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NOTICE: This opinion is subject to motions for rehearing under Rule 22 as well as formal revision before publication in the New Hampshire Reports. Readers are requested to notify the Clerk/Reporter, Supreme Court of New Hampshire, Supreme Court Building, Concord, New Hampshire 03301, of any errors in order that corrections may be made before the opinion goes to press. Opinions are available on the Internet by 9:00 a.m. on the morning of their release. The direct address of the court's home page is: http://www.state.nh.us/courts/supreme.htm
No. 95-312
March 31, 1998
Jeffrey R. Howard, attorney general (Richard J. Lehmann, attorney, on the brief and orally), for the State.
Gary Apfel, assistant appellate defender, of Concord, by brief and orally, for the defendant.
JOHNSON, J. The defendant, Raymond Ellsworth, was convicted of five counts of felonious sexual assault, see RSA 632-A:3 (1996), and two counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault, see RSA 632-A:2, XI (1986) (amended 1992), for acts committed against an eleven-year-old boy. On appeal, he argues that the Superior Court (Manias, J.) erred: (1) in its discovery rulings related to counseling provided at a treatment facility that the victim attended after reporting the assaults and in limiting discovery of other materials requested by the defendant; (2) in refusing to admit extrinsic evidence of allegedly false allegations of theft and sexual voyeurism the victim made against other students subsequent to making the allegations against the defendant; and (3) in refusing to allow cross-examination of the victim of prior sexual victimization to establish an alternative source of sexual knowledge. In addition, the defendant argues that the cumulative effect of these alleged errors denied him a meaningful opportunity to challenge the victim's credibility. We affirm.
The following facts were adduced at trial. The defendant was accused of several incidents of sexual assault that occurred while the defendant was a teacher at the Spaulding Youth Center (Spaulding), a residential treatment facility for boys with emotional, developmental, and behavioral problems. The victim testified that on three separate occasions the defendant engaged in several acts of inappropriate touching, anal-oral contact, and fellatio. The victim told a Spaulding counselor about these incidents in November 1992. The defendant was subsequently indicted for eight acts of felonious sexual assault and four acts of aggravated felonious sexual assault. Shortly after leaving Spaulding, but prior to trial, the victim was placed at the Pine Haven School (Pine Haven), where he continued to receive counseling for various emotional and behavioral problems. The defendant denied the victim's allegations, asserting that the victim fabricated the charges either to gain attention or to retaliate against the defendant for administering discipline. The defendant was convicted on five of the felonious sexual assault indictments and two of the aggravated felonious sexual assault indictments. This appeal followed.
I. Discovery Rulings
The defendant first argues that the trial court erred in refusing to review in camera counseling records regarding the victim's post-allegation treatment at Pine Haven, and in refusing to allow a deposition of the victim's Pine Haven counselor. The defendant's request for in camera review is governed by State v. Gagne, 136 N.H. 101, 612 A.2d 899 (1992). To trigger in camera review of privileged information, "the defendant must establish a reasonable probability that the records contain information that is material and relevant to his defense." Id. at 105, 612 A.2d at 901.
The threshold showing necessary to trigger an in camera review is not unduly high. The defendant must meaningfully articulate how the information sought is relevant and material to his defense. To do so, he must present a plausible theory of relevance and materiality sufficient to justify review of the protected documents, but he is not required to prove that his theory is true. At a minimum, a defendant must present some specific concern, based on more than bare conjecture, that, in reasonable probability, will be explained by the information sought.
State v. Graham, 142 N.H. , , 702 A.2d 322, 325-26 (1997) (citation and quotations omitted). Although a defendant is not required to state the "precise nature" of the information sought, id., he must provide the court with a logical factual basis for his request, based on information independently obtained, that the file may yield relevant evidence. See State v. Taylor, 139 N.H. 96, 98-99, 649 A.2d 375, 376 (1994).
Here, defense counsel's discovery motion stated that the victim's Pine Haven records should be reviewed in camera because "[a]ccording to the guardian ad litem, the complainant has been discussing the preparation of trial on this matter with [his] current counselor. The counselor's records are relevant and exculpatory because they contain additional statements made by the complainant about the allegations." In response, the guardian ad litem denied making such a representation to counsel, stating that he had only "relayed to [counsel] that [the victim's] therapist felt that a continuance [of trial] would be extremely distressing for the juvenile." The guardian ad litem further stated that he "possess[ed] no information pertaining to any discussion of trial preparation between the juvenile and any other person." Because the defendant's factual allegations were unsupported, he was left with a mere assertion that the Pine Haven records contained relevant information simply because the victim saw a counselor subsequent to making the allegations against the defendant. This is clearly an inadequate threshold showing. Cf. Taylor, 139 N.H. at 98, 649 A.2d at 376 (defendant failed to make an adequate showing where defendant established only that victim had spoken with division for children and youth services).
On appeal, the defendant argues that the existence of potentially exculpatory materials need not have been left to reasonable probability standards, however, because the trial court became aware of actual exculpatory evidence that may have been contained in the Pine Haven records. Specifically, after the trial court denied the defendant's discovery motion, the defendant produced the testimony of former Pine Haven staff member Craig Klare, who stated that the victim had falsely accused other students of stealing a toy and "peeking" under a shower stall. While defense counsel, during trial, noted that "the motion for disclosure of potentially exculpatory materials should be considered to be a continuing one," (emphasis added), the defendant never specifically renewed his Gagne request regarding in camera review of the Pine Haven records based on Klare's testimony. We do not expect the trial court, in this context, to reopen sua sponte a motion it had previously denied. Cf. State v. Smart, 136 N.H. 639, 652-53, 622 A.2d 1197, 1206, cert. denied, 510 U.S. 917 (1993) (trial court did not err in failing, sua sponte, to order a continuance). But cf. State v. Zorzy, 136 N.H. 710, 714-15, 622 A.2d 1217, 1219 (1993) (trial court must sua sponte order hearing if doubt about defendant's competency to stand trial arises). We will not base a finding of error on claims that were not properly called to the attention of the trial judge. See State v. Cole, 142 N.H. , , 703 A.2d 658, 659 (1997). Accordingly, we conclude that the trial court did not err in refusing to conduct an in camera review of the Pine Haven records.
The defendant also argues that the trial court erred by denying his motion to depose the victim's Pine Haven counselor. We review such rulings under an abuse of discretion standard. State v. Rhoades, 139 N.H. 432, 433, 655 A.2d 414, 415 (1995). "A defendant has no general and unqualified due process right under either the State or Federal Constitutions to compel depositions in criminal cases." Id. In order to succeed on a motion to depose, the defendant must make a threshold showing of necessity given the particular facts and circumstances of his case. Id. at 434, 655 A.2d at 415; see RSA 517:13, II (1997).
