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As a health club owner or manager, you think about the profitability and success of your club. You ask yourself how to get ideas for programs or how to recruit more members. To find the answers to these questions, where do you go? If you've created a good network, you go to your colleagues. But how do you create that network?
Creating a network with others in the industry is the best way to get help with anything you need. Most important, a network helps you get things done quickly and efficiently. Without a network of people to rely on, many tasks can become challenging. Networking is necessary to success, according to Diane Danielson, executive director of Downtown Women's Clubs and co-author of "The Savvy Girl's Alternative to Networking."
"In today's society, no man or woman is an island. You cannot succeed professionally and personally all by yourself," Danielson says. "Networking is not about schmoozing, social climbing or manipulating people. It's about building relationships with people you enjoy and the mutual help and assistance you can share."
Colin Milner, CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA), agrees. "You know, it's not only important, it's vital. We believe in today's world that we can do it all ourselves," Milner says. "You need to be networked to get things done. As they say, you're only as valuable as your Rolodex." Milner has run health clubs in the past and says that networking is one of the best low-cost marketing skills in the business.
Establishing your network is the most difficult part of networking, but once this is done, connecting with people becomes easier. Here are tips from the experts about how to start your network and how to make these contacts pay off for your club.
- Know why you want to network
The first question to ask when creating your network is why you need it. You need to know what kinds of contacts you want to make and what purpose your network will serve. Think about the strategy you'd like to use, and what goals you'd like to accomplish. Ask yourself which people could help you accomplish your goal. Danielson says establishing a goal helps you decide how to spend your time, what types of people to talk to, or what programs you should get involved in.
- Get out of your comfort zone
The key to establishing a network is being visible and being fearless about whom you talk to and network with, Milner says.
"People need to know that you're out there; you need to be seen. Attend events to meet people in your market," Milner says. That means attending industry events and trade shows. Laurie Cingle, owner of Club Programming Resources, recommends splitting up your group at trade shows and trying to meet a couple of new people each day.
- Introduce yourself and ask questions
When you introduce yourself to a potential contact, make sure to find out about them. As Milner suggests, "Become someone interested in them — this is a better way to create a long-term networking partner. Find what is of value and interest to the people you network with." If you want to network with a person, find out as much about them as you can.
- Find your forum
As Danielson says, not everyone likes to chat people up at cocktail parties. She suggests finding an organization or activity that fits your strategy. If you want to expand your female membership, join a women's organization to find out what would bring them to your club.
And in today's world, you don't have to network face to face. Networking can be done over the phone, through e-mail, or in chat rooms.
You can find contacts in three places. Your first bet is area-of-interest opportunities, such as fitness conferences. You may be able to get more out of networking at these events than at the sessions you attend. Second, look locally for groups to network with. Try the Better Business Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce or any social clubs in your city. Just because they aren't in your industry doesn't mean they aren't good networking sources. Third, be open to anyone around you. It's important to keep your eyes and ears open, because you never know whom you'll come across that may help you network. Talk to everyone you meet and find out what they do.
Also, remember to network with your staff members. By connecting with them, you may be able to get answers to many of your inquiries.
"Network with anyone at any level," Cingle says. "Get out of your office and walk around the floor. A lot of smart, successful employees can give you good advice."
Both Danielson and Milner suggest finding like-minded people to talk with. "The fastest way [to build a network] is to be around like-minded people. Tell them what you're doing — they'll help you meet the same kind of people," says Milner.
- Make it pay off
Once you've established a network of people, making it pay off is the next step. Danielson suggests making sure everyone in the network knows your strategy and what you want. "People aren't mind readers," she says. "It will help them to know better how to help you, and vice versa." Milner and Cingle suggest staying in touch with your contacts. Unless you contact them, you'll never get those connections to pay off.
- Stay in network
Even after you've quit a job, your network is still yours. You still have those connections, and it's possible to start up a new business with the contacts that you have acquired. Milner started the ICAA three years ago and has established 20 networking partners since the start-up. He says he couldn't have afforded to connect with these groups except through networking and building relationships.
Cingle agrees with Milner. "You can save a lot of time, heartache and money talking to people with similar businesses and philosophies so you can make better decisions," she says.
With these pointers, and a little enthusiasm, you can create a network that will help your club immensely. Just make sure to get out of your comfort zone, and say hello to people you normally wouldn't talk to. And as Milner says, "The better you are at it (networking), the more you'll achieve. But nothing happens until you ask."


text: Sam Villa, founding partner of the Sam Villa brand and education artistic director for Redken 5th Avenue, has debuted his namesake Oval Styling Brush. The brush offers ergonomic comfort for the user, has boar bristles that distribute the hair's natural oils and has tourmaline-coated nylon fibers that create negative ions to penetrate and condition the hair during heat styling. It's made of a single, solid piece of bamboo and has inlaid texture grips for comfort and to stimulate circulation.

subset: commoncrawl


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In an earlier post, Is Your Doctor Killing You? , I mentioned Gary Taubes' excellent book "Good Calories, Bad Calories". I just finished it and it is one of the most important books I have ever read. It's a fairly deep and dense book, filled with large amounts of scientific and epidemiological information. Rigorously researched, full of citations and foot notes, it's still a good read. Taubes is a skilled writer and knows how to keep things moving. In his epilogue, he lists the ten most important conclusions that his research has revealed, conclusions that he never expected to find. In the spirit of "if only I had known then what I know now", I 'd like to share this with you:
1. Dietary fat, whether saturated or not, is not a cause of obesity, heart disease, or any other chronic disease of civilization.
2.The problem is the carbohydrates in the diet, their effect on insulin secretion, and thus the hormonal regulation of homeostasis – the entire harmonic ensemble of the human body. The more easily digestible and refined the carbohydrates, the greater the effect on our health, weight and well being.
3. Sugars – sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup specifically – are particularly harmful, probably because the combination of fructose and glucose simultaneously elevates insulin levels while overloading the liver with carbohydrates.
4. Through their direct effect on insulin and blood sugar, refined carbohydrates, starches, and sugars are the dietary cause of coronary heart disease and diabetes, They are most likely dietary causes of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and the other chronic diseases of civilization.
5. Obesity is a disorder of excess fat accumulation, not overeating, and not sedentary behavior.
6. Consuming excess calories does not CAUSE us to grow fatter, any more than it causes a child to grow taller. Expending more energy than we consume does not lead to long-term weight loss; it leads to hunger.
7. Fattening and obesity are caused by an imbalance-a disequilibrium-in the hormonal regulation of adipose tissue and fat metabolism. Fat synthesis and storage exceeds the mobilization of fat from the adipose tissue and its subsequent oxidation. We become leaner when the hormonal regulation of fat tissues reverses this balance.
8. Insulin is the primary regulator of fat storage. When insulin levels are elevated- either chronically or after a meal- we accumulate fat in our fat tissue. When insulin levels fall, we release fat from our fat tissue and use it as fuel.
9. By stimulating insulin secretion, carbohydrates make us fat and ultimately cause obesity. The fewer carbohydrates we consume, the leaner we will be.
10. By driving fat accumulation, carbohydrates also increase hunger and decrease the amount of energy we expend in metabolism and physical activity.
(page 454 "Good Calories, Bad Calories" by Gary Taubes)
The most convincing evidence for these conclusions is the fact that so many of us are fat, hungry, and even sick, no matter how hard we try to follow our doctor's advice concerning diet and exercise. Or if we are at times successful, why does it never seem to last? Is this an issue of physiology or psychology? Are we really all that lazy and gluttonous, as the nutritionists and doctor's would have us believe? Really?
As for me, I worked my ass off (and on) for over 15 years trying to stay healthy by following the conventional medical establishment's advice. Now that I've decided to ignore the 'experts' and return to a diet more like our hunter-gatherer bodies are designed for, I'm finally seeing significant success. And guess what? It's EASY!
To those skeptics out there (and skepticism is good, or else I would still be convinced of the benefit of following the USDA dietary paradigms) I give you one word of advice: QUESTION YOUR DOCTOR! And then ask him to read this book
Think about it.


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This week, Sheila brought along Tracy Sherrill and Tom Waldron to discuss the UNH Teacher Program trip to Belize. These extraordinary teachers learn about working cooperatively and working with different cultures by traveling to Belize to work in schools there.
You can find out more about the trip at this link. http://www.unh.edu/education/index.cfm?ID=AE6D7DDC-B1D3-0174-77D3FF16EAA9DDB8
Tweets about "edtechtalk"
Do you have your EdTechTalk stuff yet? Did you know there are T-shirts, hats, coffee mugs, buttons, magnets, and tote bags available? They're all based on Wordle interpretations of the EdTechTalk Delicious tags.
What are you waiting for? These are limited edition items. Shop now and avoid the rush!


