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Baruch College Welcomes Jay Fishman, Chairman & CEO, The Travelers Companies, Inc for Business Leadership Lecture
NEW YORK, NY-January 22, 2013 � Baruch College invites you to meet Jay S. Fishman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Travelers Companies, Inc. on March 21, as part of the Burton Kossoff Business Leadership Lecture Series.
Fishman will be participating in a conversation moderated by David Birdsell, Dean of Baruch�s School of Public Affairs, regarding relevant business topics and his career experiences. The free event is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. in the Rackow Conference Room, room 750 of the College�s Information Technology and Library Building, 151 East 25th Street (between Lexington and Third Avenues).
Each year, Baruch hosts prominent business leaders to share perspectives on pressing issues in business and enable the Baruch community to gain insight into the qualities and strategies of today�s most successful business leaders. The Burton Kossoff Business Leadership Lecture Series was created in August 2003 by Phyllis L. Kossoff in memory of her husband Burton, a Baruch alumnus, who was the founder and CEO of Burton Packaging Co., Inc,. an officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Greater New York, and a Trustee Emeritus of the Baruch College Fund.
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance and one of 30 major U.S. companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Travelers offers a wide range of property and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, organizations, and individuals in the United States and selected international markets.
Mr. Fishman joined Travelers as Chief Financial Officer in 1993. He was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Travelers in 1998 and Chairman in 2000. In October 2001, he became Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The St. Paul Companies, and when The St. Paul Companies and Travelers merged in 2004, he became Chief Executive Officer of the combined company. In 2005, he also was named Chairman.
He is a trustee of the University of Pennsylvania, a member of the board of overseers of the School of Veterinary Medicine, and a member of the Industry Advisory Board of the Financial Institutions Center at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. He also is chairman of The Travelers/Wharton Partnership for Risk Management and Leadership.
Mr. Fishman also serves on the boards of the Carlyle Group and ExxonMobil Corporation and is an active member of The Business Council. In addition, he is chairman of the board of the New York City Ballet, a trustee of New York-Presbyterian Hospital and a vice chairman of the Corporate Fund Board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
WHAT: The Burton Kossoff Business Leadership Lecture Series,
Lecture by Travelers Chairman & CEO Jay Fishman
WHEN: 12:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21
WHERE: Rackow Conference Room- Room 750,
Information Technology and Library Building, 151 East 25th Street
(between Lexington and Third Avenues)
About Baruch College:
Baruch College is a senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY) with a total enrollment of more than 17,000 students, who represent 160 countries and speak more than 100 languages. Ranked among the top 15% of U.S. colleges and the No. 5 public regional university, Baruch College is regularly recognized as among the most ethnically diverse colleges in the country. As a public institution with a tradition of academic excellence, Baruch College offers accessibility and opportunity for students from every corner of New York City and from around the world.� For more about Baruch College, go to http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/.
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Mercedes Sanchez, (646) 660-6112, firstname.lastname@example.com
Celene McDermott, (646) 660-6134, firstname.lastname@example.com


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subset: commoncrawl


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First time poster.
I have a one room boutique space so don't have a front desk to greet guests. My problem is if guests don't let me know their arrival time I can be waiting around from our 2pm check in time until late in the evening. When I could be doing other things. It says on our listing to let us know and I ask in the confirmation email.
I suspect people don't read the request. I sometimes ring but if its a landline in another country I cant keep making expensive calls. Sometimes texts work, but not always.
How do others deal with this issue?


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I have recently been writing a series of pretty depressed columns -- I don't like the markets and oil is still overpriced, as are stocks. Most of my columns have reflected this caution, and I have made few recommendations.
I've been writing how difficult I thought the fourth quarter was going to be because of the looming fiscal cliff, overexcited asset prices through endless quantitative easing and the so far underappreciated effects of super storm Sandy. I expected the stock market's recent downdraft and don't think it's over yet. I am choosing to keep target prices on some favored stocks in place and not jump the gun before they reach them.
