text:
By Jeanmarie Evelly, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
SUNNYSIDE — Family and friends of Lou Rispoli, a gay activist and longtime Queens resident who was fatally beaten on a Sunnyside street in October, are hoping new sketches of the suspects will bring them closer to finding the men responsible for the crime.
The sketches of the two wanted men were released by police on Friday, more than three months after Rispoli's murder on Oct. 20, and were the first major break in the case since then.
The NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau is looking into how officers handled the investigation in its earliest hours, according to Deputy Inspector Donald Powers of the 108th Precinct.
According to a Sunnyside Post report from November, there was a 36-hour delay between the attack on Rispoli and the arrival of a police crime scene van at the scene.
"Our Internal Affairs Bureau is handling that," Powers said at the precinct's community council meeting Tuesday night. "When they're done, we'll let you know."
Powers said the sketches of two men — a white man in his 20s and a Hispanic man in his 30s — were based on "new information" gleaned recently in the investigation.
"We weren't sitting on that. That was collected recently," he said, saying the case was on the precinct's "front burner." He said they also obtained a description of the getaway car, described as a two-door, white, new-model sports car with very bright headlights and a noticeably loud muffler.
On Tuesday evening, Rispoli's grieving family and friends were taking matters into their own hands, canvassing several Sunnyside subway stations with the sketches in the hopes that it might lead to a break in the case.
"It's not about revenge. For me, it's about closure," said Danyal Lawson, Rispoli's husband and partner for more than 32 years, as he handed out fliers at the 40th Street-Lowery Street station, just blocks from where the beating took place. "Until they catch these people, there will never be closure for me."
Rispoli, 62, was walking on 43rd Avenue in Sunnyside just after 2 a.m. on Oct. 20 when he was approached by two men, who briefly struck up a conversation before hitting him on the head with a blunt object, witnesses said at the time. A third man was seen keeping watch. Rispoli died from his injuries five days later, when his family took him off life support.
"It is important that we take these brutal murderers off the streets," said City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents Sunnyside and was a close personal friend of Rispoli's. He said he and others are frustrated by the lack of progress on the case.
"There are more unanswered questions when it comes to this investigation, unfortunately, than all of us would like," he said.
Lawson said he believes the beating was a random act of violence committed by strangers.
"This was a senseless act. I really do believe that in my heart it was just the wrong place at the wrong time," he said. "For someone to brutally hit someone over the head…you have to have a lot of hate and rage in you."
Rispoli, who worked as an administrator at the Greenwich House Music School in Greenwich Village, was active in the local arts community and was an activist in the early AIDS and gay rights movements, Lawson said. A Sunnyside resident for more than 30 years, Rispoli loved the neighborhood and was well-known in the community.
His birthday is this Friday, when he would have turned 63, Lawson said.
"A wonderful person was taken from a lot of people," he said. "It's very emotional. It's much harder now than even three months ago, just the reality of it all."
On Tuesday, Sunnyside resident Sara Casablanca, 52, was handed a flier of the suspects as she got off the train. She said Rispoli's murder — along with the high-profile killing of Woodside resident Sunando Sen, who was pushed to his death in front of a subway train at the 40th Street station in December — made her feel uneasy in the neighborhood for the first time in the 30 years she's lived there.
"It's scary. Before, you left your door open. Now we tell everyone, our elderly neighbors, to lock their doors. It's changed," she said. "Once it gets late, I don't like to go out."
A $22,000 has been offered for information in the Rispoli case. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.


