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Story highlights
- A good-government activist says, "We're ready as a community ... to move on"
- Former Bell, California, Mayor Oscar Hernandez's lawyer suggests an appeal
- He was convicted on five corruption charges and found not guilty on five others
- So, too, were several other former members of the L.A. suburb's city council
For years, prosecutors said, they padded their paychecks by virtue of their stature as leaders in Bell, California's city government.
On Wednesday, they paid for it.
Oscar Hernandez was found guilty on five felony charges for the misappropriation of funds stemming from his years as Bell's mayor, by the same jury that also convicted four former city council members on various counts.
But it wasn't a sweeping verdict. Nearly two months after the trial started in January, the jurors also found Hernandez not guilty on five other charges, as they did with others. More acquittals -- and convictions -- could be coming, as the jury continues to weigh several counts pending against each defendant.
And one ex-council member, Luis Antonio Artiga, cried in court when he heard he'd been found not guilty on all charges he had faced.
"You are free to go sir," Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy said afterward. "Good luck to you."
The split verdicts for Hernandez, Teresa Jacobo, George Mirabal, George Cole and Victor Bello came two and a half years after the Los Angeles Times first reported salaries for them and others were well above the norm -- especially considering that Bell, situated about 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, is a relatively small city of 36,000 people.
Their indictments left a cloud over the city, which was mired in a financial mess.
"This community is left with a burden, a huge burden. Not just economically, but a burden of trust," current city council member Nestor Enrique Valencia told reporters following Wednesday's verdict. "The people are ashamed of them."
Prosecutors alleged that the six ex-council members, as well as the two other former city officials, turned the city treasury into "their own piggy bank, which they looted at will."
Between 2006 and 2010, they "illegally gamed the system to receive ridiculous salaries for doing no work" and were paid nearly $8,000 a month for meetings on four boards that never took place or lasted just a few minutes, prosecutors have alleged.
Those boards were the Solid Waste and Recycling Authority, Surplus Property Authority, Public Finance Authority and Community Housing Authority, authorities said.
Except for Artiga, the jury found the defendants guilty of misappropriation of funds for "payment of services as (members) of the Solid Waste and Recycling Authority." They were found not guilty of misappropriating funds while members of the public financing authority.
Verdicts have not yet been reached on charges tied to the former public officials' work -- except for Artiga -- related to the two other committees.
Hernandez's lawyer, Stanley Friedman, told reporters after the verdicts Wednesday that his client didn't knowingly break the law. He just took the salary offered him and did his job.
"I suspect all of us, if we got a job and they said you're getting paid $90,000 a year for a full-time job, we'd be pleased and we wouldn't do analysis of how the employer broke down the salaries," Friedman said.
Friedman suggested that his client, at least, will fight the convictions thus far.
"These individuals didn't know that it was illegal," the lawyer said. "... And I think they have very significant appeal issues, all of them."
Even with the jury still weighing some charges and more fights ahead in court, some Bell residents nonetheless took satisfaction in Wednesday's verdict.
After believing her public officials had bilked her for years, Dennise Rodarte said she was happy that -- at least to some extent -- the jurors saw that too. And with that, she's ready to end this chapter in the city's history and move forward.
"It's justice," the clean government activist told CNN affiliate KTLA. "At this point, ... we're ready as a community and as a city to really move on."


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as for the bang, it's deafening not nice .... but sure was FUN!!!!
and as for why my computer died (power on, screen off) usb is not connected there's no shared link, it's isolated,
Exploding caps can easily take out an eye or two.
so what happens to all the stored energy? dissipated by heat?
Quote from: dhenry on Oct 11, 2012, 04:54 pmExploding caps can easily take out an eye or two.I've got a couple of 68000uF caps on the shelf. They look at least 20 years old, maybe more. We used to hold a couple of wires on them to charge them up then melt nails across the screw terminals on the top. Stuff like that. Here's one of them with a couple of normal size components for comparison.One day a little 10uF electrolytic exploded quite close to me. The metal case flew across the room fast enough to flatten itself against the opposite wall (which means it must have been going about the speed of a bullet...)Ever since then I've been too scared to charge the big one.
I have a circuit that powers a 11watt fluro tube from 12v, so i decided to have some fun and ramped it up to 16v, 20v, kept turning to max out this step up voltage regulator and i was starting to hit around 25voltsand BANG!!!!, the input capacitor exploded the whole house heard it, it was a 16v 10uf or pf, not sure, i replaced it with a 100pf 25v cap and cranked up the voltage to 22 volts getting a spark gap of around 6cm but anyway whatever happened it knocked out my computer (not even on the same circuit) reset my arduino (Which shared the same battery) something weird happened just before or just after huge amounts of energy for a brief moment was consumed my voltage regulator could not care less it seems must have spiked over 6amps which it was happy with, shame the voltage regulator powering the arduino could say the same, and as for why my computer died (power on, screen off) usb is not connected there's no shared link, it's isolated, but it was enough to make the arduino go spastic and tell me there's a power out (located about 1 meter away).as for the bang, it's deafening not nice .... but sure was FUN!!!!

subset: commoncrawl


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In the early stages of cardiovascular disease (CVD), treatment typically focuses on lifestyle changes. These lifestyle changes are aimed at reversing, slowing, or stopping the progression of the disease. If lifestyle changes are not effective, your doctor may advise that you take medication. Surgery may be needed in more severe cases.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may advise that you make these lifestyle changes:
- Quit smoking—If you smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to quit. There are many options, like online programs, smoking cessation drugs, and counseling. Quitting smoking has an immediate positive effect on the body.
- Eat healthy foods—Changing your diet can help reduce your risk factors, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and excess body weight. Your doctor may also advise you to eat a diet that is low in fat and sodium.
- Become more active—Even though you have been diagnosed with CVD, exercise is still important to your overall health. Work closely with your doctor to create a safe exercise program for you.
- Drink only in moderation—Moderation is a maximum of 2 drinks per day for men and a maximum of 1 drink per day for women.
- Maintain a healthy weight.—Maintaining a healthy weight can help keep your CVD under control. If you need to lose weight, talk with your doctor, who can teach you safe strategies to lose weight.
Medications are often used alone or in combination to treat or control cardiovascular conditions. Talk to your doctor about side effects and possible interactions with food, herbs and supplements, and other medications you are taking.
The following list provides information on medications that your doctor may prescribe if you have been diagnosed with CVD.
These drugs work to stabilize the electrical conduction system of the heart. Your doctor will decide which type of medication to prescribe depending on the type and severity of your arrhythmias, your symptoms, and your overall health.
The different classes of antiarrhythmics include:
- Sodium channel blockers
- Beta blockers
- Action-potential prolonging agents
- Calcium channel blockers
These medications alleviate or prevent angina. Antianginals does this by helping to restore the balance between the heart's supply and demand of oxygen.
- Nitrates and nitrites
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Anticoagulants are used to prevent stroke and heart attack in people who are at an increased risk due to heart conditions or heart surgery. Anticoagulants prevent clots from forming or inhibit existing clots from growing. But, these medications cannot dissolve clots that already exist.
Examples of anticoagulants include:
- Warfarin
- Heparin
Medications to Treat Heart Failure
These medications are designed to increase the amount of blood the heart can eject with each beat. Your doctor may prescribe one or a combination of these medications:
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
- Beta blockers
- Inotropic agents
- Loop diuretics
Thrombolytic Agents
Thrombolytic agents are used to dissolve clots that have formed in blood vessels. They are administered during heart attacks to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle.
Examples of thrombolytic agents include:
- Streptokinase
- Anistreplase
Other Medications
Most of the medications used to reduce the risk of CVD are also used in its treatment. These include:
- High blood pressure medications
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs
- Antidiabetic medications
- Antiplatelet medications
Surgical or nonsurgical procedures are often necessary to treat cardiovascular conditions. Some may be scheduled electively while others are performed urgently in response to a cardiovascular event or results from a diagnostic procedure that reveals a cardiovascular event is imminent.
There are a range of procedures and surgeries that may be needed to treat CVD.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the portion of the aorta where it passes though the abdomen carrying blood to the abdominal organs, pelvis, and legs. Abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which involves removal of the blood clot in the aneurysm and repair of the aorta wall, is done when an AAA grows too large or ruptures. In some situations, a stent (wire mesh) is inserted into the aorta to treat the aneurysm.
Cardioversion is done to correct an abnormal heartbeat. When the arrhythmia is not imminently dangerous or uncomfortable, cardioversion can be done gradually with antiarrhythmic medications. If your condition is less stable, prompt electrical cardioversion is necessary. This is done by delivering an electrical charge through electrodes or paddles placed on the chest. This causes a brief interruption in the heart beat, giving the conduction system a chance to reset itself.
Carotid Endarterectomy
Carotid endarterectomy is used to remove plaque from the carotid artery, which carries blood to the brain. This procedure is often done to reduce the risk of a stroke in patients who have had transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). The artery on either side is cut open, cleaned, and repaired with sutures. In some situations, a stent is inserted into the carotid artery to treat the blocked artery.
Coronary Angioplasty
Coronary angioplasty is used to restore blood flow in a blocked coronary artery. It is done during a cardiac catheterization procedure in which a balloon at the tip of the catheter is quickly inflated and deflated to open the vessel. Often, a stent is inserted into the vessel to keep it from narrowing again in the future.
Coronary Stenting
Coronary stenting is done along with coronary angioplasty. Once a catheter with a balloon at the tip is inserted into a blocked vessel, a stent is placed at the tip of the catheter. The balloon is inflated, opening up the blocked vessel, and also expanding the stent. The stent, which is sometimes medicated with anticoagulant medication (blood thinners), remains in the blood vessel to prevent it from narrowing again in the future.
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is used to restore blood flow to the heart, particularly if there are severe or multiple blockages in several coronary arteries. In this procedure, surgeons reroute the blood flow around the blockages by grafting vessels from another part of the body into the coronary circulation.
Femoropopliteal Bypass Surgery
Similar to a CABG procedure, femoropopliteal bypass surgery is used to bypass a blocked artery in the leg, restoring proper blood flow to the lower leg and foot. Doctors use a vein from another part of the body or an artificial vessel to graft around the blocked artery.
Heart Valve Replacement
During heart valve replacement, damaged valves (that are either too stiff to allow blood to flow freely or too leaky to keep blood flowing in 1 direction) are replaced with artificial or transplanted valves. Doctors do open-heart surgery to remove the damaged valve and suture in the replacement valve.
There is another type of surgery called transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This also involves replacing a damaged valve. But this is minimally invasive surgery that involves inserting the replacement valve through a small incision in the chest or through an artery in the leg.
Heart-lung Transplant
Heart-lung transplant is used to remove extremely diseased and damaged lungs and heart and to replace them with healthy organs donated by someone who has died. This is most commonly done on people with severe pulmonary hypertension. During this procedure, the doctors divert the patient's circulation to a heart-lung machine, which takes over the functions of those organs. They then remove the patient's lungs and most of the heart and replace them with the donor lungs and heart, Finally, the surgeons connect the donor heart and lungs to the patient's blood vessels, detach the heart-lung machine, and restore the patient's natural circulation.
Heart Transplant
A heart transplant is done to replace a diseased and damaged heart with a healthy heart donated by someone who has died. It is usually reserved for patients whose heart failure is life-threatening and when other treatments have failed. During a heart transplant, the patient's own circulation is rerouted to a heart-lung machine. All except the back wall of the upper chamber of the patient's heart is removed. The donor heart is attached, connected to the patient's blood vessels, and the heart-lung machine is disconnected.
Pacemaker Insertion
A pacemaker insertion is needed when the body's natural pacemaker no longer works properly. The artificial pacemaker maintains the normal heartbeat by automatically sending electrical impulses to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm. It is inserted through an incision beneath the collarbone. Wires from the pacemaker are then inserted through a vein to reach the heart.
Biventricular Pacemaker
This is a treatment for heart failure that uses a 3-lead biventricular pacemaker. This type of pacemaker sends tiny electrical impulses to the heart muscle to coordinate (resynchronize) the pumping of the chambers of the heart, improving the heart's pumping efficiency. Both ventricles are paced to contract at the same time. This can reduce the symptoms of heart failure.
Implantable Defibrillator
An implantable defibrillator is similar to a pacemaker in that it is implanted to correct an abnormal heartbeat. But where a pacemaker generally corrects heartbeats that are too slow, a defibrillator corrects heartbeats that are too fast. In particular, the defibrillator intervenes with an instantaneous pulse of electricity to reset the heart beat when it detects a life-threatening arrhythmia (called ventricular fibrillation). The defibrillator is implanted during a minor surgical procedure.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Michael J. Fucci, DO
- Review Date: 11/2016 -
- Update Date: 12/20/2014 -


