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[Note: Those of you who regularly read Princeton University Press's blog will have noticed that we have only featured posts by our colleagues and/or authors, however, when someone has the opportunity to travel to Peru, to meet with Tom Schulenberg (the lead author of Birds of Peru), and to see and talk about the birds of Peru at great length–you take them up on the offer of a guest post. We are pleased to present this guest article from Hugh Powell, a science editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We welcome your feedback on this type of article — should we do more of this?]
It's not often a bird watcher gets the chance to tour a new country accompanied not just by a good field guide but by the field guide's author. That's what happened to me in May 2014, when I joined Tom Schulenberg on the World Birding Rally in northern Peru. Schulenberg, a research associate at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is the lead author of Birds of Peru.
Schulenberg describes his role in the book as almost accidental—he began visiting Peru in the late 1970s as a graduate student, and his original role with the book was just to help with maps. The true architects of the book, Schulenberg says, were John O'Neill ("the person who more than anyone else in the modern era put Peru on the ornithological map," according to Schulenberg), and Ted Parker, the now-legendary field ornithologist whose career was cut tragically short in a plane crash in Ecuador in 1993. In the mid-1990s, Schulenberg took up the mantle of the book, recruiting ornithologists Doug Stotz (Field Museum of Natural History) and Dan Lane (Louisiana State University) as additional coauthors.
The field guide was a major undertaking—Peru is home to 1,800 species of birds, more than any country in the world except Colombia. The book was eventually published in 2007, nearly 35 years after O'Neill and Parker first envisioned it.
In late May, at the close of the 8-day rally (during which our group found nearly 800 bird species), I sat down with Schulenberg to learn more about the genesis of the book and the joys of birding in Peru—or, as he put it, "the fun of being completely overwhelmed by what you see."
Why Peru? Was it just happenstance that you went there instead of somewhere else in the world?
It wasn't happenstance. I joined the AOU when I was in my early teens, and one of the first issues [of the Auk] I received was the issue in which John O'Neill and George Lowery described the Elusive Antpitta from this indigenous village called Balta near the Brazilian border. There was this color frontispiece of an antpitta, and the introduction of the paper talks about how even after years of work, within a few square miles you can still be encountering species you didn't know were in the area, and sometimes they might even be new to science. I was just totally blown away. I had no idea that people were still discovering new species of birds, and I was completely entranced by this idea of an avifauna so complex that you could be there for years and still be learning new things about it.
So you went to graduate school at Louisiana State University with O'Neill as your mentor. And pretty soon his prediction about finding new birds actually came true for you?
It's not like I went to Peru really expecting to find new species—I was just trying to work on my life list. But the possibility always was there. And on my [second] trip to Peru we found several species that were undescribed or recently described. We found Cinnamon Screech-Owl, Megascops petersoni [like many tropical ornithologists, Schulenberg reflexively refers to birds by their scientific names in conversation]; Hemitriccus cinnamomeipectus, the Cinnamon-breasted Tody-Tyrant; Johnson's Tody-Flycatcher, Poecilotriccus luluae; which actually had been collected in the 1960s by Ned Johnson from Berkeley, but at that time Ned had not yet gotten around to describing it. Grallaricula ochraceifrons, Ochre-fronted Antpitta, we caught two in a single night in adjacent nets. [But all those were in the process of being described by other scientists, and] "all" we got out of it was the Pale-billed Antpitta. It was a fantastic trip though—I'm not complaining.
What field guide did you use before Birds of Peru?
Now remember that when some of the greats first started going down, people like John Terborgh and John O'Neill, there was literally nothing except the primary literature. But in 1970 an ornithologist [named] Meyer de Schauensee published a one-volume guide to the birds of South America, and it had some illustrations, but the illustrations were not great, and there was basically no attempt to illustrate every species. Instead what you had was about a paragraph on each species.
It definitely was difficult to use, and we disparagingly and no doubt unfairly started referring to it as "Meyer de Schloppensee." But you know, that was our bible from '77 until 1986 when Hilty and Brown published the really revolutionary Colombia field guide.
Why did you publish the book with Princeton?
In 1986 Princeton published the Colombia guide by Hilty and Brown, and it was just a total bombshell all across northern South America—it was very good. It was the size of a Manhattan telephone directory. Some birders would even buy copies and rip out the plates, which now that the book is out of print and copies sell for hundreds of dollars, you could cry over that. Anyway the Colombia book was one of the things that made us very comfortable with working with Princeton, because it was so good and set a very high bar.
The modern format of Birds of Peru—text facing illustrations on every page—left little room for text about each species. How did you handle that?
The shorter species accounts were a challenge in many ways. We had only 110 words per species, on average, so there's no character development that's for sure. We had to leave out a lot of words.
Because the illustrations were opposite the text, we rarely describe what the bird looks like, and that saves a lot of space. Instead we focused on things like aspects of its behavior, or its habitat associations, its vocalizations. We tried to point out what you really need to focus on to ID the species. And we got that information from a lot of very knowledgeable people. If you look in the book, I think we have the longest acknowledgments section on record.
Where are the best places to go birding in Peru?
Well the nice thing about watching birds is you can never be bored, and that's certainly true in Peru. Wherever you end up, you'll be seeing interesting species about which not much is known. Certainly there are some places that get a lot of attention. The altiplano, though it might not have the most species, has very remarkable things like the Diademed Sandpiper-Plover. And then down in the Amazonian lowlands, those are the most species-rich places, and it's both challenging and very rewarding to bird there. There's the dry deciduous forest in the northwest, where we were [during the World Birding Rally], it's got lower diversity but incredibly high numbers of individuals. I'm always amazed to go into those forests and see the sheer number of birds that are in that habitat. And there are the foothills, the places where the Andean habitats mix with Amazonia, and there are lots of species occurring in these narrow elevational bands. Pretty much anywhere you are in Peru, there's lots there.
What do you look forward to when you go birding in Peru?
Part of the fun of going down there is the experience of being overwhelmed by what you see. Especially in humid forest on the eastern slope, where you start to get the Amazonian influence. You'll run into a tanager flock, and just the sight of all these birds running around in the treetops, it's challenging and exciting at the same time.
But if you pay attention to that flock, and if you can get beyond the gaudiness of the Saffron-crowned Tanagers and the Golden Tanagers, there are all these other dull-colored birds. Don't pass them over too quickly. There's this whole other set of birds that, as you gain experience, you may find are more interesting. You know, What's this foliage-gleaner? What's this antwren? And you'll start to get sucked into the whole depth of birds Peru has to offer.
People go gaga over Paradise Tanagers, but I'm more likely to get excited by something like a Gray-mantled Wren. That's a bird that's at relatively low density, it has a narrow elevational range, so you have to pay attention. But when you see it, it's sort of a sign that I'm in a really nice spot here, and there are probably other things here that are worth looking for.
Do you have any practical tips for people traveling to Peru?
Well, first is, you should do it.
Then, let's see: Study your field guide. Look at the range maps. There's information in those maps, so don't ignore it. Use eBird—it has become a great supplement to anyone traveling in Peru to find out what's been seen where. Keep your binoculars clean, and have a great time.
Is there a best season?
Peru is so large and so variable, you can't go wrong. It's a little more rainy during our northern winter, especially in the southeast of the country, in Amazonia. You can get into more trouble there with roads that time of year. But it doesn't really matter what season you go.
And how long a trip should a bird watcher plan to take?
I think something like three years is a good time frame to shoot for.
For the record, he was laughing. But at the same time, he also seemed perfectly serious.
Hugh Powell is a science editor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Read more about the World Birding Rally on the Cornell Lab blog, the ABA blog, Nature Travel Network, and 10,000 Birds.


