text:
Green Bay Packer tackle Henry Jordan once famously described legendary football Coach Vince Lombardi's coaching style as "He's Fair. He treats us all the same – like dogs."
Well, with the Big Data, "Moneyball" and "Freakonomics" management and investment revolutions, where it is a matter of high faith that you get the behaviors that you reward and that you measure, we are seeing a clear and strong movement back toward high accountability, no excuses "get it done or get out" management practices and cultures.
For entrepreneurs looking for organization structures to model and for investors looking for companies to back, here are four trends to watch:
1. Look for Companies That Harness the Power and Avoid the Danger of "Corporations of One." Never before in human history has the world afforded more opportunities for talented individuals to work for themselves, by themselves.
The amazing tools of modern, virtual collaboration – text, email, video conferencing and every cloud-based business productivity application that you could ever dream of (and ever use) available in the palm of your hand – have eliminated most of the collaboration advantages of the traditional corporate form.
The smart, modern company understands when to marshal their power – in the form of utilizing contractors to fulfill bite and mid-sized projects – and when to resist it.
How? By focusing vigilantly on building distinct and equity – filled brands, strong barriers around their customers, and company cultures and management styles that demand and reward high performance and results.
2. And Ones That Let Virtuality Touch Them, but not Kill Them. With the now universal business adoption of "everything and more that was once only on your desktop is now in your pocket" mobile phones and apps, all of us worldwide are truly on line 24/7.
Books like Jason Fried's "Rework," Tony Schwarz' "The Way We're Working Isn't Working," and John Freeman's "The Tyranny of E-mail" address from various angles the promises and drawbacks of virtual work.
A common theme is almost universal doubt regarding email and other tools of instant communication and the "react versus respond" culture they foster.
What to do about it? Well, continue to look for "end of email" company movements and cultures to continue to gain steam and social currency, and for social networking mainstays like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIN to slowly but surely lose their business luster.
Companies that embrace this re-emerging "culture of the deliberate" will have the leg up where it really counts – in more thoughtful strategic positioning and consequently, more sustainable profits.
3. And Ones That Are Learning Organizations. The pressing need for organizations to innovate or perish, and of young workers equating quality work environments with ones offering intense personal and professional development almost makes the definition of a successful company as one that propels its people forward.
This company as a learning organization motif is an old one, but never before have the reductionist pressures of virtuality combined with young worker expectations made it so paramount for companies to either grow their people or see their businesses shrink.
4. And Finally, Look for Leaders that Channel Coach Lombardi. There is a fine line between an encouraging company culture and a permissive one. Inspired by the success of high accountability cultures like Amazon, Apple, and FedEx, smart investors are backing leaders that give BOTH pats and kicks on the backside.
In a paradoxical way, the typical, high encouragement environment in which most young people (i.e. the Millennials) were raised and educated has created in them a deep desire for structure, to be told exactly what is expected of them and the consequences for poor performance.
Leading "tough" like this is hard, draining work, but is a key and easy-to-identify quality in a company poised to breakout.
Find, back, and grow with companies that embody the above and winning will be more of an everyday thing for your business and your investments.


text:
(Pocket-lint) - Over in Vegas at CES Microsoft senior director Aidan Marcuss took to the Nvidia press conference stage to show off Windows 8 running on a Tegra 3 powered development device and Pocket-lint rushed the stage to take a closer look.
Not whilst the demo was going on, you understand - that would get us kicked out of Vegas faster than Hunter S Thompson after an all-night bender.
Nope, we waited politely until all was said and done and then elbowed and kicked our way through a crowd of international journalists to get up close and personal with the quad-core tab. It's nothing much to look at, it has to be said, but we do like the swanky UI of Windows 8.
"Windows 8 is coming to market and I don't remember another Windows version as exciting as this one since Windows 95," said Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang.
"Just as Windows 95 enabled a new class of devices in consumer PCs, Windows 8 is going to enable a new class of devices, this time moving Windows to mobile devices. This is an epic event."
Back in 2011, Microsoft announced that ARM-based processors would be welcome at the Windows 8 party. Nvidia looks as if it's going to turn up armed with a plethora of funky presents.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
It's rare for a company to be practically synonymous with the product they make, but that's exactly what Recaro does with their seats. There are racing seats, and then there are Recaros.
Like its big brother the Focus ST, the mini hot-hatch Fiesta ST packs a pair of Recaro racing seats to hold your wide American ass in place while you engage in all the hoonage that 197 horsepower, 214 lb.-ft. turbo engine can muster.
This is awesome for a lot of reasons. Recaros are the racing seats to have, but they have long been the exclusive domain of high-end luxury and sports cars. Not anymore. The ST twins bring Recaros to the masses, and the pint-sized Fiesta ST may just be the cheapest new car you can get with that brand of racing seats.
Think about it: What other cars in that class offer Recaros? Pricing hasn't been announced for the Fiesta ST yet, but I'm guessing it will start around $21,000 or $22,000 — that's a similar price jump from the base Fiesta as the Focus ST is to its lesser models. That's a pretty great bargain for such a powerful and well-equipped little car.
So tell us, Jalops — name a car that's cheaper than the ST and has Recaros? (And no, your E30 autocross car doesn't count, smartass.)
Photo credit Ford


text:
Premium Dedicated Servers
All Our plans include
install apps
99.99% Uptime
control panel
Premium Support
30 Day
Money Back
Truly Unlimited Webhosting
Host as many domains as you wish using as much disk space or traffic as you want! We don't impose any limits, enjoy the worry free hosting with unlimited space, emails, bandwidth and unlimited databases. Our 99.99 % uptime and guaranteed performance will leave us hassle free
Blazing Fast Servers
Experience, Blazing Fast Servers from ispaze powered by SSD Drives and Litespeed to maximize performance and speed.LiteSpeed is 9X faster than Apache web hosting, processes PHP 50% faster, and 3X faster than SSL Apache Hosting
Advance Security Tools
Ispaze Control Panel has Virus scanning and leech protection security services to help protect your mail recipients and website visitors from potentially harmful threats and viruses. Simply activate it from your control panel – it's maintenance free with no code , activate and relax
Free Website Builder
We provide Zyro SiteBuilder, so you can easily create your website in a few clicks without any coding knowledge. Zyro web builder is a professional website builder that offers a website building wizard with over 300 free templates, allowing you to quickly build your new site with ease – even if you have no coding experience. A familiar and powerful drag-and-drop interface makes it a breeze to build your new site!
Free Migration
Moving your website to Ispaze has never been easier or faster. Our free migration service can seamlessly migrate one or all your websites, applications, VPSs to our premium hosting platform with little to no downtime and we provide migration up to 25 websites absolutely for free
Over 350+ Free 1-Click App Installs
FAQ - Your questions? We got answers!
Do You Offer Money Back Guarantee ?
Yes we offer 30 days Money Back Guarantee with no questions asked.
Not Satisifed ? You will get a Full Refund
Do You Offer Dedicated ip?
Due to the global shortage of IPv4 addresses, we are not able to provide Dedicated ip on Shared Hosting Packages. If You are looking to install SSL and then all of our hosting services support the Server Name Indication (SNI) extension to the Transport Layer Security protocol. This makes it possible for Apache to use authentic SSL certificates for sites hosted on shared IP addresses
Can i get a discount ?
Yes ! Please Chat with our online representative and they will help you out to get the best promo code.
Can i Upgrade my Package ?
Yes, you can upgrade any time to a higher package with out any downtime and data loss. All you need is to mail us and pay the difference amount
Do You Accept Adult Content ?
Strictly No !
Any site found to host Adult porn, child pornography, any other pornography or linking to certain sites will be suspended immediately without notice.
For a list of unacceptable material please check our Terms of Service page
Can I upload media content ?
Yes, you can upload media content unless and until it is not copyrighted .
why customers us!
Great Experience With Ispaze Hosting - I am using ispaze since 4-5 months and i am not having any issues with them till now. Reliability is perfect and so far i am having a great experience with them
- Noah Jones -
Ispaze hosting is the best I've used. I run a web design shop, so we have experience with a ton of hosting companies. Most of the other hosting services we've worked with have major problems, but ispaze works, and works well. When you're looking for hosting, it's about finding the…
- John Lee -
Top Notch Support - Very quick in resolving issues , very good server uptime.Guys like Andrew on support are really helpful,Keep up the good work guys !!!!
- Andrina -
Excellent web host provider - i have hosted my website on this company servers, the servers are fast. Service and support are excellent and i recommend every one to deal with this company
- Ahmad -


text:
Online Field Guide to The Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona
Click the above links for photographs and information about the reptiles and amphibians of Arizona. Specifiacally snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders of Arizona. Click the books link for information about books on Arizona reptiles and amphibians.
Visit Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation:
All content on this website is copyrighted © 2008-2012 Thomas C. Brennan. Tom Brennan
If you make use of the textual contents of this site in reports, publications, etc. please cite and credit the author(s) and photographer(s). All photos on this website are copyrighted. However, those found in the species account section may be used for any noncommercial scientific, educational, or conservation purposes provided that photographs are not altered and continue to bear the copyright symbol and name of the photographer. Please contact the photographer regarding commercial use of copyrighted photographs.