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Scientist Calls Fox's Global Warming Headline "Patently False"
Blog ››› ››› SHAUNA THEEL
Fox Nation is claiming a recent study, covered by Reuters, found that "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduce Global Warming":
In fact, the study said that the "cooling effect" of the "rapid growth in short-lived sulfur emissions," largely due to Chinese coal consumption, "partially offsets rising greenhouse gas concentrations." Responding to the Fox headline, the study's lead author, Robert Kaufmann, wrote via email:
Now come the worst part of publishing an article on a topic of general interest...the distortions. Sulfur emissions ARE NOT GREENHOUSE GASES and the article carefully separates the two. Sulfur emissions are known as radiatively active gases because they reflect incoming solar radiation back to space. But they are not greenhouse gases, which affect Earth's energy balance by absorbing out-going long wave radiation. So the headline is PATENTLY FALSE.
The Associated Press also reported that "sulfur's cooling effect is only temporary, while the carbon dioxide from coal burning stays in Earth's atmosphere a long time." The new study suggests that as China and other developing nations begin to control their sulfur emissions, it will be more difficult for the long-term global warming trend to hide.
Kaufmann added that sulfur emissions have "severe" health effects:
Sulfur emissions are bad air pollutants--with severe health (e.g. respiratory disease that contribute to tens of thousands of deaths) and environmental effects (acid deposition, which makes entire lakes lifeless). I am no an expert in this area, but these effects are the reasons that all industrial nations have strict limits on sulfur emissions and now developing nations are scrubbing their emissions too.
Indeed the EPA states:
Current scientific evidence links short-term exposures to SO2, ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours, with an array of adverse respiratory effects including bronchoconstriction and increased asthma symptoms. These effects are particularly important for asthmatics at elevated ventilation rates (e.g., while exercising or playing.)
Studies also show a connection between short-term exposure and increased visits to emergency departments and hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses, particularly in at-risk populations including children, the elderly, and asthmatics.
EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standard for SO2 is designed to protect against exposure to the entire group of sulfur oxides (SOx). SO2 is the component of greatest concern and is used as the indicator for the larger group of gaseous sulfur oxides (SOx).
SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles. These particles penetrate deeply into sensitive parts of the lungs and can cause or worsen respiratory disease, such as emphysema and bronchitis, and can aggravate existing heart disease, leading to increased hospital admissions and premature death.
Update: Now Fox is taking credit for inspiring the study:
Kaufmann reportedly said he was motivated to research climate change after "an older gentlemen" asked me 'why should I believe in this climate change - I was watching Fox News and they said the Earth's temperature hasn't changed in 10 years and has actually gone down?'"
Kaufmann's study confirmed "the current understanding" that greenhouse gases exert a warming influence on the climate and "do not contradict" the IPCC's statement that most of the warming since the mid20th century is "very likely" due to human activity.
Does this mean Fox will be inspired to correct their awful climate coverage?
- Posted In
- Environment & Science, Climate Change
- Network/Outlet
- Fox Nation
Instructions for signing up and claiming your comment history are located here.
Updated rules for commenting are here.


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The New Mexico Gamma Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society, recently received honorable mention in the 2003 R.C. Matthews Outstanding Chapter Award competition. The chapter at New Mexico Tech was selected as one of the top three chapters among all 228 chapters throughout the United States.
Members of New Mexico Gamma were commended for their hard work and dedication to enhancing the engineering profession in colleges, communities, and the profession at large. Members of the chapter worked on 29 projects throughout the year, logging over 1000 hours of service.
Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society, is the only engineering honor society representing the entire engineering profession. It is the nation's second-oldest Greek letter society (behind Phi Beta Kappa) and was founded at Lehigh University in 1885 to recognize students of distinguished scholarship and exemplary character. There are now collegiate chapters at 228 US colleges and universities, active alumnus chapters in 16 regions across the United States and a total initiated membership of more than 435,000.
In addition to recognizing outstanding engineers, Tau Beta Pi seeks to "foster a spirit of liberal culture," encouraging members to be responsive to the current and future needs of their community. Local Tau Bates helped with Engineering Outreach through Science Fair, Science Olympiad, and the MathCOUNTS program. They also continued a long tradition of participation in the Adopt-A-Highway program along Interstate-25.


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Find us on:
Browse Sections
You can take steps to stay healthy and independent as you get older. It's important to:
Remember, it's never too late to make healthy changes in your life.
Regular physical activity can help you:
Learn more about staying healthy as you get older:
These steps can help you live a healthier life.
Staying active as you get older is one of the best things you can do for your health. Keep in mind that if you haven't been active in the past, it's not too late to start! You may need to start slowly and build up over time.
Aerobic activities make you breathe harder and cause your heart to beat faster.
Get more ideas for aerobic activities you can try.
Including a variety of activities in your routine will help you do everyday activities with ease. That's why it's important to:
If you have a health condition, talk with your doctor about the best activities for you.
Eating healthy is always important, no matter how old you are. It's never too late to make healthy changes to your diet.
Try these tips:
Get more tips and ideas for eating well as you get older.
Your doctor or nurse can help you stay healthy as you get older.
If you have Medicare, be sure to schedule your Medicare wellness visit every year.
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) for free help with quitting. Check out the benefits of quitting smoking when you are older.
If you have a history of heavy smoking and you smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, ask your doctor about screening for lung cancer.
Older adults are at greater risk for serious injuries from falls. Lower your risk of falling:
Older adults are more likely to be injured or killed in home fires. To stay safe, put smoke alarms on every floor of your home.
Use long-life smoke alarms if possible. These alarms use lithium batteries and last longer than regular smoke alarms. They also have a "hush button" so you can stop the alarm quickly if there's a false alarm.
If you use regular smoke alarms, replace the batteries every year. Try changing smoke alarm batteries when you change your clock back from daylight saving time in the fall. Follow these other tips on smoke alarms:
Get more fire safety tips [PDF - 3 MB].
Getting older doesn't make you a bad driver. But changes that come with aging can make it harder for you to drive safely. You may have trouble seeing at night or find it harder to react quickly to avoid an accident.
Take these steps to stay safe:
Just like physical activity is good for your body, activities that challenge your mind can help prevent memory loss and keep your brain healthy.
As you grow older, it's important to:
If you are forgetting things more often than usual and it's getting in the way of doing everyday things, talk with your doctor or nurse. Learn more about memory problems.
A caregiver is someone who helps a family member, friend, or neighbor who is sick or has a disability.
Caregiving can be stressful. It's important to get support if you are a caregiver – and be sure to make time to care for yourself, too.
Content last updated on:
March 26, 2019
Reviewer Information
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Sorry about the wait, here are the links for the i-cord cast on and bind-off (scroll down)
and the step-by-step directions for picking up a dropped stitch without a crochet hook:
- Stop in the row you are knitting at the location directly above the dropped stitch—where the stitch should be on your needles
- Insert the tip of your left hand needle into the loop from the dropped stitch from front to back. Make sure the right leg of the stitch is in front so that the stitch isn't twisted.
- Place the yarn from the row directly above the dropped stitch on the left needle to the right of the picked up loop.
- Use your right hand needle to pass the stitch over the yarn you just placed on the left hand needle.
- Repeat until you have come up to the row that you are currently knitting on. Make sure you pick up the dropped strands in the correct order.


