text:
The California Supreme Court justices stepped down from their dais during a special visit to the University of San Francisco campus Tuesday to educate the public about their branch of government.
Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye said the justices, who also heard oral arguments in three cases while at USF, are committed to informing California communities about their courts during their statewide tour.
"We believe that the strength of our democracy depends upon the recognition of the separate but equal three branches of government," she said. "Ninety-eight percent of cases are resolved at the state court level. We hope today's session gives you a better understanding of the court system."
The justices' first day of a two-day stopover at the university included a question-and-answer session with high school and law students before they heard opening arguments on several cases.
The questions posed by students ranged from how the justices balance their personal lives with the demands of sitting on the state's highest court to how the justices choose which cases to hear.
According to Associate Justice Ming W. Chin, the California Supreme Court has nearly 5,000 cases requesting review, but the justices hear only slightly more than ?1 percent of cases each year.
The process of picking which cases to hear is complex, Chin said. The high court often reviews cases of conflict, including marriage and Proposition 8 cases, as well as cases with automatic appeals, including death penalty cases.
"Most of the time we spend deciding what to decide," Chin told the Balboa High School student who posed the question. "We meet every Wednesday when we're not hearing oral arguments to review 150 to 300 cases."
And like nearly all government agencies, funding is an issue in the court system, said Associate Justice Marvin R. Baxter. He said California courts need more money in order to properly provide justice to all citizens.
Over the past five fiscal years, Baxter said, dozens of courts throughout the state have closed, cut hours or implemented furlough days to make up the funding ?deficits.
"The time and cost involved in trying to operate court simply precluded access," he said. "Our greatest challenge by far is to secure adequate funding to provide access to all Californians."
The justices are scheduled to hear another three cases at the university today. The visit also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the USF School of Law. The school, located in the North of Panhandle neighborhood, is marking the occasion with a yearlong celebration.
Several justices will also travel to numerous high schools throughout the state over the next month to answer questions and raise awareness about the court system.
The California Supreme Court heard oral arguments Tuesday at the University of San Francisco in a case that seeks to clarify whether municipalities can ban medical marijuana.
The seven justices heard about the battle between the Inland Empire Patients Health and Wellness Center and the city of Riverside, which banned all dispensaries, declaring them a "public nuisance."
Jeffrey Dunn, an attorney representing Riverside, said cities have always had land-use and zoning authority, and therefore can ban such businesses.
"We have constitutional authority to enact an ordinance based on public safety and welfare," he said. "There is no limit for us to regulate operations and establishments."
But attorneys for the Inland Empire Patients Health and Wellness Center said such a ban goes against state law, referring to the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which allows seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana, and the Medical Marijuana Program, which was created in 2004 to enhance access to the drug.
"They're doing what the law allows them to do," said J. David Nick, attorney for the dispensary. "The regulations establish controls of location, it doesn't signify prohibition."
The court will issue a ruling within 90 days.


text:
Florida Supreme Court denies law license to illegal immigrant
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. A man brought into the country as a child on a visitor's visa has been denied a license to practice law.
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday denied Jose Godinez-Samperio's motion for admission to the Bar.
That's because the court can't rule on his admission until it resolves the question of whether people who enter or remain in the U.S. without legal permission can be attorneys in Florida. That decision is pending.
Godinez-Samperio's parents brought him to the United States from Mexico on a visitor's visa when he was 9. They overstayed their visas and never returned to Mexico.
He graduated from Florida State University's law school and already has passed the Florida bar examination.
In January, CBS Miami reported that the state's high court decided to hold off on making a decision until the federal government acted on his application for deferral and a work permit.
President Barack Obama announced the deferral policy for young illegal immigrants in June.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Today's Brilliance from Michelle Phillips
If I could share 500 words to inspire, this is the important wisdom I'd want to pass along to others...
If you could have all of your dreams come true, what would your ideal life look like? I'm talking about much more than just the job you want, it could be family life, relationships, or any of the things that would be a part of your happiest, most secure existence.
It may seem like an easy question but for the majority of people I work with letting themselves dream seems to be the hardest part of growing personally or professionally. When I ask a simple question like, "What would you like to do?" it is usually met with either "I don't know" or "It doesn't matter, I couldn't anyway".
However, when I rephrase the question, "If you could wave a magic wand, what would your ideal life look like?" the answers flow easily. Not only do the answers flow easily, they flow specifically with vivid details that paint the kind of picture that takes your vision from grainy watercolor to a high-definition reality.
Thinking about dreaming that way may make it seem easier, so what holds people back from doing it freely? First, a lot of people get lost and overwhelmed in doing what they think they "should" be doing rather than taking the steps to do what they "could" be doing.
Even more often, they work in the jobs or do things because of what other people think they should be doing. Women especially get caught up in what I call the "getting" years: they work on getting the husband, getting the career, the kids, the perfect house, and they lose sight of what they want.
I bet you know what you really want deep down, but confusion and doubt creep in when you attach yourself to what your life should be or what others might expect of you. By allowing yourself to truly dream, you go beyond seeing only limitations and move into a world of seeing only possibilities.
So where do you start? Whether you are working in your dream job or not, or in a good or bad relationship, if you want to make a change, start by giving yourself the opportunity to dream without all the limitations. Be specific. Think about what you'd be doing a year from now. What are you wearing? Where are you? Who is with you? What are you doing? Maybe you are starting a new job, or a whole new life. Just write it down. Don't hold back.
I bet you know what you really want deep down, but confusion and doubt creep in when you attach yourself to what your life should be or what others might expect of you. By allowing yourself to truly dream you go beyond seeing only limitations and move in to a world of seeing only possibilities.
When I started on my journey towards writing a book, I was initially too afraid to wave my magic wand. I was crumbling under the weight of my "shoulds" and the guilt that came with them. Daring to dream was a courageous move towards uncovering my true beauty. I am forever grateful that I did it!
Now it's your turn…!


text:
We present two methods for three-dimensional particle metrology from a single two-dimensional view. The techniques are based on wavefront sensing where the three-dimensional location of a particle is encoded into a single image plane. The first technique is based on multiplanar imaging, and the second produces three-dimensional location information via anamorphic distortion of the recorded images. Preliminary results show that an uncertainty of in depth can be obtained for low-particle density over a thin plane, and an uncertainty of for higher particle density over a deep volume.
© 2006 Optical Society of AmericaFull Article | PDF Article
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Opt. Express 21(2) 1726-1740 (2013)
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text:
The Meadham Kirchhoff Spring 2013 boasted an aesthetic that reference sensual Victorian dressing.
Designers Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff took a theatrical approach to their Spring 2013 collection. The ready-to-wear offerings were titled 'A Cautionary Tale,' as if to imply the subtle sensuality of tantalizing teasing. The ability of the decorate garments to portray both kitschy ornate opulence and an understated sense of allure made this dynamic collection stand out amid London Fashion Week.
Achieving a modernization of Victorian style was no small feat. However, the house of Meadham Kirchhoff achieved this extravagant statement with ruffles, corsets, layered prints and patterns. With its dramatic approach, the English design duo has brought elaborateness and rich inspiration to the spring 2013 season.
Adorable Designer Manicures
Psychedelic Feminine Menswear
Modern Coy Clothing
Dressed-Down Princess Fashion
Hollywood Star Portraits
The Meadham Kirchhoff Spring 2013 Collection was Victorian Inspired
- By: Alexandra SerranoSep 20, 2012
References: meadhamkirchhoff & wmagazine
References: meadhamkirchhoff & wmagazine


text:
Are you ready to see a special release set from Stephanie Barnard at The {Stamps} of Life? This set has so much potential. (Do I say that a lot!?) It works along with so many of Stephanie's other stamp sets, but it works beautifully on it's own as well. This card might look familiar . . I did this card, and then it inspired me to try the same idea with some CTMH stamps. I stamped these cheery squares, matted them on cardstock, layered it up on the strip down the middle, and added some piercing along the sides.
Be sure to pop on over to The {Stamps} of Life to see the stamp set, and view the beautiful gallery of ideas!
card goodies: cardstock, ink, jewels - Close To My Heart, stamps - TSOL


text:
The Boyfriend took me to 1000 steps Kokoda walk which is located on the other side of town near Dandenong. Considering I'm sick and could barely breathe, it was difficult, but I managed!
10 September 2012
Photo Share #1: 1000 Steps
Posted by Kerri Carrie at 12:07 AM
Labels: 2012, Activities, Activity, Blog, Blogging, Challenge, Exercise, Photo, Photography, Photos
1 comment:
Thank you for stopping my and reading my blog. I have to apologize in advance, my blog does require word verification in order to comment. I know how frustrating this can be, I hate having to enable this process, but I really do appreciate comments.
I am simply trying to ensure human beings are leaving comments rather than spam-bots!
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text: Share: Comments Print April 10, 2013 at 11:15 AM Casper Wells claimed by Blue Jays; LaFromboise likely coming up Posted by Larry Stone Casper Wells was claimed off waivers by the Blue Jays today, having been designated for assignment by the Mariners last week. Photo Credit: AP When the Mariner chose Jason Bay over Casper Wells a reserve outfielder, designating Wells for assignment on March 31, they knew they stood a good chance of losing him. And now it has happened, with the Toronto Blue Jays claiming Wells off waivers, first reported by Peter Gammons of MLB.com. Today was the final day of the 10-day window to resolve Wells' status. Had he cleared waivers, the Mariners could have assigned him to Tacoma. But now he's the property of the Blue Jays, who must put him on their 25-man roster or else designate him for assignment themselves if they attempt to send him to the minors. Wells, 28, hit .225 with 17 homers and 51 RBIs in 124 games with the Mariners after they acquired him from Detroit as part of a trade for Doug Fister on July 30, 2011. The Mariners also acquired Charlie Furbush, who is part of their bullpen; Chance Ruffin, being converted to a starter in Double-A this season; and prospect Francisco Martinez, who was shifted from third base to center field. Wells hit .189 in spring training in 53 at-bats with 14 RBIs and a .646 OPS. Bay had a .321 average with a .938 OPS. So far in very early going this season, Bay has a .300/.462/.700 line in five games for a 1.162 OPS. It also looks like the Mariners will call up lefty Bobby LaFromboise from Tacoma to prop up the bullpen, as manager Eric Wedge indicated they needed to do after last night's debacle. Hat tip to Ryan Divish for first reporting the pending LaFromboise promotion. Lucas Luetge is likely to go down to Tacoma after working three innings last night. Luetge has an 8.31 ERA in four outings and opponents are hitting .444 off him. Luetge has options remaining, and LaFromboise is already on the 40-man roster. LaFromboise has appeared in two games so far for the Rainiers. In 2 2/3 innings he's allowed three hits and no runs, with four strikeouts and no walks. He appeared in six games during spring training, putting up a 4.50 ERA while striking out nine in six innings. Last year, LaFromboise put up a 1.59 ERA in 27 games with Tacoma and a 1.01 ERA in 20 games with Double-A Jackson. Comments | More in roster | Topics: casper wells; bobby lafromboise; jason bay; lucas luetge


