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The Chronicle of the Horse is celebrating its 85th birthday in 2022. For the next eight weeks, leading up to the publication of our 85th Anniversary Issue, we'll bring you a decade-by-decade look at the history that has filled its pages since 1937.
The 1950s brought big changes for horse sports and for the Chronicle, as it was still known throughout the '50s.
In the beginning of the decade, racing still dominated the Chronicle's pages as it had during the 1930s and 1940s. The July 27, 1951, issue reported that Citation became the first "millionaire Thoroughbred" when he won the Hollywood Gold Cup by 4 lengths, and the magazine also closely followed the career of the great Native Dancer.
Nashua came to prominence later in the 1950s, winning the Preakness Stakes (Maryland), Belmont Stakes (New York) and finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. He also won a match race against Swaps, the horse who defeated him in the Kentucky Derby. Then there was Bold Ruler, who won the Preakness in 1957, among other races, and would later go on to become the sire of Secretariat.
But the magazine was also starting to cover more and more horse shows. Alexander Mackay-Smith wrote in a Sept. 10, 1954 editorial, "These are boom times for horse shows. The hunter, jumper, junior and pony classes, which are the particular province of the Chronicle, were never fuller. Many new people are coming into the game and good horses and ponies are selling like hot cakes."
The subject of the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki was a hotly discussed one leading up to those Games. The 1952 Olympics were the first where the United States sent a civilian team instead of members of the military, and there were questions about a proper selection process. The topic of women on the teams (dressage and show jumping only) was another issue.
The First Olympic Dressage Trials
The first Olympic Dressage Trials in this country were held Tuesday, April 1, 1952, at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club at Scarborough, New York. The dressage test was 15 minutes long and included piaffe, passage, extended and collecting walks, a figure-eight at "counter gallop," "trot and gallop change of leads at every stride," pirouettes and "zig-zag traversale."
In the end, dressage competitor Marjorie Haines Gill became the first woman to ride on a U.S. Olympic Team. Gill placed 17th individually and sixth in the team competition with Flying Dutchman in Helsinki. The jumping team (William Steinkraus on Hollandia, Arthur McCashin on Miss Budweiser and John William Russell on Democrat) took home the bronze, and the eventing team (Jeb Wofford on Benny Grimes, Walter Staley Jr. on Craigwood Park and Charles Hough Jr. on Cassivellannus) also picked up a bronze.
Hot Topics
As the Chronicle expanded its reporting (covering 513 shows in 1955 compared to 250 in the "first few years after the war"), it also dealt with questions about what should be covered, finally coming to the conclusion that it was a magazine for the Thoroughbred and all Thoroughbred sports.
Other issues addressed in the editorials and letters to the editor during the 1950s included: poling as a training tool, why U.S. riders don't place well when competing in Europe, whether we should begin using Fédération Equestre Internationale rules in U.S. competitions, retraining ex-racehorses for horse show work, true amateurs versus fake amateurs, barefoot horses versus shod horses, turning out versus leaving horses in stalls, how to get more depth on international teams, the judging at horse shows and proper turnout of riders and horses. Sound familiar?
Nancy G. Lee lamented the lack of appropriate dress at competitions in the Sept. 26, 1952 issue. "No one would think of going swimming in a baseball suit; neither would one go skiing in a lacrosse outfit. Why then can't the outstanding sport of showing horses be treated with respect and courtesy by the riders?" she wrote.
From Posting Diagonals To Hunt Buttons
In the 1950s, the scope of topics covered in both the In The Country news items and the Letters To The Editor was vast and sometimes amusing.
• Sept. 11, 1953
I wonder if any of your readers could tell me which is the correct diagonal for posting when trotting in a circle.
When I was a child I was taught riding in England by my father who always insisted that one should post on the right diagonal on the right rein and vis viva, i.e. when trotting clockwise we should sit in the saddle when the right foreleg and left hindleg are on the ground and be out of the saddle when the left foreleg and right hindleg are on the ground. This theory, I note, is confirmed by Capt. V.S. Littauer on page 160 of "Be A Better Horseman."
Since living in Canada, I've noticed that all the children are taught the reverse procedure, i.e. when trotting in a clockwise circle post on the left diagonal.
As I have a daughter who rides in equitation classes I would be most grateful to hear if there is a universally correct procedure or whether it varies in different countries.
Yours faithfully,
Pamela Edwards
• Jan. 18, 1952
Dear Editor:
I am now serving in the Armed Forces in Europe. I would appreciate it very much if you would enter a subscription to The Chronicle for me. I really miss reading your paper since I came overseas.
I would also appreciate it very much if you could possibly start my subscription with the issue covering the Harrisburg show.
I travelled with the U.S. Equestrian Team last year and would like to keep posted on its activities as much as possible. As I can think of nothing better than The Chronicle to read, I hope you will send me the copies as soon as possible.
Thanking you in advance,
Pfc. Bernard R. Brenman
• In The Country, March 3, 1950
Buttons on hunting coats have a way of dropping off and disappearing. When they do they are hard to replace. Leonard Smith, Joint M.F.H. of Camargo with de Gray Vanderbilt, is off on a search for a good source for hunt buttons. He believes he can secure them at a cost of $1.00 each. Although not in the button business, he is willing to divulge his source of supply for those needing hunt buttons at a low price.
– In The Country, July 13, 1956
Cancelled Flight
Travis M. Kerr, owner of Bobby Brocato; Dr. Reed and Joe Hernandez recently returned to California from New York. They had reservations eastbound on the ill fated liner that crashed in the Grand Canyon, which they cancelled in favor of a night flight at the last moment.
• In The Country, Oct. 12, 1956
Did Carrots Get The Nod?
Before the first class at the Oregon State Fair, Harry Samuals owner of hunter Phar Rhona, appeared at the mare's stall with both hands full. One hand held a luscious bunch of carrots, in the other a can of horse meat.
"Take your choice," owner Samuals said.
The mare took a look and took her choice.
P.S. She won the Hunter Championship.
Some Things Change, Some Remain The Same
The Upperville Horse Show in Virginia celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 5, 1953, and the Chronicle was there reporting on the winners, just as it will be this year. Thoroughbreds were still the mounts of choice for almost every discipline then; they were even dominating in dressage at the time.
On Feb. 6, 1953, the magazine released a new format. The size of the page was reduced—from 56 to 31 1/2 column inches. The grade of the paper was improved, and all the illustrations were then printed from photo-engravings. Printing went from 20-24 pages up to 40-44 pages to make up for the smaller page size.
"The members of The Chronicle staff, as well as our readers, will have to get used to the new size. Undoubtedly, there will be a few hitches to begin with. For any that may occur we ask your indulgence," stated the announcement of the new format.
A new publisher and editor came along shortly after that, debuting in the Dec. 12, 1953, issue. George L. Ohrstrom took over as publisher, and Alexander Mackay-Smith became editor. The Chronicle also took that time of transition to lay out the mission statement again.
"More important than any of these things, however, is the fact that the Chronicle represents a way of life. It ties together the many thousands of people who love the American countryside and the horses and hounds which made it a doubly pleasant place in which to live. In an age of professionalism it represents the amateur and those who think of horses in terms of sport, rather than as a way of making a quick buck."
In the July 24, 1959, issue of the Chronicle it was announced that the publishers had acquired Horse magazine, though the full title of The Chronicle Of The Horse wouldn't come about until 1961.
The 1952 Olympics inspired a discussion of the fledging discipline of dressage in the United States. In the June 26, 1953, issue Alexander Mackay-Smith wrote, "Now that the Olympics have deposited dressage on our doorstep what are we going to do with it? We should recognize at the outset that we are dealing with a great art, one that demands both from horse and rider the utmost in natural ability, hard work and execution. It offers one of the greatest, if not the greatest, heights of horsemanship attainable—if one has talent, devotion, a thoroughly qualified instructor and a great deal of time."
An excerpt from Hermann Friedlaender's report of California's Santa Cruz Three-Day Test, which ran in the July 17, 1953, issue proved that riders have always loved galloping tracks for cross-country, and that they've always been afraid of ditches.
"It was interesting to note that each of the previous 3-Phase Events had a character all its own as far as type of terrain, obstacles and problems in the cross-country courses were concerned. Santa Cruz was still different from the others. It was fortunate in being able to afford lots of galloping and also presented the competitors with some fences entirely new to them. The outstanding one in this regard was No. 2—the Trakehner Graben—an 8-foot wide moderately deep ditch with a heavy, low fence in the middle—dubbed 'the coffin' by some. It proved to be nothing more than a mental hazard to the riders; to the horses as a whole it offered very little trouble.
"The main general weakness of our riders is in dressage, which weakness carries over to the other jumping phases of the event as well. For the most part the horses can jump, though many give the impression of having been pushed a little too fast and lack the style to go on to tougher, more formidable courses," continued Friedlander.
Jeb Wofford rode at the selection trials for the 1955 Pan American Games and 1956 Olympics in 1954, even though he was still recovering from dysentery. A commentary by Alexander Mackay-Smith outlined the amazing events of the three days.
The Direction Of High Performance
While the 1956 Olympic Games were hosted by Australia, quarantine regulations meant the equestrian events were held in Stockholm instead. A report from the Three Day Event at the 1956 Olympics, written by Lt.-Col. C.E.G. Hope, stated that, "The Americans are young and their horses are good, but they seem unorganized and unschooled. If they could obtain the services of a good European dressage instructor and work hard under him, they could produce a reasonable team. But for every country the lesson of the Olympics is that inefficiency does not pay—and is unfair to the horse."
The less-than optimal showing from the U.S. contingency in 1956 (teams and individuals finished out of the medals in all three sports) inspired much discussion about the future direction of the U.S. Equestrian Team.
An editorial in the Sept. 28, 1956 issue highlighted those issues, stating, "Although the meeting fully recognized the importance of good coaching, primary emphasis was placed on broadening the base on which our teams rest. In the long run, we cannot expect to win Olympic medals by developing a handful of horses and riders."
As of 1957, the USET was based out of Greenwich, Conn., at Alvin Untermyer's estate. "The rooms are small, not fancy but quite comfortable. Here the team members and the coach, Capt. de Nemethy live," stated the article. In 1958, a 20-year-old George Morris was already riding for the USET, along with Bill Steinkraus, Hugh Wiley and Frank Chapot.
There was also an editorial about how the USET could best seek funding and earn favor from other nations, sending our riders out into the world as the "best ambassadors" in turbulent times. Horsemanship was even offered as a sort of way to fight the spread of Communism.
A report from the 1959 Pan American Games in Chicago revealed that dressage was still a work in progress for many countries.
"Only very few horses of the ten shown performed the Piaffe and Passage in an acceptable manner, if they performed them at all," wrote Hermann Friedlaender in the Oct. 2, 1959 issue of the magazine.
Patricia Galvin from the U.S. won the individual gold with Rath Patrick.
"There was fairly general agreement after the ride-off that the performances of Rath Patrick under Patricia Galvin were the best. They were even and smooth and though devoid of any particular highlights the horse appeared in general to be at ease and showed a freshness that was pleasing," wrote Friedlaender.
Read about all the decades of the Chronicle: the 1930s and 1940s | the 1950s | the 1960s | the 1970s | the 1980s | the 1990s | the 2000s