You want some good news? OK, here it is: There will be a positive effect (at least on asset prices) to be gained from the hurricane, but it will only be felt (at the earliest) in the second quarter of 2013. Why? Well, it's the much maligned and mostly debunked "broken window" theory of economics.
It goes like this: In times of economic downturn, with slow growth and high unemployment, any stimulative activity can act to push an economy out of its funk. The classic example is a shopkeeper's window: Break it, whether by accident or on purpose, and the shopkeeper will be forced to spend, let's say, $100 to the glazier to replace it. That $100 travels from the glazier to pay his assistant, to buy raw glass and grouting and the money continues to cycle with a much argued "multiplier effect" through the economy at large.
The debunking of this theory and why you don't want to just run around breaking windows in a stagnant economy is the idea of where the initial $100 comes from. While it comes from the shopkeeper's pocket, his spending of it on glass meant that he could not spend it somewhere else, somewhere less unnecessary. Before the incident, the shopkeeper has a glass window and $100 in his pocket. At the end of our example, he's got a window and $100 less dollars. Nothing new has been created, no innovation, no progress.
Well, if there was ever a practical chance to test the economic effects of the "broken window" fallacy, super storm Sandy is it. With an estimate of damage now breaching $50 billion dollars, there are a lot of broken windows out there that are going to need fixing.
But, where's the money going to come from? Shopkeepers? Insurance companies? Yes, a lot of it will. But also a good amount will come from the federal government. I expect newly re-elected President Obama to fund low-interest rebuilding loans and outright relief for affected residents of the hurricane. To keep with our analogy, the shopkeeper will get a new window without taking the entire $100 out of his pocket.
Of course, on the other side, there's a further debt argument, a further printing of money argument and a further "stimulus in the guise of help" argument. All of that, while true, doesn't make it any less practical and likely.
But the positive effects of this rebuilding effort on asset prices, including stocks multiplying through the economy is not likely to be seen until the spring of 2013 when building stocks such as Home Depot (HD), Sherwin-Williams (SHW), Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) and dozens of others will get the sales pop.
Unfortunately, the negative effects will be felt first with a slowing GDP, missed earnings and a slackening stock market. So for now, I'm sort of back to my market depression and advising you to find those target prices and stick to them, at least through the end of the year.


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Press info
Still need stuff for your article or broadcast? In our press kit we have pooled all kinds of game impressions: screenshots, concept art, wallpapers, music and logos. You can find some video impressions on our Press kit.
Press releases:: You can find all Wizard101 press releases in the official Gameforge press area.
Contact for your questions: firstname.lastname@example.com
The publisher: Gameforge
In 2003 Gameforge began to develop, and a short time afterwards, to publish browser- and client-based Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs). With MMOGs like OGame, the company utilised the growth of fast broadband internet to establish a new games industry division. And because game culture has overcome national stigma and undergone a process of globalisation, Gameforge games are available in over 50 languages. As one of the largest global providers of online games, Gameforge provides gaming fun for over 200 million players all over the world.
The developer: KingsIsle
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle creates online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, unique and of high quality. We have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these exciting projects. Our team consists of individuals with exceptional knowledge and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software.


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NEW YORK, N.Y.—A year after leaving Saturday Night Live, Kristen Wiig is coming back to host the show.
NBC announced Friday that Wiig will host the May 11 episode. For six seasons, Wiig was one of the most popular cast members on the show before exiting in an emotional send-off last May.
Vampire Weekend will perform as musical guest.
The network also announced that the season finale on May 18 will be hosted by Ben Affleck, with Kanye West as the musical guest. It's Affleck's fifth stint as host.
Saturday Night Live returns May 4 with Zach Galifianakis hosting.


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Justin Bieber Mocks Media By Posting New Shirtless Photos
Someone is reading what the press says about him. Justin Bieber, whose image has been taking a regular beating lately, the latest over an Anne Frank gaffe, mocked the media by posting defiant shirtless photos of himself with hilarious captions.