In his motion for depositions, the defendant stated only that the victim was seeing a counselor and that "[a]lthough there have not been any specific representations that the complainant made statements about the case[,] . . . it has been represented . . . that the counselor has been used for a resource to determine the complainant's position with respect to particular issues of the cases, specifically the Defendant's Motion to Continue." During the motions hearing, counsel stated only that "the [victim's] mother told us . . . one reason for the placement to Pine Haven was the child's accusations of sexual abuse and dealing with those accusations. There's good reason to think that the child may have spoken about this case with his counselor at Pine Haven." These bare assertions are insufficient to demonstrate necessity. Further, "[d]iscovery depositions are not always essential to adequate trial preparation, for there may be other sources of information and evidence available to an accused." Rhoades, 139 N.H. at 434, 655 A.2d at 415 (quotation omitted). Defense counsel indicated that the deposition was needed to uncover inconsistencies in the victim's account of the offenses. Defense counsel also noted, however, that each of the victim's statements to the police were "different" and that there was "a problem with inconsistent statements." Accordingly we hold that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying the defendant's motion.
II. Extrinsic Evidence
The defendant next argues that the trial court erred when it denied the defendant's request to admit extrinsic evidence, based on Klare's testimony, that the victim had made false allegations of sexual voyeurism and theft against other children at Pine Haven. Defense counsel was allowed to question the victim about these allegations on cross-examination. The victim, however, denied ever making any false allegations at Pine Haven. The defendant sought to admit Klare's testimony under New Hampshire Rule of Evidence 404(b) as proof of knowledge, plan, and motive. The defendant also argued that he was entitled to present extrinsic proof of these acts under the due process and confrontation clauses of both the Federal and State Constitutions. See U.S. CONST. amend. VI, XIV; N.H. CONST. pt. I, art. 15.
We first address the defendant's claim that Klare's testimony should have been admitted as a matter of evidentiary law. The decision to admit evidence under Rule 404(b) is discretionary, and we will overturn the decision of the trial court only if its decision "was clearly untenable or unreasonable to the prejudice of [the defendant's] case." State v. McGlew, 139 N.H. 505, 507, 658 A.2d 1191, 1193 (1995). To be admissible under Rule 404(b), a threshold inquiry is whether the proffered evidence is relevant for a purpose other than proving character or disposition. Id. In this case, the defendant has the burden of proving the relevancy of the proffered evidence. See id. at 509, 658 A.2d at 1195. We find that the defendant failed to make a proper showing of relevance.
First, the defendant sought to admit Klare's testimony as evidence of a "motive to gain attention and affection from teachers, counselors and staff members." "Motive has been defined as supplying the reason that nudges the will and prods the mind to indulge the criminal intent." State v. Bassett, 139 N.H. 493, 497, 659 A.2d 891, 895 (1995) (quotation omitted). "While Rule 404(b) does not automatically bar subsequent bad act evidence, the temporal (as well as logical) relationship between a [victim's] later act and his earlier state of mind attenuates the relevance of such proof." State v. Hastings, 137 N.H. 601, 604-05, 631 A.2d 526, 529 (1993) (quotation, brackets, and ellipses omitted). Here, there is no "clear connection," Bassett, 139 N.H. at 499, 659 A.2d at 896, between the victim's "motive" to make allegations against the defendant and his alleged subsequent "motives" to make false allegations at Pine Haven. The timing of the acts alleged by Klare is such that the acts are not relevant with respect to motive in this case. Essentially, the defendant derives relevancy from an allegation that because the victim may have lied to gain attention well after he accused the defendant of sexual abuse, it is more probable that he lied about the events that gave rise to the instant criminal charges. Any logical connection between the two events necessarily involves the victim's alleged bad character and predisposition or propensity to lie, a connection prohibited by our Rule 404(b) case law. See, e.g., State v. Melcher, 140 N.H. 823, 828, 678 A.2d 146, 149 (1996) ("no link in the chain of inferences justifying relevance can be derived from the [later] conduct's tendency to show character or disposition").
While other courts have held that "the standard of admissibility when a criminal defendant offers similar acts evidence as a shield need not be as restrictive as when a prosecutor uses such evidence as a sword," United States v. Aboumoussallem, 726 F.2d 906, 911 (2d Cir. 1984), the bad acts evidence sought to be admitted here is wholly irrelevant. Cf. id. at 912 (when Rule 404(b) is used as a shield, courts must determine only "whether the evidence is relevant to the existence or non-existence of some fact pertinent to the defense.") In this case, the defendant wanted to use evidence of the Pine Haven allegations to show that because the victim allegedly lied about events, notably dissimilar in nature to the allegations charged, he lied when he accused the defendant of sexual abuse. Simply put, the theory of the defense was that because the victim allegedly was "a liar" at Pine Haven when he alleged that other boys were "peeking at him" in the shower or stealing his toys, he was a liar at Spaulding when he alleged, in great detail, that the defendant had molested him on three separate occasions. Accordingly, we find that there was no abuse of discretion.
Similarly, the proffered evidence is not relevant, as the defendant asserted, to show a "common plan or scheme to gain positive attention and divert negative attention." We have stated:
The distinguishing characteristic of a plan is the existence of a true plan in the [actor's] mind which includes the charged and uncharged [acts] as stages in the plan's execution. Viewed objectively, the other bad acts must clearly tend to show that the [actor] had a definite prior design or system which included the doing of the act [alleged] as a part of its consummation.
Melcher, 140 N.H. at 828, 678 A.2d at 149 (quotations and citation omitted). The inferential links necessary to show that the victim had formed a "plan" to gain attention at both Spaulding and Pine Haven are simply missing, and therefore the trial court did not err.
The defendant's final claim of relevancy was that Klare's testimony demonstrated that the victim had the knowledge and ability necessary to "fabricate relatively plausible stories and then tell them with a straight face." Again, the logical connection between the victim's alleged false accusations at Pine Haven and the allegations against the defendant was that the victim had a propensity to lie, an impermissible use of Rule 404(b) evidence. See Hastings, 137 N.H. at 605-06, 631 A.2d at 529.
The defendant also argues that due process and confrontation concerns require admission of Klare's testimony despite Rule 608's bar to the admission of extrinsic evidence of specific instances of conduct for the purpose of attacking the victim's credibility. N.H. R. Ev. 608(b); see Davis v. Alaska, 415 U.S. 308, 315-317 (1974); Chambers v. Mississippi, 410 U.S. 284, 302 (1972) (evidentiary rules may not be applied to infringe on basic constitutional rights). We first address the defendant's claim under the State Constitution, see State v. Ball, 124 N.H. 226, 231, 471 A.2d 347, 350 (1983), and will engage in a separate federal analysis only if federal law is more favorable to the defendant, cf. State v. Seymour, 140 N.H. 736, 742, 673 A.2d 786, 791, cert. denied, 117 S. Ct. 146 (1996). Other jurisdictions have addressed this issue, and "although we are not bound by those decisions, we may look to them for guidance in construing the relevant provisions of the New Hampshire Constitution." State v. Berrocales, 141 N.H. 262, 264, 681 A.2d 95, 96 (1996).