text:
What a difference a year makes. In May 2008, top graduates of Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration fielded salary offers of at least $70,000 a year and a bonus of the same amount for their first post-grad jobs. Not to be outdone, many Columbia University or Wharton grads armed with MBAs and commercial real estate finance skills were snapped up by Wall Street firms for six-figure salaries.
But that was before the collapse of investment bank Lehman Brothers last September at the height of the subprime mortgage crisis and before commercial real estate fundamentals across the board began to show significant deterioration. Today, job opportunities on Wall Street and Main Street for the Class of 2009 have greatly diminished.
"Last year at this time many of our graduates had received more than one offer," recalls Steve Carvell, associate dean at Cornell's hotel school in Ithaca, N.Y. "We had about 40 of our students going into Wall Street-type jobs in real estate. It's not happening anymore."
According to the 2009 hiring trends survey of commercial real estate industry executives by Chicago-based FPL Advisory Group LLC, 49% of companies expect their workforce to decrease, with the largest declines on the West Coast and in the Northeast.
Executives expect base salaries to remain flat, and more than half of respondents say bonuses are decreasing. In March, the National Association of Colleges and Employers reported results of a new survey that showed firms plan to hire 22% fewer graduates this spring.
The national unemployment rate reached 8.5% in March, and since the recession began in December 2007, 5.1 million jobs have been lost, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates faced with evaporating career opportunities have become more resourceful, shifting their priorities to consider jobs in real estate fields that are not their first choice.
Instead of trying in vain to land a job with a development or real estate investing firm, an increasing number of grads are considering a career in the burgeoning field of asset management. Among the few bright spots for job seekers is the increased demand for grads with the financial acumen to assist borrowers with loan workouts or in raising capital.
"It's a tough market, tougher than any I can remember," says Lynne Sagalyn, director of the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate at Columbia University in New York. A couple of years ago, about 38% of her graduates found jobs in investment banking. Now it's down to nearly 20%. As government programs for troubled assets and public-private investment vehicles play larger roles in the coming months, there will be a need for new hires to run the numbers and conduct due diligence, notes Sagalyn, who has been observing the market for more than 17 years.
Grads can also find opportunities by contacting building owners, says professor Joseph Gyourko, director of the Sam Zell and Robert Lurie Real Estate Center at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in Philadelphia. "You still have to own [buildings], you still have to finance them, you still have to run them. That's where you're going to have to go and get jobs."
The University of Wisconsin's Graaskamp Center for Real Estate makes it easy to screen potential new hires by offering video interviewing when recruiters are unable to travel to the campus, says Kris Hammargren, senior associate director of the center. The program, which focuses on economics and finance, also taps the university's connections to the Urban Land Institute as it tries to help grads, says Hammargren.
Earlier grads lose jobs
Mounting job losses nationally have hit close to home for many schools offering advanced degrees in commercial real estate. Hundreds of alumni of prestigious real estate programs, including some who graduated in 2008, have lost their jobs, not only on Wall Street but at development and real estate finance firms throughout the country.
Some unemployed professionals have sought help from their alma maters by contacting professors who were already trying to assist the current crop of grads in gaining a toehold in the industry.
So sensitive is the ongoing layoff issue, in fact, that it has affected traditional internships for talented students. "This is the first summer we're going to find that paid summer internships are hard to find," says Terry Farris, director of the master of real estate development program at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. Companies that have laid off workers are reluctant to bring in a new employee to work for a reduced rate, says Farris.
Some employers believe that hiring an intern at a time when their company is financially struggling and downsizing sends the wrong message. Paying an intern is not the problem. It's the image of hiring someone to work for low wages at a time when some employees feel that their jobs may be in jeopardy, Farris explains.
Developing like The Donald
Despite the severe recession, students pursuing advanced degrees are barreling ahead to complete projects as part of their coursework. At Clemson, where a two-year program to earn a master's degree in real estate development costs $25,000 per year, the 19-member Class of 2009 undertook a final practicum involving two projects: a 60-acre, $300 million mixed-use redevelopment in Charlotte, N.C., and a residential project in Columbia, S.C.
The final projects include conducting a feasibility analysis, site plan and market study. The results are presented to a jury to review, in a process similar to presenting a proposal to potential investors. "It's as close to a real deal as you can get. These are top brokers in town, as well as developers," Farris says.
The scenario is reminiscent of developer Donald Trump's popular television program, The Apprentice, in which candidates undertake projects and compete for a chance to work with the developer.
Clemson grads who get the chance to develop shopping centers in the South or Midwest normally earn $75,000 to $100,000 to start, plus a $10,000 or $20,000 bonus. That's if they can find a development job in a recessionary environment marked by a dearth of new projects. Salaries have dropped slightly from last year, with $60,000 a reasonable starting figure at a smaller firm, Farris says.
A few candidates still attract multiple, six-figure job offers, Farris adds. Matt Summers, who managed a 4.0 grade point average while pursuing a master's degree in real estate development, received two offers and accepted a job at Spectrum Capital LLC in Jackson, Miss. Summers has managed developments valued at up to $120 million, juggling the real-life projects with his studies.
For new grads hungering for six-figure paychecks, Sagalyn of Columbia University has some advice. "This is not the time to focus on big salaries." she says. It's a time to soak up skills. "You're going to have to work really hard, probably for less. What matters is your earning potential over your lifetime, and that's going to be affected by what you learn in the next two or three years."
Denise Kalette is senior associate editor.
Awaiting An Offer
World-traveling Wharton MBA candidate has managed investor reports, tax audits.
Jennifer Ambrosecchia hopes to have a long and rewarding career in commercial real estate, perhaps in asset management or investment. But the job offer she seeks has eluded her, as it has so many others in the Class of 2009 in this year of recession and credit constraints.
With the national unemployment rate at 8.5% and many companies downsizing, it's not easy to land a job in commercial real estate, Ambrosecchia admits, but she's determined. "It is certainly a very challenging recruiting environment," she says. "I am very committed to the industry. I'm trying to assess how I can position myself for when the economy recovers."
Ambrosecchia, who is graduating from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in Philadelphia with a master of business administration (MBA) degree, has majors in both real estate and finance. She has broadened her search to include specialties beyond asset management and investment, and is approaching both private and government employers.
Few MBA candidates in earlier classes targeted the government, but with the increased federal role in helping companies work out their financial problems that strategy could pay off, she says. She has also contacted Wharton alumni to reach potential employers.
The Wharton grad is armed with an impressive resume. In 2007, she made the director's list with grades in the top 10% of her class.
Kindling a real estate passion
Her interest in real estate finance deepened while she worked from 2005 to 2007 as a senior analyst at Richman Asset Management in Greenwich, Conn., part of the Richman Group, which specializes in investment banking and multifamily management. She was given important responsibilities, including managing and editing annual and quarterly investor reports for a commercial real estate portfolio of 900 affordable rental properties.
Ambrosecchia also coordinated an annual review of 700 limited partnership tax returns and audited financial statements. "It was an incredibly valuable experience, a true learning experience," she says. "That's what sparked my passion for real estate. I consider many of the executives at Richman to be like mentors to me."
Last summer, she interned at General Electric Real Estate in Norwalk, Conn., providing analytical support for retail investments of up to $100 million.
She also estimated the net asset value of a publicly traded real estate investment trust with a $1.5 billion market cap for a potential $100 million preferred equity investment. Ambrosecchia built cash-flow models to estimate the return on potential investments.
"There was a very big difference between GE and my prior work experience," she says. GE is a large conglomerate while Richman is far smaller, and privately held. "I was very pleased with my experience with GE, but at this point I feel like evaluating some different opportunities." In 2002, she interned at Merrill Lynch in White Plains, N.Y., providing office support and assisting financial advisers.
Shopping lessons
During a trip to India over winter break, Ambrosecchia enjoyed evaluating retail development, and found the malls of Mumbai, with upscale retailers like Louis Vuitton, far more sophisticated than the open-air markets she had anticipated. "Some of the malls are comparable to what you would see in the U.S. or most of the Western world."
The multifamily housing market also intrigued her. "In Mumbai, you can drive from the slums to very high-priced condos." Last year, on a trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil she saw affordable housing built by the local government. Officials were trying to convince local residents to leave their run-down housing for better units.
Her attraction to international development is understandable. Ambrosecchia was born in New York, but spent her childhood and young adulthood in Italy where her father was born. She moved to Westchester after high school.
Although she misses Italy's quaint medieval towns, Ambrosecchia likes living in the U.S. She knows the New York City area best, but for the right job, the Wharton grad is ready to travel. "I'm very open-minded."
Green Beret
After earning a Purple Heart in Afghanistan, Clemson grad conquers development.
At 28, Matt Summers already has managed mixed-use and retail developments valued at up to $120 million, while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average in the master of real estate development program at Clemson University in South Carolina. In his spare time, he buys and manages rental property.
But that's not all. Summers is a decorated veteran of the war in Afghanistan, where as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces his actions earned him a Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars and a number of other medals, including an Airborne Badge for his achievements as a paratrooper. He brings a similar resolve and intensity to his real estate career.
Summers, who mastered courses in development and investment as well as site planning, urban design, market analysis and finance, is among a few members of Clemson's real estate development Class of 2009 to garner multiple job offers.
After graduation this month, he will pack up and head to Jackson, Miss., to work for developer and property manager Spectrum Capital LLC. "They made me a great offer, and my wife and I are only too happy to move down to Mississippi and become part of their team," he says.
A $120 million opportunity
Since last August Summers has traveled between the university in South Carolina and his job in Mississippi, where he manages a neighborhood retail center. He also made at least three trips to Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he has been appointed manager of Spectrum's Dynasty Park, a $120 million mixed-use project that will incorporate 200 to 250 upscale hotel rooms, about 65 luxury condos, up to 25,000 sq. ft. of retail space, and an estimated 30,000 sq. ft. of office space.
"We have assembled the land and we are in the design development stage," says Summers. After trimming some costs he is "making sure that we have the perfect plan," he adds. Depending on how well the condo presales go, groundbreaking could take place as early as September, with completion about 26 months later.
In Jackson, he will oversee a $10 million component of another mixed-use project that incorporates a $20 million baseball stadium and a Sam's Club, among other elements. The total project cost is expected to exceed $100 million.
Summers is pleased with the progress he has made in his career. "I've been involved with a series of projects, but right now I'm just starting to take leadership roles, as opposed to acting as a support element."
And he's enjoying the development process. "Mixed-use is a lot of fun. It has its own set of unique problems and circumstances, and I think that if I can become proficient in developing mixed-use, I will become proficient at any other kind of development just by default. It's a door-opening opportunity to go into other branches of development."
But he doesn't have his heart set on a particular sector, such as office or industrial. "I'm an opportunist, I guess," he says. "I don't want to close any doors. I'll go wherever there's opportunity."
He and his wife have sold two condos and other investment property in Fayetteville, N.C. to prepare for the transition to Mississippi.
Scars of combat
Summers lists his wartime achievements on his resume, although he speaks about the experience with reserve. On October 12, 2006, he was standing next to a truck that exploded, trapping two fellow soldiers inside. His back and arms bear the scars after he and two teammates jumped into the burning truck to rescue the soldiers.
"That's how we got burned," says Summers. "We went into the truck and pulled the other guys out before it exploded again. The army saw fit to give us a medal."
In Afghanistan, he also designed combat missions, consulted for the State Department and trained more than 200 Afghan National Army soldiers, leading them on combat missions in Operation Enduring Freedom. More recently, he put his strategic skills to work in developing a project management template for his new employer.
Summers worries about his peers as they endure lengthy job hunts, and is thankful that his career is underway. "I'm fortunate enough that my plans are cast in concrete for the foreseeable future."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Trish gloves up with US Navy Seals
THERE are few people tougher than American Navy SEALs.
But Ipswich-raised Tricia Ham might just be one of them.
Mrs Ham is a personal trainer in Burlington, Kentucky, where she has been working with members of the US military wanting to join the special forces.
After moving to the United States with her husband Steve, she was contacted by a former Marine asking her to help train two sailors hoping to get into the SEAL program.
"During that workout I could see where these two guys needed some help physically, so I offered to help them out, as I didn't yet have a job here," she said.
"I went with them to their monthly physical screening tests for SPECWAR (Special Warfare).
"After a while I went to the Navy Recruiting Station in Florence to meet the recruiters, and they called me that very day and asked me to train the four of them for their next physical requirement test, which the Navy do every six months."
From those first two Mrs Ham has become the go-to personal trainer for Navy personnel in the Ohio Navy Recruiting District.
"I have trained a few (army) Rangers candidates and one Coast Guard, one National Guard and right now I have my first Air Force Special Ops (combat controller), and also my first Army Special Forces candidate (Green Beret)."
Her work has even garnered her an official letter of commendation from the Navy.
"I have been training voluntarily and also going to help out at the delayed entry programs meetings, which is why they gave me the commendation.
"I have just loved the fact that they have taken me in as their own and I almost feel part of their Navy family."
SEAL speak
- Standing for sea, air and land, the SEALs are the elite special forces of the US Navy.
- There are fewer than 2500 members of the SEALs - less than 1% of the US Navy.
- While they were established in 1962, the SEALs trace their origins to naval special forces started in the Second World War.


text:
Ohio State had its hands full with Northwestern. The Buckeyes did enough to win.
The Buckeyes ran the nation's longest win streak to 18 games, rallying from 10 down in the second half for a 40-30 victory over Northwestern at a wet and loud Ryan Field on Saturday.
Whether they helped their national standing is another issue, and that was one receiver Corey Brown really didn't want to address afterward.
"We're not worried about any of the media stuff," he said. "We're just going to play for ourselves and keep winning and do what we do."
The Buckeyes (6-0, 2-0) are unbeaten since Urban Meyer took over as coach last season. They won all 12 games a year ago but were banned from a bowl game because of NCAA sanctions.
Now, they're eyeing a championship. The problem is that their out-of-conference schedule lacks a marquee opponent, and it's not easy to turn heads playing in the Big Ten.
The Buckeyes cleared two of their biggest hurdles by beating Wisconsin and Northwestern the past two weeks and have home games against Iowa and Penn State coming next. They don't play another team currently ranked until the regular-season finale against Michigan.
The Big Ten championship comes a week later, and they could go into the bowl season unbeaten.
"You'd sit next to a guy who's throwing a no-hitter and say hey dude you've got a no-hitter going," Meyer said. "No I'm not even thinking about that. We're just going to get ready for the stretch run."
The Buckeyes certainly looked like a team that could use some fine-tuning on Saturday, and they might have fallen if not for Carlos Hyde.
All he did was run for a career-high 168 yards and three second-half touchdowns to lift Ohio State on a rainy night with a prime-time audience watching.
Northwestern, a team trying to show it can beat the Big Ten's best, looked like it just might do that with a 23-13 lead in the third quarter.
Hyde, who was suspended the first three games for an alleged conflict with a woman in a bar this summer, made sure it didn't happen.
He scored on a 4-yard run late in the third and added two more touchdowns in the fourth to put Ohio State up by four. When Kain Colter got stopped on a fourth-and-1 at the Buckeyes' 34 after recovering his own fumble in the closing minutes, that ended a scoring threat for Northwestern. And the game ended with Joey Bosa recovering a fumble in the end zone after the Wildcats lateralled.
So it was enough for the Buckeyes. They'll need more.
They wasted two big opportunities in the first half, settling for field goals after driving inside the 10. There was also a fake punt that resulted in a 2-yard loss, giving Northwestern possession on the Buckeyes' 30, and led to a field goal late in the second quarter.
And there was Miller, not quite playing to the level he did a week earlier. He threw for 203 yards but also had an interception and two fumbles after matching a career-high with four touchdown passes against Wisconsin.
On the plus side for the Buckeyes, Hyde came through in a big way with Jordan Hall nursing a knee injury. Corey Brown added 127 yards receiving, and the Buckeyes pulled one out when things were going wrong.
They showed a gutsy side, rallying down the stretch, after they hadn't trailed all season.
"Right now we just refuse to lose. It's a good thing. I like how this team handles adversity," Brown said.