The Biebs is in a gym and in seriously good shape, as his washboard abs indicate. However, he is also looking yard hard, with lots of tattoos sprinkled all over his torso and arms, while his posture is sorely lacking. Stand up straight, Biebs! Scooter, quick. Balance a book on his head like they do to teach girls posture in finishing school. Who cares if it messes up that famous coif? He needs to stand up straight.
One photo was accompanied by this snide comment: "Breaking news worldwide@justinbieber just posted 2 shirtless pictures he must be going crazy - funny people #forthefansanyways#dontbecreepin :p"
The second nodded to his "issues" as well. He posted:"Uh oh @justinbieber is losing it taking shirtless pics in the mirror - funny people."
He's having fun and bringing some levity to a situation -- the paparazzi, media spin and negative press -- that brings him many headaches. At least he has a sense of humor about it.
Watch the Justin Bieber 'Boyfriend' Video


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Fenger Pointing
Becky Fenger | April 28, 2010
Sex, lies and videodates
Now I've heard it all. I thought the radio ad was a joke, but I stopped laughing when I checked out the Website for myself at www.ashleymadison.com. This is a dating service with a twist, since it exists for married folks looking to have extra-marital affairs. The "o" in the word Madison is formed with a wedding ring. How cute is that?
"Are you married but looking?" the site asks. "Feeling neglected and in need of some excitement?" As if some people needed prodding, the Ashley Madison motto – which is trademarked, by the way – is: "Life is Short, Have an Affair." The service is certified (for what that's worth) and has been featured on the shows of Oprah, Larry King, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Tyra Banks and Howard Stern. I can imagine Larry King drooling on his keyboard now, looking to get some side action when life with Wife Number 19 (or something like that) gets boring.
Jumping from married sex to clergy sex, defrocked Catholic Monsignor Dale Fushek pleaded guilty on April 15 to one count of misdemeanor assault for which he received a mere 364 days of probation and a fine and surcharge totaling less than $500. That's a travesty.
Worse, the charge was deemed non-sexual, although he was "flicking" a male's genitals. Fushek's attorney termed it horseplay. Ya, sure. But it saves Fushek from having to register as a sexual offender. And it saves the state of Arizona the expense of five separate trials.
Horny Dale Fushek has a long history of impure thought and deeds. In 1995 the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix paid $45,900 to settle a sexual harassment claim against him in what has been called a "go-away" payment by the church. Jim Cunningham, the Phoenix attorney who negotiated the settlement, warned them that Fushek's sexual behavior may lead to more trouble.
Instead, Fushek was elevated in 2000 to the exalted position of vicar general of the Diocese of Phoenix, and observers expected that he would one day be the Bishop. If he just could have kept his hands off the teenage boys in his charge and his naked bulbous body out of hot tubs with them. Instead, the Monsignor announced his resignation from St. Timothy's in 2005 over charges by former church member William J. Cesolini that Fushek pleasured himself while watching another priest sexually abuse the boy in 1985. I suppose he thought he could get away with it, since he was second in command to Bishop Thomas O'Brien who was known for covering up for priests accused of sexually molesting children.
There are a number of outrages here besides the criminal findings and the damage to the young men at the hands of a popular priest. Fushek is a sexual predator and should have been forced to register as such. It seems the Catholic church was more irritated that he founded his own church after he was defrocked and excommunicated (that's stripped of his priesthood, for you non-Catholics) than they were over his sexual assaults.
I will never understand parishioners who keep defending Monsignor Fushek and Bishop O'Brien long after they have been found guilty. O'Brien routinely reassigned clergy whom he knew had sexually molested victims and ordered priests who wanted to call police to keep their mouths shut. In one case, he ordered a priest to leave the priesthood if he went to the police and spilled the beans. Why is O'Brien still honored at Catholic celebrations and living off the collection plate? Does he have to run over and kill a second person?