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Opening Day always memorable for Grilli
Opening Day is special. Maybe nothing says more about how special it is than for me to admit that my most memorable Opening Day was one that I missed.
For Opening Day 2010, I had to shut off the television. That's the year I hurt my knee, and it was just too hard to watch. It rang real loud for me, being forced to realize that every one of us will not have an Opening Day forever as a player. One day, we'll only have it as a fan, like everyone else.
Opening Day is special. Maybe nothing says more about how special it is than for me to admit that my most memorable Opening Day was one that I missed.
For Opening Day 2010, I had to shut off the television. That's the year I hurt my knee, and it was just too hard to watch. It rang real loud for me, being forced to realize that every one of us will not have an Opening Day forever as a player. One day, we'll only have it as a fan, like everyone else.
I still remember my first Opening Day, so I must have a good memory, because it was in 2001, with the Marlins, when I made the team, and it was special. Getting a callup during the season, as I had the previous May, is also special. But there is nothing like knowing you're breaking camp with the team … that is the ultimate. And I still have the same feeling, knowing that I'll get to go north with the Pirates.
We can get a lot of Opening Days on the road as well as at home. I remember with the Tigers, being in Boston for the Red Sox's home opener in 2008, after they had won the World Series, and watching them get their rings in an awesome ceremony. That's Opening Day, too, when there is a lot of on-the-field stuff to commemorate special accomplishments.
It's a happy day, filled with almost as much excitement leading up to it as a playoff game. The anticipation … "It's really starting, for real." All the hard work you put in, and now it's time to go. And it's not just for us, the players. It's for our families, too. I always get cards from my wife and other relatives, with the message "Have a great season."
Does Hallmark make any Opening Day cards? They should. I bet there would be plenty of people who would buy them. It's a holiday for baseball fans, for sure. I heard about the petition going around to lobby the White House to declare Opening Day an official holiday. Where do I sign? I'm all in with that movement.
We do the same thing every day, from the middle of February until at least the end of September, and all the days blend together, so it's nice when a day stands out. At the end of it, people will forget about a game on May 17. But you will always remember March 31, or whatever day Opening Day falls on. You come out of the chute and you always want to put your best foot forward. And you can't get away from the superstitious stuff. If you have a good day, you're gonna think, "It's gonna be a good year."
Even the anticipation excites me, knowing everything I put into it in the offseason. I couldn't wait for Opening Day 2013 to arrive. For me, it was 16 years in the making. For months, I heard all the questions about, "Can he do this? Can he be a closer?" And I had my own personal thoughts and feelings, because of what I do in the offseason when nobody is watching.
People celebrate their birthdays. Well, Opening Day is baseball's birthday, and everyone gets to celebrate it together. And this one will be pretty special in Pittsburgh, because we'll get to celebrate an accomplishment. Not the one we signed up for -- we wanted to raise the pennant. But I get excited looking forward to seeing the fans again, seeing lots of kids getting out of school because they now have more appreciation for having a baseball team in Pittsburgh. It has been really cool to see the change in the culture. It makes it easy for me to be as excited about this Opening Day as any. It just keeps getting better and better.
At 37, it still stirs me. You have a couple of minutes of solitude while standing for the national anthem, and your mind is filled with different thoughts than while standing for any other rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner." You have all these grand visions, personal and team goals, what we're all in it for. You don't take it for granted.
For us on the field, it's the chance to welcome another season, to write the prologue to another book. For the fans, it's the chance to welcome spring. It's a fresh start for everyone. And there is nothing better.
Jason Grilli is a pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

subset: commoncrawl


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#616 – Securityon October 21, 2008 at 12:00 am
I think the scariest movie that I remember from my childhood was Poltergeist. That movie had me scared for a number of years of being caught in a room at night with a television showing "snow." I was relieved when we got a new TV that would immediately go to a blue screen when it lost the signal. Blue wasn't really scary at all.


text: A huge number of different kinds of tools presented in this category, which can be useful always, especially on the road and traveling. Such tools are as the engine hoist, vacuum handles, car top Carrier, barricades with flashers and animal trap to help you go on the road compact. Metal detector, bolter, and ozone cleaner at the lowest price will not be superfluous in use and help find metal objects and clean air and water.


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Two life-threatening conditions. One remarkable wish.
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The muminun are only those who have had iman in Allah and His Messengerand then have had no doubt and have done jihad with their wealth and themselves in the Way of Allah. They are the ones who are true to their word. (Surat al-Hujurat, 15)
Allah is very considerate of people -1-
Allah creates people in this world in an environment of trial. Headorned this environment of trial with unique details. We see that Allah continuously presents blessings to people from the details in this world, some of which we are aware and unaware. Thinking over these details is instrumental tounderstanding Allah's infinite wisdom.
Allah created tens of thousands of cities in this world and millions of houses accordingly in these cities. Each house, on the other hand, is in an aesthetical order. The harmony of colors in the carpet, the order of the armchairs, the image on the TV, and the beauty of the dresses in the wardrobe are all among the details of which we can see. However, the details we see are not limited to these only. Every house also has microbes and bacteria that are invisible to the naked eye.
Allah is the One Who knows everything and Who determines and gives order to everything. Everything a person goes through from his birth to his death, what they feel while experiencing these incidents and every vision they see come into existence because Allah creates them. For this reason a person must not live in heedlessness. He must ponder over the existence of Allah's infinite knowledge in details. Only then can details become meaningful. Such a person does not consider a wool dress only as a piece of cloth. Pondering over the DNA, which consists of all the features of the animal from which the wool was obtained, he gives gratitude to Allah for the artistry He creates in details.
In the Qur'an,Allah's superior power is related as thus:
Everything in the heavens and the earth glorifies Allah. He is the Almighty, the All-Wise. The kingdom of the heavens and the earth belongs to Him.He gives life and causes to die.He has power over all things. He is the First and the Last, the Outward and the Inward.He has knowledge of all things.It is He Who created the heavens and the earth in six days,then established Himself firmly on the Throne.He knows what goes into the earth and what comes out of it, what comes down from heaven and what goes up into it. He is with you wherever you are – Allah sees what you do. (Surat al-Hadid, 1-4)
One of the most beautiful manifestations of Almighty Allah: Flamingos
Flamingos which derive their names from the Latin name "flamma", meaning "flame", is one of the most beautiful examples of the artistry Allah displays with colours. This richness of colours in flamingo come into existence because of the existence of pigments stored during when the feather first starts to come into being or the light movements due to the feathers' structural properties. One of the most important features of these very colorful features is their being inanimate. Feathers are periodically replaced by new ones since these organisms which come into being from a substance called keratin wear out in a short while due to environmental conditions.
How do the Colours of Flamingos come into existence?
Due to the different structures of feathers flamingos may present an appearance just like a glass prisma separating light into colours. The colours emerging from reflaction of light are more alive and metalic than those colored by pigments. The colours of these feathers change. Generally the colours of green, blue and metalic colours in birds come into existence as a result of light refraction. However some colours may also originate from pigments. These are melanin pigments responsible for the colours of black, brown or dull yellow; carotenoids, which exist in orange, tomato, carrot, various flowers, bacteria, fungi and algae, on the other hand, give the colours of red, yellow and orange. Each year sea moss produce a hundred million tons of carotenoids. Some animals use carotenoids in coloring. The colours of especially some birds (in yellow and red feathers), fish (salmon) and many invertebrates may be blue, green or pink due to complex carotenoids make with proteins. The main origin of reddish pink colour of flamingos is carotenoids. The bright pink colour of flamingos originates from the food it eats. As they eat more of the food with carotenoid content, their feathers turn into a more bright and dark pink. With the unprecedented artistry of colour Almighty Allah, the Lord of all the realms, displays on flamingos, He introduces Himself to us and ensures the preservation of colours with the special systems He creates:
"Have they not travelled about the earth and do they not have hearts to understand with or ears to hear with? It is not their eyes which are blind but the hearts in their breasts which are blind." (Surat al-Hajj, 46)
The secret of the technology used in crystal skulls has stil not been unraveled
Ibn Jajar describes how Hazrat Mahdi (as) will have many virtues
In a commentary on this subject, Ibn Hajar says it is the grave corruption of the End Times that makes Hazrat Mahdi (as) virtuous."He will have many virtues because of the difficulties of the corruption in his time."(Ibn Hajar, a.g.e., p. 71)
Allah's promise is a certain fact
The invalidity of the famous Darwinist claim that ''useful mutations do exist.''
The false idea that useful mutations exist is a classic Darwinist claim. Although the whole scientific world knows, with absolute scientific evidence, that mutations have a destructive or fatal effect, this claim is still persistently made, out of a fear of humiliation. Because Darwinism is a theory that depends totally on mutations. All Darwinists know that if the destructive effect were to be mentioned just once, that would spell the end of Darwinism. It is for that reason they try to give the impression, citing invalid and utterly pitiful examples, that mutations can be beneficial. But this is a complete deception.
You can read our statement about mutations here:
For evolutionist admissions that mutations have no evolutionary force, see:
For detailed information on how sickle cell anemia is not evidence for evolution, see: http://www.harunyahya.com/books/science/blood_heart/blood_heart_04.php
[1]Helen Pearson, "Silent mutations speak up" http://www.nature.com/news/2006/061221/full/news061218-12.html
Explanations from Surat al-Ma'ida: Our Prophet (saas) governed the Jews with the original of the Torah and Christians with the original of the Gospels
Age: 45 million years old
Location: Green River Formation, Wyoming
Size: 30 millimeters (1.18 in) height; matrix: 60 millimeters (2.3 in) by 60 millimeters (2.3 in), 15 millimeters (0.59 in) thick
Period: Eocene
Fossil records reveal that plants never underwent any evolutionary process and have no imaginary ancestors. Fish have always remained fish, birds have always remained birds, spiders have always remained as spiders, pines and spruces have always remained pines and spruces, and roses have always remained roses. And just like all these living beings, oaks have always remained as oaks, as the oak leaf fossil pictured confirms.
In The Name Of Allah, The All-Merciful And Most Merciful
The Qur'an's 113 surahs begin with the name of Allah, The All-Merciful and Most Merciful. Believers are constantly aware of this name's manifestations, because it encompasses the universe and embraces each believer from birth to death, in sickness and health, weakness and strength, as well as permeates the matchless beauty of all animate and inanimate beings. The divine mercy, compassion, love, help, protection, grace and forgiveness of Allah toward all humans is one of the most beautiful manifestations of our Lord. The manifestations of this name deepens the way in which believers view the universe and all living things and adhere to the Qur'an's moral code. For this reason, when Muslims begin to read the Qur'an, practice the morality Qur'an tells and communicate it to others, advise other believers, and think about why the universe was created, they should breathe the most beautiful names of Allah in their spirits. To comprehend the beauty, contentment, well-being and blessing in these peerless names of our Creator, and to be aware of their sovereignty in Islam, is an important step toward deepening one's faith and coming to know Allah through His most beautiful names.