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Been a while since I have poked my head around these parts. Got me a new camera about a month ago and thought I would post a few of the better ones I have got so far.
A link to my nature blog, Nature Close Up.
My Flickr photos can be found here, Flickr
A few more..
illin, Awesome pics…..
Great time of year to get duck photos! Nice shots.
Looks like most of the pics are gone now. :(
HeartlandOutdoors.com is owned by Lampe Publications LLC. Heartland Outdoors is a registered trademark.
Heartland Outdoors, P.O. Box 745, Elmwood, IL 61529
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If you're in a bookstore/drugstore/supermarket you should DEF pick up the April issue of Elle and check out this story shot by KT Auleta because I assisted Ondine on this shoot!
Apart from all the obvious radness, I got to go to Miami for a few days when it was freezing cold in the city and that was like icing on the cake.
favorite looks:
(4th spread right) yellow Sportmax trousers + cream Margiela jacket
(5th spread left) Cavalli bra & blouse + red Brioni pants
Gotta keep that hustle going my babezzzzzzzz.


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Best Kids Parties: Toy Cats
Name: Avery, 4
Location: Orange County, CA
Avery's 4th birthday was so fun to plan! It centered around a round orange stuffed cat from IKEA known in our household as "catball." Avery has had a brood of catballs over the years that she plays with, sleeps with, etc. Basically, they're her favorite creatures amongst her entire menagerie of stuffed animals.
The party colors were mostly oranges with various shades of blue worked in here and there. On the menu were mini vanilla cupcakes from Susiecakes, mini orange-glazed donuts from a local shop called Fill in the Hole Donuts and lollies made with kettle-cooked jellies from Trader Joe's (these were a clear winner at Avery's 2nd birthday party).
The orange circle garland is from one of our favorite children's retailers, Land of Nod. It's made of felt and can definitely be used over and over again. Avery's beloved catballs are wearing party hats made with Paper Source prints using an easy template (thanks to Lavender's Blue). Avery also has a deep love of balloons, so I ordered a 36" round citrus orange balloons from Shop Sweet Lulu and had it blown up at our local Party City. We had a candy necklace-making station with gummy Lifesavers and Cheerios, inspired by an idea in this book.
Last but not least, little pom poms were tucked away in tiny orange chevron little bitty bags, made by Whisker Graphics and purchased from Shop Sweet Lulu. Avery is really into pom poms and little things that she can collect and carry around at the moment. It was a wonderful celebration that marked an important birthday. Happy birthday, Avery!
Thanks, Michelle!
(Images: Michele Sterling)


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Cher Lloyd — Crush of the Day
It's almost physically impossible not to crush on Cher Lloyd. The sexy and talented 19-year-old UK singer is taking over the pop culture landscape with catchy new tracks from her new album 'Sticks + Stones' and spirited live performances in the U.S.
She's topped the UK charts, and it looks like Lloyd is about to repeat that same success stateside. And if she continues making videos like the replay-worthy 'Oath,' in which she reveals some skin while dressed in a glammed-up bikini, then we're more than happy to celebrate her success.
Check out a candid video interview with Lloyd over at PopCrush, in which she talks about her music and career and kicks back while tossing a few darts at balloons.


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Tree of Life
Healthy Home Gardening
Gardening Question
Cis Kemp
I have a 'creeping Charlie house plant' and the leaves are curling under. What can I do?
February 12, 2016
Comment: bugs?
Gardening Questions
Flower identify
I would like to send a photo of a flower I have and perhaps someone could identify it for me.
Funnel Capped Mushroom?
I found this pale peach mushroom in interior Alaska amongst birch trees in semi shady conditions growing through dead leaves in late July. Cap is somewhat funnel shaped and curls under at edges and covers gills in young, but opens on maturity. Shaft is thick and smooth. They are alone or in small groups less than five. Do you know what it is and whether or not it is edible? They are prolific in my yard.
What is this beautifully scented windmill looking flower?
I've been looking for gardenias for so long now with no luck. I was walking my dog this evening and I was overcome by a beautiful scent that came from the plant or flower. It reminds me of the way gardenias smell but I don't remember them looking like this. I thought gardenias were a little bigger than these small blooms. The petals on this flower are only about a half inch and anywhere between an 1/8 of an inch to a 1/4 of an inch in width. These remind me of a windmill. Does anyone know what this plant or flower is?
I have a croton plant that has something growing on the leaves it has a white stem like section that is attached to the leaf and a black top and it has completely covered the leaf. I have no idea what it is
I have a 'creeping Charlie house plant' and the leaves are curling under. What can I do?
How do I add a photo to the fungus page?
How do I add a photo of a fungus to your site. I saw where to do it, then realized I had to belong, so signed up, now instead of \\\"photo\\\" the site says \\\"video.\\\"
Help Identifying a Flower
Looking for someone to help me identify a flower. It is growing in pots on my boyfriend's front porch, but he does not know its name. Low growing, so probably ground cover, plump spiky leaves, multi-colored flowers with broad petals that close at night.
small white and blue flower
I had a flower given to me and I have no idea what it is. The stems are like an air fern the blooms have 3 white petals on one side and the base is a light blue. It is dying and I don't know what to do for it because I do not know what it is. Please help!
Use of Photo
Can I use the photo of Amaranth in a presentation on edible weeds and in a blurb in a newsletter?
Help identifying a flower
I would like help identifying a flower, please. Tall, sturdy reddish stalks, quite large pink flowers, similar in shape to "touch-me-not" or jewelweed. The seed pods pop/spin open when they are touched and small black peppercorn sized seeds spray in every direction.
Learn how to create a custom
Tree of Life
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What makes this conference unique
Biography of each PFLC speaker
Help making travel and lodging arrangements
Comments from previous attendees
Check our fee structure and be sure to register early to get a discount
Register for the 2017 Conference
View the daily conference schedule
View images from previous conferences
Why the ProFamily Legislative Network?
How the ProFamily Legislative Network works
ProFamily Legislative Network staff bios
Issues the ProFamily Legislative Network covers
Feedback from legislators and leaders assisted by PFLN
"Thank you WallBuilders! This is my third year attending the conference and every year you are on top or ahead of the breaking issues we face… Best conference a legislator can attend… PERIOD!"- Colorado Senator
"This is the most informative conference I have attended since being elected to serve. It is the only conference that my wife and I attended every session…. At this time in our nation's history, when the very fabric of our faith and history is being challenged, it is refreshing to attend a national conference that teaches and reminds us of our Judeo Christian heritage and our founding fathers vision for our great republic."- Texas Representative
"David Barton and the WallBuilders Team bring together the best profamily resources for legislators. I left the conference refreshed with our "Founding Fathers" spirit and a determination to help preserve their vision for the United States"- Connecticut Senator
"This is, by far, the best conference I have attended... "- Utah Representative
"The ProFamily Legislators Conference is the best conference that gives me the right tools to influence public policy in my state. The historical presentations are second to none; the topics are timely; the information is invaluable; and the spirit is uplifting. "- Michigan Senator


text:
They're on their way!
Hi folks,
The day we've all been looking forward to for a longtime has arrived!
After an epic journey, Luke has achieved a lot, and for those that have been... Read more
Nearing completion. Here's Luke's latest news.
Hi folks, another quick update and some info from Luke as he continues his trip, and an interesting update on the product itself. A quick excerpt from Luke below, with... Read more
Scanbox starts shipping!
We've started shipping! 25 out the door, and more on the way tomorrow. The first ScanBox's being out the door and delivered to backers is a huge milestone. We can't... Read more
Luke's in Hong Kong
We trust you're all well, and thanks for your patience between updates. As you've seen in the previous update Scanbox is on the production line and will be with you... Read more
Production shots.
Just a very quick update showing you a few photos of Scanbox on the production line too. Can't wait to get these to you!
Hi everyone,
First of all, just a quick note to thank-you all for your patience. We massively appreciate everyone's patience and support while we've been working to get your ScanBox... Read more
So many lights
Hi everyone,
Quick update.
We ordered our LED lights this week. These are to be fitted to inside of the Scanbox Plus and although they look simple there is a... Read more
Latest News
Hi everyone,
Just a short update to let you all know what's happening.
Firstly, Amazon (finally!) released our funding so manufacturing is underway and from all accounts is progressing nicely.... Read more
Update + A Few More Things
Hi Everyone,
Its been a while since our last update so we have made this one a goody!
Shipping Times
We have had several emails in regard to shipping. We... Read more
Hey everybody,
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text:
East Lansing, Mich. - Michigan State hockey coach Rick Comley is one of eleven coaches named finalists for the Spencer Penrose Award, given annually to the top NCAA Division I men's ice hockey coach by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). To be a finalist for this award, a coach must either be voted Coach of the Year in his conference or take his team to the NCAA Frozen Four.
Comley is one of five previous winners on this year's list of finalists, as he captured the award in 1980 and again in 1991 while the head coach at Northern Michigan. This is his first time as a finalist since coming to Michigan State. Comley is joined by St. Lawrence's Joe Marsh (1989 and 2000) as the only two-time winners on this year's list of finalists; other previous winners include Dick Umile of New Hampshire (1999); Tim Whitehead of Maine (2002); and Jerry York of Boston College (1977 winner at Clarkson).
In addition to the previous winners, North Dakota's third-year mentor Dave Hakstol makes the list, as he has guided his Fighting Sioux club into the Frozen Four for the third straight year. Army's Brian Riley and Niagara's Dave Burkholder are repeat finalists from a year ago, while WCHA Co-Coaches of the Year Bob Motzko of St. Cloud and Jamie Russell of Michigan Tech make the list.
CCHA Coach of the Year (and Michigan State graduate), Notre Dame's Jeff Jackson, is a finalist for the first time in over a decade. He coached at Lake Superior in the early 1990s, guiding the Lakers to two national championships.
The Spencer Penrose Award is named in honor of the former Colorado Springs benefactor who built the Broadmoor Hotel Complex, site of the first 10 NCAA hockey championships. It will be presented at the AHCA Coach of the Year Banquet on Saturday, April 28, in Naples, Fla.
2007 Spencer Penrose Finalists
Dave Burkholder, Niagara*
Rick Comley, Michigan State#@
Dave Hakstol, North Dakota#
Jeff Jackson, Notre Dame*
Joe Marsh, St. Lawrence*@
Bob Motzko, St. Cloud State*
Brian Riley, Army*
Jamie Russell, Michigan Tech*
Dick Umile, New Hampshire*@
Tim Whitehead, Maine#@
Jerry York, Boston College#@
* Conference Coach of the Year# NCAA "Frozen Four" Participant@ Previous Winner of the Spencer Penrose Award THANKS TO JAMIE WEIR, MSU SID.