The scandal has reached all the way to Pope Benedict XVI. I hope he is innocent of the charges. Right now, only God knows.


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You are Sarah Kerrigan, former Queen of Blades. Once the most feared entity in the galaxy, you now wait in a cell in the depths of a high-security research laboratory. Before the murderous forces of the Terran Dominion close in, you must plot your escape to the dark reaches of space... and reclaim your living empire at the Heart of the Swarm.
Requires Star Craft II: Wings of Liberty.
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Lindsay Lohan May Not Actually Come to Your Bar Mitzvah After All
In case you hoped to list Lindsay Lohan as the +1 for your weird cousin's wedding, you may want to hold off.
The once-promising, now-derailing starlet is denying any association with 123 Talent, the firm that wanted to pimp her out for bar mitzvahs and private appearances for the right price.
Backstory: Last week, 123 Talent sent out a pitch letter for private appearances from La Lohan, and included her entire filmography to prove her star wattage.
But TMZ reports that Lohan claims she never signed any sort of contract with the talent agency, and is thus pretty pissed about all this.
The CEO of the North Carolina-based agency told TMZ that he did in fact pitch LiLo legitimately, but that her team "decided to go in another direction." Lohan is still listed on the 123 Talent website, though the CEO admits, "Unfortunately, we are not working with [her]."
For Lohan' part, while she's flat broke, she doesn't think her career has sunk to the "hire me for your nephew's birthday party" level just yet. Aw, sweetie, we know -- just give it til January. (Maybe by then she'll just use the skills she learned for 'I Know Who Killed Me.')


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via press release:
New Reality Competition Series Features Celebrity Guests: Kid Cudi, Miley Cyrus, Carly Rae Jepsen, Khloé Kardashian, Kylie Minogue, Kelly Osbourne, The Band Perry, Naya Rivera, Big Sean, Nervo and Ne-Yo
NEW YORK – September 30, 2013 – Bravo Media combines its passion points of Fashion and Pop Culture in "Styled to Rock," executive produced by multi-Grammy Award winner and fashion icon Rihanna, premiering Friday, October 25 at 8pm ET/PT. This new reality competition series gives 12 up-and-coming designers, hand-picked by the superstar herself, the opportunity to become America's next trendsetting designer. Grammy Award-winning music producer Pharrell Williams, international model Erin Wasson and Rihanna's personal stylist, Mel Ottenberg will mentor these contestants as they push their creative boundaries to the max. Each week, the designers will be presented with a different challenge, each aimed at creating a new look to define the celebrity guest's image, and in turn battle it out in the sewing room. However, only half of the contestants selected by the mentors will get to showcase their new design for the client and have a shot at winning. The other half will be placed up for elimination. The stakes are high because the grand prize is life-changing: $100,000 cash, a fashion feature in Glamour magazine and the chance to become the next member of Rihanna's design team. For a sneak peek, please visit: http://www.bravotv.com/styled-to-rock/season-1/videos/this-is-their-moment
Meet the Executive Producer:
Robyn Rihanna Fenty
Robyn Rihanna Fenty has taken the music, entertainment and fashion industry by storm. An accomplished performer, she has sold 43 million albums worldwide and 170 million digital tracks worldwide making her the top-selling digital artist of all time. Her seventh album, "Unapologetic," gave the singer her first number one album on the Billboard 200 album chart. In addition, she has achieved 12 number-one singles and won seven Grammy Awards. In 2012, she took her talents to the silver screen with her big screen debut in Battleship. Rihanna was recently crowned the most-likeable star on Facebook with 72 million 'friends' on the site, more than any other celebrity. In addition, she has created a fashion empire with the successful launches of her fragrances Reb'l Fleur, Rebelle and Nude as well as two capsule collections under the Armani umbrella and a collection with River Island for their spring/summer 2013 collection.