text:
On "Paean to Place"
Jane Augustine
In "Paean to Place" from "My Life by Water," included in Cid Cormans memoir in Chicago Review #88 (1973), the sense that "I am what is around me"a line from Wallace Stevensis conveyed through images of water and waterside which are multiplied and overlaid to reflect, as she has said a "state of consciousness:
I was the solitary plover
a pencil
for a wingbone
From the secret notes
I must tilt
upon the pressure
execute and adjust
in us sea-air rhythm
We live by the urgent wave
of the verse
Here the literal description of her childhood "wading through weeds" is transmuted, as she grows up as artist as well, to the image of the plover which becomes, by the process of "reflection," the poet who keeps the world's balance, the lake's image shifting to that of seashore and ocean wave, the landscape thereby enlarged to include the entire globe; the plover is a bird found everywhere on earth, inland and by the shores. This conception of the poet as balancer through the use of reflective imagination is further expanded and embodied in "Wintergreen Ridge," published in Caterpillar 3/4 (Apr-July 1968). In this lovely meditative poem, employing the stanzaic form of William Carlos Williams' "Asphodel, That Greeny Flower"also a long meditationNiedecker's consciousness also blooms. Not unlike Williams' consciousness as he contemplates the asphodelthough not like him in farewell or apologiaNiedecker's mind travels widely in a great circle from signs to rocks through thoughts on the twin forces of natural evolution and human destructiveness (the bomb is also mentioned in "Asphodel") to the mythic names of wildflowers and back home again, but along strange by-ways.
The basis is clear and directly presented: the poet and her husband are climbing the limestone cliffs near the sea which are Wintergreen Ridge, having been led there by the road-sign arrows, those metaphors for the natural direction one's life must take. The rock's hardness suggests to her that "Man / lives hard / on this stone perch," the earth, not just this ridge, and this precariousness makes him "imagine / durable works / in creation here"art, poetry. Thinking more on transience because of the out-of-style skirt she is wearing, she is led to reflect on her longing to travel everywhere: to Norway, England, Crete, and to see "every creature / better alive / than dead." She speaks of the two of them as "gawks / lusting / after wild orchids."
A sign warning them not to pick the flowers suggests to her how flowers are saved: by evolution which has saved species (Darwin is the subject of another of her long poems of this period): "continuous life / through change." But Wintergreen Riddge was saved by brave human action, by "women / of good wild stock" who "stood stolid / . . . stopped bulldozers / cold / We Want it for all time / they said / and here it is."
Niedecker catalogs lovingly the wildflowers and plants, including the sundew, which eats insects, and the lady's-slipper which tricks the bee into its pollinating activity, natural ways matter is coaxed into evolving. She comments: "Women saved / a pretty thing: Truth." This truth, "good to the heart," is that the whole world is our finite parent, an insight also stressed by buddhists, and as in buddhist scriptures and practice recalled to each of us by the concrete memory of our own mother's goodness of heart. In Niedecker's reflections she hears again her mother's cry upon discovering gentians in a wood: "how she loved / closed gentians / she herself so closed." This memory sinks into a deeper one, more hinted at than described, of a love which stabbed her "close to the heart," and the resolution of her grief, as time passed, with work in solitude: "Nobody nothing / ever gave me / greater thing / than time / unless light / and silence / which if intense / makes sound." As reflection in mirrors literally intensifies light, so analogously silence when intensified is forced into brilliance, soundpoetry, the intensity in herself which she also implicitly compares also to the processes of tiny lichens which "grind with their acid / granite to sand" and may thereby survive the nuclear holocaust, as poetry manages to survive. As she walks among pipsissewa and grass-of-parnassus, she comes to waterlilies, the emblem of her whose life is by water: "Scent / the simple / the perfect / order of that flower / water lily," an order which is preeminent in her mind over the then-popular images of supposed mind-expansion, the space rocket and the acid trip, which she does not find at, Wintergreen Ridge.
Leaving the ridge and driving back "to cities," she notices the "change in church architecture," not an aleatory observation but the basic datum established in good imagist-objectivist style and opening again into reflection in the contemplative, not literal-mirror sense. The ugly distortion of the "black dinosaur-necked / blower-beaked / smokestack- / steeple" (the language itself almost a parody of mystical Hopkins) is overlaid by the suggestion that church religion itself is a "dinosaur," that species which earlier in the poem was described as having died while the humble weeds,horsetails, club mossesremained living, the exemplars of the humble "pretty thing: Truth" which women saved, the facts of actual existence, not grand ideas about existence.
from "The Evolution of Matter: Lorine Niedecker's Aesthetic." Sagetrieb Vol. 1 (1982), No. 1: 277-284.
Robert Bertholf (1985)
[Bertholfs review of From This Condensery, a collected poems, offers additional biographical information and explains the literary relationship between Niedecker and Louis Zukofsky that unfolded through an extended correspondence. Niedecker wrote several sequences to Zukofskys son Paul, beginning in 1950. Bertholf considers her work, then, in light of the aesthetics of writers like Zukofsky whose free verse self-consciously made use of the placement and spacing on the page.]
Niedeckers use of sequences reaches its apex in "Wintergreen Ridge" and "Paean to Place." "Wintergreen Ridge" employs a three-line stanza and short lines with a margin at the left and two internal margins. The lines move away from the left to the right, and in the hesitation between stopping and not stopping at the end of the lines focus sharp attention on individual lines, even while the movement of the poem is linear, back to the left, and forward to the next stanza. Sentences stretch across stanzas, enlarging the possibilities of statement, in the same way that the full-sentence line in a Miltonic sonnet increases the syntactic possibilities of the Shakespearean sonnet.
In "Paean to Place" the three-margin form is integrated into larger stanzas which allow more melodic variations. In these poems the stanza, and in most cases, the sentence as instituted in the stanza, is the unit of expression. Configuration, line breaks, spaces, and internal margins preclude the need for punctuation, and the internal validity of the poetics within the occasion of the poem sustains the form. Features are clear enough in the following section
[Bertholf quotes from a line that begins "On this stream" to "on the edge"]
No longer separate poems on separate subjects, now the stanzas move forward in a syncretistic way, adding sense toward the whole statement without demanding a structural conclusion. This realization of form, which pushes outward away from the left margin as it moves linearly, was Niedeckers grand achievement as a poet. The achievement was prepared for by a lifetime of writing poems in sequences.
From Robert Bertholf, "Lorine Niedecker: Portrait of a Poet," Parnassus 12:2/13:1 (1985), 232-234.
Donald Davie (1987)
Before the end Niedecker found a solution of sorts to the problem of how to build her little poems into larger structures. The solution was, not surprisingly, the sequence. One such sequence, "Lake Superior," has been applauded by others beside me as a celebration of the geography and history of her own part of America, just south of the Great Lakes; it is, in its forbidding way, perfect. Others "Thomas Jefferson," "His Carpets Flowered" (about William Morris)," and "Darwin" suffer from being, or seeming to be, marginalia to the prose biographies that were her sources. There remain "Wintergreen Ridge" and "Paean to Place." Both are illuminating and memorable.
In "Paean to Place," the style is not significantly different [from "Wintergreen Ridge"], though a five-line stanza (often quite richly rhymed) gives her and her reader more very welcome elbow room, and this seems to have enabled her to persist in suppressing punctuation, but without becoming cryptic. (A properly respectful annotator could help, but his task wouldnt be onerous.) Its more than two hundred lines hang together so naturally and closely that one quotes them all, or none at all. This is Niedeckers masterpiece, and should become a modern classic. The author of "Paean to Place" can be mentioned in the same breath as Dickinson.
Marjorie Perloff (1990)
From Donald Davie, "Niedecker," Parnassus 14:1 (1987), 207-207.
How good, after all, do the men have it? In one of her late sequences, "Paean to Place," Niedecker imaginatively re-creates her fathers state of mind in the long years of her mothers illness:
[Perloff cites lines beginning "Anchored here" and ending "of her hair"]
Like the poet, who must "log - in the cupboard, head / in closet," her father is imaged as "anchored," "Roped in the loop / of [his wifes] hair," the rope metaphor suggesting that ones noose is the product, not of external force, but of love itself in this case, the sexual loop of a womans hair, a loop all the more mysterious in that it remains outside the man who sits "beside his shoes."
from Marjorie Perloff, "Canon and Loaded Gun," in Poetic License: Essays on the Modernist and Postmodernist Lyric (Evanston: Northwestern U P, 1990), 50-51.
Return to Lorine Niedecker


text:
The Week's Best (And Worst) Celebrity Tweets: 50 Cent, French Montana, and Stacey Dash
These tweet streets ain't safe no more.
From Fif and French's virtual shots to Stacey Dash's Romney co-sign, Twitter has some funny characters. Here's the week's most RT-worthy moments.
50 Cent
Fitty caught wind of Insanul Ahmed's interview with French Montana and soon, timelines were a-blazin'. The Coke Boy is the least susceptible to beef in the game, given his heavy mobbin' with resident label Bad Boy, YMCMB and MMG, but leave it to the G-Unit leader to disturb the peace.


text:
Beaumont/Port Arthur
The Orange County Sheriff's Office is investigating the deaths of 15 cattle found shot on a private-property area of Mansfield Ferry Road in Vidor. Sheriff Keith Merritt said his office was alerted to the incident Monday, April 15, at approximately 8:50 a.m. by a concerned citizen traveling by the scene of the crime. According to a press release from Sgt. Chad Hogan, the cattle were all female and included several calves.
While we harbor no disrespect for the Wall Street Journal who called us "that scrappy little paper from Southeast Texas," we prefer to think of ourselves as simple seekers of the truth. We're of the opinion that headlines and sound bites never tell the whole story. Our readers demand all the facts, facets and flavors of every story or event. And, they expect to be informed, educated and stirred to action.
For this week's New York Times crossword puzzle, pick up a copy of this week's The Examiner on newsstands now.


text:
Our first ride of the New Year will be on January 13th at 12:00 pm. Meet at 108 Mount Clare Ave which is at the corner of Mount Clare and Hillside in N. Asheville. We'll take a leisurely cruise and finish at the Wedge, Dirty Jacks, or possibly Coxe Ave. Asheville Brewing depending on popular vote for local beers.
See ya on the road.
Lets Rock and Ride!