text:
I hook rugs, I knit and I have a life - not always in that order. Hooking rugs in the traditional way is a passion. Knitting is a way of keeping those idle hands busy. In my life, I am a mother, partner, sister,aunt, friend and a happy grammy. I work with volunteers and seniors when I'm not doing those other things. I enjoy being creative - and often reinvent the wheel. Above all, I value things that are not only beautiful but useful.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Saturday Stash
My little sweater turned out so darned cute. I love it. The Fair Isle didn't make me too crazy - mainly 'cuz I've really got that left-handed knitting down now.
And, since I was on a stranded knitting roll, I thought I'd tackle this wee hat - it reminds me of ice cream. When it's sitting on the shelf it looks like a merry-go-round. And I still have yarn enough left to make another. Next year.
This is my birthday present to myself. Two colors of baby alpaca/silk blend in a cool pattern: Thin Edge of the Wedge by Shui Kuen Kozinski. Yummy colors and a cushy texture with the garter stitch. This yarn makes such a wonderful drape especially when knit on the bias like this. I have used up half the yarn and the shawl grows one stitch every four rows for an asymetrical triangular shape. The color change technique is different with the stitches sliding across to the other side of the circular needle every other row. Interesting and pretty easy after the first couple of repeats.
That's the knitting report for this week. Things are quieter now and next week will be all about me. Mostly. I will be visiting everyone I've neglected this weekend. I've missed you.
6 comments:
- Catherine said...
Lovey scarf, just visited the site on Ravelry and saved it! Also love the Fair-isle jumper, so sweet! I also adore the little pastel hat, it looks easy but I dunno if I'd attempt it without a pattern!
Hope you have a lovely Christmas. Did you see my last post with all the Knitmas goodies I got? And I sent your pattern socks with the three leaf clover design to my secret Santa exchange and she loved them!
Catherine xxx
- December 15, 2012 at 2:33 PM
- Wendy Devent said...
Love the sweater!!!
- December 15, 2012 at 5:02 PM
- Angie said...
- December 15, 2012 at 6:04 PM
- Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow said...
Oooooh, I'm thinking the edge of the wedge is going to have to go in my queue! Great looking scarf. And, your other projects are wonderful, too. Love that little hat! Well done, Stephanie. Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday! blessings ~ tanna
- December 16, 2012 at 6:53 AM
- Rudee said...
Let's talk about that hat...it looks like a confection! Beautiful use of color, too!
- December 16, 2012 at 1:57 PM
All are lovely, the hat does remind me of ice cream as well. Very cute. the Shawl is great.
- December 16, 2012 at 8:33 PM


text:
Are School Lunches Safe?: 26,500 Schools Lack Proper Inspections
photo:J Novak
Over the past few years, a commonly muddled bureaucracy and the resulting lack of trust in government has further tainted our nation's food supply system. Now that mistrust is spilling over into school cafeterias. According to an article on Mother Nature Network, many school lunches are not being properly inspected.
Our nation's food supply is once again under fire. This time the failure is happening in our children's school cafeterias. The findings, originally published by USA Today, found that 26,500 school cafeterias lack required inspections. The National School Lunch Program requires schools to have their cafeteria kitchens inspected at least twice a year by a state or local health agency. But these inspections cost money, nearly $138 per inspection per school. As a result nearly 30 percent of schools reporting on their inspections in 2006-07 and 2007-08 had not complied with inspection protocols.
School Nutrition Sub Par
Cost is not the only issue affecting the food that our children eat. For example, the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 expired on September 30, 2009, according to School Nutrition Association. The issue, however, has been pushed to the back burner as a result of other legislative priorities, including healthcare reform and the war in Afganistan. But what's more important than the health of the next generation?
Adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing meat consumption, and connecting school with local producers should become a priority for our schools. Programs like Edible Schoolyard are a step in the right direction. The program brings edible gardens to school grounds where students can cultivate their food with their own hands, which can connect them with nature before they bring the finished produce inside to learn how to cook it in a healthy manner while still at school.
As Matthew recently wrote, the Baltimore Public School District is taking an innovative step in the right direction. The school district announced in October that it would adopt a Meatless Monday menu for all of the 80,000 students that it serves. Steps like these make a big difference. According to Matthew, in a year of Meatless Mondays you would save about 1 ton of water, enough to fill up the bathtub 22 times per week.
These programs are a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done.
More on School Lunches:
Waste Free School Lunch: Yet Another Kit to Help us Reuse
School Lunch: What Do The Kids Eat?
Two Angry Moms Taking on School Lunch


text: Dear all, I've just bought a Peavey Cirrus BXP 5 string. In lots of ways it's great, but ... can anyone comment on pickup blending? Hopefully on a Cirrus BXP, but in general would be useful too. I've actually tried two - a 4 and a 5 - and for both, the blend pot seems to give: all pickup 1 at anywhere left of centre click 50:50 blend at centre click all pickup 2 at anywhere right of centre click I do like the sound of both pickups, and the 50:50 blend, but... I'd like to be able to get other blends. I've checked the circuit with a meter, and found that at the centre click, both pickups go through with zero resistance. At anywhere left of the click, pickup 1 has zero resistance and pickup 2 has between 12K and 50K resistance. At anywhere right, pickup 2 has zero resistance and pickup 1 has between 12K and 50K resistance. I'd have expected that either pickup only has zero resistance in series at the end of the travel, rather than for half of it? Is this right? Is the difference from panning once your away from the centre just really, really subtle? Have Peavey goofed? Thanks very much! ps apologies if this should be in 'pickups', or somewhere else


text:
Back to Adroit Prizes. / Back to Issue Twelve.
Dispatches from Somewhere in Brooklyn, 3:22 A.m.
University of Chicago, '15
2015 Adroit Prize for Poetry: Honorable Mention
Our riot quieted
to cracked trees, bottles,
the raw gums of winter.
Every bar door an exit wound.
C's voice is a white curtain,
burning. The dark a child
listening on the stairwell.
This is my history, lost
to clear and unclear fluids.
What god knotted these streets
with hooks for swallowing.
Words fall like hands.
There's no metaphor
for my sister's turned back.
Sara Henry won the Foyle Young Poets Award in 2010, and her work has appeared in The Doctor T.J. Eckleburg Review, Magma, The Moth Magazine, SOFTBLOW, and Word Riot, among others. One may find her winning Foyle poem, "Work Night," on the inside back cover of John Grisham's Theodore Boone, one of the books distributed for the UK and Ireland's World Book Night 2014.
Next (Austin Kodra, "Hiding in the Birds") >
< Previous (Alec Hershman, "Against the Body's Blue Unwield")


text:
I think I think; therefore, I think I am?
Or therefore I am I am?
I think, "I think, therefore I am";
therefore, I am "I think, therefore I am."
The little Descarte engine chugs up the hill
chanting, "I think I am...I think I am...".
I think, therefore I am...NOT!
I am there, for I think I am.
I think what I think; therefore, I am what I am.
I eat spinach; therefore, I yam what I yam.
I think; however, I am.
I think; moreover, I am.
They are; therefore, I think.
You are; therefore, I am.
You are there, for I think.
I write sonnets; therefore, Iamb.
THINK; therefore, IBM.
We THIMK; therefore, we err.
I am; air go; I am not.
Cogito; ergoes the neighborhood.
I shrink; therefore, I'm.
I am, but I think.
I think, therefore I damn.
I fink, therefore I lam.
I think not; therefore, I am not.
I think; therefore, I am...I think.
You think; therefore, you are...or so YOU say.
Cogito; Here goes: ZOOM!
— Dean Blehert
(posted by Pam)


text:
Purchases for a baby shower should include invitations, decorations, menu items, party favors and, possibly, items for games. The first items purchased should be invitations and stamps to send them.
Baby showers often feature a theme, such as Noah's Ark or the French countryside. Once the theme has been chosen, decorations can be purchased. Typically, decorations should include a tablecloth, signage, balloons and tabletop decor. Tableware, napkins and cups usually match the color scheme of the theme. Many hostesses also like to include a guest book or scrapbook to present to the expectant mother afterwards.
Party favors sometimes also reflect the theme. Hostesses usually either present each guest with a parting gift or give gifts as prizes to the winners of games. Items such as soap, candles, bubble bath and lotion are popular party favors. Food gifts, such as cookies and candies, are also appropriate.
Brunch and teatime gatherings are traditional settings for baby showers, so menu items usually reflect these sensibilities. A cake or selection of cupcakes is a traditional dessert. Non-alcoholic punch is usually served.
Some baby-shower games require special material that should be purchased ahead of time, such as clay for games where guests sculpt clay babies. Pencils and paper are always good to have on-hand.