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Source: Link
CASEY, LUCILLE C. (Kennedy; McArthur), artist and teacher; b. 1844 probably in Mississippi; m. first Evender C. Kennedy; m. secondly 1 July 1872 John Adolphus (Alexander) McArthur (MacArthur) in Montreal; no children were born of either marriage; d. 28 May 1902 on board the Lucania between England and Canada, and was buried in London, Ont.
Lucille C. Casey was the daughter of Colonel Casey, a Mississippi planter and member of the staff of Confederate general Robert E. Lee. She is said to have been related to Jefferson Davis, president of the Confederate states, and apparently was a member of one of the prominent Southern families living in Montreal after the American Civil War.
In 1872, after the death of her first husband, she married John Adolphus McArthur. Following his graduation in medicine from McGill College in 1879, she accompanied him to Clinton, Iowa, where he first practised. In 1884 the couple moved to Winnipeg; there he became a prominent physician and professor.
By the time she arrived in Winnipeg Lucille McArthur was a professional artist with good credentials: she had studied painting under William Raphael* in Montreal and china-painting at the studio of Edward Lycett in New York. In an evolving cultural community which lacked formal art institutions, she assumed a major role. She offered "superior instruction in all the higher branches of art" and a course in decoration. At the Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition of 1885 she contributed the largest group of works shown, ranging from copies and drawings from plaster casts to original subjects. That same year she also presented many pieces at the exhibition of the Historical and Scientific Society of Manitoba and was a member of the exhibition's hanging committee. In 1886 McArthur and her husband helped to found the Winnipeg Art Society for the advancement of painting and drawing. The society held daily classes and sponsored occasional exhibitions of its members' work. It was also instrumental in securing new quarters and an increased prize list for the fine arts at the agricultural exhibition.
It was McArthur's ambition, however, to improve as an artist; her situation in life permitted her to obtain additional training and experience. In 1886, like an increasing number of aspiring artists in Canada, she sought tuition in Europe – an enterprising step for a woman of 42. For over two years she studied and visited galleries in Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, and Paris. In 1888 she attained a major goal: the acceptance of two paintings by the Paris Salon.
On her return to Winnipeg, McArthur held a weeklong exhibition of more than 100 original paintings, including landscape, still life, genre, and nude subjects, in a building downtown. It was Winnipeg's first extensive solo show. The pictures that had hung in the Paris Salon attracted particular interest; another novelty was the nude section, in a curtained area. Despite a small admittance fee, attendance in the first three days exceeded 500 persons.
Following the exhibition McArthur returned to her former routine. Artistic life in Winnipeg was very limited, however, particularly when contrasted with that of Europe. Since the local agricultural exhibition had lapsed, she showed at the Minnesota State Fair in 1889. She spent the summer of 1890 in Montreal, but in 1891 she resumed her travels abroad, visiting England, the Continent, North Africa, and the Middle East. From that year onwards, she seldom returned to Winnipeg. Her husband continued his medical career there, occasionally joining her for a few months' vacation in Europe. Meanwhile, she gained new recognition in Canada; her painting The gateway was among the select group chosen from exhibitions of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in Toronto and Montreal to hang at the Columbian exposition in Chicago in 1893.
Lucille McArthur's work is difficult to evaluate, since few examples are known to exist, but The boy with a red cap shows her to be an able artist in the academic tradition, a judgement confirmed by her inclusion in the Paris Salon and the Chicago world's fair. In Winnipeg, despite her long absences, she was a pioneer who passed on skills and concepts not otherwise available. She also demonstrated that European training was available for western Canadian women, but that it was not easy to adapt it to local conditions. Her life illustrates the potentialities and frustrations of an early art career in Manitoba.
[Two of Lucille McArthur's paintings are in the collections of the Winnipeg Art Gallery. The location of others, known to be in private hands some years ago, cannot now be traced. v.g.b.]
ANQ-M, CE1-63, 1er juill. 1872. Daily Manitoban (Winnipeg), 30 Sept. 1885. London Advertiser, 12 July 1872. Manitoba Sun (Winnipeg), 10 May 1886, 2 Oct. 1888. Morning Telegram (Winnipeg), 7 June 1902. Strathroy Age (Strathroy, Ont.), 5 June 1902. Winnipeg Free Press, 1 Jan., 1, 20, 22 Oct. 1885; 11 March, 28 June, 11 Aug. 1886; 17 Sept., 3, 4 Oct. 1888; 7 Sept. 1889; 3 Nov. 1890; 21 April 1891; 10 Feb., 5 Nov. 1892; 27 Aug. 1934. Winnipeg Tribune, 22 April 1891; 15 Feb., 5 Nov. 1892; 15 April 1893. Virginia Berry, Vistas of promise, Manitoba, 1874–1919: November 1st, 1987–January 17th, 1988 (Winnipeg, 1987). W. E. Dodd, Jefferson Davis (New York, 1966). Manitoba, pictorial and biographical (2v., Winnipeg, 1913).
© 1994–2023 University of Toronto/Université Laval
Image Gallery
Cite This Article
Virginia G. Berry, "CASEY, LUCILLE C," in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 13, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed October 2, 2023, http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/casey_lucille_c_13E.html.
The citation above shows the format for footnotes and endnotes according to the Chicago manual of style (16th edition). Information to be used in other citation formats:
|Author of Article:
|Virginia G. Berry
|Title of Article:
|Publication Name:
|Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 13
|University of Toronto/Université Laval
|Year of publication:
|Year of revision:
|Access Date:
|October 2, 2023

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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text:
According to Deadline, FX is close to renewing Justified for a third season. The deal with Sony Pictures will likely be in place by the time of FX's upfront party in New York on Tuesday. Timothy Olyphant and others in the cast are slated to appear at the event.
Though Justified has recently stumbled a bit in the ratings, the numbers for the current season are up when compared to the first season's. Airing last spring, season one averaged a 0.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 2.42 million total viewers. This season, Justified has been averaging a 1.0 rating and 2.63 million viewers.
Combining the viewership for multiple airings of each episode, Justified is reportedly drawing about 7.4 million per installment. That's close to the cumulative numbers for the cable channel's popular Sons of Anarchy.
What do you think? Are you a fan of this TV series? Would you like to see Justified return for season three?
Image courtesy FX.