text:
Dublin Zenith ladies tall riding boots features RCS - Rider Comfort System. Durable, tough tech outer sole. Dri-Lex® lining for breathability. Leather-covered elastic stretch panel. Read More
Features RCS - Rider Comfort System. Durable, tough tech outer sole. Dri-Lex® lining for breathability. Leather-covered elastic stretch panel. Full length YKK zipper.
Colors: Brown or Black
Ladies Sizes: 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10
|6 - 6½
|7 - 7½
|8 - 8½
|9 - 9½
|10 - 10½
- Brand: WeatherBeeta
- Type: Tall Boots
Reviews (5)
"Good quality boot"
Previous reviews were very helpful. I would never have bought a boot smaller than 7 1/2 and usually an 8 but based on the reviews I risked it and bought a 7. They fit perfect with a little room to spare so they run at least a 1/2 size larger and have more width which I needed. The matte finish is not as flashy or showy but it's what I wanted. One down side might be that the matte leather seems to attract the slightest bit of dirt so they don't stay clean long so I'm considering using a shoe wax as added protection and to repel dirt better but otherwise they are very handsome boots. I really like the wider toe and thicker soles.
"Great for wide feet"
I have wide feet and it's almost impossible to find comfortable English boots but these are great. I liked the first pair so much that I immediately bought a second pair. The back zipper makes them very easy to get on and off and the leather is sturdy enough that I don't need to go change before feeding or cleaning. They do run a half size large.
"Good Quality"
Got these boots to wear for both riding and casual wear. They do run about a half size big. However, I have muscular calves and they were tight in the calf. They provide good support. I wore them in the rain and my feet stayed dry and warm. I put a pair of Dr Scholls shoe inserts in them and it made them very comfortable to walk around in. On the downside, they weren't as fashionable as I would have liked them to be. They look more like tall rubber muck boots than nice leather boots due to the matte finish of the leather.
"LOVE them"
I bought these as a trail and practice boot, but now that they are here I will be wearing them out too! They fit perfect!! I do usualy take a wide, but they fit true to size and didnt pinch! love the zipper and strech calf...they just arrived so I hope they hold up to the riggors I plan to put them through!
"runs big"
Nice boot but runs at least a half size large-I returned the 7.5 I normally wear for a 7, still kind of big/wide, not much cushion or spport in the footbed. I put in a pair of Ariat insoles and now they are perfect!


text:
- This event has passed.
Power Flow Yoga
October 7 @ 8:30 am - 9:30 am
$5.00 – $30.00
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 8:30 am on Monday and Wednesday, repeating until December 21, 2020
Power Flow classes involve a heat-building approach to Vinyasa style flow, linking conscious breath with a vigorous flow. Classes elevate your heart rate and build strength, flexibility and concentration while cleansing the body and calming the mind. Classes end with restorative savasana for psychological and systemic renewal. Adults and young adults ages 12+. Taught by Courtney.
Questions about our classes? Call 815-872-2943


text:
On December 9, 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered its judgment in Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. v Attorney General of Canada (2016 SCC 55) along with its companion case Canada (Attorney General) v Fairmont Hotels Inc. (2016 SCC 56).
Our post on the Court's decision in Fairmont Hotels is available here.
In Jean Coutu, a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court specified and enhanced the civil law test applicable to rectification of a written instrument where the taxpayer has suffered an unintended and adverse tax result. The Court had previously addressed this test in Quebec (Agence du revenu) v Services Environnementaux AES Inc. (2013 SCC 65).
The Supreme Court confirmed that a general intention of tax neutrality does not permit the modification instruments in accordance with the Civil Code of Quebec.
In Jean-Coutu, the taxpayer brought a motion for rectification in the Superior Court of Quebec in order to modify certain documents for transactions that were undertaken to neutralize the effect of the fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. The transactions had achieved this goal, but such transactions had the unexpected and adverse effect of creating foreign accrual property income for one of the companies in the corporate group.
The taxpayer argued that the constant and clear intention of the parties to address the exchange rate fluctuation without generating adverse tax consequences was not reflected in the transaction documents.
The Quebec Superior Court allowed the taxpayer's motion on the basis that the evidence showed there was discrepancy between the clear intention of the parties and the tax consequence of the transaction as executed.
The Quebec Court of Appeal allowed the Crown's appeal and stated that the taxpayer's general intent that its transactions be completed in a tax-neutral manner was insufficient to support a motion for rectification.
On appeal, the Supreme Court defined the issue as follows:
[14] This appeal raises the following key issue: Where parties agree to undertake one or several transactions with a general intention that tax consequences thereof be neutral, but where unintended and unforeseen tax consequences result, does art. 1425 C.C.Q. allow the written documents recording and implementing their agreement to be amended with retroactive effect to make them consistent with that intention of tax neutrality?
In its analysis, the Court applied and confirmed the guidelines it developed in Services Environnementaux AES Inc.
Pursuant to an exhaustive review of the provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec applicable to contracts, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that under the Quebec civil law the agrement or contract lies in the common intention of the parties. A contract is created by "an agreement of wills by which one or several persons obligate themselves to one or several other persons to perform a prestation" (see Article 1378 of the C.C.Q.), which prestation must be "possible and determinate or determinable" (see Article 1378 of the C.C.Q.), and must have a cause (see Article 1410 of the C.C.Q.) and an object (see Article 1412 of the C.C.Q.).
For the majority, Justice Wagner stated that, in light of these provisions of the Civil Code of Quebec, a court may not use the remedy offered by article 1425 C.C.Q. to modify a transactional scheme because it generated unforeseen adverse tax consequences. The Court stated:
[23] A taxpayer's general intention of tax neutrality cannot form the object of a contract within the meaning of art. 1412 C.C.Q., because it is insufficiently precise. It entails no sufficiently precise agreed-on juridical operation. Nor can such a general intention in itself relate to prestations that are determinate or determinable within the meaning of art. 1373 C.C.Q. It says nothing about what one party is bound to do or not to do for the benefit of the other. Therefore, a general intention of tax neutrality, in the absence of a precise juridical operation and a determinate or determinable prestation or prestations, cannot give rise to a common intention that would form part of the original agreement (negotium) and serve as a basis for modifying the written documents expressing that agreement (instrumentum). As a result, art. 1425 C.C.Q. cannot be relied on to give effect to a general intention of tax neutrality where the writings recording the contracting parties' common intention produce unintended and unforeseen tax consequences.
And specifying the applicable test developed in Services Environnementaux AES Inc., the Court stated:
[24] In my opinion, when unintended tax consequences result from a contract whose desired consequences, whether in whole or in part, are tax avoidance, deferral or minimization, amendments to the expression of the agreement in accordance with art. 1425 C.C.Q. can be available only under two conditions. First, if the unintended tax consequences were originally and specifically sought to be avoided, through sufficiently precise obligations which objects, the prestation to execute, are determinate or determinable; and second, when the obligations, if properly expressed and the corresponding prestations, if properly executed, would have succeeded in doing so. This is because contractual interpretation focuses on what the contracting parties actually agreed to do, not on what their motivations were in entering into an agreement or the consequences they intended it to have.
Furthermore, the Court distinguished Jean Coutu from Services Environnementaux AES Inc.:
[31] In contrast, in the appeal here, the parties to the contract did not originally and specifically agree upon a juridical operation for the purpose of turning their general intention to neutralize tax consequences into a series of specific obligations and prestations. This general intention of the parties was not sufficiently precise to establish the details of a contemplated operation […] The determinate scenario agreed on by PJC Canada and PJC USA was drawn up properly, but because it was drawn up properly, it produced unintended and unforeseen tax consequences.
The Court dismissed the taxpayer's appeal and affirmed the decision of the Quebec Court of Appeal.
In dissent, Justice Côté stated that the convergence of principles between the common law and the civil law as expressed by the majority in Jean Coutu was inconsistent with the contract law applicable in Quebec:
[91] […] I agree with my colleague that convergence between Quebec civil law and the common law of the other provinces is desirable from a tax policy perspective (para. 52). Indeed, in this Court, the parties agreed that the common law and the civil law are functionally similar with respect to the availability of rectification. But retreating from the interpretation of art. 1425 C.C.Q. adopted in AES in order to achieve harmony with this Court's contraction of equitable discretion in Fairmont is inconsistent with the law of contract in Quebec.. […] Given that contracts can be expressed orally without recourse to written instruments, AES left open the possibility of rectifying errors in oral expression (paras. 28 and 32). This is consistent with the civil law principle, inherent in arts. 1378 and 1425 C.C.Q., that a contract is based on the common intention of the parties, not on the expression of that intention.
[92] The majority's reasons in Fairmont are irreconcilable with these articles of the Code. Rectification in Canadian common law jurisdictions in now "limited to cases where the agreement between the parties was not correctly recorded in the instrument that became the final expression of their agreement" (Fairmont, at para. 3). There appears to be no scope for rectifying oral agreements. With respect, to the extent that my colleague in this case would import this limitation into the civil law, the "convergence" between the two legal systems is, in my opinion, far from "natural" (majority reasons, at para. 52).
The decision rendered by the Supreme Court in Jean Coutu is of significant importance as it restricts the circumstances in which taxpayers may rely on Article 1425 of the Civil Code to rectify transaction documents in tax cases.
Quebec tax professionals should carefully consider the additional guidelines provided in Jean Coutu in assessing whether or not a motion for rectification is available to correct mistakes resulting in unintended and unforeseen adverse tax consequences.