text:
Juicy broadband faces hurdles
The recent article by Hook reporter Lisa Provence [July 1: "Electric change, Nelson makes net history"], presents an overly optimistic and somewhat incomplete picture of the status of Broadband over Powerline (BPL).
Most significant is the fact that BPL is not a done deal. All BPL services are in the testing phase allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
The city of Manassas, which had one of the earliest BPL trials, has subsequently terminated the experiment because of interference it caused to licensed radio services. The trial in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, by Alliant Energy is now the subject of a formal complaint to the FCC for alleged "ongoing harmful and willful interference to one or more licensed radio stations." Austria is reported to have curtailed a BPL field trial because of interference.
The basic flaw with this politically and commercially attractive concept is that power lines designed to conduct low frequency current are being used to transmit high frequency signals.
The broadband signal by definition is not confined to a single frequency, such as a radio or television station. The power lines are in effect turned into a giant radio transmission antenna. Think of tuning in your favorite TV or radio station and receiving a hundred or so other programs superimposed.
You can find a small sticker on most PCs and VCRs stating that the device is allowed to operate as long as the device does not cause harmful interference to other devices and must itself accept any interference.
This is the hurdle that the BPL providers must deal with and is the basis for the field test phase of the technology.
Charles G. Battig


text:
Happy Friday. Here's a 'Big Bang Theory' Flash Mob. [VIDEO]
Despite Carly Rae Jepsen's 'Call Me Maybe' being the most played (and therefore the most reviled) song of the year, you're dead inside if you're not amused by this flash mob organized by 'The Big Bang Theory' cast and crew to surprise their show runners.
Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and Steve Molaro were trying to film a scene of their hit CBS sitcom during an Oct. 23 live taping, but when they called "action," the viral hit song played instead.
The principal cast looked around in confusion as a few crew members started to dance before most of the actors joined in themselves and the audience lost their collective stuffing.
Kaley Cuoco (Penny), Kunal Nayyar (Raj), Simon Helberg (Howard), Mayim Bialik (
Blossom Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) all joined in on the fun while Johnny Galecki (Leonard) and Jim Parsons (Sheldon) watched from the set. Because nerds can't dance, duh.
After the mini-flash mob -- the brainchild of Cuoco and choreographed by her sister Bri -- they returned to filming as if flash mobs happen on their set on the regular.
The end of the stunt is signaled by Emmy winner Parsons, who spouts out his trademark "Bazinga!"
Which roughly translates to, "Take that Chuck Lorre, we just pwned your ass on your own set."


text:
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text:
Movie directors can come across as all sorts of personalities — arrogant, collegial, mercurial, dictatorial. Filmmaker Henry-Alex Rubin arrived on the set of "Disconnect", his first narrative feature, striking an unusual pose: clueless.
"I have no idea how to direct a movie," said Rubin, 39, a prize-winning commercial director who made (with Dana Adam Shapiro) the Oscar-nominated 2005 documentary "Murderball," which chronicled the grueling sport of wheelchair rugby. "I know how to make commercials and direct documentaries. I am just bringing the only way I know how to do things to fiction."
Constructed around three interwoven stories, "Disconnect" — opening Friday — tries to dramatize how technology is fracturing human relationships. Paula Patton and Alexander Skarsgard play a troubled couple who are victimized by an identity thief. The lonely son (Jonah Bobo) of a Blackberry-addicted dad (Jason Bateman) is cyberbullied with tragic consequences. And an ambitious television reporter (Andrea Riseborough) tries to advance her career by exploiting a runaway boy (Max Thieriot) who performs sex chats.
LD Entertainment President David Dinerstein, whose company is producing "Disconnect," said Rubin was able to attract a solid cast because "of his body of work — his documentary moved a lot of people. And equally important was that Andrew Stern's script really spoke to people."
On the heels of "Murderball," Rubin was sent a pile of scripts. Because he has a fruitful commercial career (he's done spots for Reebok, Samsung, Budweiser and Gatorade and has won 14 Cannes Lions awards for his advertisements) and because he was working on a couple of other documentaries, he was reluctant to jump into a project he didn't love. Narrative filmmaking, he thought, was a lot more complicated than what he was used to: taking out a camera and shooting something.
Rubin was penciled in to direct an Ethan Hawke movie called "Bridgewater" in 2008, but the project perished when financier David Bergstein's movie empire imploded.
"In many ways, I dodged a bullet," Rubin said, glad that he wasn't further along with the film when Bergstein's troubles began (those woes, for example, have stuck David O. Russell's "Nailed" in limbo for five years and counting).
Yet Rubin kept hearing the feature film siren call. "It is a documentarian's dream to break into the mainstream," he said.
Rubin spent two years working on another sports-related documentary, this one about an able-bodied rugby team from West Point, but when the squad failed to qualify for the 2011 Collegiate Rugby Championship, the film went down in flames.
"For every documentary you see, there are 20 carcasses along the road," Rubin said. "That one really broke my heart."
Around the same time, producer Bill Horberg, a fan of "Murderball," saw Rubin's commercial reel, and thought his shooting style would be well-matched to the plot of "Disconnect." (Rubin's commercials typically are filmed like mini-documentaries, with lots of hand-held cameras.)
"These were three stories that felt really relevant to me," said Rubin, who began making films as an eighth grader by interviewing (and thus disarming) a schoolyard bully. "And I wanted to shoot each of their stories as real and as researched as possible."
After a few meetings, Horberg and producer Mickey Liddell, whose LD Entertainment financed the nearly $10-million production and is distributing the film, gave Rubin the job.
Obviously there are differences between documentaries and commercials, magnified in a feature film. Documentaries are largely unscripted, and the star of a commercial is a car, a sports drink, a tennis shoe. Movies have 120-page screenplays, and the focus of the camera isn't a product but a living, breathing actor — who may have strong feelings about the character they're playing.
Liddell and Horberg gave him wide latitude, yet Rubin wasn't sure how to know if he had made the right casting choices.
"I read in Elia Kazan's book that you should always walk around the block with them," Rubin said of the how-to primer "Kazan on Directing." So he did just that.
Skarsgard, who plays Patton's husband in "Disconnect," said though he was a fan of "Murderball" he was initially skeptical of Rubin's graduation. "There are a lot of fantastic documentarians who can't direct actors," he said. But a four-hour meeting with the director calmed his fears, and Skarsgard said he was a joy to be around on set. "He's a phenomenal director," the actor said, who was struck by how Rubin hid his equipment. "He made us feel very free. It was almost like doing a play in a way — you never knew his cameras were there."
Once on set in his hometown of New York, Rubin tried to mimic his nonfiction techniques. "I really would say I didn't direct the movie. I allowed the actors to be themselves," he said.
He shot in long takes, shot the story in chronological order, didn't follow the script too slavishly, and tried to place his cameras so the actors wouldn't play to a specific place.
"I knew I wanted a lot of the actors to improvise the dialogue in a way that felt natural — that they put things in their own language," Rubin said. "I hid my cameras so far away from them that half the time the actors didn't realize I'd already got the reverse shot."
In a way, it's the same in a documentary interview: You want the subjects to relax and open up. "To me, it's all about forgetting about the camera," Rubin said.
"If the camera gets bumped, the camera gets bumped. If a line of dialogue gets stepped on by another actor, the line gets stepped on. I am just bringing the only way I know how to do things to fiction."
The documentary-to-drama path has been successfully traversed by several directors, including Paul Greengrass, José Padilha, Michael Apted, Kevin Macdonald and Werner Herzog, among others.
Rubin has made dozens of commercials since filming "Disconnect," and isn't sure he's ready to give up advertising. Shooting "Disconnect" "makes me really enjoy making commercials. They are such a delight — these little adventures you get to go on," Rubin said a few hours before heading off to Alaska to work on a new spot. "And the more I make commercials, the more the clients are starting to listen to me."
As naive as Rubin might have been when he started making "Disconnect," he isn't certain he's all that wiser for the experience.
"It was a grand experiment. I really have no idea how it turned out," he said of the film, which has attracted mixed to positive reviews. "I don't pretend to know what we made."


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Short review: This fetish may not be for everyone, but even for those that might not want to try it for themselves, just viewing it will offer stimulation and they carry a network of sister sites to build the worthiness. This site is well done from all angles, my time here was a pleasure, although there were a few moments when I found myself saying, ÂOuch! under my breath, it's explicit with the kinkiness.
Content Amount: I am very proud of this site for the amount of material they carry, especially when knowing they're only approximately 6 months old. They are giving multiple weekly updates, showing their sincerity and from this niche, you'll want all you can get!