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Home > News & Events > Wayland Press Release Archives > 2006 News Releases > May 2006 > Traveling biochemistry lab filling need for area high school teachers
Traveling biochemistry lab filling need for area high school teachers
PLAINVIEW – One of D'Lee Powell's favorite activities with her Advanced Placement and Pre-AP biology classes is the murder mystery lesson. During it, her students are presented with a fictitious murder scene in which they collect evidence, analyze it and solve the crime – all using science.
But without the use of the traveling biochemistry lab from the Wayland Baptist University science department, the lesson would not be as exciting for the Plainview High School class or their teacher.
"This is just a wonderful program, because we don't have this kind of technology here," said Powell, a science teacher at PHS who has about 160 students using the lab annually. "For the TAKS test, it's awesome, because it really reinforces those concepts."
A 2000 Wayland graduate, Powell said she first learned of the lab a few years ago while taking the Academic Summer Science Institute for Secondary Teachers (ASSIST) courses at Wayland during the summer. She learned how to do electrophoresis using the lab equipment and how to incorporate that lab into her own classroom.
Then she learned that Wayland had assembled a traveling lab with all the equipment and supplies needed to replicate the same lab she learned. She jumped at the chance to tap that resource and expand the experiences of her own students.
The lab comes with enough electrophoresis chambers for a class, micropipettors and all the necessary supplies to create the gels to insert the DNA samples. When supplies run low, Wayland refills the kit for the next user.
According to Dr. Adam Reinhart, assistant professor of biological and physical sciences at Wayland, the traveling lab kit came about in 2003 thanks to funding from the Teacher Quality Grants sponsored by the state Higher Education Coordinating Board. The annual grant funds the ASSIST program as a whole, and the Wayland professors specifically asked for extra funding to create the traveling lab.
"This is a good example of a longtime effect of a program done years ago," Reinhart said. "To be able to do this kind of DNA analysis, you either need all the equipment or nothing. It takes $4,-000 to $5,000 to get into it."
Most schools don't have those kind of funding resources for one class, so the schools simply do the lessons without the labs. With the traveling lab from Wayland, though, the hands-on element is possible.
J.C. King, a science teacher at Lockney High School and a 1999 WBU graduate, has been using the kit for several years with his AP biology class, ever since he took Reinhart's biochemistry class as part of the ASSIST program.
"We were trained on the equipment that summer, and the faculty has been very helpful to work with us since then," King said. "It would be difficult budget-wise to get this here, but also having the support of WBU faculty to fall back on is probably worth much more than that."
King said his classes use the electrophoresis kits to determine structure of bacterial DNA. He feels the benefit to his students is the hands-on exposure to higher level chemistry experiments that will prepare them for college.
"For some, it's been an exciting thing because in a small town they don't always have a grasp on all the things that are out there," he said. "The more we can expose them to more aspects of science – giving them a few more glimpses – it opens their eyes a little more."
Powell agrees, saying she uses the lesson to open a discussion about careers in science using the same technology the students have learned and what people are doing in the world of science and research. She also is able to emphasize the sensitivity of scientific experiments and the importance of lab techniques, safety and measuring.
"It shows them exactly what those processes are that scientists go through. It's useful and new technology these kids normally wouldn't see," she said.
The lesson really brings home to students the scope of science.
"Watching shows like CSI, you can't really appreciate the science they use, with their lightning-fast computers," said Deniz Yildiz, a junior in AP Biology at Plainview High. "But breaking it down with the equipment Wayland provides, we can see the scientific process in action."


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Submitted by uncletedley on Tue, 02/16/2010 - 19:53
Where can I buy Linux software on the West Island? I only have dial-up and it is too big to download.
dial-up? you're screwed!
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 08/09/2011 - 13:39.
dial-up? you're screwed!
You may be able to find some
Submitted by admin on Wed, 02/17/2010 - 10:28.
You may be able to find some at microbytes, I know they were selling Ubuntu at one point. You can also go to http://shipit.ubuntu.com to get them to send you a free disc. Perhaps your best bet is to post what you would like (the mailing list may be a better place for this) and I am certain a member would help you attain it by some means.


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State Patty's Day
State Patty's Day
State Patty's Day statistics
Crime on State Patty's Day has dropped off significantly since 2011, as town-gown efforts ramped up to squelch the drinking event.
Crime figures continue to decline on State Patty's Day
For the second consecutive year, actions by Penn State and the Borough of State College led to significant declines in arrests, citations and emergency department visits on the drinking holiday known as State Patty's Day.
Students answer the call on State Day of Service
Students making a difference were highly visible over the weekend as 540 students volunteered more than 1,000 hours with 31 agencies as part of the State Day of Service, which ran from Feb. 28 to March 2.
Students choose recycling for State Day of Service
Penn State's Sustainability Institute has partnered with students from Helping Across the Community (HAC) to promote recycling in the downtown area of State College. The recycling event is part of the Penn State Council of LionHearts State Day of Service, which was created as an alternative to State Patty's Day.
Downtown establishments agree to restrictions on sale, serving of alcohol
Downtown State College will be nearly alcohol-free March 1 thanks to a town-gown collaboration targeting the destructive drinking holiday known as State Patty's Day.
Information available for faculty looking to initiate State Patty's Day talks
Informational materials are now available for any Penn State faculty members interested in learning more about the State Patty's Day drinking holiday, set for March 1.
Town-gown collaboration plots multiple initiatives targeting State Patty's Day
Penn State and State College Borough are ramping up efforts to improve safety as the annual State Patty's Day drinking holiday nears.
Interfraternity Council bans parties during State Patty's Day 2014 weekend
The Penn State Interfraternity Council voted Dec. 10 to ban social functions during the 2014 State Patty's Day weekend slated for Saturday, March 1. State Patty's Day is a student-organized drinking event that town and University officials have been trying to curb since its creation in 2007.
State Patty's Day 2013 statistics reveal fewer arrests, hospital visits
A town-gown initiative targeting the social media-orchestrated drinking holiday State Patty's Day made significant gains, according to statistics from the weekend event. Police report a 37 percent drop in arrests and citations this year.
Parking Office prepares for busy weekend beginning Feb. 22
With multiple events set for this weekend, the University Parking Office is taking steps to ensure safety and alleviate congestion issues on Penn State's University Park campus.
Penn State, borough seek help from students to dampen State Patty's Day
Penn State and State College Borough officials are seeking the cooperation of students living in approximately 10,000 off-campus residences in the fight against State Patty's Day, urging them to "be instrumental in helping keep this weekend safe and peaceful."
Town-gown partnership seeks 'alcohol-free' downtown on State Patty's Day
A town-gown partnership that for more than a decade has been united against high-risk drinking is employing new tactics to keep downtown State College alcohol-free on what has become known as "State Patty's Day."
An agreement has been reached with downtown State College taverns and restaurants to halt the sale of alcohol on Feb. 23, the date set for this year's State Patty's Day, an event created by students six years ago. Establishments will still offer food and non-alcoholic drinks, maintaining downtown's appeal for responsible visitors.
Students take a stand against State Patty's Day in new video
More than a dozen Penn State student leaders have joined to produce a video denouncing State Patty's Day, and urging students to respect their University and the surrounding community on Feb. 23.
University, State College leaders target State Patty's Day
As the student-organized "State Patty's Day" approaches this month, town-and-gown initiatives are taking form to weaken the destructive annual gathering centered on the over-consumption of alcohol.
Since 2007, the artificial holiday known as "State Patty's Day" has led to an increase in alcohol overdoses, arrests, vandalism and litter, creating a generally inhospitable atmosphere in town. Attracting attention beyond the campus community, the event has been detrimental to the reputation of Penn State students, even though many of the day's revelers travel from outside University Park.