text:
Montgomery County Community College Stats, Info and Facts
|Institution Type:
|Campus Setting:
|Mid East Large suburb
|Highest Degree Offered:
|Associate's degree
|Level of Institution:
|At least 2 but less than 4 years
Montgomery County Community College-Central Campus is challenging. The college makes it's students work hard and earn their grades. The only thing this school needs improvement in is it's financial aid…
I think MCCC is such a great college compare to other colleges. They have such a great professors, employees, staffs. They also got lots of programs for nursing and business…
i enjoy the learning environment of montco, there are not a lot of distractions. i have had nothing but awesome teachers! the teachers here really go out there way to…
a lot of the professors are only part time at montco at teach at very respectable universities such as villanova, philadelphia, and temple. the campus is very beautiful and the…
Instructors very helpful as are other students, many will take the time to aid and encourage others.Read More
There were times when it felt like 13th and 14th grade, but the school really was a great experience and a great time.Read More


text:
Runway Review and Pictures of Cynthia Rowley's 2012 Spring Presentation at New York Fashion Week
2012 New York S/S Fashion Week: Cynthia Rowley
With gold embellishments and garden party-inspired prints, Cynthia Rowley's set the tone for a beautifully femme and still entirely modern Spring 2012. Models hit the mirrored, metallic runway in a contrast of botanical prints on slim-fit pants and waist-cinching jackets and blazers, while LBDs and knits got a dose of the same gold accents that Rowley echoed again and again on shoes, soccer-inspired patchwork bags, and even gilded shorts. Rowley delivered a collection that manages to be equal parts sophisticate and cool-girl — statement pieces in all-over florals that get a chicer edge thanks to sharp tailoring and a perfect palette.
- Trends: Contrast stitching, head-to-toe print, botanicals and florals, laser-cut detailing.
- Colours: White, black, red, gold, florals.
- Key Piece: White botanical print blazer and slim-fit black floral print pants.
- Accessories: Gold and white heels, mirrored shades, quilted soccer handbags.
- Who Would Wear It: Polished, feminine girls who still like to take risks; Olivia Palermo and Leighton Meester.
Check out Cynthia Rowley's full collection . . .
Image Source: Getty


text:
Highway 1-way Underpass by ultddave[TA]
Original Post: Visit Now
GameModing.com claims no ownership or authorship of this mod - files, images & description. All credit goes to the author of this work. To view the original posting, please click here. To submit a take down request, please email [email protected]


text:
Does form follow function? Or does function drive form? Whatever your point of view, Classic Century delivers. The sleek profile and patented twist-action barrel of the original Century ballpoint sparked a design revolution. Generations later passionate fans remain loyal to the iconic silhouette, while trendsetters appreciate its authenticity. Cool comes full circle.
Classic Century ballpen in glossy black lacquer finish with chrome-plated trim.
Supplied with a medium black ballpoint refill. Refill with Cross Ballpoint refill.
Can be converted permanently or temporarily to a pencil using the Cross Switch-It convert.
Supplied gift-boxed.
All Cross writing instruments are guaranteed for life against mechanical failure.
|Product Code:
|Advance Mechanism:
|Retractable, Twist
|Ink Type:
|Item Colour:
|Item Material:
|Refill Type:
|Refillable, Pen Refill
|Tip Type:
Orders placed before midday Tuesday to Friday will normally be sent out the same day.
FREE First Class Royal Mail delivery for orders over £25, and just £2.50 for smaller orders. Royal Mail Special Delivery available for £6.95 extra, or FREE with any order over £100 - but note that coronavirus means the usual guarantee doesn't apply - sorry. No delivery surcharges for Northern Ireland, Highlands & Islands or anywhere else!
FREE delivery for orders over £70. Smaller orders £7.50 per order for Registered Priority Airmail, typically 5-8 days. Express air courier available at extra cost. Orders over 2Kg in weight may be subject to additional cost.
FREE delivery for orders over £70. Smaller orders £10 per order for Registered Priority Airmail, typically 5-8 days. Express air courier available at extra cost. Orders over 2Kg in weight may be subject to additional cost.
For all orders outside the UK, heavy orders may cost more to send, but the shipping cost will be displayed in the checkout before you commit.
For more, see our Delivery Information page.
Pay with 6 weekly interest-free payments of £8.00 (depending on credit limit) with
Find out more


text:
Founded in 2003, xSQL Software provides SQL Server tools, Oracle tools, and database tools for other dbms platforms.
Over 30,000 software developers and database administrators worldwide rely on xSQL Software's SQL Server tools for their database change management, database deployment, database documentation, activity monitoring and other database management needs.
xSQL Software's client list includes names like Microsoft, Siemens, NASA, KPMG, IBM, Halliburton, Adobe Systems, L-3 Communications, Citigroup, Bank of America, Capital One, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa and many more large organizations.
xSQL Software is headquarter in Atlanta, Georgia and has been a Microsoft Certified Partner since 2007.


text:
Academic Word Powerhelps students master the 570 most common words from the Academic Word List. When students add this vocabulary to what they learn in a beginning ESL course, they will be able to comprehend 90% of the terms in texts across disciplines. Focusing on the most common words motivates students and allows instructors to take the guesswork out of choosing and researching vocabulary. The texts appeal to both native and non-native speakers and can be used in ESL, Developmental English, and high school English programs. The variety of exercises, activities, and vocabulary strategies prepare students for success in future academic reading. Interactive speaking activities appeal to students by developing a link between the focus word and their experience and knowledge, increasing retention.Thompson, Celia is the author of 'Academic Word Power 2', published 2003 under ISBN 9780618397693 and ISBN 0618397698.[read more]
You can find lots of answers to common customer questions in our FAQs
View a detailed breakdown of our shipping prices
Learn about our return policy
Still need help? Feel free to contact us
View college textbooks by subject
and top textbooks for college
With our dedicated customer support team, you can rest easy knowing that we're doing everything we can to save you time, money, and stress.