A number of courts have recognized that, in sexual assault cases, substantive evidence of prior false allegations of sexual abuse tending to show that the instant allegations were false may be admitted. Clinebell v. Com., 368 S.E.2d 263, 265-266 (Va. 1988); Covington v. State, 703 P.2d 436, 441-442 (Alaska Ct. App.), rev'd on other grounds, 711 P.2d 1183 (Alaska Ct. App. 1985). We have held in the context of our rape shield statute, see RSA 632-A:6, II (1996) (amended 1996); N.H. R. Ev. 412, that due process and confrontation rights guaranteed by the State and Federal Constitutions may trump established evidentiary rules. See, e.g., State v. Goulet, 129 N.H. 348, 351, 529 A.2d 879, 881 (1987). Although in the context of sexual assault Rule 608(b) should not be interpreted so strictly as to preclude the admission of extrinsic evidence that is probative of a material issue, see United States v. Stamper, 766 F. Supp. 1396, 1405 (W.D.N.C. 1991) (quotation omitted), aff'd sub nom. In re One Female Juvenile Victim, 959 F.2d 231 (4th Cir. 1992), extrinsic evidence should be admitted only where the allegations are similar, and the proffered evidence is highly probative of the material issue of the complainant's motives. See id.; Miller v. State, 779 P.2d 87, 90 (Nev. 1989). We hold that the defendant has failed to make a threshold showing of probity and similarity to justify admission of the testimony.
In the instant case, the defendant argued that the victim made the allegations against him in an effort to gain attention from others or retaliate against the defendant for disciplining the victim. The subsequent alleged fabrications of sexual voyeurism and theft at Pine Haven and the charged crimes of fellatio and inappropriate touching completely lack similarity and evidentiary nexus. Further, the probative value of this evidence is weak because at most it shows that as a result of the attention he received after making the allegations against the defendant, the victim later made false allegations of relatively minor infractions at Pine Haven. Cf. Miller, 779 P.2d at 90 (defendant must establish that prior false accusations of sexual assault were made and were in fact false, and that the probative value outweighs the inherent prejudice); Covington, 703 P.2d at 442; State v. Huchinson, 688 P.2d 209, 212-13 (Ariz. Ct. App. 1984). The instant case is qualitatively different from cases such as Clinebell, where a defendant charged with raping his daughter attempted to introduce evidence that the complainant had made prior false allegations of rape against other family members. Clinebell, 368 S.E.2d at 266; see also Stamper, 766 F. Supp. at 1405 (evidence of three prior false allegations of rape admissible in statutory rape trial despite Rule 608 bar on extrinsic evidence). Because we conclude that federal law provides no additional protection in this area, see Covington, 703 P.2d at 442 (under the sixth amendment to the Federal Constitution, courts may allow extrinsic evidence on whether victim made prior false allegations); see generally Stamper, 766 F. Supp. at 1400, we will not undertake a separate federal analysis. Accordingly, we find no error.
Additionally, the defendant compiled a laundry list of complaints regarding the trial court's other discovery rulings. We have reviewed the record and find that the defendant's arguments are without merit and do not warrant further discussion. See, e.g., Vogel v. Vogel, 137 N.H. 321, 322, 627 A.2d 595, 596 (1993).
III. Cross-Examination Regarding Alternative Source of Sexual Knowledge
The defendant next contends that the trial court erred in prohibiting cross-examination of the victim's prior sexual victimization to demonstrate an alternative source of sexual knowledge. "Trial courts have broad discretion in determining the scope of cross-examination and we will not overturn the trial court's ruling absent an abuse of that discretion." State v. Ellsworth, 136 N.H. 115, 119, 613 A.2d 473, 475 (1992). "To establish such an abuse, the defendant must demonstrate that the trial court's ruling was clearly untenable or unreasonable to the prejudice of his case." State v. Berrocales, 140 N.H. 647, 649, 670 A.2d 1045, 1047 (1996) (quotations and brackets omitted).
The defendant sought permission to cross-examine the victim about an incident of penetration by anal intercourse that allegedly occurred when the victim was quite young. The defendant argued that such information was "relevant for the purpose of explaining why the complainant had the ability to describe the sexual acts." During the hearing on the defendant's motion, the State represented that indictments were brought against an individual who allegedly engaged in digital anal penetration and fellatio with the victim when the victim was between two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half years old. The trial court denied the defendant's request, stating that the information was irrelevant.
Information of prior abuse may be relevant to show that the prior abuse, not the charged acts, were the source of sexual knowledge where a child victim possesses extraordinary awareness of sexual matters. See Com. v. Rathburn, 532 N.E.2d 691, 696 (Mass. App. Ct. 1988), review denied, 537 N.E.2d 1248 (Mass. 1989). To be admissible, however, "the defendant must demonstrate that the specific details of the prior allegation are probative of the assertion that the victim had independent knowledge of the sexual activity with which the defendant is charged." Berrocales, 140 N.H. at 649, 670 A.2d at 1047. Here, the defendant conceded that prior abuse was not the only source of sexual knowledge, because "while [the victim] was at Spaulding Youth Center, he was engaged in constant therapy about sexual abuse." Accordingly, we cannot disturb the trial court's ruling that the "defendant failed to prove his theory that it was the experience at age three, as opposed to any other, that gave complainant the information to support the present allegations," and therefore the prior sexual abuse was irrelevant and inadmissible. Moreover, the probative value of this information is almost negligible, while "[t]he potential prejudice . . . is manifest, as an inquiry into the prior allegation would likely compromise the victim's privacy and mislead the jury." Id.
IV. Cumulative Error
The defendant argues that cumulative errors by the trial court violated his due process rights and right to confrontation because he was unable to effectively challenge the credibility of the victim. Because we find no error on the part of the trial court, however, this argument is not persuasive. See Smart, 136 N.H. at 669, 622 A.2d at 1216.
HORTON, J., concurred in the result only; the others concurred.


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Please call 914-234-9234 for details.
A look into Pound Ridge's Past! "Little Old Farm", the former Major Samuel Lewis Homestead, dating back to 1750. Breathtaking gardens surround two residences and an artist/writer's studio. Antique Saltbox main residence with post and beam construction. Hand-hewn beams, stone fireplace with cooking crane and period floors. Separate Cottage formerly an English Bank Barn, circa 1750, with hand-hewn cherry beams and church pews. Skylit Studio with pot-bellied stove. Gorgeous grounds with woodland pathway to completely private, salt-water Swimming Pool. Specimen plantings protected by deer fencing. A rare opportunity.
Barn, Cathedral/Vaulted/High Ceiling, In Ground Pool

subset: commoncrawl


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This article focuses on a mobile first strategy that emphasizes good user experience which a traditional implementation of responsive design doesn't meet in many cases. I found interesting the observation that all CSS and scripts are loaded regardless of media queries and there are steps you can take to avoid that. One approach is using javascript MATCHMEDIA (I wish the author would have gone into some detail on this point). What's most interesting is the behavior and latency in mobile networks. Recognizing that should cause you to adjust your approach.
I suggest giving this eye opening article a read.
You May Be Losing Users If Responsive Web Design Is Your Only Mobile Strategy | Smashing Magazine.