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text:
When I visited the Upheaval Dome in 1987, I was sure it was an impact crater. But roadside displays and printed literature from Canyonlands National Park said otherwise. Clearly, they reported, this was collapsed salt dome. Since then German researchers have found evidence, through shocked quartz, of an impact. That now appears to be the prevailing theory. The crater is approximately 5 km in diameter and must be Jurassic in age or younger, given the ages of the rock it hammered. From bottom to top, those rocks are:
- Organ Rock Shale (center of the bulls-eye) and White Rim Sandstone (the pale ring around the center), both elevated in a dome-like shape, are part of the Cutler Formation, which was deposited in the Permian period, which ran from 299 to 251 million years ago. In geologic time, the Permian period was the last of the Paleozoic era. That era ended with a mass extinction — bigger than the one that wiped out the dinosaurs at the end of the Mesozoic era, which began with the Triassic period. The Jurassic and Cretaceous, which followed, are barely represented here.
- Moenkopi Formation, first in the Triassic suite that follows
- Chinle Formation
- Wingate Sandstone
- Kayenta Formation
- Navajo Sandstone, which bridges the Triassic and Jurassic. That's the pale hard rock providing the top layer in this picture.
Navajo Sandstone also stars in Zion and Capitol Reef National Parks, in Comb Ridge, San Rafael Reef and the Red Rock country overlooking Las Vegas from the west (where it is called Aztec Sandstone). Its cross-bedding strata suggests windblown sand, which is exactly what comprises the rock. The whole formation is the fossilized remains of a Sahara that once covered much of The West. Think of it as a fossil desert within a desert.
So I was flying over the area last week, and got some good shots of the thing, including the one above. There are many more in that series, which stretches from Boston to San Francisco, by way of Newark. I'll put up other segments soon, I hope.


text: Blog Mobility Digest has, what appears to be, a video of the Windows Phone 7 UI that HTC will be using on WP7 device (we're not sure if it will still be called Sense or not). The quick 2-minute video showcases the notes, weather, and stock widgets, as well as a fairly useless — albeit kind of cute — flower pedal widget. The refinements made look really, really nice… let's hope they actually make it onto WP7 HTC devices. The video is waiting for you after the break.


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With COVID-19 still a public health emergency, it's more important than ever that you get your annual flu shot. While the flu vaccine won't prevent you from getting COVID-19, it will help reduce your chance of getting the flu or weaken its severity should you contract it. Successfully avoiding the flu when COVID-19 is still spreading will help ensure that our health system is able to withstand the challenges we are facing.
Is it the flu or COVID-19?
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When should I get a flu shot?
The flu season usually starts in October, peaks between December and February, and begins to wind down in May. It's important to get vaccinated as soon as the flu shot becomes available, but no later than the end of October. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu shot.
Where can I get a flu shot?
Your flu shot is covered as part of preventive care. That means no cost to you when you stay in-network. Find a pharmacy near you that offers no-cost flu shots. Or, call your doctor.
Keep you and your family safe this flu season and get your flu shot before flu season starts.


text:
300 Shields
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text:
Recreation Channel / Bullz-Eye Home
Follow our latest content updates by checking out the Recreation, On Location and Sports threads on our blog.
Below you'll find our Recreation content archive along with our Recreation guide. Whether you like hanging our and shooting pool with some beers or flying down the slopes on a snowboard we've got you covered.
Our latest lifestyle content can be found in the Lifestyle category in our new magazine format. Archived recreation content can be found in the recreation tag on our blog. Also check out our On Location and Sports threads on our blog.
You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube for regular content updates.
December 2, 2013
We spoke to BMX rider Drew Bezanson about participating in this year's Dew Tour, training and what it's like to be a pro athlete.
October 10, 2013
Paul Eide was invited by Degree to take part in this year's Tough Mudder event in Lake Tahoe, and he wrote about his experience running the obstacle course.
August 9, 2013
Eric Rogell chatted with reigning stand-up paddleboard champion Kai Lenny about the little-known sport, his training regime and much more.
July 4, 2013
Will Harris sat down with Ted Nugent to discuss the return of his TV series "Spirit of the Wild" on the Outdoor Channel.
July 3, 2013
Ahead of this year's Red Bull Wake Open, Tom Edwards spoke with top-ranked wakeboarder Phil Soven about the competition and much more.
June 28, 2013
In between some big performances at this year's Dew Tour and X Games, Bucky Lasek chatted with us about living the life of a pro skateboarder and more.
June 21, 2013
We talked to motocross pro Ryan Dungey about getting into the sport, his short but successful career and defending his MX title.
Eric Rogell discusses dating and more with Olympic snowboarder Elena Hight.
March 28, 2013
We chatted with X Games gold medalist Travis Rice about his new snowboarding competition, the Red Bull Ultra Natural.
February 25, 2013
Mountain Dew sent Paul Eide to Orlando Skate Park to learn about their newest drink and get some BMX pro tips.
January 27, 2013
Tom Edwards headed to Breckenridge Ski Resort in snowy Colorado to take part in this year's 50th annual Ullr Fest.
January 17, 2013
Joy Bryant stars in the new action talk show "Across the Board." Check out her chat with "Parenthood" co-star Erika Christensen.
April 24, 2012
During our latest trip to Sin City, we experienced the thrill of shooting fully-automatic weapons at Machine Guns Vegas.
October 4, 2012
Signing up for a race of any distance can provide the perfect motivation to finally get off the couch and start running.
March 2, 2012
Jamey tackles his biggest challenge yet: 26.2 miles in Tokyo. The experience was awesome, even if his time wasn't.
February 10, 2012
Our weary runner looks forward to ending his year of heavy training at the Tokyo Marathon in a couple weeks.
March 19, 2013
It's too late to change your bracket, but you can still mix things up in the kitchen with these quick and delicious snacks.
Updated: December 19, 2012
If your idea of holiday party food is a bag of flavored potato chips and the good pork rinds, let Mike help you make some awesome holiday appetizers that will knock the socks off your guests.
February 2, 2012
Mike Farley spices up your party with our Super Bowl Spread IV, featuring queso meatballs, pizza potato skins and more.
Video of hot volleyball babes.
June 13, 2010
Summer is here, so there are tons of events where a portable chair like the Sherpa Chair comes in handy - from little league baseball games to fireworks displays and family cookouts, along with fishing and camping outings.
If outdoor recreation is your idea of time well spent, then you've come to the right place. The following sites contain general information for every type of outdoor recreation imaginable.
"GORP" stands for "Great Outdoor Recreation Pages," and that is very descriptive of this site. From hiking to fishing to biking you will find practically every type of outdoor recreation within this site. It also has a useful travel section to help plan outdoor recreational trips.
This site has extensive news and information relating to climbing, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and hiking.
This is another useful site that covers multiple topics relating to outdoor recreation. Each section includes helpful tips. The site also has a reader's forum.
This site covers hunting, archery, fishing and "gundogs," with useful sections on products and travel. The state-by-state guide for outdoor information is a great resource for season dates, license fees, etc.
Great resource for trails for biking, skiing, hiking, sledding, horseback riding and ATV riders.
You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook for content updates. Also, sign up for our email list for weekly updates and check us out on Google+ as well.