text:
Good cream cheese brownie recipes include the cheesecake-marbled brownie recipe from Epicurious and the cream cheese swirl brownie recipe from Betty Crocker. Both recipes have favorable ratings and reviews.
To make cheesecake-marbled brownies, gently melt 1 stick of unsalted butter and 2 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate in a saucepan. Turn off the heat, and incorporate 1 cup of sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Blend in 2/3 cup of flour, and transfer the batter into a buttered 8-inch square baking pan.
Thoroughly mix 8 ounces of cream cheese with 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 egg yolk and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese batter on top of the brownie batter and use a knife to swirl the surface. Bake the mixture at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until the batter is cooked but still moist.
To make cream cheese swirl brownies, prepare an 18.4-ounce box of brownie mix according to the packet instructions. Beat 4 ounces of cream cheese with 1 egg, 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Transfer three quarters of the brownie batter into a greased 9-inch square baking pan. Place spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top, and follow with the rest of the brownie batter. Swirl the batter with a knife. Distribute 1/3 cup of semisweet chocolate chips on top. Bake the mixture at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until it is just set.


text:
"Are you the lady from the newspaper?" a student shouted and pointed as I entered the high school auditorium.
I nodded.
She was the first student I met on that first day; she sat alone on the edge of the stage and dangled her feet into the area used as the orchestra pit. Behind her, at the far corner of the stage, a small group of students huddled together to play a theatre warm-up game. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder in a tight circle. Then, one student raised her hands and clasped them above her head. "Ugh," she bellowed, slowly dropping her hands as though throwing her words to another student in the circle.
"Ugh," the next student shouted, letting the exclamation echo in the auditorium.
Just a few weeks before this, I sat at my desk in the newsroom where I covered education for a small community newspaper and stared at a blank document titled, "Story Ideas." My fingers tapped the mouse, keeping time with the blinking cursor, when I remembered the high school Shakespeare troupe I had written about a few times and opened a new email.
"Dear Sue," I typed, addressing the teacher. "I would like to write an in-depth piece about your class."
"I've been thinking," she responded after a few days, "the only way you'll really understand what we do, is if you do it with us."
And so there I was, almost 26-years-old and taking a high school Shakespeare class.
Sue clapped to start the class warm-up, and the students assembled in a large circle on the stage. I stood along the edge, clutching a notebook tight to my chest until Sue held up her hand and waved for me to join them.
"8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1," the students counted down in unison. They shouted each number as they shook their right arms, held high above their heads, then their left arms, then their right legs, extending them in short, quick kicks from the knee. I flicked my wrists, held level with my shoulder, and silently mouthed each number. Instead of kicking, I flexed each foot in rapid succession, eight times, constrained partly by the high heels I had worn, partly by my naturally inhibited nature.
I had not known what to expect on that first day. Most of my high school lessons on Shakespeare had been conventional—lectures on Shakespeare's life and work and studies of his most famous plays: Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and Hamlet. My high school classmates and I dressed in uniforms and raised our hands from desks arranged in straight, neat rows. But Shakespeare's plays were written to be performed, Sue, who had discovered these performance-based techniques years earlier at the Folger Shakespeare Library, said. Teaching Shakespeare through performance, she explained to me, gives students a chance to add creativity and fun to material and language that most, at least initially, find difficult.
"And for some reason," she added, "I think it lets us live in the moment a little bit more."
When I arrived in class for the second week, Sue smiled. She had warned me that this type of work could be addicting.
Throughout that year, the weekly schedules I handed my editor listed the same thing: Wednesday, 2 PM, CHS, a notation specific enough to remind him of my project, yet vague enough that he did not press me for story copy, photographs, or sidebars. Each week, I slipped out of the office at 1:30, always with a pen and notebook, allowing enough time to get to the high school, sign in at the office, and arrive on time for the class's 1:51 PM start. I had originally planned to spend one day per week with the class, although my visits soon multiplied to two, sometimes three a week, as I enjoyed the supportive environment more than the performance work itself.
Just before the Christmas break, I sat on the floor, legs crossed, with a group of students as we discussed Act I, scene ii of The Tempest, a moment when the previously obedient spirit Ariel rebels in search of freedom. To stage our scene, the students wanted one person to play Prospero while the remaining performers, shackled together to represent a different side of Ariel's personality, would play the nymph. Prospero would be one voice on the stage, addressing an Ariel who answered chorally at some moments and solo at others, depending on the spirit's mood. Before they assigned roles, the group turned to me.
"We were talking," someone said, "and we think you should play Prospero."
"I thought Matthew was going to play Prospero," I said. Matthew, a junior and one of the few males in the class, was the obvious choice for the role. His natural presence and booming voice commanded attention.
"It's because you're old," a student named Lauren said frankly.
"No," another student, more gentle and maternal, said. "It's because we think you have so much life experience, and we think you could bring such depth to the role."
I looked at Matthew, and he nodded in agreement.
"Sure," I agreed.
I was flattered and almost thrilled, a reaction not unlike one Prospero may have had. A great magician and former duke, Prospero was overthrown by his brother and cast out to sea with his daughter and his books. Desperate for control, and perhaps even revenge, he conjures the storm from which the play takes its name.
"Did the kids tell you what they wanted to do with the scene?" Sue asked, smiling when she caught me after class.
"Yes," I said, and in my voice, I heard a half-eye roll, half-smile, as if to say, "those kids."
"They're so sweet," Sue said, and I nodded.
In March, I accompanied the troupe on a field trip to the Folger Shakespeare Library, and I observed the students gathered on a street corner in Washington, D.C., drinking coffee, talking, and laughing.
"Are they much different outside of school?" Sue interrupted as she watched me watching them.
"No," I answered.
"Yeah." Sue smiled. "This is a group who is pretty comfortable with themselves."
On a few occasions, Sue told me how her students had influenced her. After spending so much time around teenagers, she felt she dressed in a style younger than her fifty-some years; after hearing some of her students play the guitar, she thought of taking lessons herself; after listening to one student's recitation of Hamlet's "To be or not to be" monologue, she began to think about death in a new way. After a few weeks with the troupe, I, too, found myself charmed by the students and inspired by their youth, their energy, their sincerity. I came to love the students, and to know them as I did was a privilege. I knew very little about their friends, their dreams, their lives. I saw them only as the creative, self-assured students of my Shakespeare class. It crossed my mind, once or twice, that their sure-footedness could be just another performance. If so, it was a very convincing act.
By mid-spring, I had memorized my lines. During our first rehearsal, the students and I gathered in the center of the stage; the Ariels clustered at stage right, and I stood across from them. Looking into the near-empty auditorium, I suddenly felt the vastness of the theatre. Staring out at row upon row of green-upholstered seats, my 5'2" frame a mere speck on the stage, I realized how tiny I must have appeared. I gripped my script, gazing down at the small type periodically, and began.
"Hast thou, spirit, performed to point the tempest that I bade thee?"
"Lose the script," Sue interrupted from her seat in the audience. "You know the words."
I tucked my script into my back pocket, suddenly aware of my hands and unsure what to do with them as I spoke. Had I uttered these words in real life, I would assume the gestures would come more naturally—I would shrug my shoulders and open my eyes wide. On stage, however, I stood motionless with my arms bent slightly at my elbows, stiff at my sides.
A high school friend who performed in school plays and community theatre productions once told me she loved acting because it provided a chance for her to become someone else. I didn't realize that acting would require so much of myself. So much digging into my own past, emotions, and motives so that, through me, the audience may feel something, too.
"How now? Moody?" I continued. "What is it thou canst demand?"
"You need to yell at us," a student named Sydney said. "Get mad."
I looked at the students' eager faces nodding in agreement and laughed. "I don't think I would ever be mad at you guys."
"Pretend that we're people you would be mad at," Sydney advised. "Like, do you have kids? Or a husband?"
I bit my bottom lip and shook my head, "No."
"Just try yelling," Matthew said, his eyebrows raised with a hint of mischief. "It's fun."
While I had never before acted on stage, I suppose some of my behavior could be construed as performance. On Friday nights when I was in high school, I donned a cheerleading uniform and pranced before the crowd at football games, perky and self-assured. Come Monday, I hunched my shoulders over my desk, diligently taking notes and avoiding eye contact. In college, I exuded confidence as an anchor on our campus news program. Yet, at bars or parties on weekends, I clung to the wall and held onto a plastic cup filled with water, a prop meant to convince others that I, too, belonged in that scene.
It surprised some people when I decided to pursue a career in journalism. "You're so quiet, so shy, so reserved," they said, and I knew they imagined me challenging a prominent leader or entering a war zone. I found, however, that being a good reporter required that I blend in, observe, and try to understand someone else's experience.
When I landed my first job at a newspaper, a former professor extended both his congratulations and a warning: "That's great," he said. "Remember, you'll write a lot of stories, and not all of them will be winners." I'm not sure if his sentiments addressed my nature as a perfectionist or just the nature of small newspapers. Each day at my newspaper, a small editorial staff took on the tremendous task of reporting, writing, editing, and laying out the paper. My professor's words were a comfort to me on the occasions when I sent a story to press that could have been more developed. Within a year, those same words had become an excuse for subpar, unenthusiastic work.
"Well, I guess this one's just not a winner," I sighed to myself more and more frequently as I typed canned quotes into a document or transcribed strings of declarative sentences that I had scribbled in my notebook during a meeting or composed in my head while driving back to the office after an assignment. At the end of each day, I gathered my belongings and trudged to my car.
Very few days passed that an editor did not criticize, sometimes harshly, one of my colleagues, leading to eye rolls or sighs or tears while the rest of us continued to type in the quiet, open office.
"What is it thou canst demand?" I wanted to ask when my turn came, and my supervisor summoned me to the conference room. Instead, I silently lowered myself into the seat across from him. My exact offense escapes my memory, although I would guess that I had challenged a headline, an edit, or even an assignment.
"What are you afraid of?" He shrugged his shoulders and placed his hands on the table in front of him. "That these people on your beat will be mad at you? They'll get over it. They're actually used to it."
I had the sense that the majority of our readers viewed our publication alternately as a rag or a joke. I am still not sure which I deem worse. Not being taken seriously is both exhausting and humbling, but even humility brings with it a certain sense of defeat.
"When you first started, we all thought, 'she's so nice. I wonder how long she'll last,'" a colleague once confided in me.
"You're a good person," someone else said. "Maybe, though, you're just not a good reporter."
Why, I wondered, can't I be both?
Eventually, I left the newspaper to pursue my graduate degree and a teaching career. When I ponder why I quit, I hesitate to offer that I was "too nice" or "not edgy enough" for the job. The former negates the fact that many of my colleagues and editors are some of the finest people I know. The latter makes me sound weak. My fatal flaw, I eventually concluded, was that I became too attached too easily. I could not bring myself to publish a quote that would make someone sound foolish; I directed my headstrong defiance towards my editors rather than my reporting. I felt such inner turmoil trying to be loyal to both those I wrote about and the publication I wrote for that I became increasingly irritable, lost weight, and had trouble sleeping.
And now I found myself marking syllables on a transcript of The Tempest. It was ironic that the students had asked me to play a character as angry and vengeful as Prospero, and I questioned the experience they thought I could bring to the role. I also waited to see what the role might bring out in me: what would I glean from delving into a character whose personality was so unlike my own?
"I'm glad you're doing this," a friend from college said during my year with the troupe. "It will be a good story, but I think it's good for you, too."
Sue decided I could benefit from resistance work, an acting technique in which a performer is placed under physical stress so that she will forget to think about her lines and bring only her instincts and raw emotions to the role; it's most effective for situations that place a character under pressure. So, one afternoon, Sue and I met in the auditorium and stood at opposite wings of the stage to prepare.
We shouted to each other, repeating the same sentence at an increasing volume.
"I am Sue," Sue began.
"I am Erica," I echoed tentatively, uncomfortably.
"I am Sue," Sue said, with greater volume, power, and authority.
"I am Erica," I repeated. I made an effort to mimic Sue's confidence and certainty but only ended up reciting the words in my own flat tone.
"I AM SUE," Sue shouted this time.
"I am Erica," I repeated, my level of embarrassment the only thing actually increasing as I spoke.
I did not know how I would describe Sue when it came time to write about her in my feature. She dressed simply and dyed her short, pixie haircut brown, except for the two small patches of grey at her temples. She began as a character in my story, but became my friend. If I wrote that she kept the hair at her temples grey, would she be embarrassed? If I mentioned her kindness and strength, would I be editorializing? To describe someone's physical appearance seemed invasive and somehow wrong. To intuit a person's identity and character, even a small aspect of it, seemed presumptuous. Even interpreting Prospero's motives from just a few lines of dialogue made me feel uneasy, as though I could assume too much or be incorrect. Yet, when Sue and her students did that exact thing to me, I liked it. It was comforting to feel known and understood.
As Sue locked the auditorium that day, I asked about her own experiences with acting.
"Oh, I took one class in college, but I'm pretty sure I was stiff as a board," she said. Then, she smiled and pointed to me playfully. "I'm like you."
I simply smiled back and followed her into the hallway.
The following day, I arrived at the auditorium to do my resistance work with the class. I knelt down on the ground as the students positioned themselves around me, holding me by my shoulders, waist, knees, and ankles. This time, only one student played Ariel. She stood in front of me, taking a step away each time I lunged forward to catch her.
"Thou, my slave, as thou report'st thyself, wast then her servant," I said. As I spoke my lines, my voice strained with struggle, and my thighs burned as I rose to a near-standing position.
Just a day earlier, as I had recited those same words to Sue, my voice sounded monotone. As I spoke, I thought only of my script, marked and scribbled with notes: which words had I decided to emphasize? Which lines had I wanted to shout? To whisper? When it came to performance, I excelled at the preparation. I found memorization and recitation easy and having a script to dictate what I should say and how I should respond reassured me. Yet, in the execution, I needed to express myself with conviction, to react to the situations presented in the drama immediately, a task that was no easier for me in a scripted world than in reality.
With the students hanging off of me, however, all I could think about was freeing myself and catching the little Ariel, mocking me just out of my reach.
"Stop for a minute," I yelled at one point, re-orienting myself to the auditorium and the circle of students surrounding me. "I forget the rest of my lines."
After I finished speaking, the troupe fell silent. Then the student who had greeted me on my first day raised her hand.
"There were like seven of us on you, and you almost got up," she said. "You're, like, really strong."
Toward the end of the school year, Sue asked if I would perform as Prospero during a small festival to be held one morning at the high school.
In the days leading up to the performance, I found myself torn between wanting to experience a live performance and wanting to keep my work with the troupe confined only to moments in class. When I tried to back out, Sue told me that performing was like running a marathon: the preparation is the important part, but I would have to run the race to realize that. Plus, I thought to abandon my Ariels after all their work would be mean.
At the start of our scene, the spotlight illuminated the stage to reveal the Ariels, dressed in black and huddled together, sleeping. They had painted their faces with masks of red and teal stars that seemed to burst from the corners of their eyes and trickle down their cheeks. They had tied pink and green fabric around their wrists to bind them to each other. I stepped out of the wings and walked slowly towards them, my silver sandals making a soft patter as I moved across the stage. I wore white jeans and a white shirt. I had pulled my long hair into a low bun at the nape of my neck; a cluster of small stars also decorated my face, shooting from the corner of my eye to my temple. In my right hand, where I had once clutched my script, I gripped a staff. My fingers curled around the smooth wooden stick, from which flowed the same jewel-toned fabric that bound the Ariels together. A few pockets of people sat throughout the nearly empty auditorium. Once on stage, though, I could barely make out their shadows through the glare of the spotlight.
When I reached the spot where the Ariels rested, I hit the stage with my staff, letting the echo reverberate through the theatre, as my Ariels roused from sleep, lifted their faces, and turned their heads toward me.
"Hast thou, spirit, perform'd to point the tempest that I bade thee?" I spoke sternly, with pointed pauses between each word.
"To every article," they replied in unison. "I boarded the king's ship; now on the beak, now in the waist, the deck, in every cabin I flamed amazement."
I raised my eyebrows with exaggerated delight as they regaled me with the report of the storm.
When the Ariels requested their freedom from my reign, I turned to face the audience, extended my hands in front of me, and then quickly spread them to reach my full arm span, knocking each Ariel to the ground.
"Dost thou forget," I said with a lowered voice and clenched teeth, "from what a torment I did free thee? Thou dost. And think'st it much to tread the ooze of the salt deep, to run upon the sharp wind of the north, to do me business in the veins o' the earth when it is baked with frost."
At the end of the scene, I promised the Ariels freedom if they would aid me in one final plot.
"What shall I do?" they begged. "Say what; what shall I do?"
I turned toward them and motioned for them to come closer. All at once, they leaned forward.
"Go make thyself like a nymph of the sea," I whispered.
Performers, scholars argue, love Shakespeare not for his plays, but for his characters, for the depth and breadth of emotions one person can communicate in one role. "The great thing about Shakespeare," Sue once marveled, "is that he understood people. Not one type of person, but all people." I thought of Prospero—bitter, powerful, and humbled. And I thought of my Ariels, at once rebellious and loyal. And I thought of the students in the troupe, who were bursting with so many thoughts, emotions, and experiences that they could not be contained, and so they took to the stage.
When my last day with the class arrived, the students presented me with my staff as a memento of the year we spent together, and I felt very much like a student about to graduate: sad to leave, but ready—aware that I no longer belonged with the troupe.
When the story ran—on the front page of a Sunday edition of the newspaper—Sue wrote to thank me, as did some other teachers at the high school and parents whose children, at some point, had been part of the troupe.
Many times since, I have wished I could have stayed onstage for longer than our ten-minute scene from The Tempest, a few brief moments when I owned my own power, anger, and excitement. But even at the end of The Tempest, a humbled Prospero relinquishes his staff—and his powers—in exchange for a life less magical. "What strength I have's mine own," he says, and then he exits.
I have not acted in the years since I left the troupe, although I have returned to the auditorium to watch later performances. From my place in the dark audience, I can feel the troupe's joy and energy in the spotlight. When I return home, I find the staff resting against the corner of my bedroom, its jewel-toned fabric vibrant against the white walls, as it was against my white outfit on the day of the performance.