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CORAL SPRINGS — Broward County Schools Superintendent William Leary recently presented blue ribbons to public and private school students at the third annual Young Writers Awards ceremony at the Coral Springs Library.
Book certificates for $25 also were awarded to each first-place winner in each category of short stories, letters to the editor and editorials.
Winners were chosen by a panel of newspaper editors and university professors.
Entrants wrote on topics such as the space shuttle catastrophe, abortion rights, drunken driving, legalizing marijuana, gun control, the need for seat belts on school buses and the reasons why the elderly should not drive, said Betty Kupiers, first vice president of the Friends of the Library, which presents the awards.
``Every year we get more entries and the quality of writing improves,`` Kupiers said.
A complete list of winners and honorable mentions follows:
Short stories:
First-grade: Margaret Waked, Maplewood Elementary, first place; Erica Fried, University School of Nova, honorable mention; Alison Purnage, Forest Hills Elementary, honorable mention.
Second-grade: Jamie Fettrow, Ramblewood Elementary, first place; Roshny Mampilly, Forest Hills Elementary, honorable mention; Brian Fox, James S. Hunt Elementary, honorable mention.
Third-grade: Surekha Madadi, Maplewood Elementary, first place; Adam Nadler, Maplewood Elementary, honorable mention; Joanne Luiso, Maplewood Elementary, honorable mention.
Fourth-grade: David Crohn, University School of Nova, first place; Deborah Stern, Maplewood, honorable mention; Jerry Harnack, University School of Nova, honorable mention.
Fifth-grade: Catherine Spran, Ramblewood Elementary, first place; Beverly Schienan, Forest Hills Elementary, honorable mention; James Charette, Forest Hills Elementary, honorable mention.
Letters to the editor:
Fifth-grade: Jared Flamm, Maplewood Elementary, first place; Ryan Michele Rogoff, Maplewood Elementary, honorable mention; Seth Kaplan, Maplewood Elementary, honorable mention.
Sixth-grade: Jamie Goodman, Coral Springs Middle, first place; Scott Christopher, University School of Nova, honorable mention; Charles Patrick, University School of Nova, honorable mention.


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Last weekend S&W Kitchens landed in force at KBIS – the home renovation answer to ComicCon or CES. This year it was held in New Orleans – a great town for history, design, culture and food! The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show immersed our designers, managers and owners in all of the new product offerings and updated them on new ways to serve our customers.
When asked about what they had seen and heard over the three day show that most impressed them, here is what we heard:
"There is no better investment for our company and our customers than to bring as many as possible to a show like this. It really helps us continue to deliver world class service and value to our clients." - Owner Joe Steenbeke
What do you think your customers would have liked best?
"Being able to see the finishes and the function first hand, Brizo Aand ND Blanco stand out in my mind with their new touch and sensor technologies and great finishes" - Designer Samantha Frey
"I think our customers would have liked all the internal items that Haffele had on display, including the lighted lazy susans." – Designer Glenn Rumer
"TOTO Washlets.. they can be configured to any toilet (like a toilet seat) and provide automated bidet functionality for relatively low cost. We will be installing them into all of our showrooms for customer demonstrations. "- Joe
What do you hope to use soon in a new project?
"Kohler Moxy shower head… This plays with a bluetooth and syncs to your phone automatically… Then take it out of the shower with you from its magnetic docking station and continue listening to music!" – Regional Manager/Designer Krista and Samantha
"Some of the new Schaub decorative hardware" - Glenn
What did you see or hear that made you want to know more? Anything that made you google?
"Salice had some really interesting hinge hardware for sliding doors. You could use it in a kitchen, in a closet, over a fireplace… endless opportunities!" - Samantha
"The explosion of social media into our industry... most importantly Houzz and Pinterest ." - Joe
What was the most important thing you learned or saw?
"The economic recovery is here... remodeling and new construction is growing robustly. Consumers are spending again." - Joe
"It's hard to pinpoint just one thing! It was a great experience and I loved seeing all the new products and learning more about existing products." - Samantha
They were all excited about what they had seen and learned and ready to share it with their colleleagues and customer. Best Investment indeed!


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|Photo on Flickr
Fayette Aeon's Second Life. A blog for those of us whom like nearly anything and everything. I have tried to pin down my style over the years, but I enjoy way too much of my Second Life and Real Life to be limited. Join me on the adventure!
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Monday, September 14, 2015
Hyperlink in Second Life Profiles
13 comments:
Are you doing this on the web profile cause I just tried it inworld and it didn't work for me. :-(ReplyDeleteReplies
Sorry about that, Jenny did reply, but yes, others will see it, you will not. Updated the post.Delete
I can't get it to work for me either. :-(ReplyDeleteReplies
I should be working. We can't see it working in our own profiles, but others will see it. Updated the post for others!Delete
I looked at it from my alt and it still looked messed up. Maybe I just need to be patient. :) Thank you Faye <3Delete
are you writing [url title of url]?Delete
yes I am but gonna completely delete my profile, save it and start over. we know how picky SL can be at times.Delete
Please keep me updated! I hope it works. If it helps I use Firestorm, but I don't believe that should be an issue.Delete
It works, you just can't see it yourself but when others look it'll show the way Faye's first picture shows it. Thanks btw!ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you for adding that others will see it. I knew I forgot something. But I did update the post.Delete
Thank you! Like Jenny said, you won't see it, but it is what others will see. Updated the blog post to help others in the future!ReplyDelete
does this work for email links?ReplyDeleteReplies
Thank you for asking! After reading your comment, I checked, and it doesn't seem to work. I believe the code is looking for a complete url link. If someone finds out other wise, please comment!Delete


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Silveralp 456 > 3 Rooms + Cabin in Duplex - 6 People - 4 Gold Snowflakes (Ma Clé IMMO)
Self-catered apartment | Apartment located in the residence Silveralp in the 4th floor, facing South West.
Apartment located in the residence Silveralp in the 4th floor, facing South West.
High standing Duplex apartment entirely renovated, in full heart of the village of Val Thorens.
In the interconnected area of the 3 Valleys (Méribel, Courchevel, Les Ménuires ...)
Personalized key delivery directly inside the apartment from 2 pm, beds ready-to-sleep, towels provided, final cleaning included.
The apartment is located in the residence Le Silveralp, at the top of Rue du Soleil. Without any doubt, the best location in Val Thorens. Very quiet area in the heart of the village. Ideal to do everything on foot.
Especially if you come with children.
Ski schools, bakery and baby-house right in front of the residence.
Slopes just in front of the residence within 10 meters.
The apartment is located on the 4th floor of the residence.
Terrace, facing south. Exceptional view of the snow-covered mountains.
3 bedrooms for 6 people. 45m2
Ground floor: Fully equipped kitchen (Dishwasher, fridge, vitroceramic hotplates, oven ...)
Living room with mountain view
1 bathroom entirely renovated. 1 separate WC.
Upstairs: 3 separate bedrooms with new bedding of high quality and anti-allergy quilts.