text:
Difference between revisions of "Programmer Guide/Introduction"
|Line 40:
|Line 40:
|<var>APPNAME</var> || The name of the application. Only valid if the shell implements
|<var>APPNAME</var> || The name of the application. Only valid if the shell implements {{STX}} application and was started via the application management system.
|<var>APPTITLE</var> || The title of the application. Only valid if the shell implements
|<var>APPTITLE</var> || The title of the application. Only valid if the shell implements {{STX}} application and was started via the application management system.
Revision as of 16:13, 29 April 2014
This chapter introduces the structure of the STx programming and execution environment.
- 1 Shell
- 2 Application Environment
- 3 Macros
- 4 Classes, Instances
- 5 Signal Processing Units (SPU)
- 6 Script Commands
- 7 Conditional Expressions
- 8 Variables, Item Attributes, Inline Functions
In STx, the term shell denotes the combination of a command interpreter and its execution environment, i.e. the environment executing the loaded code objects. A shell is created with the
SHELL command and ends when the last macro running in the shell is finished (command
EXIT). All shells are registered in the application environment. A shell can exchange messages with other shells.
Message Loop
A shell can receive and send messages. This mechanism is used to communicate with other shells, with the shell items owned by a shell, and with the main window of the application.
To access the message queue and process messages the, command
MSG or the library macros
POSTMESSAGE and
SETMSGHANDLER can be used.
Shell Items
A shell maintains a list of shell items it owns. A shell owns an item if and only if the item was created in a macro or member function executed by the respective shell. Shell items are managed with the commands
NEW and
- Normally a shell item is visible only inside a shell, but it is possible to share items between shells by using ???. This technique is used for the workspace and the project.
- All shell items belonging to a certain shell must be deleted before the respective shell is terminated. If, using the BScript application, the shell executes a user script, an application cleanup function is used to delete leftover shell items. There is no such automatism for scripts not invoked using the BScript application.
There are shell items connecting STx with the operation system and its peripherals:
- The amazing GUI is implemented by the display items, the graph items and the dialog items.
- The file item may be used to create and access files of several formats, but also to test the existence of a file and to scan directories.
- table items implement simple database features but can also be used as numerical objects in expressions.
- The wave item addresses signals stored in soundfiles and/or virtual sequences of synthetic signals. The wave items also interface to the physical sound devices of the computer, hereby enabling playback and recording.
- By means of the SPU items, programmable signal processing circuit subsystems may be implemented. Such SPUs can be connected to graph items, value items, and to other SPU items, thereby creating larger, more complex SPUs.
- An instance of the value item can be used as an input for SPU items, as a numerical object in numerical expressions, and as a timer.
- DCOM and DDECONV items implement interfaces to other applications.
Shell Variables
Each running shell has, as a part of its execution environment, a variable space of its own. This shell-wide variable space can be accessed from all macros and classes the respective shell is executing. STx uses a variant of "Hungarian notation" with a prefix for variable names indicating the scope of the respective variable. The shell-wide variable space containing the shell variables mentioned here is a special case insofar as it is indicated by the empty prefix. In layman's terms, every variable starting with a letter is stored in the shell variable space.
There are a number of predefined shell variables. Most important are the following ones:
|see also
|The numerical id of the shell and of the parent shell, separated by a blank character (
thisshell parentshell). This variable is used by some library macros to communicate with other shells.
|The name of the project instance. This variable must be used to access the content of the current project file.
|The name of the workspace instance. This variable must be used to access the content of the current workspace file.
|The name of the application. Only valid if the shell implements an STx application and was started via the application management system.
|The title of the application. Only valid if the shell implements an STx application and was started via the application management system.
|This is the run mode of the application. It is available, and valid, only if the shell implements an STx application and was started via the application management system.
|The name of the display used as parent window of the application.
|The completion code of the last shell command
|The text message corresponding to RC
|The full path of the currently selected soundfile. If this variable is empty, no soundfile is selected.
|The header parameters of the currently selected soundfile in the format
samplingrate channels numberOfSamples samplingCode fileFormat accessMode
Application Environment
The application environment contains all the data structures and functionalities which are available to the whole application.
Loaded Source Files
All scripts, macros, classes and SPUs (signal processing units) must be loaded from the respective source file before they can be executed or instantiated. All loaded sources are available to the whole application.
See also: shell commands
UNLOAD and
Open Soundfiles
All soundfiles which are being held open by STx are stored in a global list and may be accessed by all running shells. Before the content (signal or metadata) of a soundfile can be accessed, the file must be opened using the command
See also: shell commands
UNLOAD and
LIST; wave items
Active Shells
All running shell are registered in the application environment.
See also: shell commands
SHELL, and
Global Variables
The application environment contains a global variable space, which can be accessed from the whole application, i.e. from every runnign shell. The name prefix character
@ is used to denote the global variable space. The global variables are used for configuration purposes and should not be changed. The following table shows some of the most important global variables.
|The full pathname of the working directory
|The full pathname of the STx installation directory
|The full pathname of the directory for temporary files
|The full pathname of the active project file
|The id of the master shell
|The operating system version
|The full pathname of the workspace file
A macro is a collection of command lines. Macros are used to implement an application, a script or a library function. The macro source code is defined in a source file which must be loaded before the macro can be executed.
During its execution the macro can access:
- all loaded files (macros, classes, sound processing units (SPUs) and soundfiles)
- the global variables (whose names start with the
- all items of the shell executing the macro
- the shell variables
- the local variables of the macro (whose names start with the
The execution environment of a macro (basically, its local variable space) is created when the execution of the macro starts and deleted at the end of the macro execution. Besides user-defined local variables, there are a number of pre-defined local variables shown in the following table:
|see also
|The macro argument string without parsing and the number of arguments passed to the macro. These variables are generated on macro start and are used for "read:"-style argument passing.
|see macro header,
|The macro argument string with parsing information and the number of arguments passed to the macro.
These variables are generated on macro start and used for "arg:" and "argopt:"-style argument passing.
|see macro header,
|The name of the macro being executed.
|The result returned by the last
READ command.
|The result string returned by the last
MSG command.
|The result string returned by the last
NEW command (normally, the ID of the shell item created).
Note: A macro can share its local variable space with a called macro or subroutine (see
Normally, shell items created in a macro remain existing when the macro is finished, but in some cases this is not true because temporary shell items are created, which are automatically deleted at the end of macro execution. This is very confusing since this paragraph does not reveal under which circumstances items are temporary.
Classes, Instances
A class is a special type of macro which enables the programmer to use object-oriented programming techniques. There a two possibilities to "execute" classes:
- A class can be used like a macro if its name is used as command.
classname arguments
NEW INSTANCE classname
A member function of an instance can be called by using the following syntax:
instanceItemName memberFunctionName {memberFunctionArguments}
A member function is a part of a class source code starting at the member function label and ending with an
EXIT command.
During its execution the member function can access:
- all loaded files (macros, classes, SPUs and soundfiles)
- the global variables (whose names start with the
- all items of the shell executing the macro
- the shell variables (whose names are devoid of a prefix)
- the local variables of the member function (whose names start with the
- the member variables of the class instance (whose names start with the
The local variable space of a member function exists only during the runtime of the function itself. In addition to the special local variables as described for macros, the following variables are stored in the local variable space whenever a member function is called:
|The name of the instance item. This variable is used by some library macros to communicate with other shells.
|The name of the member function.
The member variable space of an instance has the same lifetime as the instance itself. This means it exists from the creation to the deletion of the instance item. No special member variables are defined.
The member variables can be accessed from outside the instance as follows:
- Assign a value to a member variable:
instance.variablename := value instance.&variablename := value
- Directly retrieve a value of a member variable:
target := instance[!VARIABLE,variablename] target := instance[!VARIABLE,&variablename]
- Parse the contents of a member variable:
READVAR instance.variablename targetvar1 … READVAR instance.&variablename targetvar1 …
Note: In the above scenarios, the member variable prefix character
& is optional and may be omitted. This is due to the fact that the context makes it absolutely clear that it is a member variable that is to be accessed: After all, the
instance.variable syntax would not make sense for other types of variables.
If a member variable of an instance is bound to a control of a dialog (e.g. EDIT or COMBOBOX) the full syntax
instance.variablename (with or without
&) must be used, not the simple
&variablename. This is absolutely vital so that the dialog item item is able always to access the variable.
Signal Processing Units (SPU)
see SPUs
Script Commands
The commands executed by a script are grouped into three different command types. The general command syntax:
commandid argstring
- denotes the command to be executed. It must be an unquoted string separated from
argstringby one or more whitespace characters. The
commanidcan not be abbreviated.
- contains the arguments and options to be passed to the command
Built-In Commands
shellcommand argumentstring
- a build-in command of the shell command interpreter
- the arguments and options supplied to the command
argstring of a shell command consists of arguments and options. An argument is separated from each other by blanks or by quotes. If an argument contains whitespace characters (blank, tab, …), it must be enclosed in quotes.
Argument Examples
arg1 arg2'arg3' arg4 'arg 5'
The above argument string consists of five arguments with the values
arg4 and
arg 5.
'arg1 arg2 arg3'arg4'arg 5'
The above argument string consists of three arguments with the values
arg1 arg2 arg3,
arg4 and and
arg 5.
If a shell command supports options, they must be specified using the syntax
/optionname (for switches) or
/optionname=optionvalue. The option must start with the character
/ (slash). It must not be inside a quoted part of
argstring. Only the first character of