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Residence Description
Nice high floor with dramatic ocean and Intracoastal views over a protected park. 2 Bedrooms (one with king bed and the other with two double beds), 2 bathrooms, kitchenette, washer/dryer, lock-out closet. 87 square foot terrace. This one won't last!
Community Description
The Resort at Singer Island built in 2007 together with the four star Marriott hotel offers a unique combination of a diverse smoke-free luxury resort and private residence featuring 239 all-suite 1 and 2 bedroom units and 66 private 3 and 4 bedroom residential condominiums. The private section is made up of four residences per floor ranging from 2,800 to 3,150 square feet of living space with 350 to 450 square feet of outdoor terrace space. The Resort at Singer Island is the only luxury building on Singer Island that offers a four bedroom condo option. The private residence section has its own full-time manager and staff, movie theater and social room. Experience the essence of elegance in the 1 or 2 bedroom hotel suites ranging from 800 to just over 2,100 square feet of living space. Decorated with dark wood tones, stainless steel kitchen appliances and marble baths the Resort offers a luxurious, contemporary, modern edge. The Resort also includes 4,000 square feet of meeting space, an 8,500 square foot spa and all of the amenities and services one would expect from a world-class facility. Butler service, valet attendants and a full-time concierge enrich residents and guest's experiences and activities including coordination of private events, theater tickets, dinner reservations and travel arrangements. Enjoy majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean or Intracoastal Waterway from the expansive terraces in each residence and hotel suite. Dining options available to residents and guests include an alfresco ambiance at the ocean-side eatery, the convenience of room service or catered special events held in the stunning entertainment veranda. Even a temperature-controlled wine room is available to store private wine collections. The white sandy beaches of Singer Island provide the ultimate place to relax. Attentive pool and beach-side attendants provide everything from plush towels and relaxing lounge chairs to tempting frozen libations. Outdoor private cabanas are the ideal place to enjoy a casual poolside lunch.
Nestled between the celebrated Palm Beach Worth Avenue shopping district, Palm Beach Gardens & Jupiter's world-class golf courses and Wellington's equine country, the Resort at Singer Island is just minutes away from Palm Beachs' finest dining, entertainment, shopping venues and the Palm Beach International Airport. Awake each morning in Florida's sport-fishing capital, explore the alluring antiques, art and fashion shops and galleries in West Palm Beach or partake in the equestrian life at Wellington's Polo and riding clubs. Shop till you drop at Worth Avenue, Gardens Mall, CityPlace, Downtown at the Gardens and the soon-to-be opened Palm Beach Outlet Mall. Test your golf skills at famous golf courses such as the Bear's Club, Trump National, the Medalist, Old Palm, Seminole Landing and PGA National. The Palm Beaches offers something for everyone. You owe it to yourself to experience living at the Resort at Singer Island at this luxurious residence!
- 24/7 Security
- Bar
- Beach Access
- Beach Chair Service
- Beach Drink Service
- Beach Drinks Service
- Beach Food Service
- Beach Service
- Cabanas
- Cabanas For Rent
- Coffee Bar
- Concierge Services
- Conference Facilities
- Covered Parking
- Dog Park
- Fitness Center
- Gift Shop
- Hot Tub
- Hotel Rental Program
- Impact Glass
- Lock Out Closet
- Meeting Rooms
- Oceanfront Pool Deck
- On-Site Manager
- Outdoor Seating Areas
- Pet Friendly
- Pool Deck
- Reception Terrace
- Restaurants
- Roving Security
- Saunas
- Spa
- Sun Terrace
- Swimming Pool(s)
- Tiki Bar
- Valet Parking
- Wedding Facilities


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Anti-Gay Marriage Law No Longer To Be Enforced Says Obama Administration
Obama's continuing his battle for civil rights for all Americans. Only a month after revoking the "don't ask don't tell" military policy, his administration is now calling for an end to the federal law that bans recognition of same-sex marriages.
The Obama administration says a federal law that bans recognition of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and has directed the Justice Department not to defend the law any more in court cases across the country.
The decision announced Wednesday represents a big victory for gay rights activists.
Obama's Justice Department has been arguing to preserve the Defense of Marriage Act for two years in courts all over the nation. Government lawyers said they were acting out of a sense of legal precedent, not moral obligation.
Everything changed Wednesday when Attorney General Eric Holder told Congress that Obama had determined that the administration can no longer defend the federal law that defines marriage as only between a man and a woman.
"After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the president has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny," Holder said in a statement released Wednesday.


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Pebbly Sandstone Conglomerate Rock at Curiosity's Waypoint 1
September 23, 2013
This mosaic of nine images, taken by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera on NASA's Mars rover Curiosity, shows detailed texture in a conglomerate rock bearing small pebbles and sand-size particles.
The rock is at a location called "Darwin," inside Gale Crater. Exposed outcrop at this location, visible in images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, prompted Curiosity's science team to select it as the mission's first waypoint during the mission's long trek from the "Glenelg" area to Mount Sharp.
MAHLI took the component images shortly before sunset on the 400th Martian day, or sol, of Curiosity's work on Mars (Sept. 21, 2013). The camera was positioned about 4 inches (10 centimeters) from the rock. Scale is indicated by the Lincoln penny from the MAHLI calibration target, shown beside the mosaic.
Reddish dust coats much of the surface visible in this mosaic, but the patch of rock also offers some bare patches where sand and pebble grains can be seen. Pebbles here are mostly gray, with some white in them. Some grains are somewhat translucent, and some are shiny.
Researchers interpret the sand and pebbles in the rock as material that was deposited by flowing water, then later buried and cemented into rock. Curiosity's science team is studying the textures and composition of the conglomerate rock at Darwin to understand its relationship to streambed conglomerate rock found closer to Curiosity's landing site. A major goal for observations at waypoint stops along the 5-mile (8-kilometer) route to Mount Sharp is to piece together the relationship between rock layers at "Yellowknife Bay" in the Glenelg area, where the mission found evidence of an ancient freshwater-lake environment favorable for microbial life, and layers at the main destination on lower slopes of Mount Sharp.


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Schedule a mold inspection, removal, or remediation in Austin? (512) 817-3596
If you require any more information or have any questions about our privacy policy, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected].
At Mold Inspection Service Pros LLC, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance to us. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information is received and collected by Mold Inspection Service Pros LLC and how it is used.
Log Files
Like many other Web sites, Mold Inspection Service Pros LLC makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol ( IP ) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider ( ISP ), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and a number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user's movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.
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Mold Inspection Service Pros LLC has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.
You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. Mold Inspection Service Pros LLC privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.
If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers respective websites.
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There are several ways to get your house tested for mold:
If you could not see any visible signs but you think that there are hidden mold growth, a thorough inspection will be helpful.


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Please fill out the form below to sign up for a class at Checkered Cottage. Payment for classes can be made by phone or in person at Checkered Cottage.
Class Name: 2023 ALL DAY CHRISTMAS CARDS
Cost: $55.00
135 W. Jefferson Kirkwood, MO 63122 Phone: 314-909-7233 Fax: 314-909-7237 Toll Free: 1-866-235-0172
Store Hours: Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm | Thursdays 10am - 6pm
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Oskar, the gentlecat
Oskar formerly lived with an old woman, who, due to her age, would sometimes forget him on the balcony for days. He was rescued, and lived with a loan-family, not in the shelter.
He's a very gentle cat, about 3 years old now. He purrs silently (you
can feel his body vibrate) and can be quite talkative at times ---
though Mori is
much more of a talker. During the feeding times he always
announces used to announce he wasn't fed for three
weeks, tries to steal a huge mouthfull from Mink and cleans out
his bowl and anything Mink left over. Nowadays, he is completely
relaxed about food and would let Mori eat all his food, if we wouldn't
separate Mori at feeding time.
Luckily, he is holding his weight, even if we sometimes have to give him an extra bit of food.


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XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL. Top Grain Genuine Leather Mild leather 1.1-1.3mm. Original YKK Zip Cuffs & press studs. Stretchable waist for perfect fit, two removable armors.YKK Zipper set to attach trouser and jacket. Please Note:- We Can Put Your Own Name/Logo on the Jacket. The Item will be posted within. We only accept return within. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, Please DO NOT be quick to leave negative/neutral feedback. We work hard to make sure 100% satisfaction for our each and every customer. Our friendly Customer Service Staff will assist you with all your inquiries. The item "BMW RR Racing Motorbike Leather Jacket Mens Biker Motorcycle Leather Jackets" is in sale since Saturday, September 5, 2020. This item is in the category "Vehicle Parts & Accessories\Clothing, Protective Gear & Merchandise\Motorcycle & Motorsports Gear\Motorcycle Jackets".
The seller is "2wheels-bikers" and is located in wembley. This item can be shipped worldwide.