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Wed, 16 Jul 2014
The summer issue of the IUCN SEE e-Bulletin brings the nature conservation news from the region and features in the Focus section The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Throughout 2014 we are celebrating its significant contribution in guiding conservation action and policy decisions over the past 50 years.
Read about the efforts of IUCN's partners and members cooperating across borders on nature protection in South-Eastern Europe. Learn about the newly initiated projects and the communication tools that could help you enhance conservation capacities, and check the announced funding opportunities of relevance for South-Eastern Europe.
Read the IUCN SEE e-Bulletin – Summer 2014
South-Eastern Europe


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Press Release
Joslin Study Links High Glutamate Levels in Brain with Depression, Low Cognitive Function
Finding May Lead to New Treatments for People with Diabetes
BOSTON – August 3, 2009 – Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center and several other institutions have for the first time linked high levels of glutamate – a neurotransmitter in the brain produced from glucose – in people with type 1 diabetes to symptoms of depression and lower levels of cognitive performance.
The findings may lead to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these conditions in people with diabetes.
"These findings could lead to new ways to both understand and treat these conditions," said Alan Jacobson, M.D., Chief of Psychiatry at Joslin Diabetes Center, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and senior author of the paper published in the August issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, who noted that higher levels of both mild depression and lower scores on tests of cognitive function have been noticed for some time in patients with diabetes.
The study, which involved researchers at institutions in both the United States and Korea, documents increased levels of glutamate in the prefrontal area of the brains of people with type 1 diabetes, an area associated with both higher-level thinking and regulation of emotions. At the same time, the study shows a link between those high levels of glutamate to poorer glucose control, more symptoms of depression and lower scores on tests of cognitive function in those with diabetes.
"The importance of this paper lies in the linkage of a neurotransmitter that, in high levels, can cause damage to neurons, the degree of diabetic hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) and alterations in cognitive function and depression levels previously found in diabetes," said Jacobson.
The findings suggest that therapies to alter the transmission of glutamate may be of benefit in treating these conditions. While the study focused on people with type 1 diabetes, Dr. Jacobson suggests the findings could also be beneficial to individuals with type 2 diabetes as well.
Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging, the researchers looked at brain glutamate levels in 123 people with type 1 diabetes with varying degrees of lifetime glycemic control and 38 subjects without diabetes.
According to the data, concentrations of glutamate were nine percent higher in the subjects with diabetes. At the same time, performances on tests of memory, executive function and psychomotor speed were lower in the diabetes group. An association with mild depression was also found. According to the paper, depression affects up to 25 percent of people with type 1 diabetes.
If confirmed, the findings could help further science's understanding of high blood sugar levels, said Jacobson, noting that the emphasis has until now been on the association between low blood sugar and brain damage.
Further, the findings on glutamate and its effects on the brain may lead to a new line of investigation into both types 1 and 2 diabetes in terms of interventions to improve the health of the brain, including possibly new medications for both diabetes and depression, he said.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Health, the National Alliance for Schizophrenia and Depression, the Korean Research Foundation and the Korean Ministry of Science and Technology.
Others participating in the research included: In Kyoon Lyoo, M.D., Ph.D., of McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Seoul National University, first author; Sujung J. Yoon, M.D., Ph.D., of Catholic University Medical College; Gail Musen, Ph.D., and Katie Weinger, Ed.D., of Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School; Donald C. Simonson, M.D., M.P.H., of Brigham and Women's Hospital; Nicolas Bolo, Ph.D., and Perry F. Renshaw, M.D., Ph.D., of McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Christopher M. Ryan, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and Jieun E. Kim, M.D., M.S., of Seoul National University.


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Great Britain's Lucy Shuker and Jordanne Whiley came from a set down to claim a bronze medal in the women's doubles wheelchair tennis with a marathon 6-7 (8/10) 7-6 (7/2) 6-3 win over Sakhorn Khanthasit and Ratana Techamaneewat.
The Thai pair had already dumped out the fourth seeds earlier in the draw, and they looked like taking care of the third seeds as well when they took the first set on a tie-break.
Shuker and Whiley clawed it back, though, edging a marathon second set which lasted 77 minutes. The British pair then sealed the decisive break to go 5-3 up in the third, and Shuker sealed victory - and the bronze medal - with an ace after three hours and nine minutes.
The medal was Britain's second in wheelchair tennis at London 2012 following Peter Norfolk and Andy Lapthorne's silver in the quad doubles.
Whiley admitted she was way off her best at the start of the match.
"I thought I was going to have a heart attack," she said. "When we were down I knew I had to get my act together. I was playing pretty rubbish.
"I had to keep reminding myself that this is for a medal. We both managed to turn the game around.
"I was so scared [during the tie-breaks]. I can't explain how scared I was."
Shuker added: "We played so badly in the first set, we didn't play our game. I'm in disbelief at the moment that we came through and won that.
"I know Jordanne can fight back so I knew that we had a chance."


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WASHINGTON - In a vigorous defense of Hillary Rodham Clinton's prospects as a presidential candidate, campaign adviser Harold Ickes sought to halt what he calls the "rush to judgment" to end the Democratic nomination race in favor of Barack Obama.
Mr. Ickes's evidence: There are still 16 states and territories that have not held their nominating contests. There remain 981 pledged delegates that have yet to be selected, which is 48 percent of the 2,025 needed to secure the nomination. And of the delegates secured so far, the two senators are separated by only 2 percent of the total needed.
No one doubts that next Tuesday's primaries in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont are critical, particularly the first two, delegate-rich states. But Ickes sought to soft-pedal what most analysts view as the make-or-break nature of those contests.
Clinton is still slightly ahead in Ohio and Texas, but has been losing altitude.
"My view is based on our best judgment at this point, that she will close the gap as a result of those four states on the fourth, but she will still be running behind," said Ickes Monday at a Monitor breakfast.
Later, he dropped a hint that March 4 will produce a decision point. "I think if we lose in Texas and Ohio, Mrs. Clinton will have to make her decisions as to whether she moves forward or not," he said. He paused, then added: "as she has at the end of every other state."
Still, Ickes was optimistic going forward in a primary season with three months still to go. "We are confident as we look down the road," he said. "There has been a string of losses. We'd rather win elections than lose them. But there have been a string of losses. As in life … there are a lot of cycles in politics. We think we are on the verge of our next up cycle."
Ickes also hammered on some persistent Clinton campaign themes: that she is a more thoroughly "vetted" candidate than Obama, and therefore more prepared to face the expected onslaught from Republicans; and that the delegates from Michigan and Florida must be seated at the Democratic convention to avoid alienating voters from those two critical states.
On the question of press scrutiny, Ickes said Clinton is "fully vetted," while for Obama, 'the vetting process has just begun," especially since he did not face serious Republican opposition in his 2004 Senate race.
Left on the table, however, is the issue of Clinton's income tax returns, which she has said she will release only if she is the Democratic nominee. Her campaign has said her Senate ethics filings are in line with what is required. "We are complying with the law in that regard and we will continue to do so," Ickes said, then deferred to campaign spokesman Phil Singer.
"She has released, as part of the financial disclosure process as a senator, sources of her revenue every year she has been in office," Mr. Singer said.
The issue of the Michigan and Florida delegates remains acute for the Democratic Party. The party stripped those states of their delegates as a sanction for scheduling their primaries early. Clinton won both states and wants those delegates to be seated, despite agreeing to a pledge not to campaign in those states.
Analysts agree that some sort of compromise will be necessary to avoid alienating voters in two key battleground states in November. In Ickes's view, a good deal is one in which no one wins. "Everybody would be unhappy, but they would all agree to a settlement and it would avert … what could be a very bitter credentials fight," Ickes said.


