It would be lovely to be able to post some nice HD official pictures of the curvaceous handset, instead of ones, like these, shot in BD (Blurred-Definition).
But, for now at least, this is as good as it gets.
The latest shots are courtesy of an XDA source and show the handset live and touting its Android 2.3 goodies for all the world to see.
Well, we say goodies but it's really just a couple of homescreen and menu shots that don't really tell us anything we didn't know already.
However, a report on Android and Me suggests some spec details for the Google phone Mk-II, including that it has an ArmV7 processor, is Open GL ES Supported, has 328MB of RAM, has 1GB of onboard storage, a 4-inch Super AMOLED 800×480 display, and is capable of 720p video recording.
However, none of this info is confirmed, so it's all eyes on the All Things D: Dive into Mobile event on 6 December, which is being kicked off by Google's VP of Engineering (and co-founder of Android) Andy Rubin, where the handset could well get an official airing.


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Must-see Vancouver attractions when time is short
Suppose you're going to be in Vancouver for the first time — but only for a day or so before boarding a cruise ship to Alaska or a flight across the Pacific.
What should you try to squeeze in while you're there?
Several passengers who were in that situation asked me that during a Banff-Vancouver rail trip last May. They were from Britain, Malaysia, Australia and Korea, and I was one of the few Canadians in the coach.
I offered a few suggestions, but when I got home I contacted three tourism professionals who know Vancouver inside out. What would they recommend to a first-time visitor pressed for time? I limited them to three choices.
All picked cycling or strolling the seawall in Stanley Park and hopping an Aquabus ferry to Granville Island.
Stanley Park packs beaches, gardens, an aquarium, a pitch 'n putt golf course and forested trails into a huge chunk of prime downtown real estate. (Visit Vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture).
Granville, centred around the Public Market, is a maze of craft shops, theatres and something like 70 places to eat, from food stands to restaurants by the water. One of the Vancouverites I polled suggested visiting the resident sake maker ("try three types of sake for only $5"), another said she loves "strolling through Railspur Alley to see all the local artisans." (See granvilleisland.com)
That left each with one other recommendation.
— Take in the view from Grouse Mountain. (An aerial tramway system called Skyride will whisk you to the top. (See Grousemountain.com/skyride).
— Explore Vancouver's neighbourhoods. "The top pick should be Gastown (especially for dining) and Chinatown (the third largest in North America)."
— Visit the University of British Columbia's Museum of Anthropology. "The museum is extraordinary. They have an amazing collection of First Nations art, including many pieces by (acclaimed Heida artist) Bill Reid." (See Moa.ubc.ca/.)
My suggestions to the train passengers were remarkably similar: Stanley Park, especially the seawall path; Granville Island (that Aquabus has to be the cutest thing afloat, like an brightly painted, oversized bathtub); and the museum of anthropology. (To illustrate Bill Reid's work, I showed a British woman a $20 bill with his stunning sculpture Spirit of Haida Gwaii on the back).
To expedite sightseeing, I recommended Vancouver Trolley's Hop-On, Hop-Off City Attractions Tour. It's an easy and entertaining way of getting around. You can, for example, take it to Granville, get off and wander around, then hop another trolley to Stanley Park or any of several other popular spots and do the same, all on one ticket. (See vancouvertrolley.com)
Food is an attraction in itself. This city on the Pacific is famous for salmon. Local specialties recommended by one contact were salmon candy (or Indian candy), made by soaking salmon in sugar or maple syrup before smoking it, and Japadog, a Japanese hotdog sold by street food vendors.
A good, downtown hotel is a bonus when you're short of time. The St. Regis is more than just good, if my one-night stay in May is any indication: A friendly and enthusiastic welcome at reception, a comfortable, smartly decorated room, and a whopping big breakfast, one of several things included in the rate. No wonder the St. Regis has won TripAdvisor's Travellers Choice Awards for Service for Vancouver hotels three years running.
There are restaurants on either side, a Tim's and a wine store across the street. A block or so away is SkyTrain's Canada Line, which will take you to the airport for a fraction of the cab fare.