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|Learn the geography of the world with a free educational map puzzle.
Continents Map Puzzle
Learn the continents of the world with this fun and educational puzzle game. How fast can you put all of the continents in the right places?
Free! Play Continents Map Puzzle online
Map Puzzles!
Find more FREE Educational Software
at the
Our world has become an increasingly complicated place. We don't know what part of the world will be on the news tonight and how events there will concern us. It is important to know the world and to know about the world before the world comes to us. Consider how much geography the average 17 year old knows and remember they may vote in the next presidential election.
The heart of geography, and even the source of its name, is the map - a picture of the world which organizes our understanding of places. Manipulating a map, assembling it, is the best way to learn where the different countries are and what other countries they are near to or far way from. This forms a lasting image and understanding. It is hard to know much of a foreign place without knowing where it is. The map is a framework that brings other knowledge together and makes the world understandable.
Geography is spatial so why not learn it spatially? Download and play the Continents Map Puzzle game. Play for your fastest time or just for fun.
Better than a wooden map puzzle: more learning and more fun. With this game you cant lose Antarctica under the couch.
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6238.0 - Retirement and Retirement Intentions, Australia, Nov 1997
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 02/06/1998
|Page tools: Print Page Print All
Rate of retirement remains steady since 1986 - ABS
Just over half the 6 million Australians aged 45 and over in November 1997 had retired from full-time work, according to the results of a survey released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The proportion who had retired from full-time work has remained fairly steady at between 53 and 55 per cent since 1986.
Males tended to work full-time for longer, with an average age at retirement from full-time work of 58, compared to 41 for females. While the age at retirement from full-time work differs greatly between males and females, this gap has narrowed since 1986.
Differences between males and females were also evident in sources of income at retirement. The most common main source of income for males at retirement from full-time work was an age or service pension (23 per cent), compared to someone else's income for females (38 per cent).
Some 60 per cent of those aged 45 and over were members of retirement schemes when they retired from full-time work, reflecting a continuing rise in superannuation coverage.
Of those aged 45 and over who had retired from full-time work, 16 per cent (505,800 people) were working part-time or looking for part-time work.
In total, 2.8 million people aged 45 and over had retired from the labour force (ie. they were no longer working or looking for full-time or part-time work). Of these, 37 per cent had left their last full-time job 20 or more years ago.
Some 452,400 people aged 45 and over had never had a full-time job and did not intend to look for one.
Other survey results found 90 per cent of the 2.3 million people aged 45 and over who were working full-time in November 1997 intended to retire from full-time work. Of these, 35 per cent indicated that their expected main source of income at retirement would be a superannuation funded pension.
The proportion of people aged 45 and over intending to retire from a full-time job who belonged to a retirement scheme rose from 84 per cent the last time the survey was run in 1994 to 92 per cent in 1997.
Details are found in Retirement and Retirement Intentions, Australia, November 1997 (cat. no. 6238.0) available from ABS Bookshops. A summary of it's main findings are available from this site.
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Bus Stops
Meet Six Sorry Bus Stops That Weren't Sorry Enough to Make the Cut
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Does a world of autonomous cars really have to make our streets less human?
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Tuesday's Headlines
More money for e-bike incentives, maybe; Kern CO wants to talk about bike safety; LA is adding bus lanes; Electrifying Caltrain will be a fine, fine thing; More
Office of Traffic Safety Announces $127.3M in Grants
Increased funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration makes this a historic amount of money for a historic number of grants
Oakland Promises Protected Bike Lanes on Lakeshore
City has committed to building protected bike lanes on the east side of Lake Merritt