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Several events are planned during Black History Month at Ursinus College. All events are free and open to the public.
Feb. 4, Pfahler Hall, Musser Auditorium, 7 p.m.:
Dr. Ibram H. Rogers
Dr. Ibram H. Rogers, assistant professor in the Department of Africana Studies at the University at Albany – SUNY, will speak in Musser Auditorium in Pfahler Hall at 7 p.m. Feb. 4. He will speak on issues in his award-winning book, The Black Campus Movement: Black Students and the Racial Reconstitution of Higher Education, 1965-1972.
Dr. Rogers' book was published in March 2012 as part of Palgrave Macmillan's Contemporary Black History Series, edited by Tufts historian Peniel Joseph and Fairfield historian Yohuru Williams. It earned the Diopian Institute for Scholarly Advancement's 2012 Scholarly Book Award. He has published essays in books and academic journals, including The Journal of African American History, Journal of Social History, Journal of Black Studies, Journal of African American Studies, and The Sixties: A Journal of History, Politics and Culture.
Dr. Rogers began his career as an assistant professor of African American history at SUNY College at Oneonta. He earned his doctoral degree in African American Studies from Temple University in 2010 and earned his undergraduate degrees from Florida A&M University. He has been the recipient of several grants and post-doctoral fellowships. He contributes a blog to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education titled "From Uni-versity to Multi-versity."
Feb. 7, Olin Hall 107, 4 to 5 p.m.:
Dr. Patricia Schroeder
Patricia Schroeder Ph.D., McClure Professor of English and Coordinator of American Studies at Ursinus College, will speak on "The History of Blackface."
Dr. Schroeder is a 1974 magna cum laude graduate of Ursinus College, and earned her master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. She teaches courses in American literature, African American literature and modern drama, as well as specialized courses in blues and literature, literature of mixed-race Americans, and emancipation narratives. Her research interest has been in cultural studies, specifically the influence of blues music on American literature and legendary bluesman Robert Johnson as a cultural icon. Her 2004 book, Robert Johnson, Mythmaking, and Contemporary American Culture, was published by the New York: University of Illinois Press. She has written articles published in The Journal of American Culture, African American Review, Cambridge Companion of American Women Playwrights and other journals. She serves as the Coordinator of the American Studies program, and in spring 2010 was a Fulbright Senior Lecturer in American Studies at the University of Catania in Sicily.
Feb. 12, Unity House, 7 p.m.
Black Male Leadership
Two members of the Ursinus Class of 2009, Alex Peay and Thomas Russell III, will speak on leadership at 7 p.m. in Unity House, with a talk titled "Exploring the Challenges & Possibilities of Black Male Leadership."
Alex Peay has made a name as president and founder of Rising Sons, based in Philadelphia. The non-profit organization's mission is to empower underprivileged youth through personal and professional development while building their communities through service, reversing the negative trends of the urban communities. Through personal attention and guidance, the group's leaders build the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, and provide the resources and opportunities to excel. Russell is an attorney wtih DLA Piper LLP.
Feb. 21, Pfahler Hall, Musser auditorium, 7 p.m.:
Dr. Judith A. Carney
In a talk sponsored by the Ursinus Arts & Lectures program and the Department of Environmental Studies, Dr. Judith A. Carney, UCLA Professor of Geography, presents "In the Shadow of Slavery: Peoples, Plants, and Agro-ecological Practices in the Americas."
Carney is the author of two critically acclaimed books: Black Rice: The African Origins of Rice Cultivation in the Americas (2001, Harvard University Press) and In the Shadow of Slavery: Africa's Botanical Legacy in the Atlantic World(2009, University of California Press). Her research examines the ways that the slave trade facilitated the movement of peoples, plants, and farming practices and technologies between Africa and diverse locations in the Americas. She is also an expert on the role of gender in food production and agricultural systems in West Africa. She will speak about her research on the botanical and agricultural legacy of Africans in the Americas, tracing the ways that the movement of slaves and their practices facilitated the rise of new communities and landscapes.
This lecture is presented in conjunction with Grass Roots – African Origins of an American Art, an exhibition at the Philip and Muriel Berman Museum of Art that explores the impact of African coiled basket-making on aspects of economic development in the American South, as well as the present-day environmental and sociological threats to the communities who create this art form.
Feb. 28, Lenfest Theater, 7 p.m.:
Roger Lee, a 2010 Ursinus College graduate, is founder, director and choreographer of Roger Lee Dance Company in Philadelphia. Lee will perform with vocalist Sasha Carvalho, Class of 2015, to present Dancing Through Our History in the Lenfest Theater in the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Lee has some 12 years of professional dance experience as a performer, teacher, choreographer, director, producer, consultant, and writer, and has worked with The Rock School of Dance Education, Koresh School of Dance, and Dance Magazine. He holds a master's degree in Arts Administration from Drexel University. Lee recently wrote about the lack of African-American audiences for concert dance for Dance/USA's e-journal. Dance/USA is the national service organization for the dance field.