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Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) reported first-quarter earnings last night. Analysts were looking for a net loss of $0.20 per share on $2 billion in sales -- the PC market isn't exactly rosy-cheeked and bushy-tailed, so everybody was expecting bad news.
But memory chip prices fell farther and faster than expected. Revenue dropped 14% year over year to $1.8 billion and the net loss spiked all the way to $0.27 per share. Production volumes are up across the board, but street prices for DRAM and flash memory chips are falling through the basement floor. Share prices moved in the opposite direction, falling as much as 8.9% on the news.
The report also put a damper on the memory industry overall. Yes, it's a gloomy market day to begin with, but sector players from OCZ Technology (UNKNOWN:OCZ.DL) to STEC (UNKNOWN:STEC.DL) lost more value than the average tech stock today.
But it's not all terrible tidings. Micron defended its flash memory pricing by shifting more sales into premium markets such as solid-state drives and ultra-compact multichip packages.
Looking further ahead, management appears optimistic about the proposed Elpida acquisition closing in the first half of 2013. That view was bolstered after the earning release, when another domino fell: The Japanese Fair Trade Commission just gave the deal its seal of approval. This transaction would expand Micron's market reach dramatically, including such choice accounts as Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhones and iPads.
Furthermore, the combined company would hold a lot of pricing power by sheer production volume controls. Other leading memory chip makers like Samsung and Toshiba are wide-ranging conglomerates with little interest in managing price levels this way. This is why the Elpida buy is so crucial to Micron's results in the next couple of years.
Some would say that this price drop is a buying opportunity. Analyst firm Wedbush Morgan, for one, said that "the worst is likely behind the company" and reiterated its buy rating with an $8 price target. I'm also comfortable owning Micron with a long-term investing horizon. It's no get-rich-quick scheme, but it's a sector leader that's likely to come out of this industry slump stronger than before.
Fool contributor Anders Bylund owns shares of Micron but holds no other position in any company mentioned. Check out Anders' bio and holdings or follow him on Twitter and Google+.
The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of and creating a bull call spread position in Apple. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.