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Dennis and friends. 3pm til 6pm
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Style: Acoustic Rocker. Bands: Starbelly, The 1974, ALO: Acoustic Light Orchestra, performing ELO & Traveling Wilburys, The FaBtastic Four Beatles Tribute, Mrs. Thatcher's Salute to British Rock
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Turqouise Bohemian Style Chain Anklet
in stock
- Handmade item
- Materials: Brass, Stone,
- Materials: Brass, Cotton, Stone,
- Chain style: Bead
- Closure: Ball & joint
- Jewellery style: Boho & hippie
in stockAdd to WishlistAdd to Compare
Length : 10″ (INCH), 25cm
The beautiful anklet was handmade in northern Thailand. It features with stone, beads and wax cotton cord. As always receive the best when you shop with us, because we craft all of our accessories with care.
My Shop Product Range Is Highly Demanded And Acclaimed In The Market For Its Unmatched Quality Standards And Some Exceptional Features Such As Exclusive Designs, Attractive Appearance, Dimensional Accuracy, Calibration, Smooth Edges, Long Lasting Polish, Fine Cutting And Lustrous Shine. The Vast Array Of Products Processed And Manufactured By Us Comprises Of Cut Stones, Cabochons, Fancy Cut Gemstones, Beads And Other Jewelry Findings.
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Briefing on the Release of the 2011 International Religious Freedom Report
Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Thank you, Ms. Nuland. Good morning. Good afternoon, now. Today, we are releasing the 2011 International Religious Freedom Report, which, for the first time, covers the calendar year and uses new technology to improve searchability. This congressionally mandated report reviews the status of religious freedom in 199 countries and territories.
Throughout the year, our Office of International Religious Freedom, embassies, and consulates work with governments and civil society to produce a report that is comprehensive, detailed, and accurate. Later today, Secretary Clinton will give remarks on the importance of international religious freedom and its centrality as a fundamental human right.
But let me just reiterate now that religious freedom is a universal human right and is essential for a stable, peaceful, and thriving society. As President Obama has said, we stand with all who would deny the ability to choose and express or live their faith freely, and we remain dedicated to protecting this universal human right and the vital role it plays in ensuring peace and stability for all nations.
Freedom of religion is not just an American right but the right of all people. It goes hand in hand with freedom of expression, freedom of speech and assembly, and when religious freedom is restricted, all these rights are at risk. And for this reason, religious freedom is often the bellwether for other human rights. It's the canary in the coalmine.
Unfortunately, in too many places, these rights are not respected. This report details increasing intolerance against a range of religious communities. As you read it, several themes will strike you. You'll read about the eight countries that the Secretary has designated last August as Countries of Particular Concern – or CPCs as we refer to them – including places such as North Korea, where genuine religious freedom does not exist, and Iran, where religious freedom deteriorated from an already horrible situation. And you'll see that in countries around the world, anti-Semitism was on the rise, evidenced by attacks on adults and children and the desecration of cemeteries.
Let me share with you some other troubling trends. In a number of countries, individuals were detained or imprisoned because of their religious beliefs. In Iran, Pastor Nadarkhani faces a death sentence just for his faith. The government continues to detain over 100 Baha'i, including the seven Baha'i leaders whose sentences for espionage for Israel, insulting religious sanctities, and propaganda against the system have been re-extended to the original 20-year penalty.
In other countries, increasing using – increasingly they're using blasphemy and apostasy and dissent laws to curb religious freedom. In Saudi Arabia, blasphemy against the Wahabi – the interpretation of Sunni Islam – continues to be punishable by death. This February, a young blogger Hamza Kashgari, was arrested for questioning his faith on Twitter, and he still remains in jail without charge. In Pakistan, authorities continue to invoke these abusive laws where hundreds of Muslims and non-Muslims were convicted of blasphemy. Asia Bibi, a Christian, remains in prison awaiting an appeal of her 2010 death sentence for blasphemy. Some of those who publicly criticize the blasphemy laws have already paid in their lives.
Governor of Punjab, Salman Taseer, Minister of Ministry Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, have already paid with their lives. And nearly half of the world's countries, governments either abuse religious minorities or did not intervene in cases of societal abuse. In Egypt, the former regime routinely discriminated against religious minorities, particularly Coptic Christians and Baha'is, and failed the curb rising violence against Coptic Christians and their places of worship. These patterns have continued during the post-revolutionary transition.
Last October, security forces attacked demonstrators in front of the Egyptian radio and television stations in Cairo. Twenty-five people were killed and hundreds were injured, most of whom were Coptic Christians. And, to date, no government official has been held accountable in this attack.
In Burma, long simmering tensions recently erupted in widespread violence against the marginalized Rohingya community. And in other countries, governments misuse laws to restrict freedom of religion, expression, and assembly. China restricted the practices of many groups, including unregistered Christian churches, Uighur Muslims, Tibetan Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners. The self-immolation of over 40 Tibetans to protest Chinese policies continue to demonstrate their desperation.
Russia and Uzbekistan invoked national security as a pretext for restricting the rights of some peaceful religious groups. Other governments used registration laws to restrict the rights of religious communities. A number of countries, including Belarus, Hungary, and several in Central Asia, have rigid laws that make legal registration for religious communities difficult, which often meant unregistered groups were ineligible for state financial support or tax benefits and were unable to own property.
In Belarus and some Central Asian countries, unregistered groups were also frequently unable to gather for worship or practice their religion at all. And this type of favoritism by governments can empower societal abuse of religious minorities. In several countries, governments limited the right to wear or not to wear religious attire. This decision should be a personal choice.
And increasingly, some European countries enacted or drafted legislation to ban attire that covers the face, and these bans particularly affected Muslim women. And in other regions, some countries forced women to cover themselves entirely. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Sudan, and Somalia, for example, enforced modesty codes, dress codes, for women. And these challenges are daunting, and sometimes it's easier to focus on the egregiously bad than the quietly good. But nevertheless, change is possible.
As Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom, I've been privileged to meet with government officials and people from around the world. The ideas they share about new ways to come together and build hope for a better future are exciting and inspirational. For example, that the State Department has launched the 2012 Hours Against Hate Campaign to promote respect regardless of religion, culture, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Using social media, this campaign mobilized young people to volunteer time to work against intolerance and hate. And we're partnering with – and how exciting it is to be part of the Summer Olympics – (inaudible) Hannah Rosenthal just returned from London – and to also be partnering with the Paralympics in London, NGOs, citizens everywhere part of this campaign.
And efforts like these change the story of hate and intolerance into one of acceptance and peace. It takes all of us – governments, faith communities, civil society working together to ensure that all people have the right to believe or not to believe. Each of us has a role to play in promoting religious freedom where it's most vulnerable. So I've talked about several trends from 2011, but when I read the report, I think about the people. I think about the men and women whom I've met in Vietnam, in Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Turkey, those I sat with on the day of Assisi at peace with the Vatican, people – men, women, youth – who are trying to practice their faith and raise their children and their families freely.
Most of all, I think about the people whose freedom has been taken away and whose lives might still be at risk – Pastor Nadarkhani, 1,000-days-plus incarcerated; Hamza Kashgari; Asia Bibi; and some whose names we cannot call. I think about the Tibetans who have self-immolated – more than three dozen. And to these and to the many others in jail and in danger, and to the family of those who have lost their loved ones because of their faith, we dedicate this report.
And we dedicate ourselves to continuing the fight for international religious freedom. Let me take this opportunity to wish our warmest wishes and regards to Muslims around the world as they observe this month of Ramadan. It is now my pleasure to receive your questions. Thank you.
MS. NULAND: Who would like to start today?
Jo, please.
QUESTION: With the – I realize this report is focusing back on 2011.
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Yes.
QUESTION: And so with – when we had the launch of the Arab Spring, do you have hope that in 2012 some of the criticisms that you have against those countries will be alleviated? Do you see that things are changing as the Arab Spring movement progresses in these countries?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: This is a great question. You are correct. This report was on 2011. The Arab Spring continues to happen. In places like Egypt, they're still in transition even though they've just had the elections of their President. Their President Morsi has declared that he's going to be more inclusive in his cabinet. He's declared that there will be a woman, there will be a Coptic Christian, there will be secular citizens. And so we're looking, as they form new constitutions, it's a wonderful opportunity to include religious opportunities and religious freedom. So we're looking for them to hold accountable those who are perpetrating these violent acts. We're looking at them to protect religious minorities and all citizens and adhere to the universal human rights. And we're looking to them to where they can reform or repeal or change laws that discriminate to do that. So that is my answer to your question. They're in transitions that are important, but we're looking to them to honor what they said they will do.
MS. NULAND: Maria, can you identify yourself, please?
QUESTION: Yes. Maria with Efe News Service that's in Washington. I was looking at the executive summary, and I was wondering if you could expand a little more on the comment on Cuba. On the one hand you're saying there has been an improvement in respects – in respecting religious freedom. But on the other hand, you're saying that there are still significant restrictions. So how do you reconciliate those two statements? I mean, can you elaborate on what's going on now? And I realize the Pope's visit was this year –
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Yes.
QUESTION: -- but I was wondering if maybe they were prepping up or gearing up to the visit, and that's why the improvements were there. Or can you elaborate?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Well, again, this report is about 2011, but currently there's both/and. There are places where the government restricts religion, and there are places that there are pragmatic openings. The U.S. Government is encouraging those religious groups to be able to travel there and be able to have an opportunity post-the Pope's visit to be able to engage with communities of faith there. So it's both/and situation, and we're hopeful that they will continue to open the door and work on their religious freedom issues.
MS. NULAND: Please, here.
QUESTION: I'm Chi-dong Lee. I'm with South Korea's Yonhap News Agency. Like you said, this report covers situations in 2011. But North Korea had their leadership change at the end of last year. So do you see any sign of change in situations in North Korea since then? And what's the expectations for North Korea next?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Well, North Korea continues to be on our countries of particular concern list. The situation is really deplorable. Where we can, we have multilateral relationships, and we try to continue to press and urge the government to improve their situation. But it is still deplorable, and there's not a real strong religious freedom going for – they're not really focused on religious freedom at all. So we're asking them to really work on all of their universal human rights, including religious freedom.
MS. NULAND: Nicole.
QUESTION: The report is from 2011. I want to ask a question about Russia and religious freedom there and whether you've seen any reduction in it in the last six to eight months.
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Well, that's a great question. Russia continues to misuse the extremism laws, and that's something that we're focusing on continually. On a whole-of-government approach, we're urging the government, certainly, to not misuse those laws and to certainly adhere again to the Universal Human Rights Declaration and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. So they still have the issue of the misuse of extremism laws, and we will continue to monitor the situation. We're certainly concerned about the people who are affected, but we will continue to monitor the situation and press the government.
QUESTION: A question on Iran. You said, and the report says, that religious freedom deteriorated further from an already egregious situation, but at least in the executive summary some of the issues that you mention – the restoration of the 20-year sentences for the Baha'is, for the seven Baha'is and the continued incarceration of the Christian pastor, in a sense that doesn't suggest that it's even worse than it was before. What else is significantly worse?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Well, the turn with Iran, it's also a country of particular concern, and it continues to be stagnant. It hasn't improved or deteriorated. We are concerned certainly with Pastor Nadarkhani, which is not only our concern, Congress is concerned, civil society's concerned. On July 8th, which was his thousandth day in incarceration, the State Department issued a statement for his release to Iran. We work multilaterally with Iran. There are sanctions that are – been imposed on them. Fourteen organizations, religious freedom organizations, and four individuals have had sanctions imposed on them. So we continue again to assess the situation and we repeatedly tried to monitor that situation.
QUESTION: But you see, here, it says it's deteriorated further from an already egregious situation, but you just said it was stagnant, neither better nor worse. What --
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Deteriorated from 2011, actually, but the situation is bad. I mean, it's not really improved is really what I should say, but it's not just Pastor Nadarkhani, but it's also the Baha'is; there are other religious minorities that are being detained. And so we're looking at that situation very closely, but it continues to be a country of particular concern, and the sanctions are used.
MS. NULAND: We have another question here. Please identify yourself.
QUESTION: Sorry, (inaudible) from (inaudible) Times. At a congressional hearing last week, Representative Chris Smith said the United States should be taking a stronger approach on human rights and religious freedom with China, and mentioned sanctions which can be imposed as part of the CPC. Taken that the situation has deteriorated further for religious freedom in China, the persecution against Falun Gong practitioners has intensified, as it has for Tibetans, house Christians and Uighurs, what sort of pressure is the State Department considering against China to see some improvement for this year?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Thank you for your question. Just this past week, the Chinese Human Rights Dialogue was held here, and I participated in that and I raised the religious freedom issues. I mean, it's a complicated situation where there are many conversations going on. But we raised the religious freedom issue. It's not just about the house churches which you mentioned, but the Uighurs, the Falun Gong, the Tibetan immolations.
When you have more than three dozen, that's a sign of the desperation that the people are under, and so we continue to press with that government for – there are also unregistered churches beyond the house churches that don't have a chance to express their faith and their belief. So we continue to press the government in terms of freedom of expression and freedom of religion and also just universal human rights. That's a continuing conversation and we will not let up.
MS. NULAND: (Inaudible.)
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Yes.
QUESTION: Could you just tell us what kind of response you got in those meetings when you raised the issues during the Strategic Dialogue?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Well, there was discussion, and the discussion will continue. And as the Department is ready to release the report in terms of what the results of those discussions were, I will be doing that. Thank you.
MS. NULAND: Michel.
QUESTION: Thank you. Are – the CPC for this report are still the same? And what do you consider what's happening in Syria?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: In Syria, I mean, there – it's a tough situation. We're seeing much in the media, as you see each day. We're looking to a post-Assad Syria, and the President has called for his removal. We're looking for a government that will be inclusive of all minorities and religions and all citizens, that they have to deal with human rights in general but religious freedom specifically. So we're looking for a post-Assad inclusive regime.
QUESTION: And what about the CPC? Are they still the same in this report as last year?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: In 2011, I refer you to the report is where they are, yes.
QUESTION: Does that mean they are the same 2010 to 2011, or was there a change?
QUESTION: Yeah.
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: There really has not been a – I mean, it's really deteriorating. Until there's a post-Assad regime, we will not be able to tell you in terms of how they've moved forward. 2011 and 2010 pretty much deteriorating – the trend was deteriorating.
MS. NULAND: We have time for two more. Elise.
QUESTION: I think actually he meant are the countries that are CPCs --
QUESTION: Yeah.
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Okay.
QUESTION: -- in 2011 the same countries? Did you add or subtract it? Are there --
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Okay. In terms of designation, yeah, my opening – they are the same countries that were there, the same eight countries.
QUESTION: On Egypt --
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: I wasn't clear on that (inaudible).
QUESTION: -- obviously, the situation with the Copts – Coptic Christians was a factor in Secretary Clinton's visit to Egypt. I'm wondering what assurances you've been given from President Morsi that he's going – because in the report, obviously, the interim government did not – in fact, took actions against Coptic Christians. So what assurances have you been given by President Morsi that he's going to look at the situation? And to what extent could you use aid as a lever to make sure that the government --
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: That's a great question. You are correct; the Secretary was just recently there. She invited a number of groups, including religious groups and religious minorities, including the Coptic Christians, to meet with her. I also, along with Assistant Secretary Posner, have met with Coptic Christians both here – more than 15 meetings. So we're very concerned about the Coptic Christian community. President Morsi has said publicly that in his new government, he will include Coptic Christians, secular citizens, and a woman*. So we are looking for him to follow through on what his promise was.
MS. NULAND: I apologize. We only have time for one more. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook has to move on, and if you have questions that are not answered, we can take them and handle them later.
Please, right here.
QUESTION: Yes, another question about China, because earlier this year, in the State Department's Human Reports on Countries, it included about the organ harvesting of Falun Gong in this year's report for the first time. I'm wondering, in your Religious Freedom Report, did you also cover this issue? And how will you take measures to take any steps to push China on this?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: As I said – yeah, as I said previously, I think, as I answered another question, we're concerned not only with the Tibetans and with the Uighurs; we're also concerned with Falun Gong as well, the house churches, and the unregistered faith groups. So we're concerned that people of all faiths have an opportunity to express their faith, so we certainly have raised Falun Gong. Thank you.
QUESTION: Yeah, but besides raising the questions, did you – will you take any concrete measurements to help improve the situation there?
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Well, as we move forward, we urge the government to not only focus on Falun Gong, but also all the groups that I stated previously. And so we're looking for all religious minorities and all people of all faiths to be able to have the opportunity to express that. Religious freedom is for people to believe or not to believe, and so we want people to have that opportunity, including Falun Gong.
MS. NULAND: I apologize that we didn't have a chance to get to everybody. As you know, the Secretary is going to speak on this issue and also take questions at about 2:00 later today at the Carnegie Endowment. And if you have things that were not addressed here, we can take them and get back to you.
Thank you very much.
AMBASSADOR JOHNSON COOK: Thank you. Thank you.