- Bedroom 1 with double bed 140x200 cm Led TV + DVD / Mountain view
- Bedroom 2 with double bed 140x200 cm.
- Bedroom 3 with 2 bunk beds 90x200 cm. This room houses the staircase.
Room 3 is a passage room to access the 2 other rooms.
All rooms are separated by doors. Privacy guaranteed.
No sleeping inside the living room.
Public parking nearby (P2 or P1 recommended)
Ski room in the basement of the residence (heated and ventilated)
Free WIFI broadband internet connection.
Rental from Saturday (2pm) to Saturday (10am)
Unless otherwise noted, beds are made upon arrival, keys are delivered inside the apartment by a couple of managers. Towels and cleaning are also included in the price
This services isnt' included for the short stay or weekend
Note: The neighboring apartment belongs to the same owner who renovated it in the same spirit.
These 2 apartments of the same standing can allow 2 families to meet for holidays while preserving the privacy of each one.
> Services :
Agency fees included Water, heating and electricity included .
> Others :
Tourist tax: 1 € / people / night
Damage deposit: 600 €


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The vigil that follows senseless violence has become standard issue in some communities: candles and TV cameras, prayers, tears, and outrage. But the response to the shooting of a Philadelphia student near his high school this fall drew a different kind of response. A few days after the killing, as many as 1,000 neighborhood men encircled Germantown High School as they clasped each other's hands, prayed, and vowed to become an active part of the fight against violence.
Now, two months later, men from 16 area churches are following through on that promise. Earlier this month, after receiving Town Watch training, dozens of men began foot patrols at nearby street corners surrounding Germantown High, morning and afternoon, ensuring the teens safe passage.
But their interest in the students doesn't stop when they've seen them safely through the schoolhouse doors. The men's goal is to come to know these kids, to play a more active role in their young lives. To that end, they are also training through United Way to become mentors. They are laying out rites-of-passage programs to teach the responsibilities of manhood. They have even identified 85 students who want to participate in a choir, as well as a choir director to take them on.
On the street corners, their immediate aim is simple: to be there, day in and day out, with a friendly greeting, so that the children know they are safe going to and from school. That done, the men hope to extend their protective arm to the middle schools that feed into Germantown. And they are documenting their efforts for other neighborhoods in the city, where adults have already sought their input.
"We want to get one thing [at a time] done right, and as we grow, adding churches, we can add feeder schools," explains the Rev. LeRoi Simmons, assistant minister at Canaan Baptist Church and coordinator for the Germantown clergy. "If we do it right, we can be a model for others."
The clergy initiative dovetails in places with existing programs at member churches and other area organizations, and complements much of the Philadelphia School District's faith- and community-based initiatives program. The clergy group, though, is independent and self-organized, identifying and checking off its own objectives - including fasting and prayer as well as press releases and radio promotions. They prefer the speed and fluidity that they feel would be compromised by regulations, bureaucracy, and public funding.
"If God leads you to it, He will cover your need," says Mr. Simmons.
For this group, the driving force behind all their efforts is prayer. The men pray before taking to the streets. They pray at training meetings. Even as they develop such worldly tools as a database, their vast network of church groups and Bible studies - at which attendance can near 1,000 - serves as "the drum" which summons the forces needed to staff a corner or encircle a school.
They hope, they say, to transcend individual ego and congregational politics. Some participants say that the sheer maleness of the effort has had an energizing effect. "When men speak, people listen, frankly - particularly in our community," explains Joseph Meade, Philadelphia School District director of faith and community based initiatives.
With 1,500 students, 99 percent of them African-American, the school is in the heart of one of the country's most historic neighborhoods. Here, students trundle past pristine houses from the Revolutionary era, which share the street with vacant buildings and check-cashing establishments.
The first "safe corridors" took shape one cold Friday earlier this month along street corners near Germantown High. Now, men in pairs, wearing bright yellow vests, take up their posts daily, dispatched down the street from the command center, the Circle of Hope Church above the Value Store.
Inside the school, according to principal Catherine P. Murphy, the students are heartened by the show of care, both now and during last month's vigil: "It's a strong statement from men to say, 'We took a day off from work that day to come to the school.' " She said students often bring outside troubles into school with them, and that she has tried in vain to develop a safe-passage program. "The amazing thing [about the recent initiative] is that it is sustained," she adds, saying her staff has already identified dozens of students for the upcoming mentoring sessions.
If the high school personnel think the men are heaven-sent, Emmett Mayo won't quibble. The strapping Vietnam veteran and retired electrician says he sensed a call from God two years ago during surgery: "It's not time for you to go. I have work for you." The patrol is that work, Mayo believes.
His own children have graduated from college, and now he stands as a father figure to others. "Hopefully, I'll get a chance to meet some of these children as I stand on this corner and say 'hello' to them. And hopefully they remember me as they go on later in life to a higher stature than I will ever attain."
With an estimated 40 churches within a four-block radius of Germantown High, the clergy initiative hopes to keep adding congregations to its ranks. A sprinkling of women also participate, among them Marcia Moore, who applauds the men. "I think it's wonderful. They need to take their rightful place as being at the head."
Philadelphia officials preside over an ongoing effort to make schools safe, with a 450-officer full-time school police force, metal detectors available in every school, security cameras, and a move toward smaller schools.
School-related violence has been down in Philadelphia this year, as in the nation, but a series of incidents this fall has brought it to the forefront again. Currently under debate is a request by district CEO Paul Vallas for armed Philadelphia police officers in, or at least immediately outside of, the largest high schools. Mayor John Street's office is calling instead for beefed-up intelligence.
Mungu Sanchez, a Germantown High volunteer, says he feels an unprecedented sense of connectedness among churches in the neighborhood. "This is what you do as men and women of faith," he believes.
While ensuring teens safe passage, his aim is simple: "To talk to the young men and women. They are not invisible. A lot of times it's just a kind gesture that puts them in touch with their humanity, that puts them in touch with their divinity."


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Thor: Lord of Storms game hits Android
If you are looking for a new game for your Android device early in the week to distract you from all of the work week still left to come, you might want to check out the newest offering from Animoca. The game is called Thor: Lord of Storms and the game launched on Android for the first time this week. The game is an action strategy-defense title based on Norse mythology.
The game is free to play, but likely supported by in game purchases. The goal of the player in the game is to prevent the destruction of the world. In addition to playing as Thor, players can also choose to play as the female character Freya, the Norse goddess of love and magic. Players can also choose to play as the female character Brunhilde, a Valkyrie.
Players are able to build up an army to help battle the forces of evil. The game graphics look cartoonish, which isn't a bad thing, giving the game a light hearted feel. Players will battle across nine different worlds in the game.
As the game progresses, players can level up the characters and training or upgrade the troops to perform more efficiently. The game is available to download on Google Play right now. Interestingly, the same developer was booted from the Apple App Store for allegedly violating policies prohibiting app creators from manipulating rankings in the store.