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"So, how's that 'purgey-changey' thing working out for you?"
The release of newly-minted Packer legend Charles Woodson was especially difficult this past week for fans of the team. In many ways, the impact Woodson had on the team was similar to that of Reggie White: a veteran free agent who brought not only gold-standard impact, but incomparable and needed leadership to cross the chasm between contender and Super Bowl Champion.
But, as Tom Oates wrote yesterday, the decision to let Woodson–along with other beloved veterans Donald Driver and Greg Jennings–fall off the 2013 roster was a wise one. With the Super Bowl salary cap hangover now hitting full force, the Packers can no longer afford to keep big contracts that, simply put, aren't worth the money.
The departure of Woodson's $9.4M salary cap hit for 2013 now puts the Packers about $16M under the cap, and will gain another $3.8M when Jeff Saturday formally retires and leaves the team. While that may sound like the Packers are in great shape, they now must try and extend the contracts of three players, with Aaron Rodgers' likely league-leading quarterback deal starting us out. With speculation putting Rodgers in the $20M-a-year category, its pretty clear that the Packers may need to clear even more cap room before being able to sign the Big Trio of AR, Clay Matthews III, and BJ Raji.
Which means the veteran purge may not be over yet, and more of our favorite players may soon be suiting up in other team colors in 2013. Who are the more likely (and less likely) cuts that may still be made by General Manager Ted Thompson before training camp opens? Let's take a look.
DISCLAIMER: The contract/cap information is as good as I have. If you have better information, please let me know and I will adjust the article accordingly. I also don't claim to have any insider information or evaluation acumen. I know that I am not Ted Thompson. Thanks for reading.
Note: all contract information derived from RotoWorld.com.
AJ Hawk (ILB) #50
Contract: In the second year of a five-year, $33.75 million contract. The deal included an $8 million signing bonus and a $1.8 million roster bonus in the first season.
2013: $4.9 million (+ $300,000 roster bonus),
2014: $4.9 million (+ $800,000 roster bonus)
2015: $5.4 million (+ $800,000 roster bonus),
2016: Free Agent
Salary Cap Hit for 2013: $7.05M
Money saved with a trade/release: $2.5M
Assessment: There's few players as close to my heart as AJ Hawk. No one petitioned harder for Ted Thompson to draft him in 2006 than me, mostly because I believed he had the highest floor of any of the top picks that year. Unfortunately, he's also had a relatively low ceiling. Some of this isn't all his fault: the switch to the 3-4 effectively minimizes his role as an inside linebacker, calling for him to spend more time invisibly occupying blockers so that Matthews can make his plays. Despite that, he matched his highest tackle total of his career last season (120). But every dollar is precious, and Hawk has suffered over the years from the expectations of fans who believe he should be playing like a fifth-overall pick. Thompson doesn't care about that, but he does care about production-per-dollar, and that will be the measuring stick.
Ability to replace: The Packers have two players coming off injury that are both more athletic than Hawk, Desmond Bishop and DJ Smith. The question might be if they are both as assignment-sure as Hawk, but the Packers still have depth to develop behind those two and can always keep adding talent in the draft.
What Ted might do: I think Ted's going to look long and hard at Hawk. I know he loves his draft picks and has stuck with him for a long time, but at age 29 and a need to put salary cap dollars elsewhere, Hawk may have played his last down as a Packer.
What I would do: I'd see what's out there in trade, maybe bundle him up on draft day to move up, but otherwise, I'd release him before his roster bonus is due and let him latch on with another team.
Roster chances for 2013: 20%
Jermichael Finley, TE (#88)
Contract: In the final year of a two-year, $14 million contract. The deal included a $1 million signing bonus. Another $1 million is available through incentives. Finley is eligible for $300,000 offseason workout bonuses in each season.
2013: $4.45 million (+ $3.5 million roster bonus due in March)
2014: Free Agent
Salary Cap Hit for 2013: $8.75M
Money saved with a trade/release: $8.25M
Assessment: Oh, Jermichael. If there's a player you could describe as being The Tempest, it would be the free-talking, ball-dropping tight end with a seemingly unlimited potential to draw from. A few months ago, it appeared that Finley's book was closed in Green Bay when Bob McGinn reported sources inside the organization were through with him. Finley, true to his nature, then decided to turn his season around and prove everyone wrong, setting a Packer record for most catches by a tight end in a season. His future, to be decided rather quickly with a hefty roster bonus due in a few weeks, will likely come down to two issues: 1) Is Finley's inconsistency/reward ratio worth $8.75M this season, and 2) do the Packers really have any plans to bring him back after this season?
Ability to replace: The Packers really, really wish Andrew Quarless, the Penn State tight end drafted as Finley's likely heir apparent, was healthy. How the Packers feel about his recovery after tearing everything in his knee that ended in the letters "-CL" will likely weigh heavily on the decision they make with Finley. RFA Tom Crabtree will likely be tendered, and Ryan Taylor and DJ Williams give Thompson some confidence that, while Finley's talent might not be replaced, his production can be.
What Ted might do: Interesting enough, Rodgers has been more vocal in what he'd like to see coaches and GMs do lately, and it's doubtful he's going to make a case for Finley behind closed doors, given the somewhat tumultuous relationship they've had. What it really comes down to is if the Packers are done with Finley after this contract expires, and if so, look for Thompson to take advantage of Finley's strong finish to the 2012 season to get something for him in return in trade. Interestingly enough, Quarless received a "healthy" bump-up in salary from $500K to $1.3M for being on the roster at the end of the season. That's $700K more than Thompson has to account for under the cap this year.
What I would do: Is Jermichael Finley "Packer People"? That is one of my questions. Simply put, I have a hard time stomaching Finley's tirades. The fact that he's announcing to the media that he has a 50/50 shot of being back with the Packers next year is yet another sign of a lack of professionalism. He should know by now that you have your sister tweet it for you. I would trade him or cut him.
Roster chances for 2013: 40%
John Kuhn, FB (#30)
Contract: In the final year of a three-year, $7.5 million contract. The deal included a $750,000 signing bonus and a first-year roster bonus of $1.45 million.
2013: $1.8 million (+ $450,000 roster bonus)
2014: Free Agent
Salary Cap Hit for 2013: $2.5M
Money saved with a trade/release: $2M (estimated)
Assessment: Personally, I love John Kuhn. But anyone who thinks he's playing at his 2010 levels is fooling themselves. While still valuable in the backfield blocking game, his production as a rusher has really fallen, with those infamous third- and fourth-down-and-short dives coming up too short repeatedly this past season. After rushing for 26 first downs in 2010, he has moved the chains only 13 times since. He is still valuable as a receiver out of the backfield, with career highs in receptions, yards, and receiving first downs, but this isn't the John Kuhn we remember from the Super Bowl.
Ability to replace: This, of course, depends on how the Packers would approach life without John Kuhn. Would they bring in another true fullback or start adjusting their deep tight end depth into H-backs? Would they bring in Alex Green as a third-down receiving/blocking specialist? It's a lot of questions that would significantly alter the offense.
What Ted might do: Ted isn't likely to make a move on Kuhn this year, but that doesn't mean he's on the list of contract extensions. Kuhn is in his final year of his contract and has motivation at age 30 to play his heart out for a new contract here or somewhere else. He still contributes as a blocker and a receiver, but I would imagine Mike McCarthy is erasing the fullback dive from his play chart.
What I would do: $2M doesn't seem like a lot of money to be saved, and he's still a bargain for what he's contributing. While I think the Packers have the bodies to replace him, it would change how the offense functions, and I'm not sure that's something that McCarthy wants to tinker with right now. I'd keep him and let him impress me for a contract extension.
Roster chances for 2013: 90%
Ryan Pickett, DL (#79)
Contract: In the final year of a four-year, $24.925 million contract. The deal contains $10 million guaranteed, including a $2 million signing bonus and a first-year roster bonus of $6.4 million.
2013: $5.4 million (+ $500,000 roster bonus due in March),
2014: Free Agent
Salary Cap Hit for 2013: $6.7M
Money saved with a trade/release: $6M (estimated)
Assessment: At age 33, Pickett is certainly on the downswing on his career. The Packers are unlikely to get anything in trade for an aging, expensive veteran, so it would come down to whether the Packers believe they can live without him. It's hard to evaluate Pickett statistically as, like Hawk, his primary role is swallowing up blockers in both the run and passing game and allowing playmakers like Matthews to do his job. However, no one will deny that Pickett is value-neutral in the pass defense game, with no sacks and precious few quarterback hurries the past few seasons. Pickett hangs his hat on his run-stuffing ability, but it is hard to reward that when Adrian Peterson rushed for 200 yards (twice) and Colin Kaepernick rushed for 180 over the Packers' last three games of 2012. With Raji about to get the lion's share of cap space along the defensive line, can the Packers afford Pickett's salary matched with his production on the field?
Ability to replace: The Packers are already precariously thin at defensive line. They still don't even have a solid third starter, much less someone to step in immediately for Pickett. Jerel Worthy may miss the start of the season, and the rest of the gang (Mike Neal, CJ Wilson, and Mike Daniels) have all shown flashes of ability, but nothing like what the Packers need to turn around the defensive pass rushing and run stopping woes they've suffered through the past two seasons.
What Ted might do: There's an unwritten rule in football, and that is you give defensive linemen more time and patience than you might at other positions. Frankly, the position is so hit-and-miss, you usually draft someone every year whether you think you need one or not. There's a reason the Packers waited so long for guys like Jamal Reynolds, Justin Harrell, and Mike Neal to develop, and why characters like Cletidus Hunt, Johnny Jolly, and Corey Williams get more chances than they should. Thompson might approach Pickett for a contract extension that keeps him around a few more years at a discount, but chances are Pickett will collect his paycheck in 2013 as is.
What I would do: Well, there's a reason I'm not an NFL GM. I would be tempted to look at that $6M and draft two early-round defensive linemen, or even pursue a younger lineman in free agency. There's plenty of big names out there. But even I know you don't willingly send away a productive defensive end. You're probably going to swallow that $6M, hope Pickett has another year in the tank, and look at drafting his successor in April.
Roster chances for 2013: 80%
Mason Crosby, K (#2)
Contract: In the third year of a five-year, $14.75 million contract. The deal included a $3 million signing bonus.
2013: $2.4 million
2014: $2.65 million
2015: $2.8 million
2016: Free Agent
Salary Cap Hit for 2013: $3.1M
Money saved with a trade/release: $600K (estimated)
Assessment: If there is any player on the team whose salary is totally out of whack with what he's getting paid, its Mason Crosby. Trouble is, with the acceleration of the signing bonus he received in 2011, he's almost a wash to cut this season. While we can question that contract extension, the fact remains that Crosby has become so unreliable at kicking field goals, we are on pins and needles when he attempts a 30-yarder. Any kicker worth an NFL contract should make a minimum of 75% of his field goals and should be above 80%. Crosby kicked only 63.6% of his kicks this past season, and only broke the 80% benchmark once in his career, last season. That stated, replacing a kicker is a precarious undertaking, as many teams found out when they had open tryouts mid-season. The mishandling of Crosby over the years by special teams coach Shawn Slocum has been well documented (mainly by me), but the question comes down to this: why does McCarthy remain so steadfastly that not only is Crosby the kicker, they won't even bring in competition for him?
Ability to replace: That's the key, but there are many (not on the Packers' coaching staff) that would argue improving on a 63% field goal average shouldn't be that hard. While there are plenty of veteran legs out there on the market, any number of UDFA's will be available after the draft. However, I'd be giving Florida's Caleb Surgis a good look if he's still available in the late rounds.
What Ted might do: It all depends on what he's hearing from McCarthy and Slocum. After McCarthy again publicly defended Crosby, Thompson has to tread carefully as not to undermine either Crosby or his coaches. But I don't think anyone is going to be upset if Thompson brings in a camp leg, as long as he doesn't draft one high enough to be a threat and a PR nightmare for McCarthy. If McCarthy lets Thompson know he doesn't have faith in Crosby and is willing to "go a different direction", I don't think Thompson hesitates to follow through.
What I would do: You're only here as long as it takes us to find someone better to replace you. So saith Ron Wolf, and so saith me. The $600K saved in letting Crosby go this year is probably exactly what you'd pay to draft a late-rounder to kick for you this year. Simply put, I can't imagine many of Crosby's teammates have much faith in him anymore, and you have to get better. Tolerating mediocrity (or failure) is contagious and can bring down the whole team.
Roster chances for 2013: 50%
Tramon Williams, CB (#38)
Contract: In the fourth year of a five-year, $38.148 million contract. The deal contains $11.074 million guaranteed, including a $6 million signing bonus.
2013: $5.9 million (+ $300,000 roster bonus)
2014: $6.9 million (+ $300,000 roster bonus)
2015: Free Agent
Salary Cap Hit for 2013: $8.5M
Money saved with a trade/release: $6.1M (estimated)
Assessment: The elephant in the room, Tramon Williams is beloved by many Packer fans, but simply hasn't played anywhere near his 2010 form. Pro Football Focus ranked 113 defensive backs and put Williams at #60, behind Casey Hayward, Sam Shields, and Davon House. No, he's not terrible, but he's not playing up to a $8.5M salary cap hit, either. Williams' play down the stretch hurt the team repeatedly, and the nerve damage taken from a collision with Nick Collins at the beginning of the 2011 season can't be totally written off yet. Joe Whitt, the defensive backs coach, asserted publicly that Williams wasn't guaranteed a starting spot in 2013, a huge statement to make. Maybe it was done to light a fire under Tramon, but the message has been sent: Tramon is no longer the best cornerback the Packers have.
Ability to replace: The Packers actually aren't in terrible shape at cornerback, especially if they address the free safety position in the draft or free agency. The Packers felt confident enough to send Woodson packing, and might have enough to do the same with Tramon. Shields and Hayward both outplayed Williams this year, with Hayward looking like a rising superstar. Davon House, Jarrod McMillian, and MD Jennings certainly can round out a dime package, and there's no reason Thompson can't add to the mix in the draft.
What Ted might do: Williams is a tricky one. A superstar two seasons ago, he's exceedingly popular and at age 29, in his prime and under contract for two more seasons. The question comes down to what the Packers know that we do not: why is Tramon's play slipping? If it is because of coaching and lack of adjustments and putting Williams in too tough of a position without safety support, its hard to blame Williams for his downturn in production. However, the Packers feel he's not going to get any better, whether due to injury or physical decline, its hard to pay someone that kind of coin to be only as good (or worse) as the cheaper, younger guys playing ahead of you. Thompson might make the bold move if he's looking to clear cap room and if he really has confidence in his young players.
What I would do: I would definitely see what's out there in trade, particularly on draft day. I think you can bundle Williams with a second rounder and move into the first round, based on his past history alone. Again, the Packers have to avoid the post-Super Bowl trap of rewarding mediocrity among veterans based on what they contributed years ago. You have the talent at the position. I would look to get what I can for him in trade.
Roster chances for 2013: 70%
C.D. Angeli is a longtime Packer fan and feature writer for CheeseheadTV. He is also the co-host of Cheesehead Radio and good cop over at PackersTalk.com. Follow him on Twitter at @TundraVision. DM him for a Cliff's Notes version of this article.
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August's two biggest games, Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Madden NFL 12 both got discounts through Amazon. Previously Madden was offered at full price with store credits as an inducement. Today's deal is a straight discounted price. Deus Ex now is nearly half off.
• Deus Ex: Human Revolution (PS3, Xbox 360) is $34.99, free ship from Amazon. Previous low was $45, and current next best is $56. [Dealzon]
• Madden NFL 12 (PS3, Xbox 360) is $49.99, free ship from Amazon. Current next best is $58 and best pre-order deal was $59.99 w/ $10 bonus credit. [Dealzon]