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SHANKSVILLE, Pa. — The 40 passengers and crew who fought back against their hijackers aboard Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2011 performed one of the most courageous acts in U.S. history, former President George W. Bush said Saturday at a ceremony dedicating the first phase of a memorial at the nation's newest national park.
The two-hour ceremony also kicked off a bipartisan effort conceived backstage to raise about $10 million to finish the memorial's first phase and maintain it in the future.
The hijackers likely intended to crash the plane into the Capitol in Washington, D.C. where the House and Senate were both in session, said Jon Jarvis, director of the National Park Service. But the plane "never made it because of the determination and valor of the passengers and crew of Flight 93, that plane crashed in this field, less than 20 minutes by air" from the target, Jarvis said.
Bush said the storming of the cockpit "ranks among the most courageous acts in American history."
Former president Bill Clinton likened the actions of those aboard Flight 93 to the defenders of the Alamo in Texas or the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae some 2,500 years ago who knew they were going to die. But Flight 93 was "something different" because those past heroes were "soldiers. They knew what they had to do."
The passengers and crew were, by contrast, "ordinary people given no time at all to decide and they did the right thing. And 2,500 years from now, I hope and pray to God that people will still remember this," Clinton said.
"They gave the entire country an incalculable gift: They saved the capital from attack," Clinton said, along with an untold number of lives and denied al-Qaida the symbolic victory of "smashing the center of American government."
Clinton pledged to work with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, on a bipartisan effort to fund the remainder of the memorial, a promise that caused Calvin Wilson, brother-in-law of co-pilot LeRoy Homer, to burst into tears after the ceremony.
"I can't put that into words. But to … have the people whose lives were saved recognize that, that was extremely important," Wilson said, as sobs choked off his words.
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. said it's possible the bipartisan support could result in special legislation to fund the memorial, though Neil Mulholland, president and chief executive officer of the National Parks Foundation, said it's more likely the effort will result in an influx of money from corporations and other private sources to finish the memorial and then, hopefully, create an endowment to sustain it.
"Today we got a huge lift," Mulholland said of the agreement he said was struck backstage by Clinton, Bush, Boehner, Vice President Joe Biden and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.
The National Park Foundation, the park service's fundraising arm, also announced a $2 million matching grant to spur donations.
The remarks by Bush and Clinton, in particular, drew standing ovations and loud cheers from the ceremony which drew about 5,000 people: 4,000 invited guests including the crash victims' families, and about 1,000 other people who sat or stood on the surrounding grounds.
Vice President Biden, on hand to unveil the Wall of Names at the memorial – a set of 40 marble slabs, each inscribed with the name of a passenger or crew member who died – said those victims quickly realized they were involved in more than a hijacking, but rather the opening battle of a new war. Biden said the "citizen patriots" echoed the sentiments of Revolutionary War Capt. John Parker who said in April 1775 that if war is what they want, "then let it begin here."
Bush also seized on the citizen patriot theme, referring to the group's decision to hold a vote to decide to try to overpower the hijackers.
"The moment America's democracy was under attack our citizens defied their captors by holding a vote," he said. "The choice they made would cost them their lives."
The Rev. Daniel Coughlin, who was the U.S. House chaplain at the time of the attacks, gave the invocation and called the sacrifices made by the passengers and crew "willing seed for freedom's harvest."
Coughlin's invocation was followed by a long moment of silence as the U.S. flag was brought in, then a singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." The names of the victims were also read as bells tolled, and Grammy Award-winning musician Sarah McLachlan performed the song, "I Will Remember You."
Ahead of the dedication, crowds getting there were slowed by weather-related traffic jams as heavy overnight rains turned temporary parking facilities into mud bogs, and tight security rules but remained undeterred.
Among them was Butch Stevens, 69, of Carlyle, Ill., who stopped on his way back from a visit to Washington, D.C.
Stevens said he had no connection to anyone aboard the flight, except, as he said, as an American.
"This kind of makes you realize where you live," Stevens said.
Gordon Felt, president of the Families of Flight 93, whose brother Edward participated in the revolt by passengers and crew, afterward called the memorial, "a huge accomplishment. It's one that brings so much comfort to the families knowing, finally, that the sacred ground, the site where the flight came down and our loved ones rest in perpetuity, is finally protected and under the stewardship and care of the National Park Service."
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Congress Opts to Continue Giving Tax Dollars to Illegal Aliens
During closed-door negotiations last week, House and Senate leaders stripped a key provision from the payroll tax cut bill that would have prevented illegal aliens from qualifying for the additional child tax credit (ACTC). Leaders caved on the language in spite of an U.S. Inspector General report revealing that illegal aliens received $4.2 billion in refundable tax credits in 2010, primarily through the ACTC. (See TIGTA Report 2011-41-061, July 7, 2011;
The provision members struck from the bill similar to legislation introduced by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), Rep. Jack Kingston (R-GA), and Senator David Vitter (R-LA) would close this tax credit loophole by requiring that individuals who claim the ACTC provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN). Currently, the IRS only requires applicants for the ACTC to provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) indiscriminately hands out to illegal aliens.
Although twenty House and Senate members were assigned to negotiate the final version of the bill, media outlets widely reported that the final package was crafted by Congressional leaders: House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Finance Chair Max Baucus (D-MT), and House Ways and Means Chair Dave Camp (R-MI). (Politico, Feb. 16, 2012)
Speaker Boehner threw his support behind the deal. This is a fair agreement and one that I support, he told reporters. (Washington Post, Feb. 16, 2012) Majority Leader Reid also spoke favorably of the agreement, I am glad that most of my Republican colleagues put the interests of the middle class ahead of politics, he declared in a statement. (Fox News, Feb. 16, 2012)
The $4.2 billion taxpayers doled out to illegal aliens in 2010 reflects a four-fold increase in refundable tax credits paid to illegal aliens over the last five years. A previous report issued by the Treasury Inspector General revealed Americans paid $924 million in 2005.
The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation determined that if Congress were to fix this burden on U.S. taxpayers, it would save Americans at least $10 billion if the benefit expires in 2012, and $24 billion by 2021. (Human Events, Sept. 21, 2011)
Congress passed the payroll tax package without the ACTC provision Friday. (See House Roll Call Vote #72; see also Senate Roll Call Vote #22) President Obama is expected to sign the deal.This article was originally published in forum thread: Congress Opts to Continue Giving Tax Dollars to Illegal Aliens started by HAPPY2BME View original post