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I take the safety of my readers very seriously. Therefore, I'd like to express my deepest condolences in advance to anyone who reads one of my columns while drinking hot coffee, driving, being …
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I take the safety of my readers very seriously. Therefore, I'd like to express my deepest condolences in advance to anyone who reads one of my columns while drinking hot coffee, driving, being fitted for a catheter, piloting a plane, or slicing green beans (diagonally), and experiencing an unfortunate incident.
Lawsuits are landing on peripheral laps all the time, and I want to be covered with a disclaimer, to lessen the chances that my bank account will be dwindled upon.
"Your honor, I gasped when I read what he wrote. I swerved, barely missed a duck, and drove straight into a tree. It was his fault."
My editor thinks I should cut back on all of the shocking comments
I make here.
I said it might turn me into a benign and innocuous shell of my former self.
"But it's better to be safe than sorry."
I am sitting on some blockbuster allegations because I don't want to wind up in court.
For one thing, I already know what Prince Harry and that Markle girl are going to name their baby. And we haven't even had the wedding yet.
I can't wait. How about you? Royal weddings really get to me. There is nothing like a shameless display of wealth set against a meaningless monarchy.
All seriousness aside, the only "Royal Wedding" I care about is the film, and then only for a few minutes, when Fred Astaire is dancing on the ceiling.
It's nearly wedding season.
I never cry at weddings, and do you know why?
I never go to weddings in the first place.
I know how much we relish our pomp and circumstances: proms, debutante balls, graduations, and weddings — but none of it interests me in an iota.
Likewise, we hand out awards left and right.
Song of the Year, Employee of the Month, Miss Castle Rock.
Maybe I am envious. Who wouldn't want to be Miss Castle Rock?
I have to admit, I'd like the Pulitzer boys and girls to knock on my door. (If it can't be Ed McMahon).
Approbation means a lot. Even in small amounts.
Being commended for cleaning your room is a start.
I won an art award when I was in seventh grade. I didn't know what to think. I wished it had been a sports award. There was a time when boys were not encouraged in the arts.
Now and then, you might read about a phenomenal pre-teen painter, but I'd be suspicious.
An 8-year-old hasn't lived life (exceptions: Mozart, Picasso, Shirley Temple, "He'll Eat Anything" Mikey). Art depends upon life experiences just as much as skill and creativity.
"The national average cost of a wedding day in 2016 shot up to $35,329," according to a survey in The Knot. But not for me.
I went to my last wedding 20 years ago.
There was a tower of icing, there was a garter toss, there was a lower back tattoo on the bride.
Relatives who didn't get along came to town from all over the country, and bickered.
Gifts that had been foregone in a presumptuous register were stacked.
And 18 months later, he was seeing someone else when he said he was "going to the office."
Do me a favor. Read me while you are sitting down and sitting still.
Safety first.
Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
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Re: Todd Sucherman here!
The DVD is great, It's something I need to watch over and over to drill it into my head, (age is a wonderful thing) but it's very informative. Thank you.
Like you advised I purchased a digital recorder (Zoom H2) to record my practice sessions. So far I have only been recording myself playing along to music minus drums and what I hear while I'm playing and what I hear recorded are two different drummers. What an eye opener. However I may be setting myself up for doom because I have many music minus drum tracks of different styles and I find myself playing one after another instead of working on one tune at a time?
I do have two questions for you:
1, Would you only work on one song at a time re: music minus drums until your happy with the way it sounds recorded?
2, Would you also record yourself practicing rudiments and solo playing?
I appreciate your feedback and any other tips.
Yamaha, Slingerland, Zildjian, Sabian.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Thanks for getting the DVD and thanks for the kind words. They are appreciated!
Record everything. If you practice for an hour, spend an hour listening to the playback. It can be painful, laborious, but ultimately rewarding when you hear yourself improve and really play what you meant to play. Work on a track or two and spend sometime figuring out why things don't sound the way you want them to. Make the changes no matter how small, record again and listen. Repeat. This may take some time but it's worth the effort. I also answer "yes" to your second question too. Have a plan for the week and be organized. Pick a few rudiments and work on the snare drum and then application to the kit, with grooves in a musical setting. Work on 2 or 3 tracks (and maybe only one if you are really hating what you're hearing) and make daily progress.
Hope that helps.
Happy Holidays to you all!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Thanks for the advice. I appreciate it very much. Sounds like a great plan. It's amazing what a recording of yourself will expose. I have been playing for 40 years and never really dissected my playing this way. It is certainly an ear opener.
Have a great holiday and thanks for the gift of a little bit of your knowledge.
Yamaha, Slingerland, Zildjian, Sabian.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
And now a question: Why is it that Styx only seems to do double- or triple-billed shows in Dallas these days? I'm not complaining, but it would be lovely to see y'all play around here on a single bill. I know you used to play at Billy Bob's in Ft. Worth with only the house band going before you. Surely there are enough Styx fans here in the big D to warrant an entire 2+ hour show from you guys! :)
I'll talk to you later!
~ Ciana
ETA: Even though I'm not a drummer, I may get a copy of your DVD myself! After reading everything everyone has said about it, it sounds wonderful. And I always love watching a master att work! :) Love ya, and I hope I'll see you this spring or summer.
Ciana's forums
Ciana's blog
Last edited by Ciana; 12-24-2008 at 04:59 AM.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hi Todd,
Season's greetings.
Your DVD arrived in the post and went down well with the Xmas turkey!
A tour de force of drumming, which made me wonder what the hell I'd been doing for the last three decades on the drum kit!
Here in England, what we normally do is get a drum kit as kids and start thrashing away, missing out on the theory side that many of you guys get in the US.
That's probably why since the pioneering days of Ringo, Moon and Bonham etc in the 60s/70s, most of the leading players are now from the US or Europe.
Anyway, there's a mountain of stuff for me to learn from the on the DVD.
Applying rudiments to the kit, the double pedal section and the general enthusiam you have for the drums are all inspiring.
Tears Of Joy is pure ball-breaking drumming (I'm still getting my head ariound the 13/8 groove) and I really appreciated you expalining the Weckl fills, which have puzzled me for years.
I also finally got an iPod and downloaded Gavin Harrison's Drop album, so my house was wall to wall with heavyweight drumming over the festive period!
So best wishes for 2009, Todd.
You deserve all the success and publicity you're getting...
PS Looking forward to the MD 2008 Festival DVD. Any idea when it's out?
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hi Ciana,
Glad you're enjoying the DVD. As far as shows in Dallas goes, I really have no answer for you. I don't book 'em---I just show up and play. That's all I've got.
Thanks for getting the DVD and thanks for your positive feedback! I appreciate you compliments and I hope it entertains and inspires new ideas in you playing. As far as the MD fest DVD goes, I think they are looking for a March release. But that can always change. I'm sure they'll do plenty of pre release press on it. Thanks again!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey Todd!
I was watching the Tears of Joy video, and I couldn't see the model on that HHX hi-hat. What hi-hat are you using there?
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hi Joe,
The hi hats I used for Tears of Joy on the Methods and Mechanics DVD were 14" HHX Evolutions. I hope you decide to pick up the DVD!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hello Todd! I got your DVD for Christmas, and I wanted to say that I thought it was awesome, Thanks for making it! I didn't know who you were until I saw here at Drummerworld that the DVD was getting a bunch of attention, but after getting and watching it, I was blown away by what a monster player you are. I also think it is extremely cool that you come here and personally answer people's questions and help other drummers get better. I hope to start trying out bits and pieces of the patterns you demonstrated as soon as possible (I just broke stuff in both arms three nights ago!). Anyway, thanks to you, I've got some awesome practice material to look forward to and "rehabilitate" with when I'm better! Hope to see more of you and your drumming in the future!
Session House
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
This thread has long been full of rave review and congrats of your ability and your DVD, and now I know why. Todd, what can I say or what can anyone say thatll explain or somehow communicate the quality of your DVD, Methods and Mechanics? Guys and dolls, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, if you havent yet, and if youve been procrastinating and pinching pennies and whining about the economy and how its got tough to find a gig and youve no more dough in your pockets buck it up dude! Panhandle on the nearest corner, go out and sell yourself, hell sell your sister, or do whatever it takes and go buy this DVD (ya cant steal it cuz its only available on the internet I think). After a five hour trip through the life and thoughts of this tender and fantastically talented musician, Todd Sucherman, Im sure youll likely consider tossen the skins out the back door and instead take up the Kazoo. But dont let this mans talent scare ya man. His insane humor and implausible and hard to believe ability will drive you crazy and make you wanna play, play, play til the cows come home. Not to over state my enthusiasm, but honest to God Todd nice job man!
However Ive one question. Wheres the PDF thats part of the DVD? Ive gone through the set a couple of times and havent found it. Im hoping to find there transcriptions of the compound sticking exercises showing examples of how they might be strung together. Im slow to pick up on some of this and the visual transcriptions always help me understand the timing better how to get in and when to get out. Boy, so many grooves, so many chops and seemingly so little time. Thanks for putting your time in this project thatll give anyone, at any level of playing, something to strive for and long remember.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you are enjoying the dvd! Yikes---hope you are feeling better soon and have a speedy recovery. Thanks again for your feedback.
Thanks for the enthusiastic accolades. I really, really appreciated it! The PDFs are on either disc 1 or 2 (duh....I forget which one) and can only be viewed on your computer. From there you can print it out....simple as that! Thanks again for your kind words!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hello Todd recently i've been kinda discouraged from playing and haven't played in a while but last night i watched the concert with styx and the contemporary youth orchestra and your drumming on that show was amazing and it was the inspiration i needed to play again and learn new things and get better.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
I'm glad seeing the Styx/CYO DVD gave you a little spark to get behind the kit. That's good news. That was a very hard, very challenging night for me trying to hold everything together--but a good memory that was captured on film. I'm happy that you got something out of it.
Don't be discouraged. Ever. You're here, reading and participating in the drum community. This isn't a contest and you are in a race with no one. Relax and remember to enjoy simply playing--and enjoy the process of improving. Have some structured/focused practice time. That's the best way to see results. Don't forget to be patient. If you have an agenda for your practice sessions it's hard to become stagnant which is something we all deal with. But having a goal, or goals, will help you get in the direction you want to go.
Not trying to drum up a sale here (or use bad puns) but I recommend my DVD "Methods and Mechanics." I worked very hard on what I had to say to do my best to inspire the viewer to get on the kit and get to work. It might help spark a new found enthusiasm in your playing way more than the Styx show.
You can check out some clips here at Drummerworld or here:
I wish you luck (and fun) with your playing!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey kgrub,
GET the DVD. You will be happy you did. I'm 55 and have been playing for 40 years. I find myself at this age rejuvenated and excited about playing all over again. The DVD will really light a fire under your a%$ if you know what I mean. He explains things in great detail but at the same time he keeps in simple terms. He will show you how to apply rudiments to the kit and plays some great tracks as well. Every time I pop in the DVD I learn something new.
Yamaha, Slingerland, Zildjian, Sabian.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hello Todd !! I was wondering if you could give a detailed review on the Pearl shell/sound vs. the Sonor shell/sound given even thickness model. I am definitely a Sonor guy, however the newer Pearl stuff just blows me away at how far they have come, and I have owned ALOT of Pearl as well.
I mean, none of these guys at Sonormuseum seem to understand this, nor will they accept it. I find that hilarious, to be honest.
I have one really cool friend who has his Delite set up right next to an older MMX, and I always ask him if the Sonor is leaving the Pearl in the dust. He tells me time and time again, ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Thanks for the back up---and the kind words are always appreciated.
It's hard to compare 15 to 30 year old shells to new shells. I really believe they mature as drums (and the wood) gets older. As well, my Pearl kits are custom Masterworks so they are not standard fare. But a strong fundamental tone (a trait of Phonic, Lites & Sigs) was my template for the thicker shelled Masterworks. My current road kit rivals anything I've ever played and is my favorite kit. The 8" through 12" are 8 ply and the 14" through 22" are 10 ply--and with inner and outer plies of bubinga like the old Signature Series by Sonor. In my opinion thicker shells produce a stronger fundamental tone---a stronger defined note if tuned properly. The mic has an easier time reading that information than many thin shelled drums that produce more overtones---then the mic has a harder time deciphering that note. That's when the engineer starts rolling off frequencies in the EQ. With thick shelled drums I've found over the years that most engineers have to do very little (if nothing at all) to get sounds. And then they end up sounding very natural.