Canadian-owned and operated, the St. Regis was built in 1913 and underwent a $13 million renovation in 2008. Off-season rates start at less than $150. Visit stregishotel.com.
Tourism Vancouver is an excellent source of visitor information. Phone 1-877-826-1717 or visit Tourismvancouver.com.


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Law Practice Magazine
Table of Contents | Features | Frontlines | Technology | Business
Table of Contents | Features | Frontlines | Technology | Business
New technology can make an existing technology obsolete or breathe new life into it. Nowhere is this more evident than in the world of portable recording. Once the sole domain of analog-based tape systems, portable recording relying on cassette tapes has reached the end of its usefulness in a digital world. However, the same technology that made tape obsolete has created a rebirth for portable recording devices.
Using portable recording units for dictation is a mainstay procedure in the legal profession. At the same time, recorders that are designed for dictation are not necessarily the best units for capturing meetings, educational programs, and client and witness interviews. Digital recording units can be of immense assistance in these situations, but are often overlooked. Devices with the ability to record on multiple channels, in stereo or for great lengths of time may be the best choice and provide greater control over the recording qualities. Luckily, there are a number of products on the market that make this capability available for both large and small budgets. Here are four examples that span the pricing gamut.
■ The Philips Digital Pocket Memo 955 is designed as a professional solution for conference recording and comes equipped with everything you need to record with 360-degree coverage. The Pocket Memo 955 is part of a system that includes two conference microphones, an interview micro-phone, a USB docking station, a compact carrying case, all the necessary cables, and the Philips SpeechExec Pro Dictate software for transferring your recordings to your computer.
It records in the standard speech transcription DSS file format as well as the ubiquitous MP3 format, and it features an exchangeable SD card for extended recording capacity. The full system retails for about $999 and can be expanded with additional microphones and larger memory cards. (Disclosure: I am a Philips Professional MDC and have sold other Philips digital equipment but not the DPM 955.)
■ The Olympus LS-10 is a professional-grade recorder that com-bines ease of use with high-level audio resolution. It comes with two condenser microphones as well as a 1/8-inch jack for an external micro-phone. Equipped with 2 gigabytes of built-in flash memory, the LS-10 also accepts SD/SD II cards up to 8 GBs, allowing for expanded recording time. The device records in WAV, WMA and MP3 formats and will record for up to 12 hours on a set of AAA batteries. Accessories include a two-channel stereo microphone kit, a tie clip and compact gun microphones. Small enough to fit in your pocket, the LS-10 gives you big recorder capabilities in an extremely light-weight and portable unit. Estimated retail price is around $399.
■ The Zoom H2 Handy Recorder provides for easy stereo recording of conferences, meetings and more. This small, simple-to-use portable recorder has four built-in microphones, with two facing the front and two facing the rear, enabling four-channel 360-degree coverage. It also offers the ability to use a number of different external microphones. The H2 can record in both WAV and MP3 formats. You can record up to four hours continuously on two AA batteries—and with a 16GB SD memory card, you can record up to 280 hours in MP3 format. The device can also work as a USB microphone when connected to a computer. Plus, you can set the H2 to automatically begin recording whenever audio is detected, as well as to constantly record the most recent two seconds of audio so you don't miss anything that's said.
The H2 combines a number of valuable advanced recording features with the ability to adapt to a number of re-cording environments. Street prices range from $180 to under $150 at many online retailers.
■ The GoStudio from Belkin isn't actually a recorder—it's a com-pact unit that turns your iPod into a portable recording studio. The GoStudio includes an iPod docking cradle, two built-in microphones and two XLR audio jacks for connecting external micro-phones, as well as a 3.5mm jack for stereo input. Reviewers report that the GoStudio achieves its best sound quality with external microphones.
While lacking the software controls of the Zoom H2 and similar recorders, the GoStudio gives users a different kind of value by allowing them to leverage an existing piece of digital equipment (i.e., their iPod) and turn it into a recording device with high-level features usually only found in stand-alone recorders. On-line prices range from $149 to under $120.