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Department Zoology Goerlitz
Head of Department: Prof. Dr. Hermann Ansorge
technical assistence: August gummenscheimer
The department of zoology focuses on the major research fields of pulmonates, ants and mammals. Our current projects address questions of ecology and general biology of species as well as specific problems in the fields of taxonomy and systematics. The section of paleozoology/geology works on volcanology and reconstruction of landscape evolution.


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Online enrolments for this location will open at 9.00am on
Monday, 3 September 2018 and close at 5.00pm on Wednesday, 19
December 2018. For further information, please call Royal Life
Saving SA on (08) 8210 4500.
Program Dates
Wednesday, 2 to Thursday 10 January 2019 (Excluding Weekend)
Program Operator
Book Online
Click to book online
Park Terrace, Kimba
Onsite Enrolment Date
Saturday, 29 of December - 12pm to 2pm
Programs Offered
All VACSWIM SA locations use a program that meets the
National Water Safety Education Competency Framework.
Swim & Survive (Levels 1 -
RLSS Advanced and Senior Awards will be offered at this
site through the provider directly. Enter online to
For further information, please contact Royal Life
Saving SA on (08) 8210 4500 or go to the VACSWIM Program
Program Fees
Enrolment Fee
Equipment Fee
$38.50 (collected by RLS SA)
Entry Fee
Other Information
A family (4 children or more) enrolment fee is capped at $100,
with the equipment & location fee per child still payable along
with the entry fee for non-season ticket holders. Parents or
guardians must produce their Medicare card as proof of family.
Get our latest Program updates delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter today!


text:
RFID News
|Information Mediary Corp. Developing NFC Version of Its Drug-Tracking Products
|November 14 2012
The company's eCAP and Med-ic offerings are used to help monitor medication usage during clinical trials, by transmitting data indicating when pills are removed from a vial or blister pack.
|Look out, your medicine is watching you
|November 09 2010
Novartis AG plans to seek regulatory approval within 18 months for a pioneering tablet containing an embedded microchip, bringing the concept of "smart-pill" technology a step closer.
|World's only Major Conference on Active RFID and RTLS Grows Again
|October 22 2007
Information Mediary Corporation of Canada describes how RFID monitors compliance with medication instructions, saving lives and improving the integrity of data in drug trials, such as the US National Institutes of Health Azithromycin trial recently. The US Army present on supply chain and shelf life management such as recording temperature time profile.
|A Través de la Radiofrecuencia se
|May 22 2007
Sistema de Trazabilidad Térmica, ganador del premio a la innovación en la feria RFID World 2007, permite realizar el seguimiento completo a los embarques de frutas, verduras, alimentos y otros productos perecibles.
|The 2007 award recipient: Excellence in RFID Pilot
|May 09 2007
Evidencia LLP (distributor/integrator) won this award for cold chain management of temperature and delivery of avocados, an application spanning 6,000 miles—from the Rio Blanco farms (end user) in Chile to the end customer in California, a subsidiary of Green Giant. Using RFID-enabled temperature logging technology from Evidencia's affiliate, Information Mediary, the pilot produced 100 percent read rates despite challenging temperature and humidity conditions.
|RFID Excellence in Business Awards 2007
|May 08 2007
CMP Technology has added award winners and all applicants & their partners to the RFID Excellence in Business Awards website.
|RFID Helps Keep Avocados Fresh
|April 02 2007
Chilean avocado producer Rio Blanco is using RFID temperature sensors to ensure the fruit is kept at the proper temperature during shipment to the United States.
|Debunking 10 More Myths of RFID
|March 27 2006
RFID is still an emerging solution, but it's quickly becoming a realistic answer to the challenges of many businesses, and it must be implemented by each company on its own terms. As I mentioned in my first article on this subject, the RFID industry is rapidly changing. This statement still holds true today. Companies looking to adopt the technology must understand the truth behind the myths.
|The Often-Overlooked Enclosure
|March 17 2006
One of the often-overlooked accessories required for a RFID solution are equipment enclosures. Many never think about this issue until after the initial installation. Not surprisingly, managers are focused on tags, readers, software, and multitudes of other minutiae and neglect to consider how equipment will be physically incorporated into their operations. Depending on the set-up, choosing the right enclosure may be as important as selecting the appropriate tags and readers.
|RFID Profit – the Taboo Subject
|March 14 2006
In any rapidly emerging market sector, there are those that make bold initiatives but miss their targets and there are those that quietly create profitable businesses. So it is with RFID, where many companies are reviewing their strategies after disappointment while others are succeeding. However, as far as the press and the analysts are concerned, profit is a taboo subject. Until now.
|RFID progress at Wal-Mart
|October 01 2005
On January 1st 2005 Wal-Mart.s mandate to top suppliers, announced some 18 months ago, came into effect. Here we report, after two months into the year, what has happened so far.
|RFID market to reach $7.26Bn in 2008
|April 10 2005
A new market research report covering RFID from 2005 to 2015, researched by IDTechEx, reveals some surprising new disruptions. The bottom line is that this year's global market for RFID including tags, systems and services is $1.94 billion but it will be driven by demand and new laws to $26.90 billion in 2015.
|Item Level RFID Gathers Pace
|February 07 2005
Item level RFID is the Mount Everest of RFID, with by far the largest potential at up to ten trillion tags yearly as most barcodes are replaced. Infrastructure, software and services to make it happen are likely to approach one hundred billion dollars yearly across the world - roughly the sum that will be needed for the tags.
|Over 1000 case studies of RFID in Action
|October 19 2004
IDTechEx announces that its RFID Knowledgebase now exceeds 1000 case studies of RFID in action, covering activities of over 1250 companies in action. Chairman Dr Peter Harrop said, .RFID is now so ubiquitous that few participants know of all the activities in their chosen application, let alone the reasons behind their success or failure.
|Basic components of an RFID system
|August 19 2004
RFID systems consist of the following components
|What are Smart Labels?
|May 24 2004
A smart label is a flat responsive device that is usually electronic. Most electronic devices are becoming flat because it is easier to lower their cost and fit them in awkward places such as packaging but we are not defining smart labels as generally as this.
|RFID tag type options
|January 09 2004
Passive, semi-passive and active tags
Read only, read/write and WORM tags
Tag shape