text:
|General Page
|About Academy
|Contact us
"Gitutyun" newspaper
N319 June 2018
Science Development Foundation of NAS RA
All Armenian Foundation Financing Armenological Studies
International Scientific Educational Center of NAS RA
Fundamental Scientific Library of NAS RA
International Commission for awarding Viktor Ambartsumian International Prize
Academic Scientific Research Computer Network of Armenia
Armenian National Information Point HORIZON 2020
Members / Honorary Doctors
Latest Announcements
The Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) is pleased to announce the Call for Applications for its "Travel Grant for Collaborative Research" program 2018-2019. The grants (maximum 7500 USD per application) aim to foster collaboration in the STEM field between Armenian and international researchers. Deadline: October 30, 2018. In case of inquiries please contact email@example.com.
The 19th Congress of the European Section of the International Society of Toxinology "Basic Science and Clinical aspects of Animal, Plant and Microbial Toxins" will be organized by the Institute of Physiology after L.Orbeli NAS RA on September 22-26 in Yerevan
On 24-26 September, 2018, the Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA is organizing a Practical Course "R for bioinformatics - a beginner's guide". The course objective is to introduce R computing language to students and scientists interested in data analysis and bioinformatics. Course covers basics of R data types, syntax and main/popular biological data analysis packages
On 25-29 September, 2018, the V International Conference on "Current Problems of Chemical Physics" will be held in Yerevan, organized by the Institute of Chemical Physics after A.B. Nalbandyan of NAS RA
On 27-28 September, 2018, the Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA is organizing a Practical Course "Scientific programming in R". The course objective is to introduce participants with advanced statistical and machine learning techniques and approaches used in analysis of big biological data
On Ocober 12-13, 2018, Institute for Informatics and Automation Problems of the NAS RA and SmartGateVC with the support of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, the Committee of Science (Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia), Young Scientists Support Program, the Youth Foundation of Armenia, the Enterprise Incubator Foundation, Zero and GiZ, organize conference on "Science and Technology Convergence" (Yerevan, Armenia). For more information see www.stcc.am. For further questions please write to firstname.lastname@example.com
The Ministry of Diaspora of the RA, the National Academy of Sciences of the RA and Mkhitarist Congregation organize a conference dedicated to the 175th anniversary of the armenological journal "Bazmavep" on October 19, 2018, in Yerevan.
On October 22-24, 2018, Institute of Mathematics of NAS RA, Armenian Mathematical Union organize International Conference dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of academician Mkhitar Djrbashyan (Yerevan, Armenia). For more information see: http://math.sci.am/conference/djrbashian-100
On October 26-27, 2018 "China-Eurasia" Council for Political and Strategic Research, Foundation, Institute of Oriental Studies, National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Armenia and Department of Oriental Studies, International Scientific-Educational Center of National Academy of Sciences, Republic of Armenia organize international conference "China-Eurasia" (orient.sci.am, chinastan.org).
On 15 November, 2018, the Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Law of NAS RA is organizing a scientific conference dedicated to UNESCO's World Philosophy Day
On 14 November, 2018, the Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Law of NAS RA is organizing a scientific conference «Humanities and Social Sciences within the academic framework» dedicated to 75th anniversary of the NAS RA
The list of scientific events guaranteed for financing by State Budget for 2018
The list of young scientists' schools guaranteed for financing by State Budget for 2018
Publications in Press
This site has been visited
1 579 064
times since 01.01.2005
NAS RA Logo (black, blue)
|Website last updated on: 15:46, 24/09/2018
General Page -
About Academy -
Organisations -
Members -
Contact us -
Structure -
© Copyright 1998-2018, All Rights Reserved.
Website is created and supported by Academical Scientific Research Computer Network of Armenia (ASNET-AM)
For any suggestions write to webmaster {[ at ]} sci.am


text:
Aviation Support Company Growing In Duluth
DULUTH (AP) - An aviation support company has exceeded its hiring goals less than a year after it opened for business at an abandoned aircraft maintenance site in Duluth.
And, AAR Aircraft Services in looking for additional skilled workers. The company had a target of 225 employees in three years after it arrived in Duluth last November. AAR currently has 276 employees and is looking for 40 additional workers.
Duluth Mayor Don Ness is encouraging local residents to get the skill sets needed to fill the aviation jobs. Lake Superior College is trying to help in that regard. The college will launch a two-year program next fall that will provide the airframe and power plant certification that AAR is looking for in many of its employees.


text:
Meet local Lafayette singles in your area by filling out our quick registration form. Once inside you will be area to search thousands of single Lafayette members. Personal ads of singles in the Lafayette area will be at your fingertips and with our new matchmaker service you will receive new matching members in your email inbox on a weekly basis. Find the best Lafayette singles when joining our online dating service today!
LafayetteJoin Now Free!
Lafayette Girls | Lafayette Men | Lafayette Gay | Lafayette Lesbians
More Lafayette Links:
Lafayette Dating | Lafayette Personals | Lafayette Speed Dating | Lafayette Chat | Lafayette Love
Senior Dating | Catholic Dating | Christian Dating | Muslim Dating
Black Singles | Asian Singles | Latin Dating
Matchmaker.com offers its members a great resource for Lafayette singles looking for a short or long term relationship. We have compiled a hundreds of dating and online dating related articles to help give you timely and detailed advice. Some interesting topics include tips for single parents, Lafayette singles, first date ideas, valentine gift ideas, love poems and great tips on cooking for a date. We are here to help the Lafayette singles with free advice.


text:
|Roxbury, Mass.
|High School:
|Beaver Country Day
2012 Returned from a three-year hiatus to become one of the most consistent players in the UMB lineup … Appeared in all 13 matches, with 12 decision for both singles and doubles … Compiled five total wins, with a 3-9 mark in singles play and a 2-10 record in doubles matches … Helped the Beacons to an opening-match win over Johnson State College, by recording a 6-4, 7-6 (9-7) win at third-flight singles on August 31 … Picked up her first doubles win of the year September 1 with a 9-8 (7-0) win at second flight doubles against Castleton State College … Recorded her only win of the year at fourth-flight singles September 20, when she downed her Eastern Nazarene College opponent 6-2, 6-4.
2008 Played in a total of seven matches finishing with a 7-3 record ... Recorded a 2-3 mark against Little East Conference opponents ... Recorded her first win of the year, a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Eastern Nazarene College on September 18 ... Earned a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Regis College on October 6 ... Notched her only doubles victory of the year on October 2 with an 8-2 win over Pine Manor College.
PERSONAL/HIGH SCHOOL Graduated from Beaver Country Day School in 2006 ... Played basketball, soccer, tennis, and softball in high school ... Earned Team MVP and Most Improved Player awards ... Born on July 9, 1988 ... Daughter of Darnell and Colleen Williams ... Has one brother, Darnell, Jr. ... Majoring in Business Management with a minor in Chinese.


text:
College Lacrosse: Keene State women's lax gets first win
March 06. 2013 11:03PM
Senior Lauren Brown scored five goals and dished out two assists, leading the Keene State College women's lacrosse team to its first win of the season, a 12-10 come-from-behind victory over host Castleton (Vt.) State Wednesday.
Trailing 5-2, the Owls (1-1) out-scored the Spartans 4-1 in the final 10 minutes of the first half to knot the game at 6-6 by halftime. With the score tied 8-8, sophomore Christa Demovellan gave Keene State the lead for good with her second goal of the game. Brown and junior Julie Trombetta followed with goals to push Keene State's lead up to 11-8.
Women's lacrosse
Grand Valley State 15, SNHU 10: In Manchester, the Penmen were led by Ellie Morin who scored four goals. She became the 12th player in program history with 100 career points. Lindsay Bucknam of Bow finished with three goals and Phoebe Clark of Concord scored twice.
UConn 11, UNH 9: In Durham, Jenny Simpson recorded her 100th career point as part of a personal-best six-goal performance in the loss. Simpson has 82 goals and 19 assists for 101 points in 52 career games
Dartmouth 12, Boston University 7: In Boston, Lindsey Allard led the way for Dartmouth with three goals and four points, matching her career high for tallies and establishing a new single-game best for scoring.
Springfield College 7, Plymouth State 6: In Springfield, Mass., Meghan McNabb tallied two goals and an assist for the Panthers. Caitlin Swanson of Holderness scored twice while Shannon Connerty of Nashua registered three draw controls and two caused turnovers. Lorin Field of Hollis made nine saves.
Lynn University 10, SNHU 7: In Boca Raton, Fla., Joe McCarthy of Nashua suffered the mound loss in relief as the Penmen lost their first game in eight outings this season. Penmen starter Tyler Gauthier worked six innings and scattered seven hits. He allowed four runs, all earned. He struck out four and walked six.
SNHU: Junior righthander Junior Mendez was honored Wednesday as the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Association Division II national pitcher of the week. Mendez recorded a no-hitter in a 2-0 victory over the University of the Sciences on Sunday. He struck out 15 batters without issuing a walk and faced the minimum 27 batters. SNHU recorded a double play in the seventh after the leadoff batter reached on an error. Mendez retired the first 18 batters.
UNH: Coley Oliver tied for second place and Taylor Vest-Burton took sixth place Wednesday in the men's giant slalom as the Wildcats sit in fourth place overall after opening day of the 2013 National Collegiate men's and women's skiing championships, hosted by Middlebury (Vt.) College.


text:
Obama Complains About iPads And Xboxes As Diversions
from the innovation-not-good-enough-for-you dept
"With iPods and iPads and Xboxes and PlayStations, -- none of which I know how to work -- information becomes a distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment, rather than a tool of empowerment, rather than the means of emancipation."Huh? Yes, it may be true in some cases, but such a blanket statement across all of those things is blatantly wrong. Ridiculously wrong. Information can be a distraction, but it's also incredibly empowering, and yes, that includes on iPods, iPads, Xboxes and Playstations. In fact, turning information into entertainment is often a very good way of helping to empower people. While he's right to be concerned about false information that can be found online, as he discusses in the speech, the proper response is not a blanket attack on the tools people use to access the information, but on recognizing that you fight misinformation with better information. You fight ignorance with education. And you recognize that these kinds of technological innovations and tools can help with that, in that they can spread good information and education, rather than being seen as part of the problem.