I digress I suppose. It's impossible to do comparisons. Each of my Sonor kits from different lines have qualities unique to themselves--as do my Pearl kits. I'm sure the Masterworks will only improve with age. I guess my current kit is the most Sonor-y, but classic Sonor as opposed to modern Sonor. Make sense? I hope so.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Todd, that's great info about the kit's shell composition and sound. I love the depth and punch of my Mapex Saturn (6-ply) but hate the lingering overtones sometimes. I could definitely see the problem when mic'ing live.
I guess for my next drum set, I'll experiment a litle thicker! And definitely with Bubinga. Awesome material.
I've been drumming for 40 years. I'm 39 years old.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey Todd, thank you! I guess I was asking more about modern Sonor vs. modern Pearl.
You are one of the first to basically spell out what I tell all my drum buddies, (who won't listen to me). The thinner shells, mic'd, will have to be WAY more tamed by the sound guy or whoever, because it's gonna "distort" with ovetones much quicker and more frequently with an ANNOYING/UN-USEABLE low end. They always end up having to muffle the crap out of them, and modify the settings.
The other thing about the really thin shells, is that all that buttery super low end is usually positioned so low that once the bassist and any somewhat low end guitar come in to the mix, you floor toms and kick are more part of that, and as a result, more transparent as being "the drums".
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Like everything, it's a personal opinion. But check out some thicker shelled drums if you're in the market for a new kit.
I really have no experience with much "modern" Sonor kits so I can't make the comparison. I used a Designer kit on the Styx '96 tour. It's the only kit I've ever unloaded and sold to a friend. It was a great kit, but not really "special" as it was thin shells, maple, just like every company was making. I do have a Pearl Masters 4 ply MMX kit which is lovely. I used that in the DVD for the small jazz kit segments. It works great in that context in my opinion. But the Masterworks really shine for the "big kit" stuff in the DVD.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Man if I walked into a concert hall and saw that kit but didn't know who the drummer was, my first thought would be " Man this cat is probably going to be a badass!"
Hey Todd have you developed any shoulder problems from hitting that monster tom?
My babies -
Big Yamaha - Baby Roland - Lil Rodgers
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey todd, just caught the clip from this years NAAM show with you playing "Tears of Joy". Is that the new Masterworks Kit???? or was it the kit supplied from the NAAM gurus? If so how do you like it? How would you caompare it to the old kit? Also if you're looking for a place to store the retired kit I haver plenty of room!!!!! Cheers, BOB.
Never trust a smiling dog!
Gretsch and Paiste
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey Linear-
No shoulder problems!! Nothing remotely uncomfortable at all, really.
Supply the link where you saw that.....I didn't play at NAMM this year at all and haven't since '03. I was there, but didn't play a note. Supply the link and then I can talk about a kit!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hi Todd,
Two questions please:
1. I've been watching your DVD a lot. It's great viewing. You seem to use flams on different drums, for example, the floor tom and the snare, now and again. Is that the case? It sounds nice and is something I might try myself. I nearly always do flams on the one drum and don't split my hands.
2. What's your opinion on buying an electronic kit, purely for practice purposes. It's virtually impossible for me to use the kit at home. Neighbours! And a pracice pad is too limited.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Sonor Phonics, Ludwigs & Sabians.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
question for you, im a jazz drummer and am wondering if there is much in your new DVD for drummers like me...
ive seen many of your vidoes on drummerworld and your a great all round drummer, but do you focus on things that can help me??
and what snare do you use in your new DVD??...sounds great!
Last edited by Funky Crêpe; 01-25-2009 at 02:02 AM. Reason: extra line
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Excuse me while I wipe the egg off my face.............That clip, was from the Modern Drummer fest 2008.....sorry!!!!!
Never trust a smiling dog!
Gretsch and Paiste
Last edited by stillgroovin; 01-25-2009 at 02:39 AM. Reason: changed content
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
By all means, split your hands. A snare/tom flam with the tom hitting first and the snare last is a musically powerful thing---and the beginning of lots of Tony Williams-ish ideas that you can build on.
As far as the electronic kit goes, I echo Leadfoot's sentiments. It's great for maintenance practice. I mean, you can't develop your ride cymbal technique on a piece of rubber, you know? But it's better than nothing. And some of the sequencing gizmos on those things are downright fun. While nothing is like the real thing, electronic kits are great for drummers who have noise issues with their living situation.
I certainly hope there are things in the DVD that are applicable to ALL musicians! Besides obvious lesson type things-- there are thoughts on approaching music, musicians, career navigational ideas--tips and thoughts that I've developed over 34 years of being a working musician. I think the ideas are applicable to drummers of all types and styles---because it's up to the viewer to get what they want out of the materials. If some of the concepts are thought provoking it's up to the viewer to add the ideas to their musical bag---physically playing wise or just mentally.
Here's the text from the back cover of the DVD and will give you an overview:
"Todd Sucherman brings the knowledge of thousands of gigs, shows and recording sessions along with over three decades as a professional drummer to this useful and unique DVD package. Astonishing technique, power and musicality explode from the various musical and solo performances throughout this presentation. Working with artists over a myriad of genres diverse as Styx, Brian Wilson, Spinal Tap, Eric Marienthal, Peter Cetera, John Wetton, Steve Cole, The Falling Wallendas and countless more, there's a wealth of knowledge imparted that goes way beyond just the technical aspects of drumming. Methods and Mechanics is filled with practical career tips that will help you navigate through the music business as well as mental aspects and cerebral approaches to the art of playing music on the drums. Filmed in 16X9 in High Definition at a stunning location this DVD features music from Styx, Taylor Mills and Jerry Goodman and contains various solos and playing examples in an array of styles as well as technical lessons to enhance your rhythmic and musical vocabulary.
Methods and Mechanics includes:
Grip and stroke analysis with many rudiments and hybrid rudiment exercises on a practice pad with slow motion examples
Orchestration of hybrid rudiments and stickings for musical application on the drum set
In depth analysis of hi hat techniques and how they effect groove and feel
Emphasis on mastering a simple vocabulary before moving on to more complex concepts
Thoughts on practice and patience
8 performance songs with full analysis--some with "play by play" voice over
Full double bass drum vocabulary for unique use in grooves and fills
Odd time break down of more complex time signatures
Musical notation and downloadable PDFs
Jazz kit performances and tips for swing time and brushes
Tips for music business career navigation, as well as tips for recording sessions, shaping songs with dynamics, paying attention to lyrics, traveling on the road, keeping things fresh, thoughts on gear, gear maintenance, Building a drum room, and loads of extras that include A Day On The Road, Drum Room Tour, Thoughts on working with Styx, Brian Wilson and Taylor Mills, personal history, tribute fills, an extensive photo gallery, and even a blooper reel.
Methods and Mechanics is a stunning achievement that reminds us the music comes first and that the arts are one of life's greatest joys. Entertaining as well as educational, music and truth flow through this epic presentation.
Available worldwide from Altitude Digital Video Production Altitudedigital.com"
I hope you check it out and that it helps inspire creative ideas in you playing and thinking.
The kit at the MD fest was a Pearl Reference in Crystal Rain finish.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
thanks a million for the response...."Jazz kit performances and tips for swing time and brushes"...THERE WE GO!...
the dvd really has a bulk in it!....i'll probably be going in on saturday to get it, im sure it will help me!
Last edited by Funky Crêpe; 01-25-2009 at 11:09 PM. Reason: it was too long!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey Todd,
I hope the Peoria show went well. I very much wanted to go but just couldn't work out the logistics, being in Champaign an hour & a half away, & having to be at work early the next morning as well as having a 9-1 gig after work :~( A little too much to swing.
Maybe next time, have a good one!
Sonor Phonics, Ludwigs & Sabians.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey T-
Hope you are well!!!
All my best
Pro Drummer
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
It might be light on "lesson" regarding swing time, I'm pretty sure you'll be able to get some good stuff out of the 5 hour presentation. I hope so anyway! Thanks, and I hope you dig it.
Missed a fun gig. Next time!
Hey John!
My best to you, brother-
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hi Todd.
I was just watching the promo video for the new pearl demon drive pedal and was just blown away by the things that you were doing with you hands in that vid. On your dvd do you cover what stickings and combination of stickings that you use to be able to play those awesome phrases and how to create those types of combinations? The kinds of things that you are doing on your hands in that vid is amazing man!
are there PDF files on your dvd of the examples that you show to print off to work on?
Just to ask, do you teach private lessons? if so what state do you live in? i'd love to get some lessons with you.
Thanks an God bless!
Last edited by drummingman; 01-28-2009 at 07:13 AM.
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Thanks for your kind words. They are appreciated!
In my "Methods and Mechanics" dvd I go through a section on a practice pad that covers various rudiments, hybrid rudiments, compound stickings that have served me well over the years. Then there's a section with those expamples orchestrated on the kit. It shows musical applications with various different orchestrations and note rates. Then there is a double bass/hand/foot section that does the same. These to me are the building blocks to express different ideas on the drum set. There are PDF files of the hand stuff only---but that covers a lot. I hope it illustrates how these work in tandem with the feet and how to apply these to the kit in a musical way.
I live in Austin, but I really don't teach anymore. There are a few guys I've had over but it's been almost two years. If the band ever takes any serious time off, I'll have something on my website about lessons. Thanks for your interest!
You can order the dvd and have it sent directly to your mailbox here:
I hope you check it out and that it spurs creativity in your playing and thinking.
Thanks again!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey Todd...
Just now I found that "rudiments" pdf on the "Methods"- Dvd, I read about. Very nice! ..Now of course I realize, I misspelled my username---I'll try to fix that....
Here we go: I'm looking forward to getting a new snaredrum one of these days. I own one of these rather cheap looking and nasty sounding tin-type snaredrums. Really nothing special...it came with the kit. Those snaredrums with wood hoops on them caught my attention some time ago and just recently I saw you playing one too (on "M and M", of course ...I believe it's a Pro Mark Anniversary snare---Also on the "Return to Paradise"-tour in 1996, if I'm not mistaken).
How do these types of hoops affect the sound of a drum, according to your opinion and does it make sense to install one on a snare with, let's say a brass corpus for instance (as I assume they are normaly put on wooden drums (?))
Are wooden hoops likely to splinter when you're hitting them on a regular basis, as one would a cast iron one, e.g.? (..gnarly english, I know...) ...
What's your opinion on wooden hoops in general?
Thanks a lot, Todd and servus from Bavaria
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
I am VERY envious of your drum room!
Especially that Sonor Signature kit....just incredible.
Noble & Cooley Horizon Reissue, Craviotto Solid Maple 4-Piece
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Ok folks, time to fill out the Modern drummer Readers poll!!!!! This DVD needs to win on merit alone!!!! One of the best. I already voted how about you!!!! You will find the poll on the MD website.
Never trust a smiling dog!
Gretsch and Paiste
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
hey todd! thanks so much for answering my questions! i look forward to getting your dvd!
Re: Todd Sucherman here!
Hey, man. You know, wood is just another "color" or flavor, if you will. The wood hoop drum in my DVD is indeed a Pro Mark 50th made by Pete Stanbridge. Pete's drums are astounding and he makes the best wood hoops in the world, in my opinion. Check out his stuff at Stanbridgedrums.com
The snare from the '96 tour was an Ayotte. Good wood hoops shouldn't splinter and I've never experienced that at all. I used that Ayotte on the entire '96 and '97 tours---same hoops. The sound is really a personal choice and as I said, it's just a different flavor. I will say that the cross stick "rim clicks" on the Stanbridge hoops are hard to beat. Like a clave.
Thanks, man. The Sigs Special Editon....those were great.
Thanks for the support! If anyone out there enjoyed "Methods and Mechanics" your support would certainly be appreciated. Here's the link:
My pleasure. I hope you pick it up and get good stuff out of it!
Off to freeze in Michigan in the morning.....
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The Day Feature: Yale partisans find something to cheer about in regatta loss
GALES FERRY, Conn. – After a weekend of hard-fought racing the Yale heavyweight crew team closed out its stay at Gales Ferry on Sunday night with its annual banquet. Four awards were given out, and the evening ended with the announcement that junior rower Zachary Johnson will serve as team captain for the 2013-14 season.
Freshman Henry Bird (Bedford Hills, N.Y.) was given the Jerry Romano Award, given annually to the oarsman who most thoroughly enjoys the freshman experience.
Senior Tom Lynam (Alexandria, Va.) was given the George Pew Award, given to the team member who distinguishes himself through hard work, dedication and loyalty to Yale Crew in all facets of the program.
Senior Philippe Mastroyannis (Washington, D.C.) was given the Class of 1930 Spirit Award, donated by the Yale Crew Class of 1930 and given annually to the member of the varsity crew for the best cooperative spirit during the year.
Senior Jon Morgan (Johannesburg, South Africa) was given Augustus S. Blagden Trophy, donated in memory of Augustus S. Blagden, Ph.B. 1901 and awarded annually to that senior who, in spirit and action, has done most to enhance the tradition of rowing at Yale.
The final announcement of the evening was that Johnson had been elected captain by his teammates for the 2013-14 season. The junior from Ross, Calif., has rowed in the varsity eight for the past two years and will take over captainship duties from Morgan.
Report filed by Yale Sports Publicity