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This lesson is basically out of the blue and makes no sense to me at all. I was going to draw a ninja of some sorts but I ended up with a drawing that looks more like a burglar or crook than anything else. So I guess I will have to name this lesson "how to draw a crook", step by step since I already have an awesome looking thief. Besides, there might be some folks that would like to draw a crook in the form of a chibi like figure with a big round head and small body. As you can see this lesson will be fairly easy to tackle so why don't you go ahead and get started. Peace out folks and have fun.
DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


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CLIFFSIDE � Just when it seemed like things couldn�t get any more unusual, that�s exactly what happened at Frank Holtzclaw Field on Wednesday night.
The Boiling Springs 11-12-year-old baseball all-stars and Rutherfordton combined for 17 runs in the third inning in the District 1 championship, and Rutherfordton�s coach was thrown out for arguing a call on the bases during the inning.
Boiling Springs finished the third with a 12-5 lead after a trio of home runs.
Then lightning and rain descended on the field, as Rutherfordton�s protest of a Boiling Springs bat was unsuccessful. After that ruling, Rutherfordton forfeited the contest. Boiling Springs advances to the state tournament.
Boiling Springs coach Kevin Mayhue said the bat in question was on the approved list for Little League, adding that Rutherfordton was out of pitching.
Rutherfordton coach Tim Harris said with all the homers Boiling Springs was hitting that the bat had to be shaved.
�Everybody thought they were using an illegal bat. They need a compression check,� Harris said. �My parents were scared a kid was going to get hurt.�
Mayhue was pleased with the way his kids responded to trailing 5-0 after Rutherfordton scored five runs in the top of the third. Boiling Springs scored 12 in the bottom half of the inning.
�All season long they�ve done that,� Mayhue said. �It was a great tournament.�
The bottom of the third included a Jacob Carter two-run homer, a Trevor Nanney solo homer and a C.J. Mayhue 3-run homer that bounced off the top of the center-field fence and over it.
Jack Millen added a two-run single and T. Williams an RBI single in the third.
Mayhue�s home run broke a 5-all tie.
Nanney pitched three innings with six strikeouts, no walks and three hits allowed.


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Two pieces of black slate board are freely shown blank on both sides. Each side is wiped clean with a wet cloth. The slates are set on edge and leaned against a glass. A single piece of chalk is placed between the two boards When the magi extends his finger toward the slates and makes the slightest contact, THE CHALK BEGINS TO WRITE! The audience hears each letter being formed between the slates. They hear the looping of the letters, the crossing of "T"s and the dotting of "I"s. The mage doesn't move at all during the process; not even his finger! The sound of the writing comes from the slates and the actual chalk between them. The outside slate is removed and written in chalk on the second slate is a lengthy message.
There's more! The mage cleans the first slate board again, showing both sides shiny black and free of any writing. He leans the single board against another glass. Slowly and silently another message appears before the eyes of the audience! It looks like a ghostly special effect from a movie. Without exaggeration, men have wept witnessing these demonstrations in actual seances.
In a special living and dead test, you can allow a spectator to write the names of several people on one slate, wash them clean, and the only dead name will reappear on the slate five times larger than originally written!
You can cause any messages to appear and the slates can be used over and over. This is a hand-made apparatus that requires over 200 man-hours to produce.
Do you own this product? Write a review.