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The last time I was in France was in the summer of 2004. It was at the tail end of our year abroad living in London. One of the best things about that year is that I got to go to Paris four times in one year – heaven for a Francophile like me. We would take the Tube to Waterloo station, get on the Eurostar (which is the train that goes under the English Channel), and less than three hours later, we would be in Paris. No airports, no airport security, and no getting from the airport way out in the middle of nowhere into the city. We went from heart of the city to heart of the city. Truly civilized.
As much as I love Paris (and I love Paris), I have never really had great dining experiences there. I have delighted in bakeries and charcuteries and still can taste the felafel sandwiches that are everywhere in the Marais district, but eating out in restaurants? Disappointing. For me anyway.
Interestingly, that didn't hold true in other parts of France. At the end of that year abroad, Randy and I rented a car in Paris and took our time going south and east to meet up with some Seattle friends in Provence. We spent two nights in the Loire Valley, two nights in Lyons, and one night in an incredible part of the country called the Gorge du Tarn, a place I had been 15 years earlier on a bike.
All along the way, we ate well. At roadside stands, the meals were three courses, fresh, and good. I had wonderful salads and pizzas and vegetable plates that chefs would put together for me when nothing else sounded good. In Lyons, which some people call the food capital of France, a man actually shook his head and said he was sorry for me when I asked if they had anything vegetarian. Not sorry that they couldn't accommodate me, sorry that I was going to miss out on the delights (i.e. meat) inside.
Once we got to Provence, we stayed in an amazing house owned by an Anglo/American couple. We were not in any town, but close to several tiny ones that in spite of their size, had terrific food on offer. We were able to drive to Nimes to see the Tour de France come through which was really thrilling, even for a non-bike enthusiast. Most nights we stayed close to home and cooked in our sweet little villa and ate in at the open air picnic tables to the sound of cicadas.
A few nights we went out and those simple meals were some of the best I have ever had in France. Provencal cooking is deeply rooted in the seasons and we were there at prime time – July. I had no trouble eating as a vegetarian, even if there was nothing on the menu for me. The chefs seemed to be delighted to whip something up with the bounty available to them. One of my very favorite things I had was a Pissladiere or Onion Tart. Traditionally this is made with anchovies, but a wonderful chef in a very small town left them off for me. In this same lovely restaurant, when they asked me what I would like to drink I told them that I was pregnant. "Ah, champagne!" was their solution. I love France.
Before the recipe, let's talk about onions. The only trick I have ever used to stop crying while slicing or chopping that even remotely works, is to breathe only through my mouth and not nose. Even so, I have to walk away several times in the process so my mascara doesn't run all down my face. To get good caramelization, get some really good color on them at medium-high heat. Don't worry if there are burn marks at the bottom of your pan – when you turn the heat to low and cover them, a lot of liquid will be released and that will come up easily. If you don't get the color to start, the onions will be kind of a pale brown – still delicious but not as pretty.
Adapted from Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook
Makes 2 8×12 inch tarts
This recipe was designed to be cut into 2 inch pieces for appetizers, but I cut it into wedges and serve it for dinner. Either way it is delicious. I find the best way to thaw puff pastry is to let it sit in the fridge overnight. If you want to cut this recipe in half, take one sheet of puff pastry out while it is still frozen and re-freeze the other half, wrapped in it's plastic.
3 tbsp. olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
5 pounds onions, sliced and cut into 1/4 inch thick rings
1 tbsp. fresh thyme, plus 8 sprigs for garnish
1 bay leaf
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Flour, for dusting
1 17 oz. package frozen puff pastry (2 unbaked sheets), thawed
1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash
20 small cherry tomatoes
20 Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
For the tomatoes: Preheat oven to 275 degrees. Toss tomatoes with 2 tsp. olive oil, a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Roast for 30-40 minutes, until slightly shriveled but still maintaining shape. (Can be made one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Return to room temperature before using.)
For the onions: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the onions and cook, stirring every 5 minutes, until the onions are slightly golden, about 25 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the thyme, the bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook,
covered, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and caramelized, 40-60 minutes. Remove the bay leaf, set aside. (The mixture can be held in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 1-2 days.)
For the crust: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one sheet of the puff pastry to a 10×14 inch rectangle. Trim 1/2 inch wide strips from each side of the puff pastry and set aside. Brush a little of the egg wash around the edges of the pastry, and place the reserved strips on the egg-washed area to make a raised border. Prick the base of the dough all over with the tines of a fork. Brush the egg wash over the raised borders and over the center of the pastry. Repeat with other pastry. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Bake the pastry until it is golden and puffy, 10-15 minutes. Remove from the oven.
Finish the pissladiere: Scatter an equal amount of the caramelized onions on each tart. Top with the oven-dried tomatoes, olives, and sprigs of thyme. Return to the oven and heat until the onions are warm.


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MADRID (REUTERS) - Real Madrid have launched an internal inquiry after their Argentina winger Angel Di Maria was seen to grab his crotch while he was being substituted in Monday's 3-0 La Liga win at home to Celta Vigo.
Di Maria, who was replaced by Gareth Bale midway through the second half at the Bernabeu and was whistled by the home fans as he trudged off, insisted it was "a natural gesture" and said he apologised if anyone had found it offensive.
The incident was widely debated in the Spanish and Argentine media on Tuesday and prompted further speculation that Di Maria, who has made fewer appearances since the arrival of world record signing Bale, might be sold either in the January transfer window or at the end of the season.
"I did not want to do anything towards either the supporters or the coach as was being claimed," the 25-year-old was quoted as saying on Real's website (www.realmadrid.com) on Tuesday.
"It was a natural gesture that any man does, and all the more so when he is running," he added.
"You do it a lot on the pitch. On television you can see that it lasts a millisecond. It's nothing.
"It's not like I was doing it on purpose for an extended period of time." Di Maria said he was "in very good shape and very happy" at Real and that coach Carlo Ancelotti had faith in him.
He added that he agreed with the club's decision to launch an enquiry as it would help resolve the matter.
"I think it is right, not only for those who have opened the enquiry but also for me so I can explain the situation and what it (the gesture) was," he said.