optionname is significant. Normally the options are not case sensitive, but there are a few exceptions from this rule (e.g.: the options
/u of the
NEW command).
Option Example
arg1 /a/b '/c=arg3' /d='arg4' /e=evalue
The above argument string consists of the arguments
arg4 and the options
b and
Special characters inside an argument
If a parsing character (like
/ or
') or a special tag character (like
$ or
[) should be part of an argument, it has to be escaped with the backquote ("`").
See the following example:
`/oname `$vname iname`[aname`]
This argument string consists of the arguments
$vname and
iname[aname]. Without escaping, the arguments would be, in this order, the following:
- value of variable vname
- attribute aname of shell item iname
- Furthermore, the command would be supplied the option
Command results
A built-in command has two return values: The completion code and the command result:
- The completion code indicates if the command execution was successful or has failed. It consists of a numerical code, which is stored in the variable
RC(0 indicating success), and the corresponing error description, stored in the variable
EMSG(empty if
- The command result is the value returned by the command. This value replaces the command statement and is used in (optional) assignments. For a lot of commands, the completion code is also used as command result.
Note: Some arguments are keywords, selecting a specific subfunction or value (e.g. a color value). Such keywords are always case insensitive and can be abbreviated to the shortest unique form. A keyword can also be replaced by its index of the keyword-list (if this index value is known).
Call Commands
A call command is a statement which is used to call a source code object implemented in a script. There a several possible call commands:
macroname argstring
Calls the macro macroname with the arguments argstring.
classname argstring
Calls the class
classname, supplying it the arguments
argstring. If a class is called like this, it is executed like a macro. This statement type is used to implement static class functions.
GOSUB subrlabel argstring
Calls the local subroutine
subrlabel with the arguments
argstring. The label
subrlabel is the entry-point of the subroutine and must be a label of the macro containing the call statement.
institem memfun argstring
Calls the member function
memfun of the instance
institem, supplying it the arguments
memfun must be a member function of the class of
institem and must be visible to the caller.
memfun argstring
This call statement can only be used in a member function. It calls the member function memfun of the same instance.
The argument parsing rules are depending on the parsing-style used in the source code of the function.
- ARG- or ARGS-style
- Same rules as for build-in commands without options.
- ARGOPT-style
- Same rules as for build-in commands with options. For details read the chapter definition of macros and the description of the build-in command ARG.
- READ-style
- This is the older parsing method, but it is used by the most standard macros and classes. The argument string is passed to the function after command-line processing (parsing information is removed!) and the READVAR command is used to parse the arguments which are stored in the variable
#ARGV. Macros using this method do often use the semi-colon (;) to seperate arguments.
- Examples:
testmacro this is a 'test message'
- The argument string stored in
this is atest message
butil msgbox 'msg ; hallo'
- This statement is a call to the standard library macro BUTIL and should display a message box with the text hallo. The call will not work, because the argument string
msgboxmsg ; hallois passed and the function msgboxmsg is not implemented. A valid statement format is:
butil 'msgbox msg; hallo'.
A call command has only one return value: the function result. The value is generated by the EXIT command, which ends the execution of the called function. This value is stored in the variable
RESULT and also used in (optional) assignments.
Control Commands
Normally the commands are executed in the order as they appear in the source file. The control commands, can be used to change this natural order of execution.
GOTO labname
- Unconditional jump. Continue execution at the label labname.
IF condexpr condcmd
- Conditional command execution. The command condcmd is executed if the condition condexpr is true. condcmd must not be a control command!
- Block IF. A block IF may consist of one or more THEN-clauses (one is required) and an ELSE-clause. The commands of the first THEN-clause where condexpr is true are executed. If no condition is true, the commands of the ELSE-clause (if any) are executed.
IF condexpr THEN ... {ELSE IF condexpr THEN ... } {ELSE ... } END
COND condexpr ? truecmd : falsecmd
target := COND condexpr ? truecmd : falsecmd
- Conditional execution and conditional assignment. If the condition condexpr is true, the command truecmd is executed, otherwise falsecmd is executed. If a target is specified, the result of the executed command is assigned. Both commands must not be a control command!
DISPATCH function arglist ...
- Dispatch a call to a multi-function macro.
// type depending item processing if $#item[?] == table then // process table item else if $#item[?] == wave then // process value item else butil msgbox msg ; no processing for items of type "$#item[?]" implemented end // display a table cond '$#item[?]' == table ? showitem $#item : butil msgbox msg ; $#item is not a table
WHILE condexpr
- While loop. The commands in the loop are executed while the condition condexpr is true.
WHILE condexpr ... END
FOR initcmd TO condexpr STEP stepcmd
- For loop. The commands in the loop are executed while the condition condexpr is true. Before the loop is entered, the initcmd is executed. After each execution of the command block the stepcmd is executed. All parts of the command are optional.
FOR {initcmd} TO {condexpr} STEP {stepcmd} ... END
- Run forever. The execution of the commands block will never end. Only the EXIT and BREAK command can be used to leave the loop.
Inside a loop the commands CONTINUE and BREAK can be used to start the next iteration or to leave the loop.
// use a for-loop to sum the integers from 1 to #n #nsum := 0 for #i := 0 to $#i < $#n step #i := int $#i+1 #nsum := int #nsum + $#i end // find all occurrences of a value in an extended table (version 1) #pos := set '*' while '$(#pos := find $#table $#pos keyfield'$#keyvalue')' // process table entry $#pos end // find all occurrences of a value in an extended table (version 2) for #pos := set '*' to '$(#pos := find $#table $#pos keyfield'$#keyvalue')' step // process table entry $#pos end
Alphabetical list of control commands
|break loop execution (only allowed in loops)
|conditional assignment
|continue with next loop iteration (only allowed in loops)
|dispatch functions, for use in multi-function macros
|old loop command (DO WHILE, DO FOR, DO FOREVER)
Note: The DO command should not be used in new scripts!
|ELSE, ELSE IF or ELSE IFNOT
|opens the else- or a else-if-clause in a block-if
|end tag for block-ifs and loops
|exit from one/more function levels and return result
|begin of a for-loop
|begin of an infinite loop
|unconditional jump
|IF or IFNOT (.. THAN)
|conditional command execution or first clause of a block-if
|begin of a while-loop
Note: Control commands can not be used as inline functions!
Conditional Expressions
All commands using conditions use the same syntax and evaluation rules. A condition consists of one or more comparisons which are joined with logical (binary) operators. Each comparison compares two values and can evaluate to true or false.
General syntax for a condition:
comparison {loperator comparison {loperator ..}}
- comparison
- A comparison comprising two expressions separated by a comparison operator.
- loperator
- A logical operator, which combines the results of two comparisons. Logical operators are evaluated strictly from left to right; bracketing is not possible; it is explicitly undefined if a part of an expression that is strictly not required for judging on the truth, or falshood, of the whole expression, gets evaluated, or not. So you should not use expressions with side-effects.
General syntax for a comparison:
expression coperator expression
- expression
- A numerical expression or a string.
- coperator
- A comparison operator.
- Logical operators
- The logical operators supported by STx conditional commands are the following:
returns true if both comparison results are true
the same as
returns true if either of the comparison results are true
the same as
- Simple comparison
- A simple comparison will be numerical if both arguments are numerical. Otherwise, a case-insensitive string comparison will be performed.
evaluates to true if both sides are equal.
evaluates to true if sides are not equal
evaluates to true if the left hand side is less than the right hand side
evaluates to true if the left hand side is greater than the right hand side
evaluates to true if the left hand side is less than or equal to the right hand side
evaluates to true if the left hand side is greater than or equal to the right hand side
- Wildcard Pattern Matching
- The left side expression is called string and the right side expression is called mask. The mask can contain wildcard characters
*(one or more characters) and
?(one character).
- Note that, instead of a string, the argument to a pattern matching comparison may also be an STx name, i.e. a string subject to the syntax restrictions for STx names. You can discern the full string comparison operators from the name comparison operators by there second character which is S for string comparison (e.g.
!SI), and N for name comparison (e.g.
string operator name operator description
returning true if string matches mask, ignoring the case
returning true if string does not match mask, ignoring the case
returning true if string matches mask, respecting the case
returning true if string does not match mask, respecting the case
- POSIX regular expression pattern matching
- The left side expression is called string and the right side expression is called mask. The mask is a POSIX regual expression. Regular expressions make heavy use of characters that have a special meaning for STx. In order to use such characters, you need to escape them with the STx escape character, "
`" (back-tick). The STx regular expressions are implemented using the TRE library.
string operator name operator description
returns true if the string matches the regular expression, ignoring case
returns true if string does not match the regular expression, ignoring the case
returns true if the string matches the regular expression, respecting case
returns true if the string does not match the regular expression, respecting the case
Note: Each part of a conditional expression (expression, loperator, coperator) must be a seperated argument!
Variables, Item Attributes, Inline Functions
The STx script language uses a simple string replacement technique to implement the access to variable values.
Each occurrence of
$varname in a command line is replaced by the value of the variable varname. If varname is not defined, its value is the empty string.
#y := int $#x^2
#fileitem := new file * '$@work\$#filename.txt' /read /text
Note: The existence of a variable depends on the context (or the visible variable spaces).
Item Attributes
Each occurrence of
itemname[attrid] in a command line is replaced by the value of the attribute attrid of the shell item itemname. If the attribute is not defined, its value is the empty string. The attrid can be a single word or a list of comma seperated sub id's.
writelog 'Fileitem $#fileitem is connected to the textfile $#fileitem[!path].'
for #row = 0 to $#row < $#tableitem[!nrow] step #row := int $#row+1 for #col = 0 to $#col < $#tableitem[!ncol] step #col := int $#col+1 writelog '$#tableitem`[$#row,$#col`] = $#tableitem[$#row,$#col]'
Note: The shell item attribute names are always case insensitive and can be abbreviated to the shortest unique form. To distinct between internal (pre-defined) shell item attributes and user defined shell item attributes (e.g. table fields), the internal attributes start always with an exclamation mark (!).
Inline Functions
Each occurence of
$(ifuncall) in a command line is replaced by the return value of the inline function call ifuncall. The string ifuncall can be any valid build in command or function call, but not a control command. It can also include an assignment.
#list := set 'first second third' writelog 'This is the $(word 2 $#list) word of variable #list.' writelog '"third" is has the index $(#index := keyword 'third' $#list).' writelog 'The word following "second" is "$(word $(keyword 'second' $#list)+1 $#list)"'.