Meet the Mentors:
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams is a pop culture icon and creative force with credits that include music producer, recording artist and fashion designer. He is known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the hip-hop rock band, N.E.R.D, as well as one half of the production duo, The Neptunes. Through his production company, Pharrell has been responsible for the success of an expanding roster of projects, which have garnered him 19 Grammy nominations and three Grammy Awards. In 2012, he released his wildly successful book "Pharrell: Places and Spaces I've Been." which gave readers an unprecedented look at his career and creative endeavors thus far. Recently, Pharrell has collaborated with French Duo, Daft Punk, to create the record-breaking hit, "Get Lucky." This has reached the number one spot in 55 global markets within its first week of release. Currently, "Get Lucky" sits atop the official UK Singles chart and has broken the record for the most singles sold in one week so far in 2013. He has also teamed up with Robin Thicke, producing and writing the hit single "Blurred Lines" which also features T.I. Exploding around the world "Blurred Lines" has reached top spots on iTunes in 55 countries. Clinching the number one spot in 15 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Ireland, South Africa, Portugal and Poland. His creative pursuits include his clothing lines Billionaire Boys Club, Billionaire Girls Club, Bee Line, ICECREAM, jewelry and accessories designs for Louis Vuitton, furniture and product design, collaborations with Moncler, Marc Jacobs, the artist KAWS, and with architects Zaha Hadid and Masamichi Katayama/Wonderwall. In addition, Williams established the creative venture–i am OTHER–a collective that includes the initiatives: Billionaires Boys Club, IceCream, FriendsWithYou, Bionic Yarn, Collaborative Fund, Artst Guild & Gallery, Brooklyn Machine Works, UJAM and the not-for-profit foundation From One Hand To Another.
Erin Wasson
Texas native Erin Wasson is a model, designer, entrepreneur and actress who is considered one of modeling's "blue chip" faces. Her prolific career has countless highlights, from gracing the covers of numerous magazines, including the French, German, Spanish and Australian editions of Vogue, to shooting with renowned photographers Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Patrick Demarchelier and Ellen von Unwerth, among others, to walking runways for every important European fashion house, including Chanel, Gucci, Lanvin and Balenciaga. Her low-key and free-spirited sense of style has inspired many, and Erin served as muse, and then stylist, for CFDA Award winner and designer Alexander Wang. In 2008, Erin made the natural leap to designer, kicking off a three-season apparel collaboration with storied skate-and-surf brand RVCA and launching her own line of jewelry, Low Luv, which currently is sold at more than 200 stores worldwide. In fall 2011, she returned to the studio to design a capsule collection for French brand Zadig & Voltaire. Erin also appeared alongside Justin Timberlake in a series of short films for the William Rast brand and made a cameo appearance in Sofia Coppola's "Somewhere." Most recently, Erin was featured as a leading role in Timur Bekmambetov's "Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter." Uniquely versatile and notoriously hard-working, she spends much of her free time traveling and working in support of animal rescue and serves on the advisory board of Saving America's Mustangs.
Mel Ottenberg
As a leading stylist, Mel Ottenberg has left his indelible mark on not only fashion, but pop culture as well. Mel is known for reinventing the looks of some of the world's most provocative style tastemakers, such as Cate Blanchett, Chloe Sevigny and James Franco. He currently works with pop superstar Rihanna, serving as the stylist for all of her appearances, album covers and music videos, including the Grammy Award-winning smash "We Found Love." Additionally, he is Rihanna's wardrobe director for her current world tour. A former fashion design major at Rhode Island School of Design, Mel mixes tongue-in-cheek irreverence with a bold sensuality – all done with an approach that is equal parts offbeat and sophisticated. His editorial work has appeared in Harper's Bazaar, V, I-D, Purple, Dazed & Confused, The New York Times Style Magazine and GQ Style, among others. Mel's narrative approach to clothing has been featured in ads for Nike and Dior's "Midnight Poison" fragrance, as well as an assortment of globally-recognized iconic images from top photographers, including Terry Richardson, Mario Sorrenti and Steven Klein.