Nerino J. Petro, Jr., is a legal technologist and the Practice Management Advisor for the State Bar of Wisconsin. A former practicing attorney, he blogs on legal technology and practice management issues at www.compujurist.com.


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(Past Event)
Starring J. Cole, Travis Scott, Future and many more. Did you attend this event? Please feel free to share your experience. More information is available about this event online at www.rollingloud.com/home.
|Hard Rock Stadium
Miami Gardens
|Event Type:
|Festivals - Music
|Date Range:
|Started: 05/11/18
Ended: 05/11/18
|Active Schedule:
|Past Schedule:
|Fri, May 11:
12:00 pm
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Spring 2010 Issue
The 'Golden Girls'
The Alumni Association hosted its annual Alumni Reunion Weekend March 12 -14 for the class of 1960. Alumnae from across the country attended and reminisced about the days when then Barry College was an all-girls school.
The festivities began March 12, with a "Back to College Experience" at the Miami Shores campus. Starting from the Cor Jesu Chapel, the alumnae took a guided tour of campus hosted by current students. They also joined an alumni ambassador and sat in a class of their choice to engage with faculty and students in an interactive learning experience. The day concluded with a luncheon in the Roussell Dining Hall at the Landon Student Union.
For some down time on March 13, the women and their families had an opportunity to relax and enjoy a dinner at Dolores But You Can Call Me Lolita in Miami.
The morning of March 14 started with an alumni mass in the Cor Jesu Chapel. After mass, the Alumni Association hosted a champagne brunch at the Andy Gato Gallery. At the event, Barry President Sister Linda Bevilacqua OP, PhD, presented fellow alumnae with awards inducting them into the Golden Shield Society. The society honors alumnae celebrating their 50th anniversary as Barry graduates.


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Most cameras offer some degree of versatility, but it's fair to say that there are certain photographic jobs for which some tools are better than others. And for the following jobs, we'd recommend the following cameras...
£560 + £420 europe-nikon.com
Assuming you're going to be crawling through undergrowth looking to shoot animals and birds in their natural habitat rather than peering at ants through a macro lens, we'd recommend a DSLR and a nice telephoto lens. And the 24MP Nikon D3200 is a fine mid-range camera, especially when paired with this relatively affordable 70-300mm telephoto zoom, which'll let you snap subjects without getting too close and scaring them off.
Wildlife photography – Nikon D3200 and Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6G lens
£1150 (w/12-50mm lens) olympus.co.uk
Jetting off to some European capital for a long weekend and want a snapper to help capture it all? You can go wrong with the Olympus OM-D E-M5, the company's most advanced compact system camera yet: powerful and versatile, it shoots excellently in almost any conditions, autofocuses in a flash and features advanced image stabilisation
£400 samsung.com/uk
While it isn't out just yet, it's clear that the Samsung Galaxy Camera is a cut above the existing handful of snappers capable of uploading your shots to Facebook or Picasa via a clunky interface and Wi-Fi. The Galaxy Camera is a class apart, running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and having access to all the social networks as well as sharing sites like Instagram and Flickr.
City break – Olympus OM-D E-M5
£530 fujifilm.eu/uk
Don't let its retro exterior fool you: the X10 is as cutting edge as they come – and a great camera for snapping scenes of everyday street life. Its small size, discreet black finish, speedy autofocus and manual zoom ring make it ideal for quickly capturing interesting people and scenes.
£410 sonymobile.com
The one camera you're pretty much guaranteed to have on you at all times is your smartphone. The Nokia 808 PureView may have the best camera of any blower on the block, but its Symbian OS means we can't really recommend it. The new Sony Xperia T, on the other hand, sports the far more useful Android 4.0 Jelly Bean, alongside a 13MP camera that's ready for action just over a second after you tap the shutter button. Performance is excellent, with the new sensor delivering beautifully accurate colours and detail.
Google Nexus 10 tablet to arrive on October 29th?
What is the future of 3D printing?