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Bakery Display Case
Showing off your enticing bakery treats in an attractive bakery display case is a surefire way to get your products noticed. Your choices include cases with curved or straight glass and exterior finishes including black, white, beige, stainless, wood-grain, and more. Multiple sizes are available in refrigerated and non-refrigerated versions. Some are available with front access so customers can serve themselves. More


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The sight that greeted Sarah Broadhead as she looked out her window on the west side of Gettysburg on the morning of June 30th, 1863 caused her to draw a sharp breath. There had been rumors, but the view of the Seminary and the ridge on which it stands was complicated by a large group of men, and the Confederate flags they were carrying. She would later write, "We had a good view of them from our house, and every moment we expected to hear the booming of cannon, and thought they might shell the town. As it turned out they were only reconnoitering." She was looking at three North Carolina Infantry Regiments, some 1,800 men constituting most of a brigade under the command of Brigadier General James Johnston Pettigrew. Pettigrew, the highly educated and well lettered graduate of the University of North Carolina was the pride of his state.
Ordered forward on a supply gathering expedition, Pettigrew and his staff were anxiously searching the town and its environs for signs of Union troops. Numerous civilians questioned as to the presence of Union troops in the area gave a variety of answers, most of them based on rumors, but one thing became evident: there were many Union troops close by. It did not take long for their field glasses and telescopes to find the body of blue moving towards town from the south on the Emmitsburg Road. Mistaking a column of cavalry for infantry, Pettigrew turned his column around, 3 regiments of infantry, an artillery battery, and 27 empty wagons that were to have hauled the shoes, hats, and food back to their divisional camp near Cashtown on South Mountain. Instead, they returned almost empty-handed.
On his return to Cashtown, Pettigrew reported to his superior, Henry J. Heth, that there were large bodies of troops in and around Gettysburg and more were arriving all the time. Heth took Pettigrew to see their Corps Commander, General Ambrose Powell Hill. Neither Hill, nor Heth believed the report. Both graduates of the United States Military Academy, they had a disdain for the civilian soldier's abilities, and Pettigrew was just that. Even though he was a battle-tested, wounded veteran of many engagements who had fought his regiments well, he was, and always would be, a civilian soldier, and not "one of them", an Academy graduate. Hill and Heth graduated from West Point in the same class, 1847. Hill was 15th in his class of 38, and Heth was dead last. It did not matter. Heth was the nephew of General Robert E. Lee.
[Heth's Division was not the advanced element of the Army of Northern Virginia, as that honor belonged to Lieutenant General Richard S. Ewell's Second Corps, which passed through Gettysburg a week earlier on its way to York, and then north to Harrisburg. But Hill's Third Corps was the lead of the main body of Lee's army, which included Lieutenant General James Longstreet's First Corps, still situated in the Cumberland Valley west of Hill's advanced position at Cashtown.]
In a similar predicament to Pettigrew's were his fellow brigade commanders in Heth's Division. Brigadier General James J. Archer was a Mexican War veteran who joined the US Army before the war, and now commanded a brigade of Tennessee and Alabama troops. As such, he was a notch above Pettigrew professionally, as was Colonel John M. Brockenbrough, who was a graduate of Virginia Military Institute. Not so the fourth brigade commander under Heth, Brigadier General Joseph R. Davis, the nephew of Confederate General Jefferson Davis, and a pre-war politician in Mississippi.
[It was the same in the Union Army. Political and civilian officers were awarded commissions early in the war usually for raising a regiment, or at least a company. Major political figures such as Benjamin Butler, a Massachusetts Democrat, and his political and law student, Daniel Sickles, commander of the Third Corps, Army of the Potomac, and a key figure in the Battle of Gettysburg were exceptions to the rule. For the most part, the war was taken over by 1863 by the West Point graduates, and the civilian and political generals were relegated to side areas, or out of the army altogether. The West Point officers on both sides generally were much better all around officers, and had made the learning transition on maneuver and logistics concerning large armies, as the prewar US Army in which they served had, at most, 20,000 men…the size of a medium sized Civil War brigade.]
Pettigrew's report was disbelieved. When forwarded to Lee, the report was also disbelieved based on the intelligence information Lee had at the time. Even so, the cautious Lee ordered Hill to advance on Gettysburg the next day and "feel" for the enemy. He was ordered not to bring on a general engagement. Hill ordered Heth to undertake the task and passed on Lee's admonition to avoid spurring a large fight.
John Buford, Brigadier General, West Point '48, commanding officer of the First Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac, led his men up the Emmitsburg Road from Maryland into Pennsylvania and a few miles later, Gettysburg in the late morning of June 30. It was Buford's command that Pettigrew had spotted from a long distance and mistaken them for infantry. At the time, the long column of blue-uniformed troopers may have been dismounted and marching by leading their horses, something cavalry did on the march to give both riders and horses a break while continuing to move.
Buford rode at the head of two of his three brigades. First Brigade, under Colonel William Gamble, comprised of the 8th and 12th Illinois Cavalry, and the 3rd Indiana, and 8th New York, was with him, as was the Second Brigade, under the feisty Colonel Thomas Devin. Devin commanded the 6th and 9th New York Cavalry, the 3rd West Virginia, and the 17th Pennsylvania. Buford's Reserve Brigade, under newly promoted Brigadier General Wesley Merritt was left south of the area guarding the southwestern approaches to Gettysburg.
[Merritt, along with Elon J. Farnsworth, was promoted from Captain to Brigadier General (skipping Major, Lieutenant Colonel, and Colonel!) two days earlier in a last minute reorganization of the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac by Major General Alfred Pleasonton, Corps Commander. Along with Merritt and Farnsworth, a young First Lieutenant was also springboarded to Brigadier General, and given command of the Michigan Brigade in Judson Kilpatrick's Third Division of the Cavalry Corps. His name was George Armstrong Custer, last in his West Point class of 1861 in everything but equitation.]
Riding through Gettysburg just before noon Buford's troopers were serenaded by the people of the town, particularly the young ladies and children. Showered with patriotic songs, some stopped to have flowers pinned on their dusty coats.
[These men were no longer the laughingstock of the Army. In the first two years of the war, the Union Cavalry had been ill used, poorly commanded, and severely abused when they came in contact with Major General James Ewell Brown (JEB) Stuart's Cavalry Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. In fact, an early war sentiment among the infantry was that "nobody ever saw a dead cavalryman." But recently, with better commanders of the Army of the Potomac, and with a Corps Commander who excelled at the administrative side of running a cavalry unit, the Army of the Potomac's Cavalry Corps distinguished themselves in battles along the gaps and passes leading into the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, and at such places as Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville. Finally, a surprise attack launched by Army Commander Joseph Hooker on June 9th caught Stuart at a very vulnerable moment. Attacking across the Rappahannock River while Stuart was conducting a grand review for General Lee and assorted visiting dignitaries, Pleasonton's forces, backed up by a corps of infantry interrupted the review and fought a series of pitched battles around a place called Brandy Station. Eventually Pleasonton grew timid and withdrew his forces back across the river, but not before serving notice that his cavalry had matured into an outstanding fighting unit capable of standing toe-to-toe with the vaunted Stuart. It was a lesson that was ignored by Stuart and Lee, and thus to be repeated throughout the Gettysburg Campaign.]
Buford moved his men through town ordering Devin to bivouac his brigade north of the college in the open fields above town, and Gamble to set up his brigade camp west of the Seminary on the Chambersburg Pike.
Buford's long years of experience as an Indian fighter out west before the war had taught him to be an excellent judge of terrain. Indeed, he was the man who initially decided the opening strategy of the Battle of Gettysburg, and how it would eventually play out. He reasoned that if he could hold the Confederates off west of town long enough for the Infantry to arrive and occupy the high ground southeast of town, he would have accomplished his goal and given the Infantry a large advantage in high ground, well suited for defensive positions, from Culp's Hill, north around the upper reach of Cemetery Hill, and then south along the west side of Cemetery Hill and down Cemetery Ridge. He would need help, however, and later that evening he sat down near the Lutheran Seminary and wrote a letter to Union First Corps Commander Major General John Fulton Reynolds, telling him just that.
James Ewell Brown "JEB" Stuart, 13th of 46 in his West Point class of 1854, where he was first exposed to Robert E. Lee. Lee was superintendent of the Military Academy, and Stuart was one of his prize cadets. Later, in 1859, after a few years fighting Indians out west, and dealing with the unrest in 'Bleeding Kansas' Stuart acted as Colonel Robert E. Lee's aide during the suppression of John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry.
At the start of the Civil War, Stuart, a young Virginian with piercing dark eyes and a large beard, was commissioned a Captain of Virginia Cavalry. In little more than a year he was promoted to Major General commanding the Confederate Cavalry Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia.
Stuart's early war exploits after taking command are legendary. He led his entire command unhindered on rides around the Army of the Potomac – twice! He was a skilled commander, and a trusted officer serving under his old mentor, Lee. At the Battle of Chancellorsville, he temporarily took command of Stonewall Jackson's Second Corps after Jackson was wounded by friendly fire. He fought Jackson's men with skill the next day. By the time of the Gettysburg Campaign his reputation as a dashing and daring commander was encased in the lore of the South. It was about to come undone.
Ordered by Lee to screen the movement of the Army of Northern Virginia north into Pennsylvania, Stuart proceeded to go on an extensive raid through Maryland, capturing several large wagon trains full of food and supplies belonging to the Army of the Potomac. These wagon trains seriously slowed his movements north and he lost touch with the Infantry he was supposed to be screening.
Late in June, he found his route north into Pennsylvania at Littlestown blocked by Union Cavalry (Kilpatrick), which forced him to move east to Hanover, in southern York County, just above the Mason Dixon Line.
As Stuart was heading toward Hanover, intent on occupying the town, some of his units were skirmishing with Union Cavalry – elements of the 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry, stationed on a line southwest of Hanover and northward, screening the town from any advance on it by Stuart. The 18th was struck by two regiments of Stuart's cavalry in two separate places, sending them reeling back through Hanover. Stuart then entered the town along with his advanced units (Chambliss' Brigade) and some of his Horse Artillery, which he quickly got into play by targeting the retreating 18th Pennsylvania.
As this was occurring, more Union Cavalry under newly promoted Brigadier General Elon J. Farnsworth appeared suddenly on a large farm at the south edge of Hanover, and Stuart moved to attack. Nearly surrounded, Stuart made his escape by riding his horse like a steeplechase, leaping the hedgerows that divided up the fields, and at one point leaping a 15 foot ditch. Regrouping in town, he awaited developments. Farnsworth moved his forces into town and forced Stuart to withdraw to the west and south.
Judson Kilpatrick heard the sounds of the fight and raced south to Hanover. Custer took up a position northwest of town, and in the late afternoon, began an advance on the Brigade of Fitzhugh Lee. Ordering 600 men from the 6th Michigan to dismount, Custer led them through the brush, part way on hands and knees, to get within three hundred yards of the Confederate line and its artillery that was shelling the town. Custer's men opened up and drove off the cavalry support defending the guns. A second, similar attack followed on and convinced the Confederates that they must disengage and move out to York after darkness fell.
Buford had laid out his plan well. He had Gamble's Brigade astride the Chambersburg Pike just east of the steep defile through which Willoughby Run flowed. Gamble's men were in position on the next high ground east of the stream, now called McPherson's Ridge, so named for the farm that sat on the ridge along the south side of the road. The road itself was lined on both sides with stout five-rail fence, and almost parallel to the road, a sunken railroad bed, still under construction and without rails ran about one to two hundred yards from the road. Devin's men were formed on Gamble's right, and extended north to the Mummasburg Road.
When he visited Devin that evening, Devin was in a high mood, and began predicting how easily they would dispense with the Rebels the next day. Buford rounded on him and angrily exclaimed, "No you won't! They will attack in the morning and they will come booming—skirmishers three deep. You will have to fight like the Devil to hold your own until supports arrive. The enemy must know the importance of this position and will strain every nerve to secure it, and if we are able to hold it we will do well."