[via Venture Beat]


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The leading
DHS Reforms To Attract And Retain Highly Skilled Immigrants
Release Date: January 31, 2012
The President is deeply committed to fixing our broken immigration system so that it meets our 21st century national security and economic needs. As a part of comprehensive immigration reform, the President supports legislative measures that would attract and retain immigrants who create jobs and boost competitiveness here in the U.S., including creating a "Startup Visa," strengthening the H-1B program, and "stapling" green cards to the diplomas of certain foreign-born graduates in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. Together these actions would help attract new businesses and new investment to the U.S. and ensure that the U.S. has the most skilled workforce in the world. In the meantime, the Obama Administration is working to make improvements in the areas where we can make a difference.
As part of these ongoing efforts and in recognition of the one-year anniversary of the White House Startup America Initiative, the Department of Homeland Security today announced a series of administrative reforms which will be completed in the future. These reforms reflect the Administration's continuing commitment to attracting and retaining highly-skilled immigrants. These efforts are critical to continuing our economic recovery and encouraging job creation.
In last week's State of the Union, President Obama noted that "Innovation is what America has always been about. Most new jobs are created in start-ups and small businesses." He also stated in his remarks in El Paso last May, "In recent years, a full 25 percent of high-tech startups in the United States were founded by immigrants, leading to more than 200,000 jobs in America." Echoing this, the President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness stated in its recent report, "Highly skilled immigrants create jobs, they donÕt take jobs." The initiatives described below will serve to make the United States more attractive to highly-skilled foreign students and workers, thereby improving the competitiveness of U.S. companies in the world market and stimulating U.S. job creation.
Presently, an F-1 student may only engage in optional practical training (OPT) for 12 months. F-1 students who graduate in programs of study classified as STEM can obtain a 17-month extension of OPT as part of their F-1 status if the degree they were conferred is included on the DHS list of eligible STEM degree programs. This proposed change would expand eligibility for extension of OPT by including students with a STEM degree that is not the most recent degree the student has received. Furthermore, because of the dynamic nature of STEM related education and training, DHS will continue to review emerging fields for possible inclusion in the list of eligible STEM degree programs.
This regulatory reform would allow spouses of F-1 students to enroll in additional academic classes on a part-time basis while their spouse is pursuing full-time studies. Presently, under the current regulation, spouses may only take part-time vocational or recreational classes. Schools would also be given increased flexibility to determine the number of DSOs needed at their institution to meet both the administrative and guidance needs of students.
This proposed change to the current DHS regulation would allow certain spouses of H-1B visa holders to legally work while their visa holder spouse waits for his or her adjustment of status application to be adjudicated. Specifically, employment will be authorized for H-4 dependent spouses of principal H-1B visa holders who have begun the process of seeking lawful permanent resident status through employment after meeting a minimum period of H-1B status in the U.S. This effort will help retain talented professionals who are valued by U.S. employers and who seek to contribute to our economy.
This proposed change to the current DHS regulation would increase the types of evidence that employers can submit to demonstrate that a professor or researcher is among the very best in their field. Presently, applicants for the employment-based immigrant visa category of "outstanding professors and researchers" are limited to specific types of evidence listed by regulation. This would allow "comparable evidence" beyond the specifically articulated regulatory list. This change will harmonize the evidentiary standard for this category with the other exceptional ability immigrant visa categories.
This proposed regulation would treat E-3 and H-1B1 visa holders the same as other employment-based H-1B and L-1 visa holders by allowing them to continue employment with their current employer for up to 240 days from the expiration of their authorized period of stay, if a petition to extend their status has been timely filed.
On February 22, 2012, USCIS will launch its Entrepreneurs in Residence initiative with an Information Summit in Silicon Valley, CA, that will bring together high-level representatives from the entrepreneurial community, academia, and federal government agencies to discuss how to maximize current immigration laws' potential to attract foreign entrepreneurial talent. The Entrepreneurs in Residence initiative builds upon DHS's August announcement of efforts to promote startup enterprises and spur job creation. The Information Summit will focus on ensuring that immigration pathways for foreign entrepreneurs are clear and consistent, and better reflect today's business realities. The Summit will include a special recognition of outstanding contributions made by immigrant entrepreneurs to our nation's economic growth and prosperity. The input gathered at the summit will inform the work of the Entrepreneurs in Residence tactical team, which will bring business experts in-house to work alongside USCIS staff for a period of approximately 90 days. Following the summit, the tactical team will convene in Washington, DC to begin its work. To learn more about the summit, please visit Entrepreneurs in Residence Information Summit.
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According to the U.S Department of Justice, 37 people were executed in us in 2008. Lethal injection was applied to all but one of the many executions. Twenty of your companion executed in 2008 were white and seventeen black. All of the executed were grown-up.
Since then, according to various reports from all of the over our great country and possibly even the globe, Favre is publicly waffling about returning to the Vikings, but privately having elective surgery to fix their car his damaged ankle and dealing out and last and last each day to get the ankle back up in shape. I reckon that that's not necessarily just for a good time. It doesn't sound fun.
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Ann Romney blames the media yard sale for not giving her husband a "fair shake" while he was running for president against President Barack Obama, according to an ABC report March four .. Although she and Mitt Romney feel there is sufficient of blame to go around with themselves and specific campaign, Mrs. Romney isn't leaving the press out.
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March 27, 2013 (NAPERVILLE, Ill.) --A Plainfield man has been found guilty in a case of road rage that ended in the death of a motorcyclist.
Michael Moreno, 32, was convicted of driving under the influence and causing a death.
Last June, prosecutors say, Moreno was involved in a road rage incident with a 16-year-old.
Moreno chased the teen through Naperville but ended up hitting a motorcycle and killing 63-year-old Gerald Puglise.
Moreno faces up to 29 years in prison.


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One of the best things about going to makeup school was getting to learn tips and tricks from top notch makeup artists. A great little tip I learned from @win_liu was how to fully coat blonde lashes with mascara. It's all down to one simple tool.
The lash brush is essentially a tiny fan brush for you eyelashes. You coat it with mascara (I just brush it against my mascara wand) and then paint your lashes. The beauty of this brush is that it's able to nestle into the very roots of your lashes, particularly the top of your lashes, which can be near impossible to get at with a conventional mascara wand. This guy isn't just for blonde lashes either. It's great for anyone who likes to really define their lash line. Even naturally dark lashes will look a lot more intense with some bulking at the root. I realize that not everyone has time for this sort of attention to detail. A lot of us just want to get on with our days, but for those of us that either love the process of applying makeup or are committed to achieving those beautiful Bambi eyes, this is a great tool to have in your arsenal.
I purchased my lash brush from StudioFX, but you can find them in loads of places. Both MAC and Sephora sell versions and most industry supply stores will have them at a more affordable price.


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The Gas Man Creepeth
Hell, my darlings!
A few weeks ago, I had a thing happen. A creepy thing. And weeks later I'm still squinked out.
Usual disclaimer of a serious blog peppered with GIFs that make me laugh because this is how I deal with tension, okayyyyyyyy?