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Full Steam Ahead - the AMERICAN QUEEN!
Full Steam Ahead - the AMERICAN QUEEN!
226 Photos to accompany this review:
American queen - 11/1/2012 - a set on Flickr
After numerous ocean cruises, or "blue water" cruises as they prefer to say on the Mississippi, the opportunity presented itself to ride an authentic paddlewheel steamboat. The AMERICAN QUEEN (AQ) was built in 1995 as the largest and most luxurious overnight steamboat plying America's Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Originally built by the now defunct Delta Queen Steamboat Company, she was laid up for a few years before being reactivated earlier this year by the American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC). She is the last of her breed and one of a kind. AQSC spent a good bit bringing her machinery up to speed and also refreshed her passenger spaces. AQ is unique in that she still uses boilers and steam to power her paddlewheel. In addition she employs two Z-drives for added propulsion and maneuverability, as well as two bow thrusters making her quite nimble on the river. If the technical aspects of the boat interest you, once onboard it's no problem to visit the engine room and pilot house. Another interesting technical feature of the AQ is her telescopic stacks and retracting pilot house. The stacks fold down and the pilot house lowers which enable her to pass under low bridges and wires. It's very interesting to watch and quite a production. Oh yes, AQ is called a "boat" and not a "ship". That is something I learned quite quickly although it took a little getting used to.
I picked up the boat in Davenport, IA. This was day three of her seven day passage up the Mississippi from St. Louis to St. Paul and I would be onboard for four nights. In actuality passengers were not able to embark in St. Louis due to repair on Lock 25, so embarkation was switched to Hannibal. My stops were Davenport, Dubuque, La Crosse, Red Wing, and St. Paul. Seeing AQ for the first time was quite a treat. She was larger and even more impressive than I had imagined. Her beautiful tiered decks and ornate rails remind one of a wedding cake. I was escorted up to the Purser's Desk to check-in and I was presented a key, yes a real key for entry into my cabin. In addition to the cabin key I was provided a key card such as you find on most cruise ships for charging privileges and to swipe when going "up the hill". That's going ashore to folks like you and I. I was assigned the "Alaska" cabin located on Texas Deck. All cabins on AQ have a name which really adds a unique touch. My cabin was also known as #348. It's currently sold as category A but starting in 2013 it will be classified as category AA. What makes this cabin category unique is that it includes a private veranda similar to what you would find on your average cruise ship. On a riverboat it's not so common. The majority of cabins open to a shared promenade deck, which frankly is just fine if you don't mind the fresh air. If an enclosed corridor is important to you than you might want to consider this cabin type, as most of the cabins that open onto the promenade deck have only one entry and that is from the outside deck. Decor of the cabin along with the rest of the AQ is what you might expect on a traditional riverboat. Antique style furnishings and Victorian details which provide an authentic feel and touch. Don't let the look and feel fool you though, as every modern convenience is provided. A personal safe, robes, slippers, three outlets, flat panel TV, individually controlled a/c and heat, wireless internet, phone, and perhaps the most comfortable bed I've experienced on the water. Crisp white sheets on a supremely supportive mattress, which in my case converted from two single beds to a queen size. There is turndown service each evening where the cabin is refreshed, and the River Times daily program is laid out along with some chocolates. There is adequate storage for clothes in the drawers and closet, plus a wicker chair and ottoman for relaxing. Both the cabin and bathroom were fully wallpapered and sound proofing was good. The bath featured a full size tub, pedestal style sink, a small shelving unit, and a fully tiled floor. Amenities included spa style soap, shampoo, conditioner, bath salts, and lotion. Hot water was strong and plentiful provided by a premium Speakman shower-head. Two french doors in the cabin led to a private veranda which featured two chairs and a table. Surprisingly on a boat of this quality the hand rails on the veranda and on the rest of the boat were unfinished, so you just leaned on the top metal bar of the rail. The only thing in the cabin I would change are the curtains on the french doors. They tie together in the center during the day and the problem is that they block most of your view and don't let in a lot of light. Although they fit the decor, they are not very practical and a different design would be preferable.
The AQ has an astonishing amount of public space for a boat this size, and never did I feel crowded or have to wait in any lines. You enter the boat through a lovely foyer with a Gentleman's and Ladies' Parlor just off to your left and right. Believe it or not there were men in the Ladies' Parlor and likewise with the Gentleman's Card Room! My have times changed. Moving aft you enter a truly lovely and popular space called the Mark Twain Gallery. This is the central gathering place on the boat and featured plenty of comfortable seating areas for reading or having a coffee, or just admiring all the art work and various decorative objects. The centerpiece is a beautiful model of the DELTA QUEEN, once a running mate of the AQ and now tied up in Chattanooga as a floating hotel. Coffee, newspapers, and an internet corner with computer are all available in the Mark Twain Gallery. An interesting architectural feature of this space is that it runs directly above the center of the dining room and has windows looking down to both sides of the J.M. White Dining Room below. Heading back we enter the Purser's Lobby which as you guessed contains the Purser's Desk as well as the Shore Excursion Desk and AQ Emporium which is the onboard gift shop. A beautiful staircase and ceiling mural complete the space. Also located on the Main Deck is the Grand Saloon, which is a lovely two level show lounge where most of the entertainment takes place. AQSC likes to tout that it's modeled after the Ford Theater, but personally I think that is a bit of a stretch. None the less it's a beautiful space and includes a balcony and six "boxes" on the Cabin Deck above. I watched all the shows from Box A and enjoyed the vantage point. There is no charge to use the boxes but I do recommend obtaining one early as they seemed quite popular. The spacious J.M. White Dining room is located on Main Deck along with the adjacent Main Deck Lounge and Captain's bar, which are the perfect venues for drinks & music either before or after dinner. A few smaller public venues include the Engine Room Bar which is the late night spot on the AQ. It includes a large bar, a great view of the paddlewheel in action from the large portholes, and a live band. There are two small open porches off the Engine Room Bar if you want some air or a really up-close view of the paddlewheel. Tucked away is a small staircase leading down to the engine room. If it's unlocked you are welcome to walk down and see the Engineers and engines in action. It's very interesting and I highly recommend a visit at least once. The Engineers are very friendly and enjoy talking about their duties and the inner workings of a steam powered engine. It's obvious they are proud to be part of history. They require a steam license to work on the AQ which is not easily obtained these days as it's such a rare breed. Up on Texas Deck there is a small theater for movies and probably my favorite spot on the boat, the Front Porch of America. Here you can find a selection of food 24 hours a day, plus wonderful coffee and hot chocolate and best of all a 24 hour soft serve ice cream machine with all the toppings! Not to be outdone by the food, the view is spectacular as you have an ever changing view of the river and a large outdoor seating area. One deck up on the Observation Deck is the Chart Room which acts as the library of the AQ, and it also includes you guessed it ... charts of the river. This is where the Riverlorian will give talks throughout the journey up or down the river. The River Grill is located aft on Promenade Deck and unfortunately it was never used during my trip. It's supposed to act as an alternative dining venue but considering that it's completely outside it's use will be limited. The Calliope is played from the River Grill, and I was disappointed it was never used during my trip. I heard various reasons as to why but none seemed to add up. Lastly there is a small pool and the AQ Athletic Club which in reality is a small gym but decently equipped for a boat this size. The pool was never filled during my trip as the weather was too cold at least for me, but there may have been some that might have braved it!
-Part 2-
One of the best aspects of a Mississippi River cruise is the river itself. It's constantly changing and there is always something to see, especially on the Upper Mississippi. The US Army Corps of Engineers maintains and operates a series of locks from St. Louis up to St. Paul. Think of each one as a miniature Panama Canal that raises or lowers the boat about 10-15 feet. There are 29 locks in all and it's fascinating to experience. Many of the locks are located in small towns and have viewing platforms, so the residents of these towns enjoying coming out at all hours to see the AQ. The locks are operated 24 hours a day so the AQ will pass through the locks at all hours of the day and night. I was surprised more than once stepping out on my balcony and being face to face with the local residents on the viewing platform! I learned quickly to be fully dressed or at least look outside the window before stepping out on the veranda. In addition to the locks it's fun to watch other traffic on the river as well as the various towns and often beautiful homes lining the river banks. I enjoyed tying up at each of our stops. First up was Dubuque where I had the pleasure of visiting the riverboat TWILIGHT while she was in dry-dock. Walking underneath a vessel out of the water is truly a unique experience. Special thanks to to my friends Frank and Vic for making this happen. They are true steamboat aficionados and their knowledge and friendship greatly enhanced this trip. They are both members of the Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen which publishes the S&D Reflector quarterly for those interested in riverboats and river history. I highly recommend joining this organization prior to your trip on the AQ as it will greatly enhance the experience and put you in the right state of mind. Other attractions in Dubuque include the National Mississippi River Museum and the Fenelon Place Elevator. I highly recommend both. This is probably a good time to mention the "Steamcoaches". These are provided by AQSC in each port and are included in your fare. They will be waiting when the boat ties up, and essentially are hop-on, hop-off motor-coach that takes you directly to all the points of interest in each town. The concept is superb and I heard nothing but praise about the service. The are called "Steamcoaches" because they look like a miniature version of the AQ from the outside. Very clever and you can't miss them around town. Great advertising for AQSC as well! I found both La Crosse and Red Wing charming, small-town America at its best. In both towns I casually walked around taking in the sights, took in a little shopping, and marveled at some of the beautiful old homes and architecture. Red Wing was probably my favorite stop, and it reminded me a bit of Alaska in its style and charm. I loved the old railway station and performing theater, and some of the homes just on the outskirt of downtown are stunning. In each town the boat always had a warm welcome of curious local residents and commerce folks, and some would even be in full period costume. It all added to the experience!
Back on the boat there was no shortage of activities. The daily River Times was the guide to everything happening on the AQ. Daytime activities would consist of River Chats with the Riverlorian, a movie, wine tastings, pilot house tours, afternoon tea, a casual parlor show, and even bingo. As I mentioned before the best entertainment was just watching the river go by! Evening entertainment consisted of various musical offerings, dancing, and a main event show in the Grand Saloon. Some of the main event shows included Lewis Hankins' Marking Twain which I found quite entertaining; "A Tribute to the Great Ladies of Song" with Laura Sable who was excellent (and also the Cruise Director's wife); and "My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra" performed by Fred Bishop. Many of these entertainers are no strangers to the riverboats, having worked for Delta Queen Steamboat Company and Majestic America after that. I suppose it's the unique way of life that draws them back to the river again and again. One thing nice about being on a small boat such as the AQ is the ability to really chat with the performers and staff on a more personal level. It's something that is not overly common on the mega cruise ships due to their massive size.
No trip on the AQ would be complete without mentioning the cuisine and service. Regina Charboneau of Natchez is the Chef de Cuisine for AQSC and she happened to be onboard for this trip. She is a fun and charming lady, but that aside I really enjoyed her creative approach to cuisine. It's a bit more spicy with southern flair than you will find on a typical cruise ship. Personally I loved it. Lunch consisted of a combination of buffet and menu offerings with dessert being buffet style from a separate table. It's a bit of an odd arrangement, and if you prefer strictly waiter service you may be disappointed but I thought it worked ok. Dinner is more formal and everything is ordered off the menu and delivered by the wait staff. Wine and beer are included at dinner and there was no shortage of either, although the wine selection could be better. Three of the four nights had the same red wine offering. The last night was a Captain's Farewell Reception and dinner but it was a bit of a letdown. I had heard about a festive "second line" which is tradition on the riverboats and was looking forward to it, but it never happened. There was no farewell toast or anything that made this last night feel special. I think something a bit more memorable for the final dinner would be appropriate. Thanks to my pals Frank and Vic, we enjoyed various special guests at our table throughout the trip. An entertainer one night, two Engineers, and even Michael Blaser one afternoon for lunch. Michael Blaser is a fantastic painter of the rivers and the boats that ply them. His beautiful artwork can be found throughout the AQ and hopefully there is more to come. I found Michael Blaser to be the river world equivalent of Stephen Card. For those that don't know Captain Card, he a marine artist that specializes in painting ocean liners and his beautiful works can be found on Holland America, Cunard, and some other lines. I feel privileged to have met both these artists, and you can find their work online just by performing an internet search of their names. Overall the service was good, but it generally lacked the polish you might find on blue water vessels. There was no lack of enthusiasm it's just that the training and experience are not quite up to speed yet. It was that little attention to detail and finesse in serving that was lacking. You would often see staff and crew walking around talking or texting on their cell phones, and somehow this detracted from the experience in my opinion.
For anyone that has priced out a trip on the AQ you know it's not inexpensive. It's one reason I haven't taken a trip on the river until now. Being onboard and experiencing AQSC first hand I began to understand and appreciate why this product is costly to deliver. The boat requires steam licensed engineers, as well as three pilots (one is a Captain) to operate the vessel. The entire staff and crew is American, so US labor laws such as overtime and a minimum wage apply. I was amazed at how much more difficult it appeared to pilot the AQ compared to a typical ocean going vessel. It's a completely manual process and there is no auto-pilot. Navigating the river and locks day and night requires constant vigilance and the engines are always in use. In addition AQSC is including premium amenities and experiences such as the Steamcoaches, wine & beer with dinner, water & soft drinks, shore excursions, expressos & specialty coffees, 24 hour casual cuisine; and added luxuries such as the bedding and bathroom amenities. When you put it all together the value becomes more clear. This is not a nickel and dime operation, and while it's completely different than a luxury line like Silversea or Seabourn, it is a unique niche experience on a quality boat that you simply can't find anywhere else. I suppose that in itself is priceless! Bravo to AQSC for bringing back overnight riverboat cruising to the Mississippi & Ohio Rivers, and for restoring the authentic steam driven AMERICAN QUEEN!
For those that have skipped to the end, here is a quick synopsis of my experience ...
What really impressed me:
- the river itself including the locks and the overall experience
- the entertainment onboard AQ
- the cabin facilities and the bedding especially
- the cuisine by Regina Charboneau
- the Front Porch of America 24 hour concept
- the steamcoaches in every town
- complimentary wine with dinner and no nickel and diming
- no lines or waiting
- the enthusiastic crew
- the whistle (yes I loved hearing the steam whistle blow when leaving port)
Areas of opportunity:
- the dining room service needs more polish (training and experience)
- drink prices were more expensive than ocean based cruise ships
- deck rails are unfinished
- the cabin curtains blocked the view even during the day
- the staff should refrain from using cell phones in front of passengers
- there was no "second line" during the Captain's dinner and a more festive atmosphere should prevail on the last night
- some areas of the boat need a little maintenance such as some of the public restrooms
- the Calliope was not used the entire trip, and that is part of a river experience
Overall I hope you can tell I truly enjoyed my first river experience on the AMERICAN QUEEN. Please enjoy the pictures and if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.
Nice review - Ernie (my only profesh recommendation is more paragraph breaks ;-)
how much write in the praise of the American Queen's is always less.
You are right. Without the paragraphs it becomes very difficult to find out where we stopped reading..
But over all good info and neatly put
Be concise, clear and positive
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LAHAINA - With a network of residents in place on land to watch for criminal activity in the area, the Shark Pit Neighborhood Watch (SPNW) now wants to protect Na Papalimu O Pi'ilani, the reef fronting the south Front Street area.
SPNW Coordinator Marishia Hannemann, a regular at the "Shark Pit" surf break, wants the county to step in and regulate "the hoardes of commercial stand up paddlers that constantly come into our neighborhood reef."
"Last month, some neighbors were discussing how our reef is being destroyed right before our eyes," said Hannemann.
Article Photos
Members of the Shark Pit Neighborhood Watch recently met with representatives from Lahaina surf schools.
"There are nine surf schools that launch from 505 Front Street and paddle their SUP students all the way down into our neighborhood reef to see 'Shark Pit,' a 40-foot-deep puka in the reef that is home to many endangered monk seals and turtles and numerous black and white tip sharks.
"The SUP students are constantly falling off their boards and crushing the fragile coral, and destroying the reef that is home to much aquatic life, including pregnant sea horses that are trying to make a comeback to our reef," she continued.
"We see how the surf schools are damaging the reef and overcrowding the Breakwall surf break by Lahaina Harbor down the beach from Shark Pit, and we don't want that happening to our neighborhood reef."
summary notes.
Through CORA permits, surfing lessons may be conducted in Ukumehame and Kamehameha Iki parks in West Maui.
Parks Department Deputy Director Patrick Matsui stated that stand up paddle boarding is not permitted by CORA and is considered a different activity from surfing.
The permit only covers activity in the park or access through the county facility, however.
Once instructors and students are on the sand or in the ocean, they are under the state's jurisdiction.
State Department of Land & Natural Resources officials have told the SPNW that the department focuses on marine law violations, prioritizing them according to the severity of infractions. The state would like the county to address commercial activity issues through CORA.
Matsui said permit holders must abide by CORA's provisions. He added that with surfing, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and possibly canoe rides now in the commercial realm, the department is considering revising the CORA rules.
Kalua added that SPNW members are welcome to document problems for the county.
Hannemann said that when the Shark Pit Neighborhood Watch began bringing attention to the SUP permit issue, people from Kapalua to Hookipa complained of "too many commercial and private SUP companies overcrowding these areas with all their SUP students in the water and complaining about the SUPs falling on the reef and destroying it, too."
SPNW recommends that the county Parks Department amend CORA to include rules and regulations for SUP lessons and tours, require all commercial and private companies that offer surfing and SUP lessons to have permits, and require all commercial and private surf instructors to become CORA-certified.
"This will generate more money for the county by having private surf companies be required to have a permit, too," she said.
"CORA offers free classes to educate people about how fragile and vital our coral reefs are and also to teach people how to spot diseases on the reef or unusual things happening to the reef, so they can report their findings back to CORA.
"So if the surf instructors had this training and knowledge about the reef, they could educate their students better... become watchers of the reef and work with CORA by reporting their findings to them about the reef," Hannemann concluded.