text:
product description
Related Products:
Rader, Michael, M.S.
Work by Mastersmiths
Artisan Made
Wood - Cherry
Wood - Walnut
Gift Ideas
Misc Items
Maker: Michael Rader, M.S. (click to see more by this maker)
Item num: 88485
*** This is handmade and one-of-a-kind ***Item weight: 14.60 oz.Style: Bowl
Description: This elegant bowl, designed and constructed by Michael Rader and Kim Buzatu (the soon-to-be Kim Rader) allows the excellence of Michael's woodwork to step out of the customary supporting role it plays on his knives and be the focus of this charming piece.
The bowl is primarily intended for fruit and works equally well as a part of a decorative centerpiece or for candy or nuts. The woodwork is flawless and each section is perfectly joined. Sections of cherry and Peruvian walnut were chosen for their fine grain and high contrast.
The bowl stands 8 inches tall and 5-1/2 inches in diameter at the top lip. To maintain the finish, rub occasionally with camellia oil. Extreme changes in temperature and humidity affect wood. Display away from direct heat and sunlight in a well-ventilated spot. Not designed for dishwasher use.
Availability: Not currently available


text:
By Molly Rettig
"This morning the seismic tremor was down just a little bit from yesterday. We're hoping it calms down before too long, but it might last for awhile."
Jeffrey Freymueller was on the phone last week with the electric utility in Cold Bay, a community about 40 miles from the Pavlof Volcano, which had been erupting for more than a week. The utility was wondering how much ash fall to expect and whether it would need to shut down its diesel generators. The ash had exceeded 20,000 feet, grounding several regional flights.
The alert level was downgraded on Tuesday as the tremors and explosions tapered off. Yet Pavlof tends to fluctuate and could always flare up again.
Freymueller is a geophysics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and the GI's coordinating scientist for the Alaska Volcano Observatory, which monitors more than 20 active volcanoes in Alaska and provides information and warning to the public, governments, the Federal Aviation Administration and others.
At 8,262 feet, Pavlof squats near the tail end of the Alaska Peninsula and is among the most active volcanoes there, with nearly 40 known eruptions in the past couple centuries.
While it erupts frequently, it's a fairly low-energy volcano by Alaska's standards. Explosivity depends on the chemistry of the volcano.
Magma, or molten rock, contains water and gases (like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide). If the magma is sticky and rich in gas, the gas bubbles have a hard time moving out of the fluid and become trapped inside. When magma is released from the earth, the gas rapidly expands and blows the lava into small sand-like pieces (volcanic ash).
"You violently depressurize these bubbles, and that's the fuel for the explosion," Freymueller said.
But Pavlof has fairly fluid magma. It doesn't contain as much gas, and bubbles can mostly dissolve before the explosion.
"You open a soda can. Before you open the can, the gas is all dissolved inside the fluid, and when you depressurize it the gas comes out. The same kind of things happens with molten rock."
Volcanoes announce themselves in different ways.
Pavlof typically doesn't give much warning before eruption—with a spate of earthquakes or tremors, for example. So how do scientists know one is happening?
With Pavlof, remote sensing tipped them off first. A satellite weather station showed temperatures of 60 degrees Celsius (140 degrees Fahrenheit) near the summit.
"With that sort of temperature it had to be molten rock at the surface."
It took a little longer for the ground to start shaking.
"That initial burp didn't actually produce that much seismic signal," Freymueller said.
Within a couple days, seismometers about six miles from the volcano caught on to the motion.
Around the same time, infrasound stations hundreds of kilometers away were picking up the sound of lava fountaining. Infrasound is a low-frequency noise produced by volcanoes that's too soft for the human ear but can be heard by sensitive microphones.
Then pictures of gas, steam and lava started flowing in from pilots, passengers, nearby communities and even an FAA webcam at Cold Bay.
Sometimes GPS, which measures ground deformation, is the most telling.
Before Augustine erupted in 2006, a series of microearthquakes (up to 15 per day) rumbled under the Cook Inlet volcano. It would swell up, explode, go quiet for a couple days and then repeat the cycle. An explosion can often signify the end of the eruption, but GPS showed the ground around Augustine continued to deform.
"Because the volcano was continuing to swell up, despite these explosions, that told us there's likely more to come," Freymueller said.
Finally there was a big explosion and the volcano started deflating again.
Scientists get excited about eruptions (the non-harmful ones), as they spew details about the inner workings of volcanoes.
"Huge amounts of information are available when the volcano is active as opposed to when it's just sitting there."
Since the late 1970s, the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Geophysical Institute has provided this column free in cooperation with the UAF research community.
PHOTO CAPTION/CREDIT: Astronauts aboard the International Space Station captured the ash plume from Pavlof Volcano on May 18, 2013. The plume extended southeastward over the north Pacific Ocean. NASA photo.


text:
Click enter to go to the search tool
Colour: Light blue
Slim fit chino trousers with a textured weave. Featuring two side pockets, two rear welt pockets and one coin pocket. Belt loops with pendant detail. Fastening with zip fly and button.HEIGHT OF MODEL: 189 CM / 6′ 2″ SIZE EUR 40


text:
Christopher Abbott Quit Girls
He "didn't like the direction things are going in."
"Page Six" has the report: Christopher Abbott, who plays Marnie's pushover on-again boyfriend, Charlie, has "abruptly" quit Girls because he "didn't like the direction things are going in." (Translation: He didn't like playing a sad sack.) His rep confirms the report, saying he's "grateful" but is working on a bunch of other projects and "has decided not to return to the show." Now seems like a good time to resurface this quote from Abbott's season two interview with Vulture: "If there was another character I could play on the show, which I think is impossible, I think I would." Anyway, Christopher Abbott hated the treacly Girls finale as much as you did, apparently.


text:
STOCKTON - A dry-erase board prominently displayed on the wall of a second-floor recruiting office at the Stockton Police Department lists the number of officers in the force at 331.
STOCKTON - A dry-erase board prominently displayed on the wall of a second-floor recruiting office at the Stockton Police Department lists the number of officers in the force at 331.
It names five more due to be sworn in July 1.
The board is a constant reminder to a team of recruiters that they're in a battle to keep inching that figure higher. Stockton is the state's second-most violent city with a dismally small number of officers for its overall population.
The magic number for the recruiting staff is 344, when the city can tap a federal grant that will pay for an additional 17 officers. City leaders have designs on adding 120 more officers, if voters approve a 3/4-cent sales tax later this year.
At a time when the city is in a full-court press to boost its police force, Councilman Elbert Holman wants to know why more of the city's officers aren't black, reflecting the community they're sworn to serve.
"The makeup of the police department is a little out of whack," Holman said. "It's a big concern of mine."
Holman stated his thoughts in a recent budget study session, pressing administrators at City Hall to hire more racially diverse officers. Policing a city like Stockton becomes more effective when the officers look like the people in the neighborhoods, he said.
The numbers back up Holman. Stockton has a black population of 12 percent, but the police department consists of six black officers, fewer than 2 percent.
Officer Joe Silva, a spokesman for Police Chief Eric Jones, said they're painfully aware of the problem. They're taking a two-pronged approach, first by sending minority recruiters to job fairs, colleges and academies.
They've also taken a long-term tactic, reaching out to high school counselors and coaches to find teenagers in local schools they can mentor through a cadet and Sentinels program.
This is an investment with the payoff to the department years down the road, but it builds personal relationships with the potential recruit, which is key, Silva said.
"Not only are you learning about law enforcement, but you're developing contacts with the police department," he said. "It gives you an advantage over someone else that might be applying from outside."
The department recently produced a high-quality promotional video that will show this summer at more than 50 movie screens throughout the county. The film ends with the text: "Look no further. We have a career for you."
A challenge for Stockton is that it is in competition with police agencies throughout the state that are hiring, and Stockton is losing seasoned officers because of the city's financial troubles and uncertainty under bankruptcy.
The city's few black officers include a sergeant and a child abuse detective. James Manor was named Officer of the Year in 2012.
Teresia Haase, director of the city's Human Resources Department, said that about 11 percent of applications come from blacks - representing the community makeup - but somewhere along the lines in the screening process, they're not advancing.
Holman, who retired from law enforcement after 34 years, said he, Councilmen Michael Tubbs and Moses Zapien have met with Chief Jones to find out what is eliminating the candidates.
He said he's not asking to lower the rigorous standards, but he suggested that the cultural differences might come into play in questions candidates are asked in the psychological screening.
"If we're getting a large number of African-Americans to apply, why aren't they showing up at the hiring time?" Holman said. "We need to explore it."
Earlier this year, Holman said he attended an NAACP event at San Joaquin Delta College to talk with students about careers in law enforcement, and just three approached him, signaling alarm.
Holman grew up on Stockton's south side and joined the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office shortly after the Watts riots, at a time when becoming a police officer wasn't popular among blacks, he said.
Despite that, Holman said he and others he grew up with went on to have successful careers. Their presence in tense situations that could have ended badly made a difference, he said. Recruiting from out of town is folly, he said.
"They're here," he said. "We've just got to get them to apply. ... Maybe we should go overboard to let other ethnicities know we want them."
Sgt. Kathryn Nance, president of the Stockton Police Officers' Association, said she agrees that the city needs to push for a diverse police force, but she warned against lowering the standards to make it happen.
The department has experienced a low number of internal investigations because of the high caliber of officers Stockton has been able to hire, she said.
"We need more officers - period," she said. "We don't need officers of any sort of race or sex. I would encourage everybody to apply who's interested."
Contact reporter Scott Smith at (209) 546-8296 or email@example.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/smithblog.