Meet the Contestants:
Cecilia Aragon, 30 – San Francisco, CA
Adam Christoffel, 30 – Brooklyn, NY
Jordan Crowson, 32 – Conway, AR
Adriana Diaz, 22 – Riverside, CA
Autumn Kietponglert, 33 – Philadelphia, PA
Laura Petrielli-Pulice, 35 – Chicago, IL
Kristie Metcalf, 33 – Seattle, WA
Ahni Radvanyi, 27 – Venice, CA
Dexter Simmons, 29 – Oakland, CA
Andre Soriano, 42 – San Diego, CA
Ebony White, 36 – New York, NY
Keenan Zeno, 27 – Atlanta, GA
"Styled to Rock" is executive produced by Robyn Rihanna Fenty and is produced by Shed Media US, Overbrook Entertainment and Marcy Media Films. Nick Emmerson, Pam Healey and Dan Peirson of Shed Media US and James Lassiter of Overbook Entertainment also serve as executive producers.
Bravo is a program service of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Bravo has been an NBCUniversal cable network since December 2002 and was the first television service dedicated to film and the performing arts when it launched in December 1980. For more information, visit www.BravoTV.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BravoPR.


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In stark contrast with his usual public image as a forthright, progressive politician, Examination Yuan President John Kuan (關中) is the epitome of the stereotypical doting grandfather when it comes to his 20-month-old granddaughter, nicknamed Amber.
Amber's voice shouting: "Grandpa" is the first thing that Kuan hears when he arrives home from work every day.
"How can a child be this cute? You are melting grandpa's heart," Kuan says in response as he runs upstairs to scoop Amber up in his arms.
During his spare time, Kuan frequently sings nursery rhymes to Amber or takes her to a nearby branch of the Eslite Bookstore to look at children's books.
He had avoid avoided going to the bookstore for a long time after his daughter, Wendy Kuan (關雲娣) — Amber's mother — died in May 2011 after she fell from the kitchen window of her apartment on the 27th floor of a building in Shanghai, China.
While Chinese police have yet to ascertain whether his daughter's death was an accident or suicide, there have been rumors that she committed suicide after she discovered that her husband, Zero Lin (林哲樂), was having an affair.
"There have been many times in my life when I felt misunderstood, or maligned by others, but nothing has ever hit me as hard as my daughter's death did," John Kuan said.
He added that he is still struggling to learn the bitter lessons of forgiveness and of letting go that the tragic incident has forced him to undergo.
"People often ask me why I have not recovered from the tragedy. The thing is, we all know that to forgive and to let go are the right things to do, but the connection my daughter and I had is too deep for me to just let it go," he said. "She was the love of my life."
Moving on after his daughter's death has been hard enough, but forgiving his son-in-law is proving even difficult to do.
John Kuan has avoided meeting Lin ever since his daughter's death, refusing to attend any family events where his son-in-law would be present.
However, his wife, Chang Hui-chun (張惠君), has adopted a positive attitude to cope with her daughter's death to help herself and her husband work through the pain and grief of losing a child.
"I told Lin that he should put himself in John's shoes and see how it would feel if Wendy was his daughter. I also wished him good luck in finding a new life partner," Chang said.
Chang said that she and her husband had no idea that Wendy had been dating Lin until she was engaged to him. Lin also did not who his fiance's father was until after he got engaged.
Chang said Lin has apologized to her and her husband over his wife's death and written them several letters explaining the incident.
"However, I did not read any of those letters. My daughter's death is an irreversible fact and all I want to do is move on and put my family back together," Chang said.
Chang said the only thing she thought about after her daughter's funeral was "what is best for Amber," because adults must not let their emotions get in the way of taking care a child who is suffering through losing their mother.
To help deal with this grief, John Kuan has been writing a letter to his daughter every day since her death. He has published the more than 800 letters he has produced so far as a tribute to her.