I'd gone to my very first Midwest Writer's planning committee meeting (side note: MWW15 is going to be AWESOME.) and on my way home, I needed to stop for gas.
And to pee. Because…reasons.
I go into a gas station and of course the women's restroom is occupied, so I sat down at a table that was hanging out in the far corner of the convenience mart bit to wait. I poked around on my phone, as one does.
A minute or so later, this fella comes and sits across from me at my table. He was older than me, and for reasons I still don't understand, wearing a baseball cap, but also holding three other baseball caps.
Still tapping away on my phone, the guy randomly asked me, "Have you been getting any weird calls on your phone?"
I sort of blinked at him. "I'm sorry?"
"Have you been getting any dirty calls on your phone?" He asked again. "I've gotten a couple."
"Uh, no?" I said. "Sounds like you might have someone's old number, or some prank calls."
I smiled at him and turned my attention back to my phone. See, I think back to that moment a lot and wonder if that's what did it. Should I have not smiled? Not answered him at all? Waved a can of mace in his creepy face? Probably.
The man then launches into a tale detailing how one time he got a call from a girl he assumes is my age and how she left him a filthy voicemail, using foul and dirty language. He managed to trace the call and discovered this girl worked at Walmart and tracked her down one day at work.
And then, he proudly stated, HE FOLLOWED HER HOME.
"Yeah, I followed her right to her house. And then I knocked on the door and when she opened up I went right on in and told her she needed a talking to. And I told her what was what. Took about an hour and a half, but I talked to her all right. And it's okay because after I took her to McDonald's and got her a Big Mac."
Let me assure you this is a very disconcerting thing to hear a man say when it's just you and him in a lonely corner of a gas station.
He then explained how he got another filthy call from a different girl and tracked her down, too. But this girl lived with three other girls. And how he'd had to go talk to them for about two hours, and he was planning to go back that night to talk to them again. Figured it might take another two hours.
As this was happening, I shut down completely and focused on my phone. I thought about scurrying the hell out of there but I still had to pay for my gas.
I started texting my husband and turned the sound all the way up on my phone. I figured the loudly buzzing replies would show him I was obviously interacting with someone. Possibly someone who would notice if I'd gone missing or what the fuck ever because I was sure this guy was a lunatic.
Naturally, hubs wasn't answering his phone. So, I took to Twitter. I started Tweeting about the creepy fella and my phone was blowing up satisfactorily with responses and for a moment, he was quiet. I was also trying to laugh this off as much as possible because I always worry about overreacting to things. I thought Twitter could laugh with me.
I dunno, it seemed like a good idea at the time.
"Do you ever leave filthy messages for people?" he asked me.
I muttered an "Excuse me." and scrambled away from the table. I dead seriously scuttled through the quick mart aisles and hid behind a chip display hoping he would just get up and go away. After a minute, he got up and started looking down the rows for me.
By now, my phone was blowing up with notifications saying HOLY FUCK RUN OH MY GOD.
I calmly walked up to the line for the cashier, deciding I no longer had to pee and never would again, and stood behind at least ten people waiting to pay. I thought for sure I'd be all set with so many lovely witnesses.
He came out of nowhere, honestly. I was even looking for him but I didn't see him pop up behind me at all. He very quietly said right behind me, "You look like you'd need talking to for two hours."
I actually yelped that. Out loud. My immediate thought was he'd think that was "filthy" language and holy crap what had I done? I was scared to all hell.
I ran straight up to the register, past all the people, and said I needed a manager immediately, right now, SERIOUSLY GET A MANAGER.
A manager was right there and I sputtered through about creepy guy and help and seriously I think he wears women as skin suits and oh my fucking god. The manager was perfection and snapped right into action, grabbing two other employees. I whipped around to point the guy out, but…
He. Was. Gone.
We looked everywhere. Inside and outside the store, in cars in the parking lot, everywhere. The manager called county police. I stood there wondering what in the actual fucking fuck had just happened.
He had just POOFED right the crap away.
Eventually I paid for my gas and was escorted to my car to make sure he wasn't hiding somewhere. And then I left.
Right when I was about to get on the highway, I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw a man driving a big truck wearing the same goddamn baseball cap that dude had been wearing. I legit panicked. Actual, icy blood panic.
I yanked my car over into a crowded parking lot and had my phone in hand to call 911 but the truck just drove right on by. Probably wasn't the same guy, right? I really hope it wasn't the same guy.
I have never fled an area faster in my life. I called the hubs and unloaded some quality hysterics as I drove. I was too scared to stop to take a moment to calm down. I put on my big girl laser focus and drove the almost two hours home.
The whole ride I kept checking my rear-view. I kept looking behind me and thinking every noise was some weirdo hiding in my back seat even though I and other people had in fact checked my car just to be extra safe.
And then I got really super pissed off. It was a two hour drive, I had time to think.
I kept thinking how I bet no man has ever gone into a gas station and followed around by someone asking if they make filthy phone calls or making them feel threatened. I doubt it's a common occurrence for a guy to run a quick errand and have to genuinely wonder if they are about to be raped and turned into a skin-suit by creepy baseball cap hoarding dudes.
I had a moment where I thought about what I was wearing and wondered if it had ATTRACT A SERIAL KILLER written on it. No, just a t-shirt, jeans, and a long cardigan covered in cats because I'm a super cool person.
Then I got outrageously pissed that I'd even thought about what I was wearing because I SHOULD BE ABLE TO WEAR WHATEVER I'D LIKE WITHOUT BEING APPROACHED BY SCARY PEOPLE OH MY FUCKING DAMN.
I don't really know how to process the whole situation. Part of me wants to brush it off thinking maybe I overreacted and this was just an awkward dude trying to make conversation. Part of me knows that's probably bullshit because the hairs on my neck still stand up when I remember how he spoke.
All of me would just really like it if things like that didn't happen so often it's kind of a gut reaction to assume there's a potential rapist within spitting distance at all times.
And that's it. I don't have a moral here. I don't have a kooky, happy ending. I don't have a wildly tragic ending. It just was. A completely bizarre Saturday afternoon that just happened.
The world is a crazy ass place, kids.
Now, here's a CumberOtter because the internet is a wonderful provider of things you never knew you needed to see and I don't want to leave you with a scary story and uncomfortable feels.
I hope you all are having wonderful weeks!
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and *SHUDDER*
8 Comments
I'm so glad you got out of there safely. I think about this stuff every time I road trip. Sometimes it's just me, others just me and the kids. I worry. And it makes me mad I have to worry.
This also makes me think of that cashier at Wal-Mart a couple weeks ago. The one that turned me buying a plunger and not needing a bag for it into the segueway for the rape talk and how I could run faster with my skirt up than a man could with his pants down. Just what the hell is wrong with people????
OMG! Men can be disgusting and creepy. This was like out of a bad movie. I'm glad your safe. I so would have pulled my ninja moves and went all Tawney on him. I can be nice but man messing with friends gets me going. GRRRRR
HOLY FUCK! That is seriously creepy! Glad you are ok!