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Claiming the involvement of nefarious outside groups who allegedly support the efforts to more fairly draw up state legislative and congressional boundaries, state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe plans to bottle up HB722 despite the sheer number of residents (taxpayers) who support it.
Let's be frank: the Republican leadership under House Speaker Mike Turzai does not want this bill released for a committee vote, or (more importantly) for a vote by the House. This would put all House members on record as either supporting fair and reasonably drawn districts, or supporting the current system of bizarrely drawn districts designed to ensure one-party rule.
Claiming fake outrage over "paid protesters" as an excuse to bottle up this bill is disturbing because the true reason is much more ominous. Maintaining one party rule in state government and preventing his colleagues from going on record to maintain this current rigged system is the real reason.
C'mon, Mr. Metcalfe. Do your job and represent the people of your district and the commonwealth, not your party bosses like Turzai. You work for us (supposedly) and not him. As a legislator known for the exorbitant amount of per diems you collect, and for the large amount of campaign contributions you receive from out of state PACs and D.C. lobbyists, I think you have lost sight of your taxpayer paid job as our representative.


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Nicki Minaj Unveils New OPI Nail Polish Line in New Promo Video
Nicki Minaj is known for her wacky nail colors, hair styles, clothing choices and undying love of Barbie. While it would be virtually impossible to truly recreate her look, it couldn't be any easier to grab her signature bright nails with her brand new OPI nail polish line.
Minaj is the latest spokesperson for the big name polish company, which has created choice lines for Justin Bieber and Katy Perry in the past. But in her new promo commercial, Miss Nicki proves that it should have been her, and only her, to take the OPI throne all along.
The clip is just 46 seconds, but the 'Super Bass' singer manages to squeeze in a lot of costume changes — and more importantly — a lot of color. She models bright pink and bright green hair, even a split-down-the-middle 'do, before finally showcasing a glowing lime set of long nails. The promo ends with a rather creepy scene, as Nicki perches on a chair under black lighting, her eyes (and hair) glowing like some sort of spooky Halloween costume.
The Nicki Minaj OPI nail polish line will be in stores January 2012.
Watch the Promo for Nicki Minaj's OPI Nail Polish Line