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Foster Wheeler Licensee Offers Heat Recovery Steam Generators
Foster Wheeler AG announced today that BHI Co., Ltd., a licensee of its Global Power Group, has been awarded two contracts for Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs) in Asia. BHI offers HRSGs, pulverized coal (PC) boilers, circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers and oil and gas boilers all utilizing Foster Wheeler's proven technology.
A contract by Mitsubishi Corporation was awarded to BHI for the design and supply of four HRSGs for the 240 megawatt Bangpoo cogeneration power plant in Thailand, which is scheduled to be on-line by third quarter 2016. Additionally, BHI received a contract from Daewoo Engineering & Construction for the design and supply of two HRSGs for the Pocheon 940 megawatt combined-cycle power plant IPP project in South Korea. The plant is expected to be on-line first quarter 2017.
BHI has received a full notice to proceed on both contracts. The terms of the agreements were not disclosed. The royalty value received for the Mitsubishi project was included in Foster Wheeler's bookings for the second quarter of 2014; the royalty value received for the Daewoo project will be included in Foster Wheeler's bookings for the third quarter of 2014.
"We at Foster Wheeler are proud of our great association with BHI in producing world-class HRSGs," said David J. Parham, Executive Vice President, Foster Wheeler Global Power Group. "Together we have extensive experience with a variety of combustion turbines."
"BHI is pleased to be making an important contribution by supplying environmentally friendly and cost-efficient HRSGs," said Woo Jong-Ihn, President, BHI Co., Ltd. "In particular, our HRSGs operating behind Siemens and Mitsubishi J-gas turbines, respectively, will help secure reliable power generation in Thailand and South Korea."


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From Business Insider:
On this day 68 years ago, nearly 3 million Allied troops readied themselves for one of the greatest military operations of world history.
D-Day. And the push that led to Hitler's defeat.
At least 160,000 of those troops landed on the shores of Normandy, France. As they stormed the beaches, General Dwight D. Eisenhower's confident words summed up the incredible significance of their mission:
"You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you," he wrote in a famous letter sent to troops before the assault.
"We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good Luck!
As this story notes, he also wrote an alternative letter, one to be used if things went the other way and the Nazis won. Also from the Business Insider story:
"Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone."
What? No "mistakes were made" weasel words? "[A]ny blame or fault attached to the attempt is mine alone?" How quaint that sounds in the age of Obama. Thank Almighty God for men like Eisenhower, and pray to Him that we can find more leaders like that to help us take our country back.


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This note was originally published April 01, 2011 at 08:15 in
"There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction."
-Winston Churchill
We are starting today's Early Look on a more administrative note. Our Founder and CEO Keith McCullough will be retiring as CEO of Hedgeye effective today, and going forward will be Chairman Emeritus of Hedgeye. Keith's decision was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family and to pursue some long standing personal interests. Later this morning, we will be announcing our new CEO, someone who we think will be able to rightfully build and grow on Keith's legacy. We wish you the best Keith! (If you would like to send Keith a personal note, you can email firstname.lastname@example.com and we will forward it to him.)
With that, we'll now turn back to the daily morning macro grind.
Continuing on the theme of change, we want to highlight three key areas of risk management change that have been percolating over the last few weeks:
1. TRADE Duration Change – 3 Weeks or Less – A key investment theme over the past two years, and really since the inception of the U.S. government's weak dollar policy, has been the high negative correlation between the U.S. dollar and both U.S. equities and global commodities. As we noted earlier this week in an Early Look, this has changed on a shorter duration. In fact, currently the 3-week correlation between the USD and SP500 is +0.29. So, while it is not strongly positive, it is positive and this is new. We've long submitted that a stronger USD is ultimately positive for the U.S. economy and stock market and, on the margin, we are starting to see this reflected in market prices. As you manage risk in your portfolios in the coming weeks, this is an inflection point of change to keep front and center.
2. TREND Duration Change – 3 Months or More – Over the course of the last eight weeks, we've witnessed an extreme acceleration and deceleration in volatility (as measured by the VIX), which has been reflected in the price movements of U.S. stocks. While the market has recovered from its March lows, the risks of The Inflation, sovereign debt, and interconnected global risk remain. The obvious next potential negative catalyst is potentially earnings season in the United States, which will begin in fervor in mid-to- late April, where we will potentially see the impact of The Inflation tax on both consumer demand and corporate earnings.
In the Chart of the Day, attached below, we've shown the volatility in the U.S. stock market from February 18th to the close yesterday. In effect, we had a more than 10% move, which was 5%+ down and then 5%+ up. At the same time, volatility in stock market prices, as measured by the VIX, had a comparable move up and then down. While the last couple of quarters saw a steady climb in the stock market, beginning with the catalyst of The Bernank's announcement of The Quantitative Easing Part Deux in Jackson Hole, the last 6+ weeks seems to be a new paradigm of price volatility both up AND down.
3. TAIL Duration Change – 3 Years or Less – A longer term theme, or risk, that has developed over the course of the last month is accelerating geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East and North Africa. In early January, this all began with the Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia, which, at the time, was perceived to be limited in scope. Since then civil unrest has spread throughout the MENA region and the threat of regime change is becoming the norm. While some regime changes have been largely peaceful, like in Egypt, others have been much more violent, like Libya. As the Obama administration continues to evolve their foreign policy strategy real time, these outcomes will remain largely uncertain.
We wrote a note to our Macro subscribers earlier this week titled "Obama's Foreign Policy . . . Bush Doctrine Take Two", which compared Obama's preemption, as he articulated in his speech earlier this week with the expression "refusing to wait", to the Bush Doctrine, whose primary objective was to preempt threats. As the Obama strategy continues to evolve, it is likely increasingly difficult that he can both "refuse to wait" in humanitarian interventionist situations, but also abide by his promise of "no boots on the ground". In any event, despite early gains by the Libyan rebels, Gadafi's forces appear to be taking ground back, which suggests the Libyan conflict will continue much longer than was expected after the initial NATO intervention. Oil, which is hitting a 30-month high this morning, implies as much and is also signaling that future stability in the Middle East is far from certain.
As we analyze the changes highlighted above that we have seen over the last few months and contemplate how to utilize them in making future investment decisions, it certainly seems that this is not change "in the right direction". This is true in that heightened price volatility and increasing geopolitical uncertainty are not positive. That said, as it relates to future monetary and fiscal policy in the U.S., the positive correlation between a strong USD and equity prices is a positive change and hopefully a signal that The Bernank will heed accordingly.
On the U.S. dollar front, our view, unlike perhaps the Obama foreign policy, has been quite clear and consistent. As Winston Churchill also said:
"When you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time - a tremendous whack."
Best of luck out there today.
Keep your head up and stick on the ice,
Daryl G. Jones
Managing Director


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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Having been not ranked in the region's top 15 all season, the Saint Joseph's women's cross country squad broke through with a gritty 13th-place showing in a field of 28 squads at the 2017 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship, held at Lehigh University's Goodman Campus on Friday morning. The Hawks knocked off three teams that had been regionally ranked heading into the meet - Lehigh, American, and Delaware - with their 423-point performance.
Three of SJU's five scorers broke their 6k PRs, while all seven of SJU's racers set season-best 6k times.
"I am so happy with how the team raced today," said head coach Melody O'Reilly. "They put the Atlantic 10 Championship performance behind them and came out and ran with confidence. I'm very proud of how they bounced back."
Penn State and Villanova finished first and second to earn the automatic qualification for the NCAA Championship, to be held at Tom Sawyer Park in Louisville, Ky. next Saturday.
In the final 6k race of her collegiate career, paced by a 5:42.0 mile average, senior Cassidy Weimer clocked in with a collegiate-best time of 21:15.8, an improvement on her previous 6k PR (21:43.4), set on the same course in 2016, by over 27 seconds. The co-captain's performance was good for 46th in a field of 193. Weimer hit the first mile at 5:30.9 and the 3500m mark at 12:29.5 en route to the her new collegiate PR.
Paced by a 5:46.7 mile average, junior Lucy Harmon finished as SJU's #2 runner in a collegiate-best time of 21:33.1, good for 63rd overall. Harmon, who has enjoyed a breakthrough season in her junior cross country campaign, had reached her new 6k PR (23:24.8) back in mid-September and destroyed that time by nearly two entire minutes (1:51.7) in her first collegiate NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship meet.
Junior Lindsey Oremus finished strong as SJU's #3 runner, clocking in with a season-best time of 21:45.5 for 79th. The performance marked Oremus' second-fastest 6k of her collegiate career and was just 10.9 seconds off from her PR.
In the final 6k race of her collegiate career, graduate student Sydney Coughlin came through with her fastest 6k of the season (22:16.6) to place 112th as SJU's #4 finisher. The performance marked Coughlin's second-fastest 6k of her collegiate career, as she ran 22:10 for 6k on the Goodman Campus (Paul Short Run) back in 2015.
Junior Elaine Estes rounded out SJU's scoring with a collegiate-best time of 22:29.6, good for 123rd. Estes has had a breakthrough year this fall and crushed her previous 6k PR (22:53.2), set at the Goodman Campus (Paul Short Run) in 2016, by 20.38 seconds.
Sophomore Meridith Twomey (22:51.1 PR) and junior Britton Gagliardi (season-best 22:53.9) crossed in 149th and 152nd, respectively, as SJU's #6 and #7 runners.
The Hawks will conclude the 2017 cross country season at the ECAC Championship, to be held next Saturday, November 18 at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, N.Y. The 5k race is slated to begin at 10:00 a.m.