text:
PrepsPost | Virginia Archive: Fairfax High School
Virginia Volleyball Preview
Today's volleyball preview gave you a snapshot of the landscape in the entire region. Here's a totally Virginia-centric preview for teams, storylines, players and matchups to watch in what should be a highly competitive 2009 season in the Commonwealth.
Matt Brooks
September 8, 2009; 5:30 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (1)
Categories: AAA Concorde District , AAA Liberty District , AAA National District , AAA Patriot District , Cedar Run District , Chantilly High School , Fairfax High School , Flint Hill School , Forest Park High School , Heritage High School , Herndon High School , Langley High School , Loudoun County High School , Loudoun Valley High School , Northern Region , Northwest Region , Patriot District , South County , Stone Bridge High School , Volleyball , W.T. Woodson High School , Westfield High School , Yorktown High School | Tags: Chantilly High School, Flint Hill School, Loudoun County High School, South County High School, Volleyball
Save & Share:


text:
Where Women Walked
- Jean Blackmer & Laura Greiner Authors
- 2004 17 Jun
Instead of ignoring a nudging in her heart, LeAnn responded with action. Her first small act of compassion led to an adventure that drastically changed her life and the lives of hundreds of children.
Summer, 1971
"Look, girls! A bake sale. Let's stop in and buy some cupcakes," LeAnn said as she turned her car into the church parking lot.
"Yay!" both girls shouted in unison as she unbuckled them, freeing them from their car seats. They had spent the last couple of hours driving around their small Iowa town running errands with their mom. They definitely deserved a treat.
"Okay, hop out. We won't be long."
"Mommy, what's that sign say?" asked LeAnn's three-year-old as she pointed at a large banner hanging above the church entry.
"It says, 'Help raise money for the orphans in Vietnam,'" answered LeAnn. She felt a gentle tug on her heart prompting her to help the orphans, even if it was only to give a little money.
Inside, behind a long table laden with baked goods, sat two cheerful women wearing brightly colored, flower-print dresses. Behind them hung heart-wrenching photographs of emaciated Vietnamese orphans. The children's dark brown eyes, showing underneath their unkempt black hair, cried out to LeAnn for help. Their swollen bellies and mal-formed features caused an ache in the pit of her stomach.
LeAnn found some cupcakes, paid for them, and started to leave the building.
"Thanks for stopping," one of the women said to LeAnn. "Every little bit is important to these kids."
"Glad to help," LeAnn answered. She wanted to leave, but the images of the children kept her there.
"You know these children don't have a prayer if we don't get them out of Vietnam," the woman continued.
"There is a time for every purpose under heaven. Sometimes our calling and our making a differenceare to be done in the home. Then there will be times when we are called to expand that, even in a small way. As Audrey Hepburn once said, 'Take care of the small circle around you. When you have succeeded with them, then step out one small step at a time.'" – LeAnn, 54
"What do you mean?" LeAnn asked.
"Well, most of them were conceived by American servicemen. They're called "Amerasians." In their country they are outcasts. No one wants them. So we're working to find them good families here in America. But time is running out because the Vietcong are approaching Saigon, where our orphanage is. If these children end up in the hands of the Vietcong, they will be tortured and possibly killed."
LeAnn looked again at the photographs. Horror of what might happen to these innocent children moved her to want to do more.
"It's getting even harder to place these children in America because most people are so tired of hearing about the Vietnam War," the woman added.
LeAnn couldn't live with her newfound knowledge and do nothing. "I'd like to get involved," she blurted. "Is there a number I can call to find out how I can help?"
When she walked out of that church carrying her goodies and the brochure about Friends of Children of Vietnam (FCVN), she left with much more than a dozen cupcakes – in her heart she carried the seeds of a calling from God.
LeAnn immediately began volunteering for FCVN. For the next several years, she poured her heart and energy into helping to raise money, collect supplies, and arrange adoptions for the orphans. As her volunteer responsibilities grew, so did her passion. She longed to bring one of these babies into her own life and home. After much prayer and discussion with her husband, Mark, they decided to adopt a son from Vietnam. But it was possible that Vietnam would fall before they completed the yearlong process of adoption. If Vietnam fell, no more babies would be allowed to leave.
A few weeks after filling out the adoption paperwork, LeAnn received a call from the director of FCVN. "LeAnn, would you be interested in escorting six to eight babies out of Saigon and bringing them back to their adoptive families in America? With your nursing background you're perfect for the job. But you must go knowing you probably won't be able to bring home your own son."
"I'll think and pray about it," LeAnn answered. She hung up the phone, believing this would be a great opportunity to put her skills to good use but feeling disappointed she would come home with her own arms empty.
Still, LeAnn remained faithful to her desire to help these children. She talked it over with her husband, prayed, and decided she should go. Rescuing six to eight babies seemed important enough to justify the trip.
The U.S. State Department assured LeAnn that there had been no acceleration in the war for months and that she would be safe in Saigon. However, shortly thereafter, the war intensified. Televised news showed maps of Vietnam with fierce battles raging near Saigon. The North Vietnamese dropped bombs less than three miles from the city. LeAnn watched the reports, cringing with fear and uncertainty. She wondered if she'd made the right decision.
The day before she was scheduled to leave for Saigon, LeAnn attended church as usual. When the service ended, LeAnn felt utter panic. "Honey, I need to be alone for a little bit," she said to Mark.
"Okay, we'll wait for you outside," he answered. Taking both girls by the hand, he escorted them out of the sanctuary, leaving LeAnn alone.
LeAnn sat on the pew, folded her hands in prayer, and allowed her suppressed tears to flow freely.
All the doubts and worries she had stuffed erupted from inside her like a river overflowing its banks. Her tears trickled over her folded hands as she cried out to God," "Lord, I'm terrified. Please give me a sign if I shouldn't go." Instead, she felt a clear nudge telling her the opposite. As she sat alone in the pew of the dimly lit sanctuary, a warm feeling enveloped her and her tears began to subside. Her breathing slowed to a deeper, calmer pace. Her shoulders and chest relaxed as an unexplainable feeling of courage filled her.
"Okay, Lord," she whispered. "I will go to Vietnam tomorrow."
April 1, 1975
On April Fool's Day, 1975, LeAnn and her friend Carol, also a nurse, left for Saigon.
After a grueling 24 hours of travel, LeAnn descended the airplane steps into a sweltering Saigon. The 106-degree air assaulted her, the intense heat and humidity making it difficult to breathe. Then, as she glanced around at her surroundings, reality struck. She had left a safe, free country and stepped into a dangerous war zone. Camouflage-painted aircraft and vehicles lined the runway. The unpainted airport buildings looked unfriendly. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she tried to wipe away her fear and focus on the task ahead.
As she and Carol entered the airport terminal, Cherie, an FCVN volunteer LeAnn had met in the States, raced up to them, shouting, "I'm so glad to see you two! Did you hear the news? President Ford has okayed a giant baby lift! Instead of taking out a half dozen babies, you're going to help take out nearly 300 in multiple flights … if we're lucky."
LeAnn, overcome with shock and joy, grinned at Carol as they soaked in the news and the importance of their remarkable mission.
"You don't have to fly to Vietnam to make a difference in the world. You can make a meal for a sick neighbor, or baby-sit someone's child. Any act of kindness improves our world." – LeAnn
On their way to the FCVN center, an animated and excited Cherie told them about a planeload of children that had barely gotten out. "The FCVN plane was waiting on the runway for permission to take off. The government hesitated to grant them permission. The plane took off anyway. On hundred and fifty children are on their way to San Francisco!" Cherie explained. "We're also scheduled to be the first evacuation flight out tomorrow. You ladies will be heading home with a plane full of children first thing in the morning."
Relief swept through LeAnn; she was anxious to return home.
As soon she got to the orphanage, LeAnn wholeheartedly entered the desperate race to save as many of these children as possible. Operation Baby Lift was well underway. Energized by the excitement of their mission, she worked frantically all day packing the multitude of items needed to transport at least 200 babies to the United States. Carol and LeAnn spent most of the day in the two-story warehouse behind the center where the supplies were kept. They looked around at the rows of well-organized shelves and labeled boxes of supplies sent to the orphanage from the United States.
Pulling a dusty box from a rack. Carol laughed, "How do we begin to find 600 sleepers and 1,000 Pampers?"
LeAnn pulled another box from its place, staring at it, "Carol, can you believe this? This is my handwriting. We packed this box!"
LeAnn and Carol sorted through the familiar shirts, pants, and playsuits, delighted that these clothes would return to the U.S. – this time on an infant.
That afternoon, the Vietnamese government decided to change the schedule in retaliation against the FCVN for the plane that took off without permission. Instead, another organization would be the first allowed to leave the next day. LeAnn's heart sank at the bad news. Yet all she could do was accept the decision and continue to prepare the children.
With the change in planes, they now prepared for a transport of 100 babies to be placed onto a plane headed for Australia. Exhausted after a day of feeding, changing, cleaning, and packing for babies, LeAnn fell into bed.
The next morning LeAnn helped finalize the preparation of the babies to be transported on the plane to Australia. She sat in a VW van, with the middle seat removed, surrounded by 21 crying infants lying on the floor and the backseat. It was so hot, and because the babies were losing a lot of liquid from their tears and sweat, the volunteers worried about dehydration.
En route to the airport, they encountered a horrific traffic jam. LeAnn looked out the van window and gasped. A huge, black cloud filled the sky. She later learned from an Australian reporter that the first airplane out that morning had crashed, killing relief workers and hundreds of babies that were headed to America.
LeAnn shoved aside persistent thoughts about the implications of this tragic event. She didn't have time to think about it. Surrounding her feet, on her lap, and on both sides of her were crying, needy children. She focused on providing for them. When they got to the airport, she ignored the black cloud and helped place them on the plane. She and the other volunteers cheered as they watched the Australia-bound plane soar out of their sight toward a safe haven for the orphans.
When LeAnn returned to the center, she collapsed onto a rattan couch and sobbed uncontrollably to Cherie. "It was horrible! I can't explain the dread that overwhelmed me as I looked at that black cloud, knowing so many died in that airplane crash! I kept thinking that could happen to us." Fear-based questions filled her mind. Will I ever see my husband and daughters again? Did God really want me to come here? Did I really hear His voice?
"We can't think about that right now," Cherie said. "We've got lots more babies in the next room who need us right now. We need to take care of them and prepare them for evacuation."
That night at dinner, Cherie smiled at LeAnn as they ate their simple meal. She put down her fork and announced, "LeAnn, one of those babies in the next room is yours. You can be assigned one, or you can go in there and choose your son."
Stunned, LeAnn stammered, "Are you sure?"
Cherie's grin grew wider. "Yep."
LeAnn's heart raced. One of her deepest desires lay on the other side of a thin door. Earlier in the day her stomach had flipped in fear that she might die as the others had. And now, it flipped in joy. "But how can I possibly choose one? There are so many."
"I know it's hard. But you'll know which one is meant for your family," Cherie reassured her.
LeAnn felt she was living a fantasy – a dream come true. She hadn't allowed herself to imagine that one of these babies would be hers.
She'll never forget opening the door to the baby room. A room filled to the brim with 110 babies. The smell of spit-up, baby powder, and wet diapers filled the air, but LeAnn was oblivious to anything but the joy in her heart. The beautiful, constant hum of bawling, cooing babies sang in her ears. How can I possibly choose one? LeAnn asked herself again. As she stood there, a little boy wearing only a diaper crawled toward her. He crawled across the room, right into her arms and into her heart. LeAnn picked him up. Then he nestled his head into her neck. As she glanced around the room at all the babies, he kept patting her cheek with his chubby little hand and pulling her face toward him.
"Meet our son, Mitchell," LeAnn said to those gathered around. "I didn't choose him, he chose me."
For LeAnn, this moment completed the reason why God called her to Vietnam. Not only was she able to help rescue hundreds of children but she was also given the son she had longed and prayed for. It was all worth it.
But she still had to get them home.
The next day they received word that their two flights were approved for that afternoon. They rushed around packing up the first 150 children and infants for their trip to America. Cramming the children and infants for their trip to America. Cramming the children into city buses, they slowly inched their way to the airport. When they arrived, they were informed that their flight had been delayed.
The idling bus quickly because a sauna, and the babies went ballistic. LeAnn ran up and down the aisle stroking damp foreheads and using diapers to fan red-hot faces. Eventually, they were allowed to go to some huts near the airport. There, they unloaded the babies and tried to keep them cool until the flight was ready to depart.
Mitchell was scheduled to go on the next flight with LeAnn, and thus was not on this busload of babies. The bus driver would take LeAnn back to the center to get Mitchell and the remaining children for the second flight.
As usual, nothing went as planned. Ross, another FCVN volunteer, arrived with more bad news for the workers and the babies. Holding up one finger he said, "The Vietnamese government has decided to let a plane leave, but only one!"
LeAnn panicked. Her heart pounded. She couldn't leave without Mitchell! She wouldn't leave without Mitchell.
"Get out while you can," Ross advised. "The country is closing fast. You should take my place on this plane."
"I can't," LeAnn replied, shaking with panic. "I just can't leave Mitchell – what should I do?"
Ross put his arm around her, and she buried her face in his sweat-stained shirt. Then he placed one hand on each of her shoulders and looked deeply into her eyes. "You leave now with Carol. I promise you, I will get Mitch out and bring him to you."
"But what if you don't get out? You just said that no more babies are going to be allowed to leave."
"I will. I promise you." Ross's voice cracked.
LeAnn paused and considered his idea. In her mind she felt Mark's embrace and pictured her daughter's faces. Then she imagined what might happen to Mitchell if he ended up in the hands of the Vietcong.
"I can't leave Mitchell here to be tortured or killed. I won't leave without him," she resolved.
LeAnn jumped on the bus and, through an interpreter, asked the driver to take her back to the center. Her plan was to race back to the center, grab Mitchell, and race back to the airport before the plane took off.
The bus driver sped recklessly back to the center. The crowded streets, the hundreds of weaving bicycles, the endless stream of cars, all angered LeAnn as the bus honked and jerked through the snarling traffic.
"Come on, can't you go any faster?" she hollered at the driver who didn't speak a word of English.
He stopped the bus about a mile from the center. He opened the door, smiled at LeAnn, and pointed down a narrow street ahead. She jumped off the bus and sprinted as fast as her legs would carry her. The strap of her sandal broke and her shoe smacked against her ankle. She reached down without stopping, grabbed her sandal, yanked it off, and ran with one bare foot. When she made it to the center she was practically hyperventilating. "Where's Mitchell?" she gasped. "I need Mitchell, NOW!"
"LeAnn, calm down," Cherie said, meeting her at the door. "I just spoke with an airport official. He called to say the plane would wait for you." She smiled. 'And he told me the second flight has been re-approved."
"Thank you, God," was all LeAnn could manage to say.
From that moment on, LeAnn didn't let Mitchell out of her sight. He and the other babies were place in cardboard boxes, two to three babies per box, and loaded onto cargo planes. The planes landed safely 24 hours later on American soil, filled with 300 babies, one being LeAnn's newest family member.
"The calling I felt was a nudging that wouldn't go away. It was a deep inner voice that kept pestering me." – LeAnn
Never in her wildest dreams did LeAnn imagine that she would take part in a hug effort to evacuate children. She simply followed God's tug on her heart to buy a few cup-cakes – and then followed His leading, step by step, through her heart's desire, to make a difference in the lives of unwanted children. Through her obedience, God incrementally increase her responsibilities and put her in a position to be used to help others. "When I went to Vietnam, I had no idea what was going to happen. I just followed this nudging in my heart and then received blessing beyond my imagination."
In Their Footsteps
"I've let God guide me to places of service and I've found joy comes from serving. Always think about others and try to encourage them."
—Pat, 72
"Take time on a regular basis to nourish your heart and soul. This needs to involve some time of quiet listening so you can hear that still, small voice. Nothing is more important than listening and responding to God."
—Donna, 55
"Never take life for granted. Live each day to the fullest. God put each of us here for a purpose, and we need to live that purpose out to the fullest."
—Jane, 59
"My advice to women is to do things for others; don't just do things for yourself. The more you do, the more you're going to get back."
—Elizabeth, 95
From "Where Women Walked," a Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House. Copyright © 2004, Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission.
Jean Blackmer received her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder. A free-lance writer for the past twelve years, her works have appeared in Today's Christian Woman, Christian Parenting Today, Brio, Guideposts, The Boulder Magazine, The CU Alumni, and the Boulder Daily Camera. Jean is married to Zane and together they are the parents of three school-age boys and live in Boulder, Colorado.
Laura Greiner, also from Colorado, is a wife and the mother of three. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder and has a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Denver. She worked at the Center for the Study and the Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado for more than seven years as the assistant director. She has also had several journal articles published.