text:
Pool View 3 Bedroom Condo
Up to 8 Guests
- 3 Bedroom/s
- 2 Bathroom/s
- Pets Not Allowed
Estimating your equipment size
We are looking for an estimate of the size of your Caravan, Motorhome, Camper Trailer, Tent etc. once it has been set up or fully extended (outside to outside)... excluding your vehicle.
Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Vans, Camper Trailers
Please include your tow/draw bar in the estimate.
Widths are generally around 4 – 5 metres (13.12 – 16.4 feet).
Note: Include annexes of pullouts in width.
|Average Lengths:
|4 – 12 metres (13.12 – 39.37 feet)
|7 – 14 metres (22.97 – 45.93 feet)
|5 – 7 metres (16.40 – 22.97 feet)
|Fifth wheelers
|7 – 14 metres (22.97 – 45.93 feet)
|Camper Trailers
|5 – 8 metres (16.40 – 26.25 feet)
Note: Do not include the size of the tent pegs
|1 person
|1 × 2.5 metres (3.28 × 8.20 feet)
|2 person
|1.5 × 2.5 metres (4.92 × 8.20 feet)
|3 person
|3 × 2.5 metres (9.84 × 8.20 feet)
|4 person
|4.5 × 2.5 metres (14.76 × 8.20 feet)
|5 person
|6 × 3 metres (19.69 × 9.84 feet)
|6+ person
|7 × 4.5 metres (22.97 × 14.76 feet)
Please be advised that Site sizes vary from park to park and within each park. Sites will be allocated based on the measurements provided during the booking process and it is the responsibility of the guest to ensure estimates are as close to accurate as possible.
If you are unsure, we would prefer you to overestimate or give us a call on 1300 738 044
Our pool view condos are truly something special! With an amazing location that looks directly over our resort pool, playground and jumping pillow you'll find yourself sitting back on the huge balcony truly relaxed while you watch the kids run free! With three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and an enormous living area our condos are ideal for a large family or two families travelling together. The main…
Our pool view condos are truly something special! With an amazing location that looks directly over our resort pool, playground and jumping pillow you'll find yourself sitting back on the huge balcony truly relaxed while you watch the kids run free! With three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and an enormous living area our condos are ideal for a large family or two families travelling together. The main bedroom has queen bed with ensuite, the second bedroom has a queen bed, and the third bedroom has four single bunks. The second bathroom features a massive spa and separate toilet. Full kitchen with an oven and dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, and private barbecue. For a touch of fun you'll even find cocktail equipment, a popcorn machine, milkshake maker and iPod dock. Please note: a minimum two-night stay applies depending upon the season.
Cabin sleeps up to 8
Maximum of 8 adult(s)
Maximum of 6 children
3 Bedroom/s
2 Bathroom/s
No pets allowed in the Cabin
General Features
- Air Conditioner
- Bedrooms separate from living area
- Ceiling Fan
- Fully Self Contained Kitchen
- Heater
- Iron and ironing board
- Lounge
- Smoke Free
- Washing Machine and Dryer
- Cot available for hire (on request)
- All Linen provided
- Bunk Beds
- Doonas
- Queen Bed
- Hair Dryer
- Shampoo and Conditioner
- Shower and full bath
- Spa Bath
- Ensuite
Kitchen & Dining
- Coffee Plunger
- Cooking Utensils
- Cutlery and Crockery
- Dining Table & Chairs
- Dishwasher
- Fridge/ Freezer
- Microwave
- Oven
- Toaster
- Welcome Tea, Coffee and Sugar
- High Chair available for hire (on request)
Entertainment & Electronics
- CD Player/ Stereo
- DVD Player
- Foxtel
- Internet - wireless
- Balcony/ Courtyard/ Veranda
- BBQ - Private
- Outdoor Setting
Plus enjoy all the park facilities and fun activities on offer at BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, as well as the many things to see and do around Airlie Beach.
You need to know
In-Park-Perks are subject to availability and the discount is on selected tours only, please visit the member discount page or contact us for current tours.
We strongly recommend that you take out Travel Insurance in the unforeseen event that your plans should change and you are no longer able to stay with us when originally planned. Please see T&C below.
Deposit Policy for Online Bookings: A valid credit card must be provided during the booking process, which will be forwarded to our reservations team securely for processing.
Telephone or Email Bookings: A deposit is required at the time of booking, with full payment required 30 days prior to arrival. For reservations made within 30 days of arrival, the full payment is required at the time of booking. Deposits can be paid by credit card over the telephone (we accept Visa and Mastercard a bank merchant service fee of 1% (inc GST) will apply to all payments made by Visa Card or MasterCard) or direct deposit. Personal cheques or money orders will only be accepted if received 28 days prior to arrival. Should a deposit not be received by its due date, your reservation will be cancelled.
Cancellation Terms:
- Failure to receive the final balance payment 30 days prior to your arrival will result in the automatic cancellation of your reservation and the forfeit of the deposit.
- Cancellations of a booking received more than 30 days prior to the arrival date, can be processed in 2 ways:
- The deposit amount is refundable, less a $30 administration fee, or
- The full deposit amount is held as a credit to put towards a future stay within 6 months.
- Cancellations received within 30 days of your arrival date will result in the forfeit of the deposit and full balance paid.
Change of Dates Terms:
- Change of dates can be made at any time up until 30 days prior to arrival, subject to availability.
- Change of dates made within 30 days are also subject to availability. Any change of rates for the new travel dates will require payment of the difference at the time the changes are applied; if this results in a credit, this amount can be held as a guest credit for 6 months.
- Reducing the number of nights for a current booking (within 30 days of arrival) will result in a held guest credit for 6 months (these nights are non-refundable). Please note that minimum night stays may still apply.
- Early departure: No refunds or held credits will be given should you decide to reduce your stay as an inhouse guest.
Early departure: No refunds will be given should you decide to cut your stay short, particularly during peak periods when minimum stays apply.
Security Deposit for all Accommodation: A valid Visa or Mastercard will be required on check-in. Your card will be held securely on file as a security deposit on unpaid balances, damages or excessive cleaning.
Group Bookings: Special conditions apply as agreed with our Groups and Events Manager.
Visitor Policy: We are very passionate about ensuring that our guests have exclusive use of the park's resort facilities. With that in mind, day visitors are only allowable if they are visiting a guest staying within the park and then a nominal day-use fee applies. We ask that you please check with reception prior to arranging any visitors, as during peak times we do not allow day visitors. We thank you for your cooperation.
General Information:
1. Bunk Beds: Please be advised that under Workplace Health and Safety obligations we must comply with the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4220:2003 which states "children under the age of nine years are not permitted to use the top bunk, children must not play on the top bunk". Please take this into consideration when making your booking.
2. Occupants: The quoted tariff is based on the number of adults and children provided at the time of booking. Should the number vary, the tariff may alter. Please note, that for cabins a maximum number of occupants applies for each cabin style, as noted on our website. These maximums include infants and cannot be exceeded. For sites, up to eight occupants (maximum four adults) per site. All bookings at the resort must include one adult (over 18 years of age) in the reservation and all children must be accompanied by an adult during their stay.
3. Check-in time is 2pm for cabins and 11am for sites. Check-out time is 10am. Every effort is made to accommodate guests arriving before the check-in time, however cabins/sites may not be immediately available. Requests for late check-outs are subject to availability. Should it be possible to offer a late check-out, a late departure charge may be applicable.
4. Office hours are 7:30am-6pm (time may vary dependant upon the season). Should you be arriving outside of these hours just let us know and we'll make special arrangements. Please note, that BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is closed on Christmas Day. Arrivals and departures cannot be scheduled for this day.
5. BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is a family-orientated resort, so with this in mind, a 10pm noise curfew applies to ensure enjoyment for all guests. A BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort representative is accessible 24 hours a day for emergencies.
6. All accommodation, sites and facilities are non-smoking.
7. Sorry, but pets are not permitted.
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- Bathrooms: 2
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1. K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 45-221(a)(10), the criminal investigation exception under the Kansas Open Records Act, is interpreted and applied.
2. The legislative intent behind the criminal investigation exception to the Kansas Open Records Act is to protect innocent persons whose names might be involved in an investigation, either as possible suspects or as informants.
3. An investigation as to the cause of a person's death qualifies as a criminal investigation under the Kansas Open Records Act.
4. The district court may order disclosure of criminal investigation records if statutory criteria under K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 45-221(a)(10) are satisfied. However, the court retains judicial discretion to deny disclosure.
5. "Public interest" as used in K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 45-221(a)(10)(A) means an interest in a matter affecting a right or expectancy of the community at large. Mere curiosity about the circumstances surrounding an investigation is not sufficient.
6. Under the facts of this case, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying petitioner access to criminal investigation records and dismissing the underlying mandamus action.
7. Whether a party to civil litigation is entitled to a new trial is a matter within the sound discretion of the district court, and the decision denying or granting a new trial will not be disturbed on appeal absent a showing of an abuse of discretion.
8. Under the facts of this case, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying petitioner's motion for a new trial.
Appeal from Johnson District Court; Thomas E. Foster, judge. Opinion filed December 22, 2000. Affirmed.
Kenneth P. Seck, appellant pro se.
Michael R. Santos, senior assistant city attorney, of Overland Park, for appellees.
Before BRAZIL, C.J., KNUDSON, J., and PADDOCK, S.J.
PADDOCK, S.J.: Plaintiff Kenneth P. Seck appeals the district court's dismissal of his mandamus action pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. 45-215 et seq., to open the investigatory records of the death of Elaine Beckers Braun held by the defendants, the City of Overland Park and the Overland Park Police Department.
In 1997, Elaine Beckers Braun, a former Johnson County Commissioner, was found dead in a parking lot. After an investigation, Braun's death was determined to be a suicide.
Thereafter, the plaintiff requested the police records pertaining to Braun's death, but the defendants denied the request. The plaintiff then filed suit in mandamus, seeking an order from the court to disclose the records pursuant to the the KORA.
When the defendants filed a motion to dismiss, the plaintiff responded with a request to depose Police Chief John Douglass, the custodian of the records sought. The district court denied the plaintiff's motion to depose the chief of police. After a hearing, the court also denied the plaintiff's suit, finding that the records sought fell within the criminal investigation exception to the disclosure of public records under the KORA.
The district court denied the plaintiff's motion for a new trial or to open, alter, or amend the judgment. The plaintiff appeals.
Although the plaintiff presents little argument to support his claim that the district court erred in refusing to order disclosure of the police records, he apparently contests the court's conclusion that these records qualify for the criminal investigation exception provided by K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 45-221(a)(10).
Determining whether the district court correctly applied the KORA is a question of law, involving an interpretation of the statute; therefore, this court's review of the district court's interpretation is plenary. See Burroughs v. Thomas, 23 Kan. App. 2d 769, 770-71, 937 P.2d 12, rev. denied 262 Kan. 959 (1997).
K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 45-217(b) defines criminal investigatory records to include the records of a criminal justice agency "compiled in the process of preventing, detecting or investigating violations of criminal law." Although the statute does not define criminal justice agency, the plaintiff does not contend, nor is there any reasonable doubt, that the Overland Park Police Department qualifies as a criminal justice agency.
Instead, the plaintiff questioned whether the records compiled by the police department in the course of investigating Braun's death qualify as records "compiled in the process of preventing, detecting or investigating violations of criminal law." He argues that because the death was declared a suicide, the investigation was not designed to unearth a violation of criminal law.
The district court properly rejected the plaintiff's interpretation of what constitutes a criminal investigation. The Kansas Supreme Court has noted that the legislative intent behind a criminal investigation exception to the KORA is to protect innocent people whose names might be involved in the investigation, either as possible suspects or as informants. See Harris Enterprises, Inc. v. Moore, 241 Kan. 59, 67, 734 P.2d 1083 (1987). Until a death has been declared a suicide, it may be a potential homicide. Therefore, a police investigation of a death, even when it is ultimately declared a suicide, may contain names of innocent individuals who were suspects or merely informants. Considering the legislative intent behind the criminal investigation exception, the Overland Park Police Department investigation of Braun's death qualifies as "the process of preventing, detecting or investigating violations of criminal law." The defendants are not compelled by the KORA to disclose the records relating to Braun's death.
However, K.S.A. 1999 Supp. 45-221(a)(10) provides that a district court may order disclosure of criminal investigation records if the court finds that disclosure would satisfy several criteria imposed by statute. Even if all of the statutory criteria is present in a given case, the district court has discretion to deny disclosure. See Harris Enterprises, Inc., 241 Kan. at 65. As a result, this court is limited to reviewing the district court's decision for an abuse of that discretion. Judicial discretion is abused when it is arbitrary, fanciful, or unreasonable. If any reasonable person would take the position taken by the district court, reversal is unwarranted. See Hill v. Farm Bur. Mut. Ins. Co., 263 Kan. 703, 704, 952 P.2d 1286 (1998).
After viewing the records in camera and hearing the arguments of the parties, the district court concluded that the plaintiff had failed to establish a public interest requiring the disclosure of the records. The court further concluded that disclosing the records might jeopardize the physical safety of a person contained therein. This finding is reasonable.
The plaintiff alleged that Braun's death involved a public interest due to her position as a former Johnson County Commissioner and due to the amount of press coverage her death received. He also alleged that Braun's death raised questions of drug or alcohol use, and he questioned a police cover-up relating to some ulterior motive on the part of the police department. The district court responded that nothing in the records would assist the plaintiff in addressing his question regarding Braun's death and that the only other public interest involved was mere curiosity.
The Supreme Court in discussing the meaning of "public interest" in 45-221(a)(10)(A) held that the interest "must be a matter which affects a right or expectancy of the community at large and must derive meaning within the legislative purpose embodied in the statute." Harris, 241 Kan. at 66. Mere curiosity about the circumstances surrounding an investigation is not sufficient.
Of the plaintiff's assertions, only his claims concerning suspected drug or alcohol use or official corruption provide any basis for disclosure. The allegations concerning Braun's drug or alcohol use were put to rest by the autopsy report which was released to the plaintiff, leaving only the allegations of official corruption.
In Harris, the Olathe newspaper sought release of criminal investigation records to determine whether the police had mishandled the investigation by using fire department personnel to process the crime scene, delaying the use of an elite investigation unit, possibly postponing the identification of the individual involved with the crime, and applying improper methods to solve the crime. Although the court ultimately concluded that the newspaper had presented legitimate public interest in the records, it held that the district court had not abused its discretion in refusing to disclose the records because they contained no information that would promote those public interests. 241 Kan. at 66-67.
Likewise, in the instant case, even if the plaintiff's mere allegation of official corruption presented a sufficient basis for the district court to conclude that a valid public interest was at issue, the district court's review of the records in camera revealed that the records would not assist the plaintiff's allegations. Therefore, according to the Harris opinion, the district court did not abuse its discretion in refusing to disclose the investigation reports to the plaintiff.
The plaintiff also contends that the district court should have allowed him to depose Police Chief John Douglass to support the allegations in his motion. Again, the standard of review is abuse of the district court's discretion. See Hill, 263 Kan. at 704.
The district court stated that, other than informing the plaintiff of matters contained within the investigation records, the witness could not provide any information that would enable the plaintiff to demonstrate that the records were of public interest, thus, persuading the court to disclose the information contained within the records.
Since nothing contained within the records would promote a public interest, the plaintiff's motion in mandamus must fail regardless of any information he obtained from the custodian of the records, John Douglass. Therefore, the district court did not abuse its discretion in denying the plaintiff's request to depose Douglass.
Finally, the plaintiff argues that the district court erred in denying him a new trial or, in the alternative, failing to open, alter, or amend the judgment. He appears to claim that the district court violated his due process rights by failing to give adequate notice of the hearing in which the district court dismissed the case.
Whether a party to civil litigation is entitled to a new trial is a matter within the sound discretion of the district court, and the decision denying or granting a new trial will not be disturbed on appeal absent a showing of an abuse of discretion. See Hoover v. Innovative Health of Kansas, Inc., 26 Kan. App. 2d 447, 454, 988 P.2d 287, rev. denied 268 Kan. 846 (1999) (citing Cott v. Peppermint Twist Mgt. Co., 253 Kan. 452, 458, 856 P.2d 906 [1993]).
However, an abuse of discretion resulting in constitutional error must be reversed unless the appellate court is willing to declare that the error was harmless beyond reasonable doubt. In other words, the appellate court must find that the error had little likelihood, if any, of altering the outcome of the trial. See Saucedo v. Winger, 252 Kan. 718, 732, 850 P.2d 908 (1993).
Here, the plaintiff challenges the court's refusal to grant him a new trial, contending the district court failed to notify him that the hearing on his motion for a writ of mandamus would be considered together with the defendants' motion to dismiss the writ. This argument has no legal merit. As already noted, the district court examined the records in camera, determining that the contents of the records did not support the furtherance of any public interest. Nothing the plaintiff could have introduced could have altered the contents of those records.
The district court's refusal to grant a new trial to the plaintiff was not an abuse of its discretion.
1REPORTER'S NOTE: Previously filed as an unpublished opinion, the Supreme Court granted a motion to publish by an order dated February 7, 2001, pursuant to Rule 7.04 (1999 Kan. Ct. R. Annot. 44).