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Ketogenic Diet For Weight Loss
KetonX is a drink that allows the body to begin converting into a state of nutritional ketosis within a matter of hours, not days. Featuring a patented blend of ingredients, KetonX is a safe and simple way to achieve ketosis without the negative side effects of a typical ketogenic diet.
Get Ketopia products: http://FastKetosisDiet.com
A recent scientific discovery at the University of South Florida determined that the body will begin to convert to a state of nutritional ketosis in a matter of hours when the perfect ratios of specific natural ingredients are ingested. This patent-pending blend of ingredients is featured in KetonX. This technology has been developed over years of ketone research by Dominic D'Agostino, PhD.
ForeverGreen is proud to announce it has solidified an agreement with the University of South Florida to promote ketone technology researched and developed by Dominic D'Agostino, PhD.
source: FGXpress.com
source: FGXpress.com
Get Ketopia products: http://FastKetosisDiet.com


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Effects of human carbon emissions could last 10,000 years – 'Our greenhouse gas emissions today produce climate-change commitments for many centuries to millennia'Posted by Jim at Monday, February 15, 2016
CORVALLIS, Oregon, 8 February 2016 (OSU) – At the rate humans are emitting carbon into the atmosphere, the Earth may suffer irreparable damage that could last tens of thousands of years, according to a new analysis published this week.
Too much of the climate change policy debate has focused on observations of the past 150 years and their impact on global warming and sea level rise by the end of this century, the authors say. Instead, policy-makers and the public should also be considering the longer-term impacts of climate change.
"Much of the carbon we are putting in the air from burning fossil fuels will stay there for thousands of years – and some of it will be there for more than 100,000 years," said Peter Clark, an Oregon State University paleoclimatologist and lead author on the article. "People need to understand that the effects of climate change on the planet won't go away, at least not for thousands of generations."
The researchers' analysis is being published this week in the journal Nature Climate Change.
Thomas Stocker of the University of Bern in Switzerland, who is past-co-chair of the IPCC's Working Group I, said the focus on climate change at the end of the 21st century needs to be shifted toward a much longer-term perspective.
"Our greenhouse gas emissions today produce climate-change commitments for many centuries to millennia," said Stocker, a climate modeler and co-author on the Nature Climate Change article. "It is high time that this essential irreversibility is placed into the focus of policy-makers.
"The long-term view sends the chilling message (about) what the real risks and consequences are of the fossil fuel era," Stocker added. "It will commit us to massive adaptation efforts so that for many, dislocation and migration becomes the only option."
Sea level rise is one of the most compelling impacts of global warming, yet its effects are just starting to be seen. The latest IPCC report, for example, calls for sea level rise of just one meter by the year 2100. In their analysis, however, the authors look at four difference sea level-rise scenarios based on different rates of warming, from a low end that could only be reached with massive efforts to eliminate fossil fuel use over the next few decades, to a higher rate based on the consumption of half the remaining fossil fuels over the next few centuries.
With just two degrees (Celsius) warming in the low-end scenario, sea levels are predicted to eventually rise by about 25 meters. With seven degrees warming at the high-end scenario, the rise is estimated at 50 meters, although over a period of several centuries to millennia.
"It takes sea level rise a very long time to react – on the order of centuries," Clark said. "It's like heating a pot of water on the stove; it doesn't boil for quite a while after the heat is turned on – but then it will continue to boil as long as the heat persists. Once carbon is in the atmosphere, it will stay there for tens or hundreds of thousands of years, and the warming, as well as the higher seas, will remain."
Clark said for the low-end scenario, an estimated 122 countries have at least 10 percent of their population in areas that will be directly affected by rising sea levels, and that some 1.3 billion – or 20 percent of the global population – live on lands that may be directly affected. The impacts become greater as the warming and sea level rise increases.
"We can't keep building seawalls that are 25 meters high," noted Clark, a professor in OSU's College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences. "Entire populations of cities will eventually have to move."
Daniel Schrag, the Sturgis Hooper Professor of Geology at Harvard University, said there are moral questions about "what kind of environment we are passing along to future generations."
"Sea level rise may not seem like such a big deal today, but we are making choices that will affect our grandchildren's grandchildren – and beyond," said Schrag, a co-author on the analysis and director of Harvard's Center for the Environment. "We need to think carefully about the long time-scales of what we are unleashing."
The new paper makes the fundamental point that considering the long time scales of the carbon cycle and of climate change means that reducing emissions slightly or even significantly is not sufficient. "To spare future generations from the worst impacts of climate change, the target must be zero – or even negative carbon emissions – as soon as possible," Clark said.
"Taking the first steps is important, but it is essential to see these as the start of a path toward total decarbonization," Schrag pointed out. "This means continuing to invest in innovation that can someday replace fossil fuels altogether. Partial reductions are not going to do the job."
Stocker said that in the last 50 years alone, humans have changed the climate on a global scale, initiating the Anthropocene, a new geological era with fundamentally altered living conditions for the next many thousands of years.
"Because we do not know to what extent adaptation will be possible for humans and ecosystems, all our efforts must focus on a rapid and complete decarbonization –the only option to limit climate change," Stocker said.
The researchers' work was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the German Science Foundation and the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Scientists say window to reduce carbon emissions is small
ABSTRACT: Most of the policy debate surrounding the actions needed to mitigate and adapt to anthropogenic climate change has been framed by observations of the past 150 years as well as climate and sea-level projections for the twenty-first century. The focus on this 250-year window, however, obscures some of the most profound problems associated with climate change. Here, we argue that the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, a period during which the overwhelming majority of human-caused carbon emissions are likely to occur, need to be placed into a long-term context that includes the past 20 millennia, when the last Ice Age ended and human civilization developed, and the next ten millennia, over which time the projected impacts of anthropogenic climate change will grow and persist. This long-term perspective illustrates that policy decisions made in the next few years to decades will have profound impacts on global climate, ecosystems and human societies — not just for this century, but for the next ten millennia and beyond.
Consequences of twenty-first-century policy for multi-millennial climate and sea-level change
Labels: Antarctica , carbon dioxide , carbon reduction , climate change , deglaciation , global warming , Graph of the Day , greenhouse gas , Greenland , ice sheet , IPCC , sea level


text:
This came from a cover of "Je Suis Malade"
the original
Jacques Brel version
Lara's version
But then comes Aida Nikolaychuk... it's not that she does a bad job. It's that Elena, 12, has more voice than Aida. Aida has a really beautiful voice, (the Lullaby is amazing) but she should stay away from songs like this. This reveals her weaknesses. She just doesn't have the range, she can't get low enough, nor high enough, and towards the end of the song, she loses even her pitch. There isn't much expression there, and her pronunciation is horrible. Half of the things she is singing doesn't even sound like bad pronunciation, it sounds like she forgot the words and improvises just something that sounds like French. And the variation of volume... not much of that there either.


text:
We would like to thank you for stopping by our little spot on the World – Wide Web. It is our prayer that you will find something to bless your soul here. Our desire is that you have a personal relationship with the One who created you, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Further, it is our desire to take the good news of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection to the people of Mongolia and Korea. We have attempted to design this site to give you an introduction to our Saviour, our ministry, and ourselves. May God richly bless you in your walk with Him. If you would like to contact us, you can reach us at daniel at danielelliottfamily.us
Recent News:
- Our newest prayer letter has been posted on the prayer letter page.
- We are posting more frequent updates on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/daniel.elliott02
- Our clearinghouse, Central Missionary Clearinghouse, has updated their web site to allow for online giving. If you desire to support the ministry here in South Korea, please click here.
- We have updated pictures on our picture page
- We are thanking God for His work at Incheon International Baptist Church. We have transitioned the church to Korean leadership. Please continue to pray for the church
- We arrived back in the United States on March 12th. We return to Korea on December 4th. Please pray for safety on the roads and for great meetings.
- Ethan has begun therapy and is loving it. We have seen much improvement already.
- Click here for updates on Esther.