text: This was a disappointing experience, despite the fact that the hotel building is nice and the structure interesting. Positive: the location is good enough to walk all over Evora. The garden and pool are very nice. We enjoyed sitting by the pool and walking around. Sun beds in the pool area are OK. Unfortunately the pool water was ice-cold, but... More


text:
You are here: Root > By Topic > GraphicsGo directly to another tag
A set of CFFI-based bindings to the ODE (Open Dynamics Engine) C++ library for simulating rigid body dynamics.
A set of UFFI-based bindings to the SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) and OpenGL multimedia libraries.
Common Lisp Application Builder
An easy to install Lisp distribution with a coordinated set of libraries for creating standalone, standard GUI applications.
A framework for writing games in Common Lisp. It is initially planned to provide libraries for 2D games with a tile-based background and a 3D wire-frame library. It uses CLX for graphics output.
Glouton (A Common Lisp package for programming OpenGL) is a set of FFI bindings to X11 and OpenGL 1.5. It can be used for programming OpenGL using GLX, and is intended to provide Glut-like functionali...
L-Lisp is a framework for generating and simulating plants and fractals in Common Lisp.
An implicit geometric surface polygonizer. It computes the surface of a function and graphically displays the output.
TV3D FLI interface
TV3D engine 6.2 interface for Lispworks through FLI. Second iteration include 2 new tutorials, proto code for camera and the main loop .
"A set of bindings and utilites for accessing the OpenGL, GLU and GLUT APIs using CFFI".


text:
Senate Aging Committee Moves Snap Bill Forward To Finance Committee
New York State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz is pleased that Senate Bill S3340A (Diaz, et.al.) was voted out of the Aging Committee during this morning's meeting and has been reported to the Finance Committee with the hope of being voted on by the Senate this session. The goal of this legislation is to eliminate waiting lists for home delivered meals and to reduce the financial burden on local counties, many of whom subsidize this state program with local taxpayer dollars.
"I am delighted that full funding for this important program that helps keep New York State's elderly living in their own homes is closer than ever to a commitment by New York State," exclaimed Senator Reverend Diaz. "When this piece of legislation moves out of the Finance Committee and on to the floor for a vote, we expect a victory for our seniors."
The SNAP Program was designed in 1984 to improve the health status and well-being of New York's most fragile citizens by reducing their levels of hunger, malnutrition and nutritionally related illness. SNAP provides funding for home-delivered meals for elderly, frail New Yorkers.
For further information please contact Cathy Bern-Smith at 518/455-2513.


text:
School board submits $6 million increase in next year's spending
School board submits $6 million increase in next year's spending
This is an update to last week's story about school budget planning.
CUMBERLAND – School Committee members never did take a vote on their new budget Monday night, but they did unite 6 to 1 behind the decision to "submit" to Finance Director Brian Silvia their Fiscal Year 2015 budget that contains a $6 million increase to local taxpayer support.
The move keeps the school board in compliance with the town charter that calls for their budget by the first Monday of April.
And, to school board members , it means next year's budget - if approved by the Town Council - would hike the investment in students to the never-before-seen levels they contend are called for the new state funding formula .
While the current year's budget was approved at $57.57 million in spending, this new budget tops out at $63.48 million. Some 42 positions were added, from music teachers, computer technicians and psychologists and sociologists, to math and language interventionists, science teachers and many more, after the school board asked Supt. Philip Thornton for a BEP-compliant budget.
It was an angry-sounding Jeff Mutter, vice chairman of the school board, who on Monday urged the submission, rather than a vote. He's still smarting over his question asked, but never answered: Does Finance Director Silvia think Cumberland schools are investing enough dollars to be compliant with the state's Basic Education Plan?
Mutter raised the question almost a month ago at a joint meeting between between elected school and town officials. Town Council members responded with puzzlement but no one ever did give him a reply, he says.
Now he says Silvia's response to the budget will provide the response.
"I'm recommending formal submission to finance director," said Mutter told the school board members gathered Monday for a special meeting. "I'm clearly not asking anyone to take an opinion on it. Just submit it."
Town officials can indicate they are comfortable with the town's investment in schools, he said, by simply deleting the added funding.
It's listed in a single $4.34 million revenue line item titled "BEP compliance" and correlated spending items are marked in bold within the budget. There's also an added $1.5 million in local dollars that was part of an original budget first drafted Thornton.
Only member Mark Fiorillo, representing Valley Falls, voted against sending the expanded document to Silvia. Fiorillo said the discussion was coming late in the budget process and felt too rushed.
BEP is a reference to a state funding statute that requires local communities to ante up their share of just under $9,000 a year per student. In Cumberland, 60 percent is supposed to come from local dollars and 40 percent from the state. But while the state continues to increase funding to reach that goal, Cumberland's local funding gap is actually growing, school board leaders contend.
Business Manager Alex Prignano pinned the gap at $4.34 million this year, based on 2013 spending.
Mutter admitted he's not expecting much from Town Hall.
"I could go on and on about that, but the feeling for me is quite simple - you stay in compliance (with the BEP) by submitting it. I remain ever hopeful that there'll be discussion on the issue but I am fully cognitive of the fact there may never be. If it's chosen to be ignored, it will be ignored and that's the way it will be."
Members did mention that Mayor Daniel McKee, who championed the state funding formula that include the BEP, is on the agenda for Thursday's regular school board meeting to discuss the implications of the BEP mandate.
Mutter, who is a former Town Council president, reminded school board members that their action on every school budget is overridden by the final Town Council vote in early June. He suggested it's the school board's reconciliation vote afterward that really matters.
Just a handful of onlookers turned up to watch the discussion Monday and none asked to speak. School board members noted the revised budget has been on the School Department's website for several days.
Said Chairwoman Lisa Beaulieu, "This is obviously this is a challenge for all us. We're pushed up against statute and a charter and a funding formula.
This is a very unconventional way we're delivering the budget and that doesn't mean it's wrong. We put a lot a lot of thought and want to continue the dialogue."
Underscoring the night's discussion is the school board's contention that their references in the past to the BEP have been ignored. In recent months, the school and town leaders have gathered three times for what was billed as a "collaboration" effort that included a discussion about the state mandate.
Said Beaulieu, "We're really just looking for the basic, just looking for the minimum, we're just looking for compliance."
Exactly how much the historic increase would cost taxpayers wasn't immediately available, although Silvia, estimated for The Breeze nearly a 10 percent jump in the tax levy, based on current numbers. That compares to the typical 1.5 percent increase this past year.
See Thursday's edition for full details as this story unfolds.
Outrageous Tax Increase
This proposed tax increase is outrageous and unthinkable. What is this School Committee thinking to even consider this? Taxpayers do not have the ability to pay an increase of this sort. I was opposed to the 1.5 million increase to buy Tablets for all students, this is just unfathomable. Do these people realize how people are living in Town. We are not getting ten percent pay increases, how are we supposed to afford this. If they approve this, they should be recalled from office. I realize that their job is to ensure that our children receive a quality education, but at what cost? What about our ability to pay? They are also supposed to be the fiscal watchdogs for the Town. To even consider this is unconscionable.
I call upon the School Committee to disregard this pie in the sky thinking and to propose a realistic, and affordable, budget for the Town. Act as if this was your household budget, there are always things that we want, but we can't afford them.
I also call up fellow taxpayers to speak out against this increase and let your voice be heard. How about no tax increase for a change.
Marcel Beausoleil
Read it again
What the SC is looking for is the cost of a BEP compliant educational program. The BEP is a creation of the RI Dept of Education NOT the SC so don't shoot the messenger. Reality is that not a single school district in the state is fully compliant with RIDE's BEP. I expect the SC request for an estimate was to wake up the general public to the most frustrating situation they face. RIDE insisting on a program that the state will not fund and local taxpayers and their school districts may not even want. The real target for outrage should be State government that generates costly requirements without funding them yet has millions of $ to staff the great white sinkhole in Providence with very well paid and underutilized staff. (as in was it $4 million I saw for the Governors staff!)It's time to wake up and straighten out state leadership!
The Chromebook portion is nothing more than the redistribution of wealth. How many households with High School students do not already own a laptop? If the answer is "many", then these households are looking for another freebee. Might as well add dinner to the breakfast and lunch many already receive at no cost.
RI General Laws
RI General Laws
§ 16-2-21 Pre-budget consultation – Annual reports – Appropriation requests – Budgets.
(d) Notwithstanding any provision of the general or public laws to the contrary:
(vi) the budget adopted and presented by any school committee for the fiscal year 2013 and for each fiscal year thereafter shall not propose the appropriation of municipal funds (exclusive of state and federal aid) in excess of one hundred four percent (104%) of the total of municipal funds appropriated by the city or town council for school purposes for the previous fiscal year.
Thornton is a Progressive.
Thornton has made it clear, that he is a Progressive and wants to surround himself with like minded people. Well, if he keeps submitting these redistribution of wealth budgets, thats all he'll have left - as everyone else will just leave. This is the last straw, I'm speeding up my exit strategy!
That above....more-so the worse, most irresponsible and arrogant School Committee in the history of the town of Town of Cumberland! One that, per John Ward above, do not even know the law!
As to Thornton....absolutely useless! Is it no wonder he was ridden out of North Kingtown on a rail, all but tarred and feathered.
What is it with the Cumberland School System that we tend to always hire other community's FAILED castoffs?
Alfa, your comment indicates that you do not know the issue at hand.
Is it fiscally irresponsible to try to meet the BEP state statute?
The problem is that Cumberland schools are underfunded. They've been underfunded for years. And while past school committees were proud if their "efficiencies," they were really short-changing the students. Now, the bill is coming due. There is a state law on the books and Cumberland is not meeting it.
Refreshingly Hilarious
Chromebooks are redistribution of wealth?? Thats epicly funny and so terribly short-sighted. Computers and the ability to use them are a requirement in life in America today. Are our schools not to prepare children for this life they are to live in? Is Socio-economic position in life truly to dictate the job you are to be trained for?
These educational tools are a uniform way to provide instruction and prepare them for the real world in what appears an efficient way. These do not seem to be playthings, but a means to research, prepare, and complete school assignments.
As a business manager it is frustrating to have to guide and train employees on how to do basic functions on a computer. Even simple cashier jobs require the ability to navigate and enter information onto devices, and don't get me started that all applications are an online process. And before any complaints that this is a limited issue, every day I get complaints and frustrated people that don't have the ability to go online and apply at home. These people have children that will be growing up with the same limitations.
This is a step that is needed in the continued growth of education and its improvement and I applaud it. Call it redistribution if you want, I'm sure someone complained of redistribution when a teacher in the 1800's broke off a piece of chalk to give to a young pupil.
Says the liberal in line to take advantage of the free Chromebooks. What is so special about the Cumberland Chromebooks that a standard laptop cannot perform? So let's say 80% of the student body already owns one or their family has a laptop at home for they're use. What, do we just give them another one for the sake of giving them something? And let me guess, each teacher will get a freebie too, right?
I'm amazed that you think accessibility for students is that widespread. Or that it is liberal to adequately train children for the world we decided to let them be born into. I for one would like to have future employees that have skills I will need, and kids adequately prepared for college, which will foster a school system that raises property values. Such a bleeding heart standing here with handouts.