text:
|April 03, 2015
|More Trees, Please! Wealthy neighborhoods have the most trees!
|2 comments
|April 19, 2015
|Dirty Little Secrets Your Landscaper Won't Tell You
|no comments
|September 23, 2014
|"Before" & "After" Man
|no comments
|December 01, 2012
|Timing Is Everything
|no comments
"God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools." ~John Muir
If you'd like to request a tree planting on your street or want to report illegal tree cutting or damage, visit this page:
If you hire a landscaping company to maintain your lawn, there are a few things you REALLY ought to know.
1) Less mowing is BETTER for your lawn and saves you $$$. Multiple academic studies have proven that you should let your lawn grow to 2" to 3" in height before cutting it. Here's a link to one of those studies. http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4DMG/Lawns/leavelie.htm
2) A leaf blower can cause permanent hearing damage after just 60 seconds. Why are these things still not banned? Read more here: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/healthy-living/ask-the-expert/ask-the-expert-hearing-loss.
Ask your landscaper to MULCH instead. Mulched leaves are fertilizer for your lawn. Of course, if you get natural fertilizer, the lawn care companies can't sell you fertilizer so they don't promote MULCHING!
There is a ton of evidence (just Google the phrase "leaf blower dangers") that leaf blowers are dangerous to our health. Gas powered blowers spew out toxic pollution and can also damage hearing. Leaf blowers were originally created for agricultural commercial use--not private home use! If there are twenty houses on a street and half of those houses hire landscapers, the residents are subjected to ten individual episodes of ear-blasting NOISE EACH WEEK!
For those who enjoy their weekend sleep, please note that, by law, landscapers can't start their EAR-BLASTING noisy racket until 9am on Saturday in NYC.
3) Insects NEVER CAUSE CANCER but the toxic pesticides landscapers sprinkle on your lawn have been heavily linked to the development of all types of cancer. If it's strong enough to kill, it's strong enough to have harmful long-term effects on your health.
http://www.susunweed.com/A_Campaign_for_Organic_Lawns2.htm.4) Grass takes a lot of water, time, and effort to maintain. Consider planting more bushes. Once established, they don't need as much care or as much watering as grass--just a trim now and then. Unlike a lawn, they also buffer street noise and ensure privacy. Trees are another good option. They provide shade and reduce your energy usage by 20%. Or, consider planting a diverse garden filled with native, drought resistant plants that don't require too much water. How about a lawn filled with wildflowers? You'll be treated to a wonderful bird show on a daily basis if you select the right wildflowers.
5) Potted plants get root bound and are hard to maintain. Yes, they look great on your steps or garden path but plants and flowers that are planted directly into the soil are easier to maintain and won't get root bound.
6) As pesky as it is to take care of a lawn, we do need them. Don't even consider replacing your lawn with cement or rocks. That option can lead to flooding because when it rains heavily the rain won't be absorbed. Plus, urban birds and wildlife depend on your lawn to find food to survive and thrive. Your trees are their homes and nesting places and your lawns are their supermarkets.
Knowledge is power. Use this knowledge to DEMAND lawn service that protects your lawn and your health. When consumers are informed, companies must conform to consumer demand.
Tell your landscaper that you wish to use organic pest control and manual methods for managing leaves. Mow less often and don't BLOW your leaves. if you must blow, use an electric blower--not a gas powered one.
Do not hesitate to contact your elected officials to let them know how you feel about the dangerous noise levels and fumes generated from gas leaf blowers. Circulate petitions to ban their use. If you suspect a landscaping company is using banned pesticides or toxic chemicals without proper notification via yellow flags, please report them.
While I was living in Nashville, I was continually learning about different plants and flowers that were native to the region. As I walked through a field one day, I spotted a cluster of dainty mystery plants sprouting soft downy globes of milky white seeds perched high atop long slender green stems. I experienced my usual "wished I'd brought my camera along" angst and thought about returning to photograph them.
Fast forward to the next morning. I grabbed my camera and headed out to revisit the striking plants. Huh? The wind had beaten me to them. Spare strands of filmy translucent wisps remained intact but the bare plants that had been artfully revised by nature looked nothing like the striking delicate beauties I had glimpsed the day before.
Although similar opportunities would present themselves in the future, I knew that the sunlight would never again shed light on those fragile white blooms in exactly the same manner. Dozens of other changes would also occur over time. The moment had passed. A creative opportunity slipped through my hands because I hesitated when I should have acted. Lesson learned.
Have you ever missed out on a creative opportunity because you hesitated when you should have acted?


text:
The Best Drinks We Drank in March
The best stuff we've sipped lately.
Our team tends to drink internationally: this month we enjoyed amazing gin from Spain, incredible fortified wine from Italy, fresh sake brewed in Portland, delicious beer made with salt in Germany, and tequila straight from the source in Mexico. Here's our rundown of the best drinks we tried this month: cocktails, wine, beer, and of course, an egg cream.
Did you discover any cool new drinks this month? Tell us about them in the comments below.
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


text:
Search Finding Aids
Navigating the Finding Aids
Finding Aids by Repository
Currently Used Filters
Sort Results By:
Narrow Results By:
Main Content
« First • Previous • Next • Last »
Penn Museum Archives [Contact Us]
(Bulk: 1906-1907)
Le Plongeon, Augustus, 1826-1908
Smith, Henry L.
Extent: 05 linear foot (the collection consists of one folder of material with thirteen letters, an article, a program, and the signature of henry l. smith)
The Henry L. Smith collection of Augustus Le Plongeon correspondence documents the letters received by Henry L. Smith from the photographer, antiquarian, and amateur archaeologist, Augustus Le Plongeon in 1906 and 1907. Le Plongeon is most noted for his photographs in the Northern Yucatan during travels with his wife, Alice Dixon Le Plongeon, during a thirteen year period from 1873 to 1885. These photographs depict ancient ruins and inscriptions some of which were later damaged or destroyed. The collection consists of one folder of thirteen letters from Le Plongeon, and two additional pieces of information sent to Henry L. Smith, an article from Appleton's Booklovers Magazine and a brochure from the Lowell Institute. H. L. Smith's signature is found on a label for the letters.


text:
Nope. I'm giving away diseases. Risk free!
(OR, if you're totally grossed out, then yes, I will instead offer a $10 Barnes and Noble Gift card instead.)
I'll be giving away to FOUR lucky winners.
Nothing necessary to enter except leave a comment, your email address, and tell me which disease you are dying to have!
One of my all time favorite plush microbes, this is Syphilis. Cute and sexually transmitted. Not a good combination!
It's not a sunny side up egg, but the sun may cause an outbreak on your lip. A big round of applause for Herpes!
So innocent, yet responsible for deadly epidemics and ouchy vaccines.
Say hi to the Flu!
This is not the machine from the Matrix movie. It's E. Coli. Don't let him touch your hamburger patties.
For all you beer-loving people out there, this is the guy that make all that bubbly goodness happen. Say hi to Beer Yeast.
So don't forget. Tell me which one you'd like, your email address and a comment.
(AND if you'd prefer, let me know if you'd rather have the bookstore Gift Card!)


text:
I've put a bagpipe tune into abc notation but it keeps doing a "carriage return" after the 2nd bar, I've double checked and can't find why not (it does this on software & web based apps).
All my other tunes are ok.
Can anyone point me to a "de bugger" or help page please.
Thanks in advance.