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Carrizo Plain National Monument
Open to the Public
Things To Do
Spectacular panoramic landscapes, a diversity of wildlife comparable to Africa's Serengeti, the highest concentration of threatened and endangered wildlife in California—these are the irreplaceable assets of the Carrizo Plain National Monument.
The Carrizo Plain stretches for 250,000 acres along the base of the Temblor Mountains, 60 miles east of San Luis Obispo. Its vast grasslands, as well as woodland habitats and vernal pools, sustain 15 of California's threatened and endangered plants and animals.
Here may rest the future of such species as the California jewelflower, San Joaquin kit fox, mountain plover, blunt-nosed leopard lizard, pronghorn antelope and giant kangaroo rat.
The Carrizo Plain is also the largest protected habitat along the Pacific Flyway, making it a birder's paradise in winter. In spring, Carrizo's rolling grasslands thrill wildflower enthusiasts with a breathtaking assortment of blooms.
Thinking Big
In 1988, The Nature Conservancy partnered with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the California Department of Fish and Game to undertake an ambitious project of acquiring and managing this great expanse of land.
Through cooperative effort, the initial 82,000-acre parcel not only grew to its current quarter-million acreage, it garnered federal support, becoming a national monument in 2001.
Landmark Resource Management Plan and Conservation Strategies
The partners worked tirelessly to develop a stewardship plan for this vast area. The resulting resource management strategy uses an innovative set of protocols to maintain and increase the populations of threatened and endangered species.
The Carrizo Plain project also represents a prime platform for scientific research. Together with our partners we have implemented cutting-edge conservation approaches, such as the use of satellite technology to track the vitally important giant kangaroo rat, a keystone species without which the ecosystem would collapse.
How You Can Help
Join in this exciting work to protect California's threatened and endangered species by making a donation to the California Program or by becoming a member of The Nature Conservancy.
The Carrizo Plain National Monument offers a vast number of recreational opportunities for the visitor, including birding, camping, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and much, much more. Don't forget to visit the Goodwin Education Center and sign up for a tour!
What To See:
- Mountain plovers
- California condors
- Roadrunners
- Wintering raptors such as hawks, eagles, falcons and owls
- San Joaquin kit foxes
- Giant kangaroo rats
- Tule elk
- Pronghorn antelope
- Blunt-nosed leopard lizards
- California jewelflowers
- San Joaquin woolly threads
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!comments powered by Disqus
Read our guidelines on posting comments


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Volunteers key to safety and health of citizens
(Editor's Note: With April 10-16 being National Volunteer Week, this is part four of a four-part series about the importance of volunteers in certain organizations throughout the community.)Volunteers are not only critical to helping organizations runs smoothly. They are also key to helping them keep citizens safe and healthy.Cindy Nickell at American Red Cross of Borger said she can use volunteers. She continued to say the Hutchinson County area has well over 100 volunteers who respond to fires, help canteen the firefighters, and also train the public in CPR and first aid. Some of the volunteers for Red Cross are Percilla Newberry, Linda Washer, Cindy Graves, Mary Jane Nies, Pete Loftis Lendy Tate, Amanda Gurarde, Bill Cope, Woran and Rita Kretzneier, and Shane Albright. If you or anyone you know wants to be a volunteer for the Red Cross and is willing to go through a background check you can visit www.americanredcross.com or call Cindy Nickell at 273-6012. Danny Richards from the Emergency Operation Center stated that the volunteer's "are absolutely essential to the community and we heavily depend on them." Some things the EOC volunteers take on are storm spotting, traffic assistance, for the fire department and police department, crowd management for public events, search and rescue for lost people, and help with evacuations. The EOC is activated when there are large disasters occur, such as blizzards, wildfires, and massive thunderstorms. For Hutchinson County, there are 18 members in the EOC that have went through the appropriate training, background checks, and screenings that are held once a year. Richards said "I'm very proud, because they donate a lot of their time and put a lot of heart in to volunteering. That is what the community needs. We are very fortunate to have a group of volunteers to keep everyone safe." Pam Trout, the Volunteer Coordinator of Golden Plains Community Hospital, stated that "Our volunteers are a unique asset to our team and range from ages 40-91. In the year 2010, our volunteers donated 7,817 hours of service with an average length of stay at 6.45 years." She continued to say that the volunteers mainly work at the Information Desk or Gift Shop; however, they also transport patients and lab specimens. Trout also stated that "Our volunteers are members of an Auxiliary and make numerous contributions from the funds raised in our Gift Shop. Our volunteers come to work with a smile and are always willing to help those that enter our doors. We are very honored to have such a dedicated group of volunteers." Volunteering at the GPCH are Lou Boulter, James Bruce, Shirley Bruce, Louise Burns, Jean Chisum, Donnell Drake, Jerry Drake, Becky England, Vernon Ensey, Lydia Fowlkes, Naomi Fox, Sherry Hanrahan, Judy Mooney, Jana Pronger, Patricia Searcy, Stephen Searcy, Helen Sibley, Gay Smith, Patrick Viles, W. C. "Gov" White and Gloria Williams. "Next time you visit Golden Plains Community Hospital, say "thank-you" to a volunteer - it would be very difficult to operate without them! Thanks volunteers for all you do, we love you!" Trout said anyone interested in volunteering at Golden Plains can contact Pam Trout at 467-5610 or pick up an application at the Information Desk.