text:
There is a new event on Aug. 3 at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens that was made just for Gainesville kids.
There is a new event on Aug. 3 at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens that was made just for Gainesville kids.
Alexis Caffrey, director of the gardens in southwest Gainesville, said she created Kids' Day at Kanapaha because she thinks there's not enough for Gainesville kids to do in the summertime.
The gardens will be hosting the event, which focuses on fun for kids 13 and under, from 2-6p.m. There will be inflatable bounce houses and water slides, train rides, face painting, snow cones and drawing stations on the Balanoff Lawn, which is an expansive area just inside Kanapaha's entrance.
Admission is free for children under 3 and adults with a garden membership. It is $8 for children ages 3-13, $6 for children ages 3-13 who have a garden membership and $7 for adults who are non-members.
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic with them, and Domino's Pizza will be selling pizza on site. The pizza is the only thing not included with admission, Caffrey said.
Caffrey said the first 100 children to arrive will each receive a free plant called a Bashful Briar. These are fun for kids because they close when you touch them. Kanapaha has a whole field of them that children enjoy when they visit.
"It's a wonderful plant to get kids interested," she said. "A plant that actually moves is very unusual."
This is the first time Kanapaha has held Kids' Day, but Caffrey said she'd like to make it an annual event.
Gainesville musician Lisa Johnson said she is glad Kanapaha planned a day for kids. She is bringing her grandchildren, who will be visiting from Tokyo.
Maya, 10, and Ewan, 8, will be with Johnson for a month. She has been looking for things to do with them, she said.
Caffrey said visitors should bring bathing suits and towels for the water activities.
Among the three bounce houses at the event, one will be reserved for the younger children. All the bounce houses and water slides will be supervised by garden staff, Caffrey said.


text:
|St. Clement's representation of the best of Napa Valley includes our winemaker's selection of red and white wines. Three bottles shipped quarterly (January, April, July and October) with a 20% order discount. This club also offers a reds only option. Shipments average $100.
Enjoy Wine from our Exclusive Cellar
hand-selected bottles of award-winning St. Clement wines delivered to your door four times a year.
Special Wine Discounts
20% discount on all wines purchased.
Guaranteed Access
to highly-rated winery exclusive wines, plus our classic Napa Valley collection.
To view the St. Clement Vineyards website you must be of legal drinking age within your country of residence. If no such laws exist in your country, you must be over 21 to visit our website.
By entering St. Clement's Wine Store, you affirm that you are of
legal drinking age in the country where this site is accessed.


text:
Swamp Thing # 40, 41 42 - Moore, Bissette, Alcalá Totleben
Hey you! Reader! Want to be a part of the GREATEST COMIC BOOK AND GEEK COMMUNITY on the web?! Well, they're not accepting new members, but we'll take anyone here, so why not sign up for a free acount? It's fast and it's easy, like your mom! Sign up today! Membership spots are limited!*
*Membership spots not really limited!
Hey you! Reader! Want to be a part of the GREATEST COMIC BOOK AND GEEK COMMUNITY on the web?! Well, they're not accepting new members, but we'll take anyone here, so why not sign up for a free acount? It's fast and it's easy, like your mom! Sign up today! Membership spots are limited!*
*Membership spots not really limited!
by LOLtron » Mon Feb 25, 2013 11:26 am
Lycanthropy is associated with lunar cycles. The full moon exacerbates the beast within. But what happens when, instead of a traditional werewolf, we have a wolf-woman? Does the lunar cycle stimulate her in the same manner? Or does her menstruation cycle affect her bestial transformation?
I would like to say that after 30 years no such thing as racism exists. But of course, if I say that I would be lying. "Southern Change" (Swamp Thing # 41) starts with the harmless arrival of a television crew. They're filming a new soap opera in the plantations of Louisiana. Local people have been hired as extras and even Abby Arcane visits the set. However, the presence of the living greatly disturbs the dead: "What do they think about, in their beds beneath the ground? What do the dead people think about?". Surely they remember... hundreds of black slaves, tortured, mutilated, murdered, think about their white masters. When Abby talks about the irony of having the descendants of those black slaves acting as black slaves in a TV show only to receive a meager paycheck, she asks the Swamp Thing if that is sad or funny. "It is human", it's his reply. The artist is again Stephen Bissette, but since John Totleben was busy producing a beautifully painted cover, the guest inker here is Alfredo Alcalá. Alfredo provides a much needed strength and rudeness to the artist's pencils, expressing all the rage and hatred between black and white people.
"Strange Fruit" has one of the best initial pages I have read in my life. The skeleton of a black slave, buried centuries ago, cannot rest. He wants to yawn but he's afraid to lose his jaw in the process, he can't raise his hand to "rub the cobwebs" from his eye sockets. He feels the formation of fungus for fifty years, he counts the insects that walk over his bones, he names them, one by one, inventing "dynasties" of bugs, he does everything he can, but eventually he realizes that it is impossible to sleep, and he starts moving. And next to him, in the coffins of the cemetery, all the dead awake, anxious, longing for freedom: "The pain cannot be buried and forgotten. The pain cannot remain in the past or hidden beneath the soil. That which is buried is not gone. That which is planted will grow". The result of centuries of slavery is no longer buried, and the few white men that remain in the plantations will soon fall prey of an army of living dead. Swamp Thing manages to burn down most of the zombies, but a few of them escape. In the final page, one of them "finds coffin-like comfort working the ticket booth in a grindhouse theater", coming from another era, he feels more than satisfied making minimal wage and having no benefits or rights, his employer knows that he's exploiting this odd looking man, but he's so happy about finding a hardworking man that will never complain about anything.
La lican-tropía está asociada a los ciclos lunares. La luna llena exacerba a la bestia interior. Pero ¿qué sucede cuando, en vez de un hombre lobo tradi-cional, tene-mos a una mujer lobo? ¿El ciclo lunar la estimula de la misma manera? ¿O su transfor-mación bestial es afectada por el ciclo de la menstruación?
Cuando "La maldición" fue publicada en Swamp Thing # 40 (setiem-bre de 1985), mucho lectores se escanda-lizaron. Además, la Autoridad del Código de los Cómics prohibía estricta-mente el sexo y todo tema sexual. La mens-truación era un tabú. No obstante, Karen Berger decidió publicar la historia de todos modos, y hoy en día, casi tres décadas después, sigue siendo una denuncia justificada. Stephen Bissette y John Totleben dibujan algunas páginas realmente espectaculares, mi favorita es probablemente la confrontación entre Swamp Thing y la mujer-lobo, los cuerpos monstruosos e inmóbiles antes de la lucha y el acercamiento detallado en los últimos dos paneles.
"Fruto extraño" tiene una de las mejores páginas iniciales que he leído en mi vida. El esqueleto de un esclavo negro, enterrado hace siglos, no puede descan-sar. Quiere bostezar pero teme perder su quijada en el proceso, no puede levantar su mano para "frotar las telarañas" de las cuencas vacías de sus ojos. Siene la formación de hongos por cincuenta años, cuenta los insectos que caminan sobre sus huesos, los nombra, uno por uno, inventando "dinastías" de bichos, hace todo lo que puede, pero finalmente se da cuenta de que es imposible dormir. Y empieza a moverse. Y junto a él, en los ataúdes del cementerio, todos los muertos se despiertan, ansiosos, clamando libertad: "El dolor no puede ser enterrado ni olvidado. El dolor no puede permanecer en el pasado ni oculto bajo tierra. Aquello que está enterrado no se ha ido. Aquello que está plantado crecerá". El resultado de siglos de esclavitud ya no está enterrado, y los pocos hombres blancos que permanecen en las plantaciones pronto serán presas de un ejército de muertos vivientes. Swamp Thing se las arregla para quemar a muchos de los zombis, pero algunos escapan. En la página final, uno de ellos "encuentra la comodidad propia de un ataúd trabajando en la taquilla de un lúgubre cine", al venir de otra era, se siente más que satisfecho con el salario mínimo y la ausencia de derechos o beneficios laborales, su empleador sabe que esto es explotación, pero está tan feliz de encontrar a un hombre trabajador que nunca se quejará de nada.
Originally Published at http://artbyarion.blogspot.com/2013/02/swamp-thing-40-41-42-moore-bissette.htmlREAD THIS ARTICLE ON THE FRONT PAGE, HUMANS!
by IvCNuB4 » Tue Feb 26, 2013 11:47 amI'm not clear on how using naked teen-age boys in the thumbnail pic relates to werewolves, were-women, or Swamp Thing
by Keb » Tue Feb 26, 2013 1:08 pmI liked Alfredo Alcala's inks on Swamp Thing. He was a great choice to fill in for Totleben and gave Bissette's work a very different feel but managed to keep the tone of the writing. His inks on the plantation story arc were great.
With respects to the werewolf/menstrual story, I don't know if you're familiar with Native North American traditions and customs, but in most hunter/gatherer societies where the emphasis is placed on hunting over gathering (strongly patriarchal), there is a taboo or bad omen associated with the menstrual cycle (or "moon sickness"). In the comic, they tie the women up in huts and I don't know if all tribes were that serious, but they would go so far as to keep the women away from hunting paths and away from the hunter's tools during the cycle. They were pretty awful.
But you covered that. What I personally found interesting is how Swamp Thing, the earth elemental, goes to deal with them. In farming societies and in some gatherer societies, the power was not really placed with men but with women who kept control of the tribe. It's interesting how farming represents growth of vegetation, a symbol of a matriarchal society, and the champion of that society is Swamp Thing aka the champion of plant life. I don't know if Moore intended that but I think the connection is pretty cool.
by Beast In Show » Tue Feb 26, 2013 5:53 pm
Fucking Summerfolk. See what I mean, Keb?
If only they had the balls to face Winter like their Inuit cousins in the North. Oh wait, those guys probably banned menstruating women from hunting activities and coming in contact with hunter's tools too.
Hmmm come to think of it, why wouldn't a hunter want the scent of blood to accompany him or his tools when he's out hunting prey? Hey, maybe those Summerfolk are still pretty intelligent, creative and well organized even though it's to a lesser degree than their WInterfolk counterparts. You should cut 'em some slack Keb, maybe they weren't just being awful to women out of spite.
You're bang on the money with that Swamp Thing symbolism, IIRC, it's been a while since I read them though. I've got the entire Moore/Totlben Swamp Thing run on hardcover to catch up on in the back-log and this thread is another pleasant reminder.
by Keb » Tue Feb 26, 2013 8:52 pm
Hunting tribes/bands were common in the Northern parts of North America, and the tribes I'm talking about exist(ed) in the Athapaskan and Arctic regions of the world.
They kept them away from hunting tools because of their lack of understanding of menstruation and what menstrual fluid actually was. If you've ever boned a woman in the red zone you'd know that it smells different from blood but us men really aren't knowledgeable to what it is. At that time, with the lack of medical knowledge they treated women like they were a bad omen treated them as lower and in many cases treated them with no dignity.
But I guess dignity is a progressive socialist concept that will eventually lead to everything becoming 1984.
In the southern cultures, their technological advancement was far superior to those in the north as the Northern tribes lived in smaller bands for hunting as it was their primary resource for sustenance. As a result, they needed to move with the food and oftentimes lived as Nomads, packing up and moving. The people in the Southern parts of North America relied on farming as their primary resource produced far more innovative and technologically advanced societies. In addition, gender roles were more or less equally balanced with both male and female roles defined in terms of resource production (for example, the women of the West Coast societies were more important because of the role they played in turning fresh salmon into food). Anyways, it's the North China vs. South China argument all over again and I'm not nearly as patient as muddyglass.
I mean, if you're hunting shit, yeah you probably don't want to bring your menstruating wife with you because she'd just stay bitching at you the whole time...
by Beast In Show » Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:01 pm
Real men knows what it tastes like, Keb. Don't be scared, some girls get pretty randy after the PMS, before the flow stops. It tastes like pennies. Just like blood. She probably won't get pregnant either so it's a perfect time to make some Cherry Creampie.
But I digress...When Swamp Thing got raped was he pegged?
by Keb » Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:04 pmWhy the fuck are you licking blood, menstrual fluid and pennies? Seriously what the fuck is wrong with you?
More proof that progressive socialism the way of the future...
by bkthomson » Tue Feb 26, 2013 9:14 pmThis is an.......interesting thread?
by Keb » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:00 pm
Who the fuck licks pocket change?
by bkthomson » Tue Feb 26, 2013 10:33 pm
I lost a bet once but i was six at the time.
leave a comment with facebook
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: Amoebas, Glacier16, Google [Bot] and 27 guests