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On Friday, the University of Ulster and Ofcom hosted a conference about 'Media Literacy for the 21st Century' up on the Magee campus.
"85% of what youngsters learn about digital media happens outside formal education."
It was well organised, and there was a good line up of thought provoking speakers, who provided different perspectives on the state of media literacy in Northern Ireland and the future paths it might take. This post isn't a proper report on the day – just a reflection on the points that struck me enough to jot them down at the time. Most of the sessions were filmed and should appear on Youtube in a day or two. (I'll update this post with a link when they appear)
Stewart Purvis – fresh from his RTS gold medal award win the night before in London – highlighted some of the relevant actions in Lord Carter's recently published Digital Britain interim report. (He's chairing the Digital Britain Media Literacy working group alongside his work as Ofcom Partner responsible for content regulation.)
Anthony Lilley (Magic Lantern Productions) provided further insight. He remarked that the call of "you don't come around with the grandchildren often enough" from grandparents (an act mediated by footfall) is now being replaced with "you don't post enough pictures online" (an act mediated by Flickr). Have sales of teak plummeted with digital media moving away from TVs in cabinets sitting in curtain-drawn living rooms?
Services need to be designed with the consumer in mind, person-centric, rather than being technology or system based. He finished with a demo of CBBC Bugbears which left me marvelling at the cartoon lip-syncing to the uploaded audio. (Must stop thinking about the technology!)
From Anthony Lilley's perspective, new media seems to have two offers:
- Things only possible through new media (like World of Warcraft, rating other children's worries, etc);
- Extending existing things through new media (eg, Facebook which is really an extension of phone calls and letters).
Michael Callaghan (UU lecturer and research team lead for Serious Games & Virtual Worlds) transported us into the field of virtual worlds, currently inhabited by over 30 million virtual avatars. At the end I was still a bit unconvinced, and left wondering about the mass-market, real world uses.
Paul Moore (Head of UU's School of Creative Arts) talked about a literacy project he'd got involved in. Unlike may projects which are so well backed and supported, this one was set up with failure as a possibility. Take a rural school with no particular history or enthusiasm for technology, use only the equipment they already have, and see what difference can be made to pupil's understanding of a book by going wider than the normal comprehension techniques and allowing them to explore and express through making short videos.
One point that resonated was the reminder that technology can profit children (and adults) who may otherwise find it hard to communicate and express themselves through writing and talking. Kids with learning difficulties are frequently exceptionally creative when it comes to editing together films and photo montages, with an eye for detail and a patience and concentration that other kids lack. Technology can be liberating and not constraining.
Before and after lunch, the first year UU Creative Arts students (and some helpers) ran a quick series of workshops looking at
- Social Networking - "Twitter's no use" so they missed the fact that at least two people in the audience had been tweeting through some of the sessions;
- Blogging - which seemed to be run by a non-blogger, though I was late arriving so could have got this wrong;
- Youtube - demoed playing back clips but not actually uploading one; and
- Gaming - which I didn't get to.
Given the range of conference attendees, it would have been better to run a couple of flavours of each workshop – one aimed at sheep dipping complete novices, and the other starting conversations amongst existing addicts. But at least it whetted people's appetite.
The afternoon panel discussion highlighted the definitional question that had endured throughout the day:
What exactly is media literacy?
Everyone wants to increase media literacy. But it's a bit slippery to get clarity and agreement on its definition. With his typically wise and topsy turvy thinking, Anthony Lilley helped by defining what it was not. It's not IT literacy in the sense of fixing broken PCs. And it's not just about understanding how the (old) media (newspapers, radio, TV) works – though that's a part.
But it's about individuals being able to make their full contribution as a citizen to society and not being excluded by an inability to make contact, inaccessible content and inappropriate conduct. It's about not being illiterate and missing out on the opportunities that are only possible through new media (going back to Lilley's two-pronged description of new media above).
Personally, I was disappointed that the conference attendees was so unrepresentative of the creative technology (new media) companies and organisations – like those under the umbrella of Digital Circle – that have so much to offer in creating those new possibilities and opening up new ways of fulfilled citizenship. Instead, the room was dominated by educationalists and the new media wing of old media broadcasters. Not sure why it happened that way, but it was unfortunate.
Eileen Kelly (Director of Educational Guidance Service for Adults/EGSA) referred to the need for media literacy to become part of general literacy, as well the need to embed it in the adult education agenda.
Yet Bernard McCloskey (Northern Ireland Screen's Head of Education) was concerned by continuing narrow definitions of literacy, for example the reading & writing focussed Draft NI Literacy Strategy (link not found) which largely ignores any non-traditional aspects.
Media literacy could be driven through formal education and extended (adult) education, through the context of family (eg, using POS (parent over shoulder) as a way of digitally literate children educating their illiterate parents), through community organisation that can extend their reach through adoption of new media tools (and raise awareness in the process), and of course through the traditional media in partnership with other bodies.
Training teachers in the presence of pupils or immersing the entire teaching staff of a school for a day might be more effective than the old approaches of taking one teacher out of school for a day's training.
One key problem today is the standard policy of schools to severely restrict internet access on school networks. Kids' mobile phones have better and wider connectivity than many school facilities. There have got to be more creative ways of keeping safe without constraining the art of the possible. (A common theme from US teachers' podcast The Tech Teachers.)
As well as talking about the BBC's role in partnership with the wider community, Mark Adair (BBC NI's Head of Corporate and Community Affairs) touched on the corporations' sixth public purpose
"in promoting its other purposes, helping to deliver to the public the benefit of emerging communications technologies and services ..."
(Though it's a theme that permeates the first three purposes too.)
Visiting professor, Adam Singer (deputy chair of Ofcom's Content Board) gave a closing address that's worth listening to when it appears on Youtube. He talked a lot of mulch (and that's not an insult). But in the meantime, I'll leave you with his through that
"People cluster where the bandwidth is – rail, roads, network, ..."
In her closing remarks, Ofcom NI's Joanne McMullan (Head of Broadcasting and Telecommunications) announced:
- the launch of MediaLiteracyMatters.net which seeks to draw together initiatives promoting media literacy across the UK. touched on the need and agreement to work in partnership;
- the formation of a Media Literacy Network in Northern (with founding partners Ofcom, Northern Ireland Screen, BBC NI, EGSA and UU/Paul Moore);
- a Creative Technology lunchtime event in Belfast on March 26 ... details tba.
As I think about our four year old Littl'un asleep in the room next door, her ability to access and consume information, as well as her skills in creating it, will be key competences as she grows up. Her ability to judge appropriateness and nuances around formality and security will need to be second nature in a way I didn't need to develop during the first half of my life. Her literacy will need to range across the written word, spoken word, electronic word, as well as a barrage of visual images.
Question is, will I ever catch up with her?