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Spending up 57 percent from 2002 and more than quadruple the 1998 governor's race
February 8, 2011
Madison –
The figure is 16 percent higher than the $32.3 million spent in the 2006 governor's race by the candidates and negative electioneering groups and 57 percent higher than the $23.8 million spent in 2002. Spending in the 2010 race more than quadrupled the $8.6 million spent in the 1998 governor's race (see bar chart).
The seven candidates for governor on the ballot and the two lieutenant governor candidates who won their September primaries spent $25.22 million in the race (see table). Topping the list was the eventual winner, Republican Governor Scott Walker and running mate Rebecca Kleefisch who spent a combined $11.34 million.
Walker's opponent, Democrat Tom Barrett, and his running mate Tom Nelson spent a combined $7.19 million. Rounding out the top three biggest spenders was Walker's Republican opponent in the primary, Mark Neumann, who spent $6.57 million – much of it his own money.
Outside electioneering groups funded mostly by contributions from unidentified business, union and ideological interests spent an estimated $12.1 million in race – mostly to sponsor broadcast ads and mailings that attacked the candidates rather than discuss the issues.
Independent expenditure groups, which must file fundraising and spending reports with the state, spent $6.07 million and phony issue ad groups also spent about $6.08 million on the governor's race. Phony issue ad groups represent many of the same special interests as independent expenditure groups but are not required to publicly identify their fundraising or spending activities in reports to the state.
But in many cases, independent expenditure groups also avoid identifying donors in their fundraising and spending reports. A Democracy Campaign report last month found that independent expenditure groups spent about $10 million and phony issue ad groups spent about $9 million on all of the legislative and statewide races for governor, attorney general and lieutenant governor. However, only about $6 million of the money spent came from identified donors.
The top-spending special interest groups in the governor's race were:
- The Republican Governors Association which used both independent expenditure and phony issue ad groups and spent an estimated $5 million to sponsor numerous TV ads that claimed Barrett's votes as a former congressman and his policies as current Milwaukee mayor would mean higher taxes and job losses for the state. The group's commercials regularly tied Barrett to the outgoing and unpopular Democratic Governor Jim Doyle. The association, which backs Republican candidates for governor across the nation, also sponsored a combination attack mailing and absentee ballot application that angered voters across the state because it contained personal information, including the recipient's birth date.
- The Greater Wisconsin Committee which spent an estimated $4.8 million in the governor's race – mostly on TV ads to smear Walker. The group's ads criticized Walker for favoring policy and tax breaks sought by insurance, banking and other special interests that made large campaign contributions to his campaign as well as favoring cuts in state health care programs for the needy in order to pay for tax cuts for wealthy individuals and corporations. The Madison-based group has backed Democratic candidates for the legislature and statewide office since it was founded in 2004. It used independent expenditure, phony issue ad and 527 groups to conduct its activities. A 527 group, which can raise and spend unlimited amounts to spend on electioneering activities, is named for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service regulations that require it to file disclosure reports.
- Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the state's largest business organization, which claims it spent $950,000 to back Walker. Among Walker's first acts as governor was to call a special session of the legislature to push numerous legislative proposals that appear on the business group's legislative agenda. The business group is a perennial heavyweight in state politics, policymaking and elections and usually supports Republican candidates for statewide office and the legislature. It was one of the first organizations in to engage in secret fundraising and spending on phony issue ads in the 1996 elections.
For more details about all of the independent expenditure and phony issue ad groups and their activities in the 2010 elections please go to the "Hijacking Campaign 2010" feature.
In addition to the governor's race, candidates and outside special interest groups spent nearly $1.5 million in the race for attorney general. Incumbent Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen accounted for much of the spending – about $1.08 million during the four-election cycle, including $644,342 in 2010 and $202,519 in 2009. Van Hollen's Democratic challenger, Scott Hassett, spent $361,044 in the race, including $348,768 in 2010. Outside special interest groups spent $38,298 in the race led by the Wisconsin Professional Police Association which doled out $20,000 and the New Prosperity Foundation which spent $17,000. Both of those groups backed Van Hollen.
The Democracy Campaign calculated the cost of the governor's race using reports filed by the candidates and some of the electioneering groups with the Government Accountability Board and the Internal Revenue Service, as well as television ad-buy data and information about group electioneering activities reported to WDC's Hijack Hotline.
2010 Election Cycle Candidate Spending In The Governor's Race
|Scott Walker
|Tom Barrett
|Mark Neumann
|Tim John
|Scott Paterick
|James James
|Common Sense
|Jim Langer
|Tom Nelson*
|Rebecca Kleefisch*
*The totals for Kleefisch and Nelson are what they spent after they won their primary elections and were teamed with Walker and Barrett. The figure for Kleefisch does not include $65,000 in contributions her campaign gave to Walker's campaign.


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Leatherwood Hi-Lux Optics "Wm. Malcom" USMC Sniper Scope Debuts at 2012 CMP Vintage Sniper Match
The Leatherwood-Hi-Lux "Wm. Malcolm" 8x USMC SNIPER scope – a faithful copy of the scope used by U.S. Marine Corps snipers during WWII – walked away with the 2nd, 3rd and 11th place awards, plus placed in several other top spots at this year's Camp Perry Vintage Sniper matches.
That's an impressive showing for the scope, given the fact that it's relatively new. If you're not familiar with optics of this type, the long-tube scope features 8X magnification and external micrometer-click adjustments. The scope tube slides to buffer for recoil, and comes with a recoil spring (which can be removed for competition).
For historical accuracy sake, the scope will ideally be mounted on the 1903 A1 Springfield, which was the variant commonly used with Unertl scopes from World War II through the Vietnam War. Those original optics can still be found at gun shows and online auctions, but prices have skyrocketed — some as high as $5,000-6,000. It would also be very much at home atop a pre-'64 Winchester Model 70 Target.
And while the originals are desirable for their collector value, you usually can't see much through them, plagued as they are with the effects of the unforgiving hand of Father Time. By contrast, the Hi-Lux USMC scope is as clear and crisp to look through as any other optic in this price range.
"It is very bright," said one shooter who compared the optic to originals. "I had two vintage scopes with me, my Unertl 8X and a Wollensack 4X. The Wollensack is from 1930 and though it was state of the art then, it's pretty dark. The Unertl looked pretty good until you compare it to the 8x USMC Sniper."
- Power: 8x
- Multi-coated lens for optimum light transmission
- Water and fog proof
- Multi-coated lens
- Eye Relief: 3.15″
- Field of View: At 100 yards 11′ at 8x
Stay tuned for a full range test of the Leatherwood USMC optic by Ken Ramage, former editor of the Gun Digest.
I highly recommend this scope for your collection.
Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics 8X Wm. Malcolm USMC Sniper Riflescope
Retail: $549.00
Your price: $521.55
You save: $27.45 (5%)


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These full-scale toy plans have basic detailing and are easy enough for
any skill level. Each includes a full materials list with some helpful
tips for assembly. Corresponding kits are available separately for parts
such as dowels, wheels, headlights, etc.
Some products are no longer available.
A. Bi-Wing Airplane
Approximately 24" wide at wing tips.
Kit includes decal set.
B. Tractor
Approximately 11" long.
C. Fire Truck
Approximately 29" long.
D. Mining Truck
Approximately 18" long.
E. "Salty" Tug Boat
Approximately 15" long.