text:
WestConn Society Luncheon to honor Nurnbergers
Graduates dedicated to helping future students succeed
DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University graduates Nancy and David Nurnberger are committed to ensuring that their alma mater remains affordable and accessible to a new generation of students.
In his fourth year serving as chairman of the WCSU Foundation Board of Directors, Nurnberger and his wife, Nancy, have recently established a scholarship fund for students pursuing teaching careers. They will be honored with the Foundation's Community Service Award for their commitment to the university and the community at the 31st annual WestConn Society Luncheon. The luncheon will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2012, at the Matrix Corporate Center, 39 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury.
In addition to his work with the WCSU Foundation, David Nurnberger is the president of the Board of Directors of Ann's Place – The Home of I CAN, in Danbury. He was previously chair of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of the Fairfield County Community Foundation and the Greater Danbury Fund.
Nancy Nurnberger has devoted her career to helping children. Following her career as a first-grade teacher, Nancy has volunteered at a local pre-school and at a therapeutic horse farm for children with disabilities. She has also made three trips to the jungles of Mexico with Simply Smiles Inc. to help children at an orphanage, build housing for the poor and distribute food to families.
The WCSU Foundation, established in 1971, is dedicated to raising and managing donations for the university and its students. As board chairman, Nurnberger has said he hopes to continue to expand Foundation resources to offer more scholarships to students. Nurnberger retired in January 2011 as senior vice president for human resources at Ridgefield-based Boehringer Ingelheim after a 35-year management career in the nonprofit and corporate sectors.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the luncheon, contact Sue Wolf in the WCSU Office of Institutional Advancement at email@example.com or (203) 837-8279.
Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England's best small private universities.


text:
Shay Mitchell: Movie Night with Brother Sean!
Shay Mitchell keeps a low profile in a hat as she leaves a movie theater on Monday night (October 7) in Hollywood.
The 26-year-old PLL actress was joined by her younger brother Sean as they made their home.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Shay Mitchell
"So nice seeing my girl @iamjessicagomes and hearing about her travels ! My friends are the bessssstest! Welcome home babe!" she recently tweeted.
A few weeks earlier, Shay was spotted grabbing dinner with her co-star Ashley Benson at Cecconi's in West Hollywood, Calif.
Posted to: Shay Mitchell


text:
Sicily, the lovely, rugged island at the southern tip of Sicily, has a wine discipline that is not hampered by the strict regulations found in other Italian wine regions. Given that, you might expect a wide variety of wines to emerge from this land, but in truth the climate – it can be torridly hot during the summer – means that certain cool climate varieties such as Riesling and Pinot Noir are not suited for this area.
Thus only a few varieties here have emerged as critical and clearly the most important red variety is an idigenous one, Nero d'Avola. This variety has much in common with Syrah, as it is deeply colored (often bright purple) with only moderate tannins. The fruit aromas and flavors are primarily of marascino cherry, a opinion shared by many, including Attilio Scienza, one of Italy's most renowned authorities on viticulture (I heard Scienza give his thoughts in a typically compelling speech in Sicily a few years ago). There are also notes of tobacco in some versions as well as spice notes, though some of this emerges from aging in small oak barrels. As for tannins, while most bottlings have only moderate levels, there are some premium offerings that have enough tannin to ensure aging for as long as 7-10 years.
Throughout the 1970s and early '80s, Nero d'Avola was usually blended with other varieties throughout Sicily, including Nerello Mascalese and Pignatello. In 1984, history was made when the producer Duca di Salaparuta (best-known at that time for its well-made, moderately priced wines Corvo Bianco and Rosso) produced the first premium 100% Nero d'Avola; the wine was named Duca Enrico and was crafted by Carlo Casavecchia. He decided for Nero d'Avola as he believed this variety showed the most promise of the winery's selections planted near the town of Gela, near Noto in the southeastern zone of the island; those other varieties included Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Casavecchia continues to make this wine and today, it is rightfully celebrated as one of the country's most glorious reds.
For years, growers planted Nero d'Avola in several areas throughout Sicily; some of the best plantings were located near the western reaches of the island, near Menfi or Palermo. Today, though more and more producers are looking to the southeastern areas of Sicily for the finest plantings of this variety; indeed the grape is named for the town of Avola, not far from Noto.
There are several producers today who make excellent signature bottlings of Nero d'Avola; among the best is a bottling from Planeta called Santa Cecilia. During a recent visit to their estate near Noto, I was treated – along with a few dozen other journalists – to a vertical tasting of this wine. Winemaker Alessio Planeta told us how the early bottlings (such as 1997) were from Menfi, while the 1999 was a blend of grapes from both Menfi and Noto. The early bottlings, while quite good, were more rustic in nature as compared to the newer releases, which are blessed with abundant black fruit and lovely structure. Today, Santa Cecilia is always 100% Nero d'Avola from Noto and it has become one of Sicily's finest wines (interestingly, the 1997 Santa Cecilia not only originated from Menfi, it also contained 15% Syrah in the blend).
Below is a list of several of the finest bottlings of Nero d'Avola:
- Duca di Salaparuta "Duca Enrico"
- Planeta "Santa Cecilia"
- Donnafugata "Mille e una Notte"
- Cusumano "Sagana"
- Morgante "Don Antonio"
- Tasca d'Almerita "Rosso del Conte"
- Baglio di Pianetto "Cembali"
Note that the Baglio di Pianetto bottling is produced from grapes grown at their estate a little south of Palermo, in the western part of Sicily. This particular wine is quite rich, but subdued with wonderful finesse. It is proof that not all great bottlings of Nero d'Avola come from the areas near Noto and Gela.
Finally, it is important to note that Nero d'Avola works well as a blending grape and just as it was blended with other varieties some 30 years ago, the same is true today, as some excellent wines that are primarily Nero d'Avola will often contain as much as 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah. However, the real character of Nero d'Avola emerges in wines that are almost always exclusively made from this variety alone; these are the bottlings that I believe are among the finest from Sicily.