text:
I been playing this game called Demi-God via a purchase and download from Steam.
There is this character called the Torchbearer
He's described to have lived amongst the Vinlings who sound a lot like Vikings,
and have some mystical control of the elements of fire and ice. He was infatuated with the daughter of some important person who was warned that the powers of this strange young man who wanted his daughter would only attract evil and wrath of the gods.
So, he invited him to gathering inside his this building and locked him up inside the abode while setting it on fire. There must have been pools of burning oil inside.
Lots of Vinlings dies that night in the heat of the flames, their flesh burnt to blacked charr and then just dust, but not this man who rose from the flames, his flesh to was burnt and then he became this thing called the Torch-Bearer.
Now that I think of it....Vinlings may be derived from Vineland which was the Viking name they gave to what is now called America.
The point I'm trying to make here is that he reminds me of the evil-high-Drune-sorcerer Lord-Weird-Slough-Feg who looks much the same with his own horns or horned helmet and skinless body. The charred remains of flesh on his counterpart look close enough to me.
I think that not either of them have any skin between them.
I though this game would be excellent using character's from Slaine or even most characters from 2000AD.....
With the other villain like....
Elfric Serpent-Eye
Balor of the Evil Eye,
Who ever was the Midgard-Bezerker-Ruler?????,
As well as Slough Feg,
And some Good Folk......
Myrrdin Emyres,
or Cathbad,
Any or All Other Three of the Good Rulers from the Earth Goddess Tribes,
Niamh, (Who can purchase the use of the Sword of the Moon more cheaply since she was in possession of it for most of the time![/b]
Nest of the Speckled Face
& Slaine MacRoth (Who can purchase the Knucker as well forbidden leyser weapons.)
The Cauldron could be permanent artifact always belongs to the side fighting for the Earth -Goddess. Maybe all of it's abilities could upgrades, liking healing, and refiling mana as well as bring your hero back from the dead which is common in the game as it is.
They would play over various battlefields of Tir-Nan-Og like Dinas Emryes and Cythrawl perhaps defending their own fortress's.
Yet, what I was going about are the exact powers and abilities of Slough Feg.
I sure he can control all the elements, not just fire and ice and animals as well as rise prayers for lifting the flying ships into the sky.
Anything anybody wishes to add and do they like my idea?
Purchase the game, it's fun...and it's MODable
I've Been Meaning to Ask About Slough Feg.....
Discuss Mongoose RPGs here, such as the OGL rulebooks, Jeremiah, Armageddon 2089 and Macho Women with Guns
4 posts • Page 1 of 1
Re: I've Been Meaning to Ask About Slough Feg.....
On second thought, I think the Vinlings were another name for the American natives. Which makes better sense, but I think they are really total ficticous.
Re: I've Been Meaning to Ask About Slough Feg.....
This place is dead......
- Chief Mongoose
- Posts: 5003
- Joined: Sun Sep 05, 2004 11:41 pm
- Location: City of Wonders, Valusia (before the major cataclysm)
Re: I've Been Meaning to Ask About Slough Feg.....
Then it's a good place for NecromancyAvagddu wrote:This place is dead......
An American-style kitchen is a kitchen in the living room.
A French-style toilet has toilet in the living room.
My neighbours combine both styles.
A French-style toilet has toilet in the living room.
My neighbours combine both styles.
4 posts • Page 1 of 1
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text:
Azaz, a strategic town roughly 30 kilometres north-northwest of Aleppo and 5 kilometers from the Turkish border, has been the scene of heavy fighting over the past two weeks. Regime forces are continually shelling the city and helicopter attacks are frequent, while rebels retaliate with an anti-aircraft weapon.
I am a free lance editorial photographer based in a small fishing town called aberaeron on the west cost of Wales I have been working as a free lance photographer ever since I left the army in 1993. I have travelled to many places all over the world including Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone. Afghanistan and Iraq just to mention a few. Due to my back ground I am quite happy in war zones, and you can call me a war photographer. I love black and white photography
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
This Was AZAZ.
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text:
No products
HARIBO ®Kirsch Cola / Cherry ColaFruit Gums with cola flavorFree of gelatine1 Tub = 150 pieces1350 g / 2.98 pound
HARIBO ®Happy ColaCola flavored Gums1 Tub = 150 pieces1200 g / 2.65 pound
HARIBO ®Phantasia Funny mix of frogs, crocodiles, devils and more...1000 g / 2.20 pound
HARIBO ®Nimm Dir SauresTake Sour Sour fruit gums mix.1000 g / 2.20 pound
HARIBO ®Happy CherriesCherry flavored fruit gums.1 Tub = 150 pieces1200 g / 2.65 pound
HARIBO ®Color-Rado Mix of Fruit Gums, Licorice, ... 1000 g / 2.20 pound
Fisherman's FriendMintWith a strong Mint tasteDoing good with cough and hoarseness. 25g
Fisherman's FriendExtra stark - Extra strongOhne Zucker - sugar free Extra strong eucalyptus menthol pastilles. 25g
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HARIBO ®STAFETTENSugar-coated licorice sticks with colored sugar200g
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LIMITED EDITIONtic ® tacStrawberry Mix The new tic tac, coated in delicate pink and bright pink are fun and impress with a mix of sweet and sour strawberry dragees. 1 pack / 49 gr
KatjesGrün-Ohr-Hase / "Green-Ear-Buny"Soft Foam Confectionery with Fruit Gum Be veggie - with green ear bunnies! Also this delicacy from Katjes is completely without gelatin and offers vegetarian enjoyment according to the green ear guarantee. Enjoy the soft foam faces with jelly ears, which can convince with strawberry and cassis flavors. No artificial...
KatjesGrün-Ohr-Bärchen / "Green-Ear-Bear"Fruit Gum The Katjes green-ear Bear is not just any bears, but a very special. Because his left ear is green and represents the Katjes green ear guarantee, which shows at a glance: This is a vegetarian product with no animal gelatin.There is in the mix and in the following flavors: Cherry, Lemon, orange, pineapple...
Merci PetitsMandel Sahne / Almond CreamChocolate Candiesby StorckAlmond & Cream Chocolates125g
Merci PetitsHelle Sahne / Milk CreamChocolate Candiesby StorckMilk & Cream Chocolates125g
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text:
When did you live in St Lucia?
had a friends who lived in Matubatuba that use to be big ski boat fishermen. (Coopers, maybe you know them?)
Hi All
Just a quick intro, started traditional fishing around 5yrs old (lived just outside St lucia), started flyfishing around 1989 due to us living on a farm bordering the Komati my first fish on fly was a tiger and this progressed onto sea flyfishing , We had a plot up at Morrungulo in Moz so used to flog the waters there quite a bit. Only caught my first trout around 1992, for the past 10yrs odd have not done much flyfishing mainly due to me focusing on offshore fishing with traditional tackle, With crew on board and everyone wanting to fish I started leaving the flyrod at home. Anyhow beginning of the year did a vaal yellow trip with a mate and last weekend went out to Dullstroom and its official i'm hooked again (Caught 6 nice trout my first in about 10yrs) :smile:. Looking forward to going through the various articles on this forum and picking everyone's brains as quite a bit has changed since I last picked up a fly rod.
When did you live in St Lucia?
had a friends who lived in Matubatuba that use to be big ski boat fishermen. (Coopers, maybe you know them?)
Last edited by Korrie; 31-08-17 at 12:59 PM.
Korrie Broos
Don't go knocking on Death's door, ring the bell and run like hell. He hates it. (anon)
Nymphing, adds depth to your fly fishing.
Nymphing, is fly fishing in another dimension
Welcome LHooker,
Strange, recently quite a few fly fishers I haven't seen in years also started fishing again, great!
Web - www.flycraft.co.za
E-mail - email@example.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/flycraftflytying/
Custom Flies
Hi guys sorry did not see the replies, is one supposed to get an email notification if anyone replies to your posts? Anyhow hi Korrie I did not live in St Lucia I lived in Monzi which is just outside St Lucia, I did not know the Coopers.
I hope I'm not too late. Welcome to the forum, LHooker!


text:
Thank you to the many ticket sellers, purchasers, workers, donors, attendees ....and the list goes on and on.
And the BIG WINNERS are:
Mike Vennard takes the HARLEY…
$1,000 Peter Nardolillo
$500 Robert Bryant
Congratulations to our winners and a MAJOR THANK YOU to all our supporters. We couldn't do it without you. Hope to see everyone next year, be healthy & stay safe... Bob K
"China Beach...and we don't have to go back to Vietnam to celebrate there!!!"
Here is our Harley that will be raffled off this year... its a lot of high quality machine...what a beauty and tickets aree only $10 each, but we are selling out.
To WIN this...
...you have to have purchased the lucky one of these
...and here's this year's shirts
We have a limited supply of shirts.
Sizes M, L, XL $15.00 each Sizes 2X, 3X, 4X $17.50 each
Want a shirt or a few ?
For shirts call AL (518) 466-8771 or Jack (518) 235-4254 or Bob (518) 573-1497 and one of us will get them to you.
Where can we get Harley Tickets?
Albany Area
Call AL (518) 466-8771 or Jack (518) 235-4254 or Bob (518) 573-1497 and we'll get them to you...or visit one of our supporters:
East Berne, NY
Helderberg True Value 865 Helderberg Trail (Rt 443) East Berne, NY 12059
East Greenbush, NY
Smokin Joe's bbq,(formerly Mothers) 10 Troy Rd. East Greenbush, NY 12144
Fort Ann, NY
McDermott's Harley Davidson 4294 U.S. 4 Fort Ann, NY 12827
Not in the area, Call Bob at (518) 573-1497 or send me a message and we'll get them to you.
Thank you for your support...TCCVEV
Today June 1st 2014, at Albany County
Vietnam Memorial site, in Lafayette Park; 25-30 National Grid volunteers
teamed with members of the Tri-County Council Vietnam Era Veterans to work
as a team, in restoring the landscape of the area. Many dump trucks of gravel,
stones & dirt were delivered for the early morning task of beautifying the
Mayor Kathy Sheehan & Assemblyman John McDonald were present to view
the site. Importantly, 3 Special Guests were present; Gold Star Mothers'
Marie Ladouceur (Lanny '70) & Dorothea Rockenstyre Richard '67) - are
Vietnam Moms and GSM Rev. Charlene Robbins' son, (Robert), was the first
Capital Region Casualty in Iraq (2004). NOTE: M. Ladouceur (walker) - Rev. C.
Robbins (hard hat & vest) - R. Rockenstyre (cane)
God Bless these fine men
& women, who took the day of rest and gave their all to assist in this
endeavor to make Phase Three, a reality for the Vietnam Memorial. People of the
Capital Region - National Grid is our friend and thank them for this and our
Please Remember Me project's help.
- Gene


text:
Experience + Network = Track Record
Partners Mark Porter and David Grohol have been working together for over 15 years and each have over 20 years in software, internet, mobile and start-ups. Their unique blend of management/start-up expertise combined with a global network is the cornerstone of StepLadder's value proposition.
Mark J. Porter
Managing General Partner
In addition to StepLadder, Mark is the founder and CEO of InSequent, a leading digital services platform with over 20,000 SMB customers. Mark also founded Httprint - a commercial print e-procurement and services company. As its CEO from '96-03 Mark raised over $40 million in venture capital from Investcorp and Bertelsmann and led growth that earned a spot on Inc. Magazine's list of fastest growing companies in America. Httprint was sold to Europe's Polestar Group PLC. Mark has spent his entire career in the software industry. He began in sales and marketing, was GM during the IPO of a NASDAQ listed company (sold to Borland) before shifting to entrepreneurial pursuits of his own in the mid-90's.
Mark is a graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program (AMP) has an MBA from Pepperdine University and BS from Northeastern University.
David Grohol
Managing General Partner
Prior to co-founding StepLadder, David was an advisor and interim executive for several venture capital and private equity firms, leveraging significant global experience and relationships in the area of corporate and business development. David also served as the GM of Americas for Roamware, Inc - a global leader in mobile value added solutions. While there, David launched operations in Latin America and forged partnerships with some of the worlds largest mobile operators : ATT, American Movil, T-Mobile, Sprint, Telefonica, and Verizon. Prior to Roamware, David was VP of Sales for Httprint, Inc. During his tenure, Httprint was named to the 2002 and 2003 (#102) Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing companies in America. In addition, David has held various sales and management roles with Cognos (now IBM), Diffusion (now OpenText) and Verifone.
David graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS in Marketing.