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Schedule Links like Songs
Linker is the world's most widely-used promo scheduler and the companion product to Selector music scheduling.Linker handles the often overlooked, but critically important non-musical elements on your station. It schedules and rotates promos, jingles, liners, sweepers, intros, beds, public service announcements, live scripts or special effects. Linker lets you have total control over the scheduling of these important items on a station log.
More Features and FunctionsWith groundbreaking innovations in Link management such as Flight Scheduling, Tagged Links, Affidavits, and script editing, Linker also offers you the ability to import a common music and linker log to your automation system.
Bringing the Spots into the Music LogLinker imports your Selector music log with your station's traffic schedule to provide one fully integrated log containing all songs, promos and commercials which can be played directly to air from Master Control or any major automation system. Linker stands above all non-music schedulers on the market.
Easy to LearnBecause Linker was based on the highly successful Selector platform, once you've learned Selector, you can operate Linker like a pro. With Linker being only one click away and inside certain shared windows, Linker and Selector are fully integrated.
World Class SupportOur Support department is legendary. All the people who help you solve your day to day problems are radio people, too. RCS Support never sleeps and is always open 24/7/365 for Linker users worldwide.
- Schedule your links (promos, jingles, drop-ins) as precisely and effortlessly as Selector schedules your music.
- Import spots from your traffic system to create a full chronological log of all broadcast elements - music, links and spots.
- Report to copyright/rights agencies using comprehensive reporting tools.
- Print an alphabetical or chronological copy book for the studio.
- See and change songs, links and spots simultaneously in the Log Editor.
- Schedule links and songs using tempo or texture matching between element types.
- Use Linker for non-music formats to control the flow and content of news, sports and news/talk stations.
- Keep separations of Talent voices in stop-sets or within the hour.
- Harness the power of Linker's multi-user, fully network ready platform.
- Employ Linker's power to schedule tagged songs and links.
- Create a flight schedule in Selector to schedule songs like spots.
Technical Requirements (Version 3.15 & higher)
Operating System
- Windows XP® Professional, Server 2003, Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise (32 and 64-bit), Windows 8, Server 2008 (32 and 64-bit), Server 2008 64-bit or Windows Server 2012
- SQL version: 2012 (32/64bit), 2005, 2008 or 2008 R2 (64bit) SQL engines
- CPU - 3GHz (P4)
- RAM - 2GB / 4GB if hosting the database
These are minimum requirements, so feel free to exceed them. Get as much power and free space as you can. For Internet connectivity and servers, RCS supports a Microsoft® network using TCP/IP using a brand name, server quality computer. Please contact RCS for site specific hardware configurations if you have further questions.
- What is Linker?
- Linker is a software program designed especially for organizing, rotating, scheduling and reporting non-music elements on your radio station.
- What kinds of non-music elements can Linker handle?
- Linker rotates and schedules promos, breaks, liners, links, jingles, drop-in elements, news reports, traffic, weather, or any other live or recorded elements you would like to create and schedule within the music log of your station. We call these element links.
- Will it take me long to learn Linker?
- No, Linker is based on the exact same methodologies and task orientation as Selector®, so once you've learned Selector you know how to use Linker.
- What advantages does Linker give me when used with Selector that I will miss without having Linker?
- You will miss the advantage of having your music log scheduled perfectly around your other elements. Plus, there are some great features that Linker and Selector share - when they are loaded together on your machine. One is Flight Scheduling of music. You can schedule your music the same way you would a commercial schedule. And also, a great new feature: Tags. Tags let you schedule adjacent specific promos to specific songs, so that every time they play, they play together. Tags are great for concert promotions and special artist weekends.
- What other advantages are there in Linker?
- You can easily import spots from your traffic system to create a full chronological log of everything that will be on your station. Talk about exact timing!
- Can Linker help me verify that a certain client's advertising ran on the air?
- Yes, Linker's comprehensive reporting tools let you easily and quickly print the times and dates promos were scheduled on your air.
- What about live copy, can Linker help me there?
- Yes, Linker lets you print a copy book of the live promos and announcements entered and scheduled in Linker. With some automation systems (like RCS Master Control and many others), you can even send them to a screen for paperless studio operation.
- Can Linker help me schedule my breaks better?
- Yes, with tempo controls, you can control the flow of the kinds of promos or jingle you are scheduling. With talent codes on your announcements, you can protect the same voices being heard in the break.
- Can I be working on music, while my Promotion Manager is working on the promos to be aired?
- Yes, Linker and Selector®are multi-user enabled and fully networkable.
- Can Linker be used by non-music stations?
- Yes, many News, Talk and Sports stations rely on Linker to manage and schedule openers, intros, sponsor mentions and production elements. By rotating your promos properly through each program, you will get the most from your schedule with Linker.


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Perhaps the best way to preview Michael Grandage's new production of Don Giovanni, due at the Met this fall, is to see his staging of King Lear, playing at BAM until June 5. The works have some things in common — the necessity of vivid, meaningful ensemble work; a descent into wildness as night falls halfway through the show; and a seminal place in each artist's oeuvre in competition with a sometimes more widely esteemed work (Le Nozze di Figaro, Hamlet). Of course, both protagonists spend a good deal of time with their shirts unbuttoned, too, though for admittedly different reasons.
Don Giovanni and King Lear share a common pitfall, too: they can both fall victim to pageantry. Grandage strips the stage naked for his Lear, leaving rows of planks upon which the action unfolds. The play benefits from quick, seamless transitions between scenes, thanks to the unit set, which puts a burning emphasis on the interaction between characters.
But that doesn't necessarily mean the Don Giovanni will go without eye-popping designs. The Donmar Warehouse, where Grandage is artistic director, has shown another way to humanize a classical work. For its sizzling Broadway production of Mary Stuart from 2009, the battling queens were sumptuously attired in period fashions — a visual feast against a spare background that threw into relief both the costumes and Schiller's ornate language.
Either way, if Grandage brings this kind of depth and humanity to Mozart, Met-goers are in for a real treat.


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Notice is hereby given that U-Store U-Lock, LLC Mini-Storage will hold apublic auction pursuant to the Georgia Self Storage Facility Act, Georgia code Section 10-4-210 to 10-4-215 on August 17, 2012 at 9:00 AM at the U-Store U-Lock LLC Mini-Storage facility located at 80 Speer St Baxley GA 31513.
Unit# B29 contents belonging to Sorbara Elaine Moody: items include appliances, misc. household items and clothing.
Unit # 151 contents belonging to Toni McGahee Lewis: Items include misc boxes, furniture and household items.
8-1 & 8-8
gpn17 NOTICE
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Intrigued by its description on websites, including the best French RPG website: Le Guide Du Roliste Galactique, I ordered it and received it a few days ago.
Since I've received it I'm really captivated by it and can't wait to organize a party with my usual RPG team
Little Fears takes you back to a time most of us have quite totally forgotten, a time when we asked our parents to keep the light on or the door opened cause we KNEW there was a monster under our bed, waiting for the darkness to torment us. A time when whatever our parents say we KNEW it was not only shadows but real monsters we saw from the window on the windy night, monsters we also heard knocking on the thin window. or calling us ...
Remember ? oh come on ...
The game master book starts with a few first and last pages of a young girl in her brand new diary.
The least we can say is that it makes a quite powerful introduction, putting you at once in the universe of the game which is really closer to Call Of Cthulhu RPG, except that it would be an error to only see in Little Fears a kid versions of Call Of Cthulhu RPG.
A link would be that if you were already used to not get very attached to your character in Cthulhu's universe, well, in Little Fears your character is ... a child between 8 and 12 years old with all the muscle and charisma which that suppose. I've not yet played it but from what I've read, I think that as a player you'll realize quickly that your character is very weak.
The other point is that very few people knows about Closetland, the land of the monsters and all children's fears. This 'child Hell' is ruled by the Demagogue, served by Seven Kings: demonic beings personifying the Seven Deadly sins (with a little difference for the French edition which I'll tell you later in the subject). Which makes these monsters hungry is Innocence and therefore, children are their favorite preys.
Adults know nothing about the world of the Demagogue as they have lost their innocence and their won't be of much support, getting angry by crying children or even separating children from their parents as they only explain their injuries by mistreatment of the parents, whatever the monsters tells the children will say... Also, Demagogue and his kings' agents are far to be only monsters.
Little Fears wrote:"Most are monstrosities, much like the kings themselves, twisted and blistered caricatures. But some some of them we see every day. At the bus stop, on the subway, in the stores. Our co-workers and bosses. Even those we gladly let into our homes All of them are at the beck and call of their wicked master. All of them thrive and burn with a single goal: the elimination of the Demagogue's only thorn: innocence"
So children have to be very careful and cannot find much help except with other children as weak as they are themselves ...
The creation of the character is very easy with a little questionnaire which allows the player to define his character by also dispatching a few points in characteristics (shrewdness , muscles, hands, feet and spirit) and virtues (soul, innocence and fear) completed by qualities ("I am courageous") and default ("I'm a scream-queen").
Then the game is played thanks to 6 faces dices with a system of tests and exams (when the action implies roll over between players and/or from the GM).
With the agreement of the author, the king of Luxury (symbol for pedophilia) is replaced by the king of Suffering which makes a little change in the universe but finally well explained (I don't know for the German version), and for what I've read from original version's players even an improvement as in fact children don't know about this except if they have been confronted to it and even if it's a subject which should not be censored, quoting a critic I've read: "The question of whether a given group of players would feel comfortable talking about this subject matter over the dice and beer is another matter".
Whatever the king of Suffering is not much an improvement for the kids as in order to capture their innocence he'll do what and his envoys will do what they can to lead their targets in a dead-end from where the only escape is suicide...
The challenge here will be to obtain the atmosphere and keep it existing as, all RPG players know that often people get easily distracted and jokes for example are exchanged during a party which could really be disastrous for a party of Little Fears.
I'll tell you again when I'll have finally mastered a party but for now I am very optimistic and full of ideas. I found the world very reach, a world which certainly interests all Tim Burton's fans for sure
If you're on the track of an original RPG, you might be interested by Little Fears
I'll give my mark when I'll have played it with several gamers...