"My daughter's favorite writer, Wang Ting-chun (王鼎鈞), once said that he writes to forget, but I write because I want to remember," John Kuan said, adding that remembering his daughter gives him the greatest joy.


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|Cock Sure Men
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Commission Designates Free Fishing Days
At its regular May meeting, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission designated June 3-4 as Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma.
As part of the National Fishing Week, which runs June 3-11, the Commission designated Oklahoma's Free Fishing Days to recognize the importance of fishing to our state's culture and economy, said David Warren, chief of the Department's Information and Education Division.
"More than 900,000 anglers annually enjoy the great fishing we have in Oklahoma, generating more than $500 million annually to our state and local economies," Warren said. "This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Sport Fish Restoration Act, which has been instrumental in developing Oklahoma's fisheries resources, so it's especially fitting to recognize Free Fishing Days this year."
During Free Fishing Days, anyone can fish in Oklahoma without a fishing license. The purpose is to encourage non-anglers to adopt the sport while providing an opportunity to for experienced anglers to introduce newcomers to fishing.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma, the first state to establish this national tradition.
In wildlife-related business, the Commission approved a rule that will lengthen the season in which sportsmen can use hounds to pursue raccoons with a special use permit at Little River National Wildlife Refuge. The rule allows for harvest during the statewide furbearer season and also establishes a fall archery season for turkey. Furthermore, the rule provides for trapping and waterfowl seasons.
These provisions are a result of many months of negotiations between the Wildlife Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said Alan Peoples, chief of the Department's Wildlife Division, and the rules will benefit both sportsmen and wildlife at Little River NWR.
"Our agreement on Little River Wildlife Refuge is one of the most liberal in the country," Peoples said. "This rule opens up a lot of opportunities that were previously closed, and we are pleased with the agreement."
In a similar matter, the Commission also voted to approve a rule that would allow hunters to use .22-caliber rimfire rifles during dates open to squirrel and rabbit hunting at Deep fork National Wildlife Refuge. It would also allow hunters to pursue raccoons with hounds from Jan. 1-31 at Deep Fork NWR.
In his monthly report, Director Greg Duffy updated the Commission on the status of House Bills 1717 and 1927, which are currently under consideration by the Oklahoma Legislature. The House of Representatives has requested a conference committee with the Senate on HB-1717, Duffy said, and HB-1927 is currently under discussion in a conference committee.
In a personnel-related item, the Commission recognized Roger Kildow, a fisheries technician at Byron Fish Hatchery, for 20 years of continuous service to the Department.
The Commission will hold its next regular meeting June 5 at the Department's headquarters in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma offers plenty of fishing
Looking ahead to National Fishing Week, which runs June 3-11, anglers can enjoy excellent fishing for several popular species across the state well into summer.
Largemouth bass fishing will remain productive across the state, but anglers can also enjoy fine outings for catfish, crappie, sand bass, walleye and sunfish, just to name a few. Here's a quick look at what's hot across the state.
Largemouth Bass
Although the spawn has ended in most waters, anglers can get in on some brisk post-spawn fishing on our major lakes and rivers, said Barry Bolton, assistant chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
"For many anglers, the post-spawn is a great time to catch bass," Bolton said. "The big fish have pulled out into deeper water, and they're very aggressive and eager to hit a variety of artificial lures. It can make for some exciting trips."
While some of the most productive fishing occurs during the spawn in March and April, you can still catch some big stringers in early and mid-summer. After the spawn, crappie return to deep water and seek shelter near submerged cover, such as standing timber or brush piles. If you can find such structures, you can enjoy consistent fishing for long stretches during the hottest parts of summer," Bolton added.
"Crappie are among the most widely distributed fish species in Oklahoma," he explained. "We have an abundance of them in most of our lakes and rivers, and for those who follow their patterns, they can provide a lot of fun fishing for anglers of all ages."
To catch stringers of big crappie, consider fishing at night. Crappie are often more active at night than during the day in summer, and the cool temperatures at night makes the experience more enjoyable.