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The Davis family
The Davis family
Four days after the trial, Nathaniel Davis Jr. sat on his porch overlooking his beloved Norton Street in Dorchester. A day earlier, the Supreme Court had ruled that it was unconstitutional for juveniles to be given life sentences. The ruling could affect his son's killer, Joshua Fernandes, who was 16 when he fired the fatal shots.
Latrina Fomby-Davis sorted through paperwork at the health center in Braintree where she works as the front desk supervisor. Since her son Nicholas's death, work has been a refuge.
Nate Davis awoke around 5 one morning in August to make the long trip to Cape Cod to fish for porgies. He aborted the trip when his fishing mate decided to sleep in. On the way back home, he stopped in front of a construction site on Quincy Street and said it could be a place for a recreational center for area kids.
Nate Davis sat in the play room where his son, Nicholas, used to practice playing drums. He listened to some favorite tunes from an LP called "Save the Children."
A school official escorted Natalie Davis to a seat at her graduation ceremony. The Urban Science Academy event was held in Faneuil Hall on June 6.
Trinecia Fomby-Davis wears a tattoo of a PlayStation controller in memory of her baby brother, Nicholas. It has his dates of birth and death.
Nate and Trina Davis shared a light moment after a cookout at Boston police headquarters for families of homicide victims in late August.
Nate Davis proudly scanned his certificate after graduating from a basic computer training program in late May at United South End Settlements, a community organization.
Nate Davis encouraged his neighbors, including Isaiah Miranda, 2, and Jaylanny Fernandes, 3, to have a dance contest at a cookout in a common area near his yard in early August. The block party was organized by his neighbor.
A poster collage of Nicholas Fomby-Davis hangs in his old music room at his family's Norton Street home. Nicholas enjoyed playing drums and his PlayStation.
Nate Davis arrived early in court on June 21 -- the birthday of his twins, Natalie and Little Nate -- to wait for the verdict in the murder trial of two young men accused of killing his son. Both accused killers lived in Bowdoin-Geneva at the time of the murder.
Latrina Fomby Davis testified somberly on the first day of the trial. She described her frantic and terrifying moments after learning that her son had been shot and racing behind the ambulance to the hospital.
Officer Anthony Williams, who had witnessed the killing of Nicholas Fomby-Davis, pointed to a screen showing images from a surveillance video during the trial in Suffolk Superior Court. Prosecutor Pat Haggan, left, told jurors to focus on what happened that day, May 30, 2010, and not why it happened. The reason, he said, would not make sense.
In his victim impact statement in court in late June, Nate Davis told his son's killers that he has to pass by the murder site -- close to his family home -- every day. He said that they had only one intention when they picked up that gun -- and that was to kill, he shouted.
Nate Davis put a set of solar-charged lights at his son's gravesite on Aug. 20 in an effort to protect it from vandals who had threatened to desecrate it.