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Standards in virtual microscopy: from tissue processing to image acquisition and visualization
Diagnostic Pathologyvolume 5, Article number: S10 (2010)
With the development of a new generation of slide scanner fort he generation of whole digital slides this technique is on its verge into routine histopathological diagnostics. Therefore the demand for standardized image acquisition and display needs to be fulfilled. Upon a physical and physiological basis the maximum performance are to be the cornerstones of this demand. Since with virtual slides huge data amounts have to be handled image compression is also an important issue. Therefore we analyzed the impact on jpeg image compression in 50 cases on 1) highest usable magnification, 2) security of diagnosis, 3) scan time and 4) data compression. The slides were digitized using a Zeiss MiraxScan in 11 different available qualitysteps (100%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%) and diagnosis was made for each case by three different pathologists. Throughout no misdiagnoses were made, but diagnostic security was rated as "good" only in qualitysteps of 40 % and higher in all cases. From this qualitystep upwards magnifications of 40x were also rated as "good". Concerning scanning times a significant decrease in time was already observed by compression in qualitystep 90% and decreased further with decreased dataamount indicating a dependency on networkspeed. Furthermore, compressionrates of approximately 20% already in the 90 % qualitystep were obtained and decreased further to 8 % in the 10 % qualitystep. In conclusion the following standards for acquisition of virtual slides are required to 1) a pixel resolution of 0,2 x 0,2 µm2, 2) for the Mirax scan compression with qualitysteps of 40 to 80 % are acceptable for routine histologic diagnosis. For display of virtual slides we propose the successive technical requirements: 1) monitor resolution of > 4 megapixel, 2) contrast ratio of > 3000: 1. As jpg-compression is a flexible compression standard, standardized compression modes for all slide scanners should be implemented.
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- Image Acquisition
- Image Compression
- Data Compression
- Pixel Resolution
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|San Jose, Calif.
|High School:
|Bellarmine College Prep
2011 Lowe's Senior CLASS Award candidate
Three-time All-WCC Honorable Mention player (2009, 2010, 2011)
Three-time WCC All-Academic Team honoree (2009, 2010, 2011)
WCC Player of the Week (Nov. 7, 2011)
SENIOR (2011): Recovered from an early-season injury to start in each of the last six games and lead Santa Clara to a 5-0-1 record down the stretch ... scored the initial Bronco goal in three-straight WCC victories from Oct. 30 through Nov. 6 and ended up leading all WCC players in goals per game (0.38) during league play ... was recognized as an All-WCC Honorable Mention for the third time and earned WCC All-Academic honors for the third time as well ... Masch sparked an improbable three-goal comeback win at USF (Nov. 2), scoring to put SCU on the board in the second half, the first of three unanswered scores which allowed the Broncos a key victory ... he did it again on Sunday, Nov. 6 against St. Mary's, scoring his fourth goal of the year - and third in three games - to tie things up with SMC in the first half, a game SCU would go on to win 2-1 and remain in the race for the WCC title ... he was named the WCC Player of the Week (Nov. 7) for his performance in those games ... he also organized a 'Clothing Drive' in conjunction with San Jose's Sacred Heart Community Service, where fans brought winter clothes to donate to the cause during an SCU match ... he ended up starting in six games and totalling eight points, while playing in 13 of the team's 20 games overall, helping the Broncos post the best overall record in the league at 11-5-4 ... he was also selected as one of 30 candidates nationally for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes the attributes of senior student-athletes in four areas: community, classroom, character and competition.
JUNIOR (2010): One of 11 players named to the 2010 All-WCC Preseason Team and also named WCC All-Academic honoree ... played in 20 of SCU's 21 matches and earned all-league recognition for the second straight year ... key contributor to the Broncos' WCC Championship season of 2010, tying for the team lead in goals (5) ... had 20 shots and put 13 on goal and netted a game-winner ... scored the decisive goal in a 2-0 victory over Marquette (Sept. 12) ... had at least one shot in seven consecutive October matches - during a 12-game stretch in which SCU did not lose ... scored his second goal of the year at Gonzaga (Oct. 1) ... scored two goals in three games to help SCU beat St. Mary's (Oct. 10) and tie San Diego (Oct. 17) ... scored SCU's lone goal in NCAA tournament play at Sacramento State (Nov. 18).
SOPHOMORE (2009): Outstanding sophomore season ... emerged as one of the best forwards in the league ... named an All-WCC Honorable Mention player ... also named to the WCC's All-Academic Team ... saw action in all 20 contests, starting eight ... second on the team in goals (5) and points (10) ... scored twice in the second half vs. Cleveland State (Sep. 5), netting the game-winner ... collected a loose ball in front of the net and scored the golden goal to give the Broncos a 1-0 overtime victory over Gonzaga (Oct. 30) .... scored a goal vs. Brown (Sep. 25) and San Diego (Oct. 18).
FRESHMAN (2008): Saw action in 14 games ... recorded five points on two goals and one assist ... made his first collegiate appearance of the season against Cal (Sept. 12) ... earned his first career start against USF (Oct. 24) ... scored his first two collegiate goals, including the game-winning shot, against Portland (Nov. 2) ... dished out his first career assist on Sean Danzeiser's goal against San Diego (Nov. 16).
HIGH SCHOOL: 2008 graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose, Calif. ... coaches were Patrick Lowney and Jeff Rhodes ... CCS champions his sophomore year and with a 26-1-2 record his senior year also won the CCS title ... ranked third nationally ... logged more than 75 hours of community service in high school.
PERSONAL: Born in San Jose, Calif. ... parents are Charles and Sharon Masch ... dad went to Stanford and mom graduated from South Florida ... has two siblings: Ryan and Lauren ... hobbies include scuba diving ... major is finance.


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I'm quite the redundant one...Here is my typical speech: I promise I'll post more, I'm a terrible blogger blah, blah, blah. Last time I posted Josh was three months old...now he is SEVEN months old! How did that happen? Wasn't it just yesterday I was seven months pregnant with him? Why is the time going by so fast?! Lets talk stats shall we?
4 Months: March 23, 2015
Weight: 15 lb 12 oz
Eating Habits: 7 ounces of formula plus baby food: apples, pears, sweet potatoes and rice cereal.
Sleeping: 12 hours at night baby!
Immunizations: tba
Disposition: Joshie is extremely laid back and SO happy! He rolls all over the place just like Jake did at that age. My boys are incredible!
|Josh 4 Months
|Jake 4 Months
Weight: 19 lb
Eating Habits: Josh continues to eat every three hours. He has seven ounces of formula along with 1-2 tbsp of baby food. His newest food he absolutely loves is butternut squash.
Sleeping: Josh consistently takes two naps a day and sleeps twelve hours at night.
Immunizations: tba
Disposition: Josh is so happy! He adores Jake! Josh smiles and coos all the time! I'm pretty sure I'm his favorite person ever, which melts my heart.
|Josh- 5 Months
|Jake- 5 Months
Weight: 19 lb
Eating: Eating baby food and seven ounces of formula every three hours and growing like a weed!
Sleeping: Two naps a day along with twelve hours of sleep at night!
Immunizations: tba
Disposition: Laid back Joshie! He is starting to have stranger anxiety. He's unsure about those he doesn't see often. He loves both sets of grandparents and of course big brother Jake. It's very sweet to watch them interact together. Josh loves Jake!
|Josh- 6 Months
|Jake- 6 Months
Weight: 20 lb
Eating Habits: Josh has started to eat three meals a day plus his night time bottle. He has tried peas, mangos, green beans and squash. The kid can pack away the food!
Sleeping Habits: He still sleeps twelve hours at night plus two naps during the day.
Immunizations: tba
Disposition: What a sweet baby! His lower central incisors popped through this month, and the army crawling has begun. The first thing Josh goes after are Jake's toys. Poor Jake isn't too keen on Joshie touching his toys let alone trying to take them. Jake has been pretty patient with Joshie and loves him so much! He is an amazing big brother. I am so proud to be the mama of two wonderful little boys!
|Josh- 7 Months
|Jake- 7 Months
|Jake The Snake
|My boys: Jake and Josh


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General NewsOff-The-Field IssuesOpinionSpeculation
Autopsy Report: Quarterback Of The Defense
When Rick Spielman decided to win a bidding war with Chicago for the services of right tackle Phil Loadholt, he was willing to make veteran cornerback Antoine Winfield a casualty by sending him packing. At the time, I opined that the Vikings not only lost their best cornerback as a result, but that they also lost their best linebacker and defensive leader.
Then, through free agency and the NFL Draft, the Vikings refused to make considerable investment into the linebacker position despite numerous opportunities. Some third day Draft picks, and injury-prone free agent Desmond Bishop, amounted to no immediate upgrade to the starting linebacker positions. Instead, the team was willing to move forward with Erin Henderson manning the middle.
Now, I am on record as being supportive of Henderson. I think he has played better than many fans give him credit for. Until last week, he led the team in tackles. Only ends Jared Allen and Brian Robison have more sacks than his three. He leads the Vikings with nine tackles for a loss, is tied for a team lead with two interceptions, and leads all the linebackers with three defended passes. Those stats, however, have not been enough for fans and analysts to grant Henderson immunity from criticism as the Vikings currently place 29th in pass defense and 24th against the run.
Henderson was expected to step up, take command of the defense, and instead the entire unit has been on a season-long campaign of collapse. With Winfield gone, and Kevin Williams and Jared Allen clearly on their way out, it seemed natural to look for a leader on defense to ease the transition. Instead, Henderson has been at the center of a defense that has shown no ability to stop opponents, and instead of being a vocal leader that speaks of consistency and accountability he has found himself in the center of controversy.
That is exactly what you don't look for in a team leader.
Last week, news broke that Henderson had been picked up for DWI and possession of a controlled substance. The details are murky right now, and he claims this isn't the "personal reason" he had for missing last week's game, but Henderson has a long ways to go before anybody will consider him a legitimate leader on defense.
Henderson counts as the third Vikings player in three weeks to hit the police blotter, which prompted General Manager Rick Spielman to release a public statement, and the Vikings brass cannot be happy about any of this. Surely this issue will come up when end-of-season evaluations of Henderson's value are being performed and I can't imagine the front office will be content relying so heavily on him in 2014 and beyond.
Perhaps the best case scenario, for Henderson, is to end up back at the weakside spot.
That would certainly seem like a preferred alternative to being out of a job.