text:
New Balance Shoes, 2017
Hello, New Year. 2017 has brought us a cold New York winter and a cold, calculating and shitty President. Warm welcomes.
Sometimes people meet in the dark. Whether it's a dark bar, or in dark times, or in a dark alley, or in a mental state of dark, sometimes that's how two worlds collide.
That would be the summary of how and when I met Jon.
We were both in the dark.
Is what I did today incorrigible?
I'll explain.
I met Jon while he was brand new to the City. We were in a bar - let's go with typical on that - and continued our friendship in bars on through the friendship until we realized that things were moving in a different direction and we wanted to shoot things to a different playing field - that being of the romantic relationship variety.
It's a sordid but beautiful tale, one which has led me to understand what I want and need in a relationship, despite the many obstacles we face.
Insert: we commute to work together in the mornings...he works in Midtown as do I, and he gets off the subway exactly one stop before I do. We drink our iced coffees together and joke and laugh and talk about serious things and hold hands and kiss and say "I love you." Smushy, gross, I know. But I've waited my entire life for something so meaningful.
He is *gorgeous.* I don't just mean visually - I mean, inside and outside. He is extremely handsome and wears his good looks like a professional but he also exerts this unbelievable charisma that I'm most certain I do not deserve. He makes me laugh almost every second. And he thinks that at the ripe "old" age of 40 that he's dying of one thing or another...so I'm around to remind him that he's awake and alive and that NO, he does not suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, arthritis and various other oddities that he's sure are his sufferings. *I LOVE HIM SO MUCH.*
We actually in real life SAY that. "I love you so much." I've never said that to anyone before. Not to be tacky, but that last emphasis of "so much" is critical. It feels strong and real and right. And I would never have said that to anyone ever before.
Those shoes?
He bought those for me last week.
We were on the subway together and a girl jumped on the train and Jon said, Do you like those shoes she's wearing? (Insert, NO, they were HIDEOUS athletic shoes and NO, I told him, NO ONE can pick out shoes for me, I am VERY particular.) So he challenged me to find some "tennis shoes" (sneakers) that I would like.
I did some Internet looking when I got to work and found the pink New Balance shoes. I sent him the link and was like, I could buy and go get these TODAY and he was like, "Don't." Heart emoji. We went around in text circles and he wound up buying and picking those up for me THAT DAY. He is JUST THAT SWEET.
He does not have to think about being a good mate. He just is. He's thoughtful, kind, patient, agreeable, sweet, wonderful. I'm undeniably blessed that he found me and pursued me like a creeper and convinced me of his amazingness.
That said, he does come with baggage.
"Baggage" sounds so negative. I hate to use that term only because he has an 8 year old son who is one of the most crucial existences in our relationship. I love Jon's son *TO THE MOON* but today was a challenge.
The baggage includes, obviously, an ex-wife. She's fine, I mean, she has her issues as do we all...but today's birthday party for the son was going to take place at her yoga studio upstate with 30 other kids and pizza after and cake and I kind if freaked out this morning about the whole idea.
So I didn't go.
Jon asked me weeks ago if I would go and I said YES, emphatically. Why wouldn't I go support my ever-loving wonderful boy in his awkward Ex-Wife Party for Their Son Moment?
But this morning I had an anxiety issue and frankly, just couldn't do it.
Jon texted me a very upsetting note about me not wanting to be in Fitz's life.
I have yet to hear back from him as a follow-up...but I didn't reply either, because, what would I say?
"I chose you as a potential spouse knowing you have a history including a child whom I've adored since we met and now you're throwing guilt my way?"
"Have you any understanding what it's like to be in my position at all?"
"I have no interest in watching your Ex do yoga for four hours"????
But did I do the wrong thing?
Should I have sucked it up and gone anyway?
I feel so confused.


text:
In Lake George trial, defense witness agrees with prosecutor
QUEENSBURY - A defense witness at the Alexander West manslaughter trial provided an alternate theory Monday of the July 25 boat crash that killed 8-year-old Charlotte McCue on Lake George - but also supplied fodder for prosecutors.
Stanley Los, a retired FBI agent who served in the bureau from 1967 to 1992 and doubles as a boating expert, said the collision was not necessary an "overtaking" in which West's 21-foot Larson motorboat struck the rear of the child's boat and went over it around 9:22 p.m. near Cramer Point.
Los, who studied the crash and damage to both vessels, told defense attorney Kathryn Conklin it could have been a "crossing" in which West hit the side of the family's 28-foot Gar Wood.
And he suggested West's boat could have been the "stand on vessel" and had the right of way at the time.
But under cross-examination by Warren County District Attorney Kate Hogan, the retired lawman sounded increasingly like a prosecution witness.
Hogan, citing boating regulations and subsections, asked Los about a video of the crash taken by a man at his dock. Hogan said the Gar Wood was flashing three lights, moving and not hidden. And she noted that when a pilot is unsure, the pilot should assume an overtaking could happen and slow down.
Los agreed.
"When you saw the video and you saw (West's) Larson going at that high rate of speed, the Larson should have slowed down ... or altered course. Isn't that correct?"
"Yes," Los replied.
"The Larson hit the Gar Wood? The Gar Wood didn't hit the Larson?" Hogan later asked Los.
"Correct," he replied.
"I have no further questions," Hogan said.
Prosecutors allege West, while drunk and high, struck the Gar Wood and fled the scene, ignoring loud screams.
Earlier, Hogan rested her case after calling to the stand the father of Charlotte McCue, who broke down as he recalled his last hours with his daughter.
Eric McCue said he'd photographed the sunset from the home of his father-in-law before he and his family got in the boat.
McCue had been away from his family at work for a few weeks and had just met them for a vacation on the lake. His father-in-law, Robert Knarr, who lives on the lake, was piloting the Gar Wood joined by wife, Christine Knarr.
Also on board were McCue's wife, Courtney, and their three children Madison, 9, Cooper, 4 and Charlotte, who was lying on her mother's lap. Cooper was snuggling with his father.
"We were almost home and I saw the house," he told jurors in Warren County Court. "We were basically there."
But with no advance warning, another boat drove over their vessel, he said.
McCue said he thought after crash, "'I can't believe that just happened and nobody got hurt'"
His wife said, "We're hurt!"
He said he soon realized Charlotte was fatally injured and screamed, "No, no, no, no."
The child had died instantly and Courtney McCue was injured.
McCue wept as he described his daughter's death.
"I couldn't save her. There was nothing I could do," he said. McCue described how he placed a blanket over his daughter's lifeless body.
West faces up to 22 years in prison if convicted of charges that include second-degree manslaughter, felony assault, boating while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the crash.
During cross-examination, West attorneys Cheryl Coleman suggested that McCue's testimony about where the boats hit conflicted with what he initially told police. Coleman appeared to be implying that McCue changed his statement to better match what police said occurred.
But McCue testified that most of his information comes not from law enforcement but by playing a scenario "over and over and over" again in his mind.
The prosecution questioned him about his state of mind and whether or not his child's funeral had taken place when he spoke to police two days after her death.
"Had you buried your daughter yet?" Hogan asked, triggering an angry objection from Coleman and a subsequent sidebar conversation among the prosecutor, defense and Judge John Hall after which Hogan rephrased her question.
"I was a mess," the father said. "I've had the unfortunate opportunity to relive that moment every minute, every hour, every day for the past nine months."
The trial will resume Wednesday morning. The defendant's father, Martin West, may be called to testify, Coleman said.
firstname.lastname@example.com ■ 518-434-2403 ■ @RobertGavinTU


text:
Oil on panel, 8" x 10"
Friday, June 5, 2009
Fort Getty II
Oil on panel, 8" x 10"
6 comments:
- mike rooney studios said...
you do great "gray day" stuff
nice article too! that should up your blog traffic alot this week.
i have a hard time selling gray day stuff, how about you? i guess people like to buy sunny because they equate that with happy times??? i dont know just guessing.
- June 5, 2009 at 9:10 AM
- Mary Brewster said...
You have been a favorite of mine since seeing your work on Wickenden St and at a client's house! What a treat to run into you on Empty Easel! Congratulations.
- June 5, 2009 at 7:38 PM
- Janice Thurston said...
Nice article - thoughtful and well said. This Fort Getty II has a really nice 'quiet' to it...a little bit of your special kind of magic.
- June 7, 2009 at 8:05 PM
- Cheryl said...
I just checked out the paintings that EmptyEasel has in their article and clicked to come here at the end of the article... nice! I am so tempted to take up oils for this plein air season! However, I've worked mainly in watercolor and dabbled a bit in acrylics so it's intimidating.
Yours are lovely...
- June 8, 2009 at 1:23 AM
- Kathleen Weber said...
Thanks for all the comments! I don't do a lot of gray day paintings, I'd rather paint the sun, but I have seen artists that do a great job of it. It's all about atmosphere...
- June 8, 2009 at 5:26 AM
- Edward Burton said...
Wonderful painting, Kathy, and a great article about you - congratulations.
- June 11, 2009 at 4:04 PM