text:
Don't forget UPVC window locks when considering your Hassocks home security
UPVC windows are often neglected when people decide on home security. A burglar in Hassocks may target your UPVC windows as an easy method of entry, which is where our Hassocks UPVC window lock installers can help you.
Kevin the Locksmith can rapidly fit secure, reliable and unobtrusive UPVC window locks in Hassocks and the surrounding areas.
- UPVC Window Locks Hassocks
- Double Glazing Window Locks Hassocks
- Euro Cylinders
- Oval Cylinders
- Euro Thumb Turn Cylinders
- Inline locking window handles
- Window Screw Locks
- Ventilation Locks for Windows
- Automatic Window Locks
- UPVC Window Handles
- UPVC window mechanisms
- UPVC window hinges
- Window handles for double glazing
- Double glazed window mechanisms
- Double glazing window hinges
UPVC Window Repairs Hassocks
Has your UPVC window frame in Hassocks been damaged? Does the mechanism not close properly?
Our dedicated Locksmiths can repair most makes of UPVC window locking mechanisms in Hassocks. This includes stiff window mechanisms, broken window handles, or misaligned frames.
You can depend on our friendly, professional UPVC window repair experts in Hassocks to repair and service all the windows within your property. Then you can rest assured in the knowledge that your Hassocks home is secure enough to deter burglars.
Why we are the best UPVC window lock fitters in Hassocks
The team at Kevin the Locksmith has countless years experience as emergency locksmiths in Hassocks. Having helped many customers over the years, we've built fantastic relationships with both commercial and domestic Hassocks clients.
With a Checkatrade score of 9.98, you can be confident you'll always get the best quality service and workmanship from Kevin the Locksmith.
Don't forget our handy mobile key cutting service if you've lost or broken the keys for your UPVC window locks in Hassocks. Our locksmiths can reach most local premises and have your keys cut within one hour.
Get a FREE quote for your Hassocks UPVC Window Locks:
Not in Hassocks? Still need window locks? Need another locksmith service?
In addition to UPVC Window Locks in Hassocks we provide mobile locksmith services to the following areas:
- Emergency Locksmith Brighton
- Emergency Locksmith Hassocks
- Emergency Locksmith Hove
- Emergency Locksmith Lancing
- Emergency Locksmith Portslade
- Emergency Locksmith Shoreham
- Emergency Locksmith Worthing
- Window Locks Brighton
- Window Locks Hove
- Window Locks Hassocks
- Window Locks Lancing
- Window Locks Portslade
- Window Locks Shoreham
- Window Locks Worthing
- Key Cutting Brighton
- Key Cutting Hassocks
- Key Cutting Hove
- Key Cutting Lancing
- Key Cutting Portslade
- Key Cutting Shoreham
- Key Cutting Worthing


text: [i:Vibes] :: View topic - The extravagance of Sensation White Guidelines FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Bookmarks Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Main Menu Frontpage News Reviews Interviews Party Reports Artist Profiles Label profiles Diaries Tutorials What is... Links Radio-info Interactive Forum User Stats Info FAQ Crew-info i:Vibes Info Site Updates The extravagance of Sensation White [i:Vibes] Forum Index -> Party Reports View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message [i:Vibes] SystemSystem RoleVibes: 0.00Joined: 01 May 2001Member #: 6Posts: 8806 Post subject: The extravagance of Sensation White Discuss this [i:Vibes] article here! [i][b]Article teaser:[/b][/i] "Sensation ends now" were the words that ended the white edition of the world`s leading dance event on Sunday 3rd of July. DJs in the role of saviours of the underwater world accomplished their mission. Another amazing show by ID&T schedulded for 9th of July. Post rating: 0 Rate this post: Not logged in Posted: Sat Jul 09, 2005 5:28 pm Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First [i:Vibes] Forum Index -> Party Reports All times are GMT Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Spam----------------Spam posts Music----------------Music discussion (trance, techno, progressive and other genres)EquipmentArtist and Label NewsRadio BroadcastsMusic Production and DJ Mix PromotionClub Listings Non-music related----------------Other discussionBuy & Sell [i:Vibes]----------------Site Feedback and Help Content Discussion----------------News DiscussionReview DiscussionInterview DiscussionTutorial DiscussionWhat is...Party ReportsArtist ProfilesLabel Profiles You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou can delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forumYou cannot attach files in this forumYou can download files in this forum Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group


text:
What you need to know before you go
Florence offers an irresistible trip back in time to the glory days of the Renaissance. The stunningly preserved historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its skyline dominated by the terracotta dome and soaring Gothic bell tower of Florence Cathedral. Museums like the Uffizi Gallery are studded with priceless masterpieces by local legends like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Meanwhile, the city's cobbled plazas are lined with cozy cafes and boutiques selling chic local fashion and artisan goods. Naturally, it's also a gourmand's paradise, with rustic restaurants serving succulent Florentine steaks, fresh pappardelle swimming in wild boar ragu and other mouth-watering local dishes.


text:
Tribal leaders and prosecutors in Cherokee will now have stronger tools to mete out justice to criminals on the reservation, thanks to a bill signed into law by President Obama last year.
The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010, approved by Congress and the president in July of last year, gives tribal governments and court systems such as the ones in Cherokee increased power and flexibility in fighting crimes that are committed on their lands.
In the past, the jurisdictional tangle surrounding justice for crimes committed on the reservation, along with limited allowances on punishments, have meant that criminals don't always get the penalties they may deserve for offenses in Cherokee.
Under old law, the harshest sentence a tribal court could impose for any charge was one year in prison and a $5,000 fine, which pales in comparison to the maximum penalties allowed at the state and federal level.
Now, tribes are free to approve penalties of up to three years and are allowed to stack up to three charges. That means that, if adopted by Tribal Council, multiple severe offenders could see as much as nine years of prison time.
To Tribal Prosecutor Jason Smith, this is a huge accomplishment for tribal justice and will change the face of many of his cases.
"It's the biggest change that the new law has brought about as far a criminal liability is concerned," said Smith. "I'm hopeful that it will allow the tribal court to prosecute and to punish a broader range of crimes more appropriately, to more appropriately and effectively deal with more serious crime than they have done in the past."
A convoluted court
Committing a crime in Cherokee – and being prosecuted for it – isn't as cut and dried as it would be outside the reservation. Not everyone who breaks the law in Cherokee can expect to go to tribal court for it, nor can everyone expect that they'll be held accountable by state or federal law enforcement. As Smith puts it, "jurisdiction is a huge quagmire. It's not as simple as that."
To begin with, only enrolled members of the Eastern Band, enrolled members of other federally recognized tribes and non-U.S. citizens can be punished by tribal courts. In Cherokee, they have an extra provision for others who want to fall under the tribe's authority – a waiver of jurisdiction, in legal speak – but it's entirely optional and not without controversy.
Everybody else – which includes non-Indian local residents, American tourists, casino patrons – will get pursued by the long arm of some non-Native law, be it local for piddly offenses such as speeding, state for bigger but still victimless crimes, or federal for more major crimes or those perpetrated by Indians against non-Indian victims, and vice versa.
To call it a quagmire is putting it kindly, but according to Smith and Don Gast, his cohort in the U.S. Attorney's office who prosecutes Cherokee's federal cases, they do a good job of working within that framework.
According to Gast, his office doesn't decline tribal cases in the same way they would with non-tribal cases. Of the many cases that come across a normal federal prosecutor's desk, many are just too small-time to warrant attention in federal courts. Gast doesn't do that with cases that come to him from Cherokee.
"We don't decline cases in our districts on the basis of crimes being not big enough in scope like we do on state cases," said Gast, because they realize that for these cases, many of which are violent crimes such as rape and child abuse, federal court is their one chance to bring the alleged criminal to justice.
Bringing order out of chaos
Such crimes are the very reason the Tribal Law and Order Act was created. An Amnesty International study found that Native American women were more than twice as likely to suffer domestic abuse than other women in the United States, and a separate Department of Justice study found that one third of Native American women will experience rape in their lifetime.
Although neither of these unusually high statistics is caused by the difficult maze of prosecution and justice tribal jurisdiction creates, both named it as a barrier to lowering those high rates.
In light of that, the other important provision the law makes is a recommendation for formalized procedures for sending cases to federal court and closer communication with the local U.S. Attorney's office. There's even a provision for cross-training a tribal prosecutor as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, or SAUSA, who would be able to follow cases off the reservation and into federal court and prosecute them there.
In Cherokee, they're keen to see more cases federally prosecuted. At a special meeting on law and order held last week, more than one member expressed frustration at what they perceive as a high number of cases that don't get taken to federal court, leaving victims without justice.
Council Member Teresa McCoy believe that some of the burden for making sure fewer cases fall through the cracks should fall to the council.
"Well, if we're telling our public it just wasn't big enough for the feds to take, then our laws should handle it," said McCoy, advocating for adoption of the stiffer penalties the new federal law allows and possible banishment from the reservation for non-tribal members who can't be prosecuted in tribal court.
"Every time there's a dismissal there's a victim and that victim got no help," she said.
"We still have a way to help ease the pain of the public."
No state "safety net"
Gast wouldn't entirely agree with that assessment. He's firm on the fact that he prosecutes any and every tribal case that comes before him unless it's out of his jurisdiction or it's a bad case. And, he said, because of the nature of many of the crimes – domestic, child and sexual abuse, among other violent crimes – there are more bad cases than a normal federal prosecutor, who mostly deals with proactive cases like sting operations, would see.
The sad truth, said Gast, is that often victims won't or are afraid to speak, recant their stories or don't want to prosecute their attackers. And this is true across the nation, not just on the reservation.
He maintains that, while tribal cases may be declined more often than non-tribal federal cases, that declination rate isn't really any higher than the rates for similar crimes in state courts. Unreported or unprosecuted violent crimes are part of a broader, national trend that often has nothing to do with the prosecutor and everything to do with the victim.
"The mission of the U.S. Attorney's office is to prosecute crime," said Gast. "And in Indian country, the scope of that mission is broader because we don't have the safety net of the state court."
Still, in Indian Country, many would like to see the cracks that criminals have long slipped through closed, in whatever way they can.
Though Gast doesn't see a need for it, Smith said he'd like to look into the possibility of a SAUSA for Cherokee. "It's certainly something I think a lot of the public here would be in favor of," said Smith, an observation that was proven true by public sentiments expressed at last week's meeting.
But overall, Smith echoed Gast, noting the good working relationship that he enjoys with Gast's office, a benefit not enjoyed by many western tribes, who are laboring with overworked prosecutors in huge districts.
"We're in better shape than a lot of places and a lot of reservations because we have that cooperation and we have had with the U.S. Attorney," said Smith. "But could it be better? Absolutely."


text:
The ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA in Hong Kong is Asia's leading trade show for the international fresh fruit and vegetable business.
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA Virtual Market Place – ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA 365 days a year
The Virtual Market Place® is the official online catalogue for ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA exhibitors. By using the exhibitor and product search engine, visitors to the website can find information on the exhibitors and their products. They can also search by subject areas such as unprocessed fruit and vegetables, organic products, packaging and storage.
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA Virtual Market Place – Online meeting place
Visitors can get in direct contact with exhibitors - and schedule appointments with them - via the exhibitor entries in the Virtual Market Place®.
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA Virtual Market Place – The easy way to plan your trade show visit
With the Virtual Market Place® meeting planner, ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA visitors can go online and compile their own personal tour, which they can then access from any mobile device.