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I'm new to workflows, read some of the suggested answers but they don't quite seem to fit. (I'm using SP 2010 Server/Designer, no Infopath.)
I'm developing a standard list with 10 fields. One field, "Manager", will either be a People Picker selection or a freeform textbox (we haven't decided which input method to go yet.) Manager is a single, user.
If we use the people picker, the Manager's email will be pulled from AD. If the freeform textbox, it will contain the Manager's email address.
I'd like to use the UI or SPD to send the list entry's results to the Manager upon submission.
If I had the time to learn workflows from page 1-100, I would, but I'm in a time crunch and need some hand holding on this one.


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HP's Malware-Laden Switches Illustrate Supply Chain Risks
Hewlett-Packard is trying to figure out what happened as the technology giant warned customers that some of the HP ProCurve switches shipped last year contained malware-laden flash cards.
While the malware couldn't do anything to the 10 Gbps-capable line of LAN switches, if the customer ever decided to re-use the card and insert it into a computer, that computer would likely be compromised.
It's not that unlikely a scenario. The switches ship with 1GB cards, and someone frantically looking for a flash card could conceivably borrow the card to perform a quick task.
Business owners don't always think about the integrity of the supply chain when buying hardware and software components. Even the biggest brands can ship infected components if a computer in the factory is compromised.
Supply Chain Risks
Software and hardware embedded with malware are often shipped because of a malicious actor or a compromised computer somewhere in the supply chain, Greg Schaffer, acting deputy undersecretary of the DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate, told a House committee last July. When pressed details, Schaffer just said he was "aware of instances where that has happened."
Considering the number of electronics we buy, and how reliant businesses are on their switches, computers, and other equipment, the thought that something could be infected because someone in the manufacturing and shipping process had malicious intentions is unnerving.
In fact, this isn't HP's first malware snafu. HP Australia accidentally shipped optional USB drives infected by Fakerecy and SillyFDC malware with its ProLiant servers back in 2008. And in 2001, some printer drivers available on HP's Website were infected with FunLove after some of the company's computers had been compromised.
Best Practices are Key
Security experts regularly remind administrators to install updated drivers and firmware. But even the vendors can get infected and pass that infection on to their customers.
This is why it's important to have your own security measures in place. Some best practices include having a strong security suite to scan the files being downloaded to make sure the files aren't infected (regardless of the source), never re-using components across platforms, and using the administrator account only when actually performing administrative tasks.
Fixing the ProCurve Problem
At this time, it is unclear what type of malware may be on the infected flash cards, where it came from, or the kind of damage it could cause on the infected computer. Customers who purchased HP ProCurve 5400 ZL series after Apr. 30, 2011 are at risk, according to a security advisory issued by HP's Software Security Response Team on Apr. 11. The bulletin listed affected serial numbers and instructions on how to find that information on the switch.
The issue can be resolved by either replacing the hardware or via "Software Purge." The software option involves running a script provided by HP to delete malicious files and directory. The script would be able to clean up the infection without taking the switch offline. For customers who prefer to replace the hardware, either because they are not comfortable running the script or the switch was deployed on some other network, HP will ship a replacement Management Module. The switch must be powered down to replace the hardware, HP said.
The HP 5400 zl series is part HP's modular chassis line of switches.


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Jack B. Hutchins, age 86, of Clinton, passed away March 28, 2013, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
Jack B. Hutchins, age 86, of Clinton, passed away March 28, 2013, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Clinton, and owner and operator for many years of H&H Body Shop.
He was preceded in death by parents, Hobert and Bess Pyett Hutchins; and sisters, Evelyn Cox and Doris Ann Webber.
Survivors include his wife, Lucille Hutchins; son, Barry and wife Lori Hutchins; daughter, Darla and husband, Joel Bayless; brother, R.C. and wife, Joan Hutchins; sister-in-law, Irene Fox; grandchildren, Jessica Temple and husband, Todd, John and wife, Jennifer Hutchins, and Jack Hutchins; great-grandchildren, Anna, Abram and Sylvie Temple, and Kadynce and Albury Hutchins; and by several nieces and nephews.
The family wants to extend a special thank you to Beverly Williams, caregiver, for her dedicated care provided to Mr. Hutchins.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Clinton.
The family received friends from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at First Baptist Church of Clinton. The funeral was to follow with the Rev. Stan Elliott officiating. Interment was at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Holley-Gamble Funeral Home (www.holleygamblefh.com) is in charge of arrangements.


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LocationDebrecen, Hungary
General DesignArchiko Kft. and Lengyel Epiteszmuterem Kft.
Associate ArchitectsOttó Ferenczi, György Kazamér, Éva Molnár, Lajos Barabás, Tibor Bartha, István Kecskés
ClientUniversity of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre
General ContractorHunep Universal Zrt., Magyar Epito Zrt.
Cost7,758,333 €
Area6260.0 m2
Project Year2011
In Vitro Diagnostic Centre
University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Centre
The centre is made for merging the following three clinical laboratory departments: the Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Department of Medical Microbiology and the Genomic Medicine Institute. The architects' task was to place the three laboratories in one building block with the constraint on giving free access to the student to reach the auditorium and the practicing laboratory, but keep the clinical laboratories opened only for those who have got permission to it. They have answered this task with connecting two wings in a V-shaped form arranging them along the plot's edges and with organising the indoor traffic in a dividable way.
A gap in the architectural time layers
Following the function and the inward spatial structure, the architectural volume is determined by the triangle shaped building plot on one hand, but on the other hand the architects' purpose was to design a building, which is able to bridge the different architectural periods of the university. Serving this purpose, the architects decided upon to use the triangle as the shape of the ground plan as the neighbouring Science Block (planned by Tibor Mikolas in 1973) use the arrow form towards the Great Forest too. Also, they used the same boxes for placing the windows in like by the other building and mirrored this solution on the south laboratory wing's façade. But the ratios of the three-story building respond to the turn of the 19th century's historical eclecticism of the university.
As the architects say: " We had to complete a design right on the border of different architectural time periods. Thus we tried to communicate with both time layers – the turn of the century's historical eclecticism and the 1970s – but meanwhile we intended to react the design of Floris Korb and Kalman Giergl too, the Scientific Block is situated so close, just a step away from our house, that the affect of it is much stronger on our design."
Principles of the design plan
The two wings of the building open up toward the main pedestrian path and the space in between the wings is attached to the building with a glazed façade as an entrance hall, and as a result the building reached its triangular outlines. The tempered hall as an intermediate space relates to the laboratory wings just as tightly as to the outdoor space.
From here one can have an insight into the auditorium and can have a perfect overview of the glassed concrete staircases and indoor bridges and of the square front of the building. Communicating with each other, the open spaces give transparent and easy atmosphere to the hall and the slender pillars and skylights enhance this effect even more. As a result the natural light can fill the indoor spaces through the hall.


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Indian gov says no plan to squeeze out BlackBerrys
'At this point'
Indian telecoms secretary Siddhartha Behura has confirmed the country is not seeking a ban on the use of BlackBerrys, as the government continues talks with operators about lawful interception.
The suggestion that RIM's emailing handheld might be banned from the subcontinent surfaced last Friday when Tata Teleservices was refused a license to run a BlackBerry service on the grounds that communications were encrypted so couldn't be intercepted.
Tata responded that other operators were already offering the service, so a confused Department of Telecoms fired off letters to the other operators asking them to explain themselves, and set up a meeting to discuss the matter today.
There are about 400,000 BlackBerry users in India, and under Indian law the network operator is responsible for letting the security services intercept any communications. But with the BlackBerry services located outside India, that's technically impossible.
Intercepting messages can only be done with RIM's agreement, and so far the Canadian company isn't playing ball.
This is part of a wider crackdown on encrypted communications in India which includes asking ISPs to restrict themselves to 40-bit keys for web-based applications, something they are still fighting.
The availability of strong encryption has phased most governments at some point, and even in Europe there were attempts to ban its use on security grounds. Eventually the authorities realised a better strategy was to change the law to make forgetting an encryption key illegal, while simultaneously hinting that they could break any encryption if they wanted to anyway.
Generally there are easier ways of accessing secured communications, but putting the service in a different country, as RIM does, makes that a great deal more difficult. ®