Nope – this guy was a legit scary predator. I hope the gas station reported it to the police. I'm sure they had him on camera. Good for you for going to the manager and being smart. So happy you're safe. and God bless the internet for providing Cumber-Otters.
Very creepy. I'm glad you complained to the manager and they call the police. And I've had the same thought about guys never having to worry about being attacked when walking down the street. I think every women has felt that at one time or another. It's a sad part of life.
Hi Summer,
Ugh. Ugh, ugh, ugh. I'm staring 50 in the face and I can't tell you the amount of times some creepy jerk tried it out with me. A couple of years ago I was "frottaged" by a total loser on the SouthShore train in Chicago, right in front of my dad and husband. He threatened them both and when my dad said he'd shove him onto the train tracks and my husband said he was a police officer, the guy ran off. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, the last mounted police clinic I taught, the cops all suggested I get a taser and use it as needed. Hubs bought me a little flashlight thingie that turns into a tazer, which fits nicely into my purse and bike basket. You have to poke the pervert with it, but a cold glare, followed by a warning to use said tazer tends to get the guy out of your face. And call 911 anytime you feel threatened. Don't wait. You pay taxes. You have a right to pee in peace.
The problem is women have been conditioned to be nice and not mean, and to push down our inner warrior so we don't appear rude. It took me years to get over that.
OMG Summer
(i) thank goodness you're OK
(ii) I hope there isn't a mass grave of women/girls found one day & a guy in a baseball cap is to blame
(iii) I know how that feeling
Without going into an epic, once upon a time, before mobile phones, I'd just been made manager of a store. The store was massive but the location was quiet, so I only had assistance a few hours a day.
One sunny spring morn I parked my car (around the back in my spot) and walked to the petrol station (2 min. walk) to get some milk (coffee needs trump everything).
As I paid, some guy, standing behind me smiled, I smiled back… and walked off, milk in one hand, bag in the other, juggling keys to the building & thinking about the day ahead… & completely unaware that this guy was following me.
I walked up the 3 steps to the glass doors, bent down to unlock the bottom lock and that's when I noticed the set of men's leather shoes about 20cm from my feet. Still in a crouched position & holding my *precious* milk I swung around to see Petrol Station Guy staring down at me.
I was completely alone, it was about 8am in the morning, there was hardly even any traffic. I stood up and said, "Hi, can I help you?" (I don't think it sounded that assured either) & do you know what his reply was?
"Where did you learn to walk like that?"
I actually lost some of the feeling in my legs as I gulped, "Sorry… what?"
"You're wriggle, when you walk, it's the most fucking sexy thing I've ever seen & I had to meet you."
Luckily for me, he said just enough for me to go into Warrior Princess mode, I mean I WAS WALKING FFS hand full of stuff & if I did wriggle it was likely so as not to drop my milk, or my bag, or my keys or my dignity!
I put my milk on the concrete, grabbed my car keys from my bag and, as I'd been taught by my brothers (black belts in some martial arts thingy), I put the keys between my fingers, pointy bit out, and said,
"Listen you fuckhead, if you don't fuck off this instant I'm first going to scream & then I'm going to mark your face so the police will find you!"
His reply was to smile at me and call me a lesbian slut… and leave (thankfully)
I called my boss who called the police & from then on, my boss arranged for someone to be there when I open and close!
- The Antelopes - Fizzygrrl - […] I was out, I had to stop and get gas, which by now I should know is a risky…


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4 UCEDDs and LENDs Receive Grants from the Special Hope Foundation Catalytic Community Outreach Model: Comprehensive Health Care for Adults IDD Grants
February 27, 2014
The Special Hope Foundation, in collaboration with AADMD, is pleased to announce that four universities within the UCEDD/LEND network were selected to each receive $50,000 of funding through the Special Hope Foundation's grant program. These grants will support the organizations within their projects that promote comprehensive health care for adults with developmental disabilities by raising awareness at the healthcare student level and by supporting their communities. The organizations receiving grants include: Center for Human Development at University of Alaska Anchorage, JFK Partners at University of Colorado, Sonoran UCEDD at University of Arizona, and University of Rochester UCEDD. The Foundation requested proposals throughout the UCEDD/LEND network and carefully reviewed and considered each application.
"I think the UCEDD's are strategically positioned to provide quality community services to their states, and I am particularly pleased to see how they are impacting healthcare by partnering with future medical and dental practitioners." Lynne O'Hara, Executive Director of the Special Hope Foundation.
"What makes this so exciting for us is that each of the grantees has strong healthcare leadership capabilities, but each is also taking a unique approach to this project," says Matt Holder, Executive Director of AADMD. "Not only will these four programs engage health education in a way that hasn't been done before, their legacy well be a roadmap of how other UCEDDs and LENDs can do the same."
Following is the list of the grant recipients and the purposes for which the funds were granted:
Center for Human Development at University of Alaska Anchorage UCEDD and LEND for "Improving Healthcare for Adults with IDD in Alaska." This project will use a multi-pronged approach to improve healthcare services for adults with I/DD in Alaska by: developing training and resources for healthcare providers to increase awareness, communication and facilitate referral; increasing student awareness of the healthcare needs by establishing a student chapter of the AADMD; and providing health promotion materials to individuals and families/caregivers to assist in system navigation, and increase empowerment around health issues. Karen Ward, EdD will be the principal investigator of this project.
JFK Partners UCEDD and LEND at University of Colorado for building upon an existing student group "Disability Dialogue" that is committed to examining health care disparities affecting individuals with developmental disabilities. The group engages speakers in all medical disciplines, community support organizations, parents and individuals with varied physical and intellectual disabilities. This funding will serve to provide national affiliation and structure, incentivize students during their years of preparation, and solidify community partnerships. Laura Pickler, MD, MPH will be the principle investigator on this project.
Sonoran UCEDD at University of Arizona for their "Arizona Youth in Transition" project. The Sonoran UCEDD will work with the University of Arizona College of Medicine and their established patient centered medical home for adults with developmental disabilities to increase the capacity of future and current health care providers to facilitate effective transitions from pediatric to adult health care for youth with DD. This will be accomplished through building a strong inter-professional AADMD student chapter, identifying needed skills, creating curriculum and providing targeted technical assistance. This project will be led by Tamara Bassford, MD and Leslie Cohen, JD.
University of Rochester UCEDD and LEND for "The Special Olympics Team Trainer Program." The University of Rochester and Special Olympics of NY will collaborate to implement and test a Team Trainer Program, where health care students will be partnered with Special Olympic athletic teams to increase athletes' participation in health care screenings, support coaches, facilitate follow-up care with healthcare providers, and incorporate health and wellness activities into team trainings. Stephen Sulkes, MD will serve as Project Director joined by Lisa Delucia, DDS, LEND Dental Discipline Coordinator, and Rochester AADMD student group members.
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The mission of the Special Hope Foundation is to promote the establishment of comprehensive health care for adults with developmental disabilities designed to address their unique and fundamental needs.
The mission of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry is to improve the quality of healthcare for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.