Likewise, sunfish activity should be kicking into high gear over the next few weeks. Bluegill, redear and longear sunfish have already spawned in some areas, and they are just now spawning in others. If you can find them, you can catch bunches well into summer with worms, crickets and small, artificial lures.
"Sunfish are, perhaps, some of the most underutilized fish species in Oklahoma," Bolton said, "but they are also some of the most fun to catch. If you can find a sunfish bed, chances are you'll give out before they do. They'll take a variety of baits, so they also provide a good opportunity to introduce a newcomer to fishing. When the sunfish are really biting, that's about as good as it gets."
White Bass
Usually, white bass begin their spawning runs in late March and early April, but they started a bit late this year. Therefore, you can still enjoy some fast-paced white bass fishing in the upper arms of many lakes.
Even if you miss the spawning runs, you can still have fun fishing for schooling white bass in many Oklahoma lakes and reservoirs, Bolton said. All you have to do is watch and wait for a big school to start chasing shad on the surface. If you can get to them in time, you can catch them non-stop until the school sounds.
"The white bass is Oklahoma's state fish for a reason," Bolton said. "They inhabit lakes, rivers and streams statewide, and they fight like there's no tomorrow. Best of all, they're fairly easy to catch with a variety of lures and tackle. When they're biting, there's nothing like it."
In addition to schooling fish, you can also catch white bass around islands, off flats and windy points and under bluffs in the summertime with standard bass tackle, like crankbaits, spoons and small spinners.
Those are just a few of the fishing opportunities awaiting you in Oklahoma over the next few months. Try one, or try them all. Chances are, you'll come back for more.
To find out where your favorite fish are biting, you can receive the Department's weekly fishing report by e-mail. To subscribe, visit the Department's official website at www.wildlifedepartment.com. Click on the link, "Wildlife Information," and then follow the instructions. You'll receive up-to-date fishing reports and the Department's latest news every Thursday.
Aquatic Educationteaches fishing and more
While recognizing the importance of fishing in Oklahoma during National Fishing Week, it's also appropriate to recognize the importance of Oklahoma's aquatic resources.
That's the mission of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Aquatic Resources Education Program (AREP). The program is conducted almost entirely by 384 volunteers who teach both youngsters and adults basic fishing skills while educating them about the many facets of Oklahoma's aquatic resources.
Through free fishing clinics, AREP volunteers also inform people about the importance of good water quality, as well as about our state's aquatic plant and fish communities, said Damon Springer, the Department's Aquatic Education coordinator.
"Fishing is a very important part of life in Oklahoma, but it's also important for people to know how other activities affect their favorite fishing waters," Springer said. "In a sense, every person, whether they fish or not, is connected to Oklahoma's aquatic resources, and the Department's Aquatic Education Program is a very effective tool for enhancing and creating awareness about these resources."
In 1999, the Aquatic Education Program conducted 180 youth fishing clinics across the state in which volunteers provided personal, hands-on instruction to nearly 18,000 children and young adults. Because of its close interaction with the public, especially urban youths, the Aquatic Education Program represents one of the Department's most visible and effective outreach efforts.
To volunteer for to help teach Oklahoma youngsters or for more information about the program, contact Damon Springer at (405) 521-4603.
Tahlequah landownerreceives national award
Veraman Davis of Tahlequah, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's 1999 Landowner of the Year, recently received national recognition for his outstanding contributions to wildlife.
As a landowner who emphasizes wildlife conservation in his land management strategy, Davis received the prestigious, National Award for Agricultural Landowners for Fish and Wildlife Conservation. The award is a joint honor bestowed by the International Association of Wildlife Agencies, The American Farm Bureau Federation, the Wildlife Management Institute, the Wildlife Society and the American Fisheries Society. Davis received the award recently at the annual Director's Meeting of the International Association of Wildlife Agencies in Chicago.
Davis is the first Oklahoman ever to receive the award.
The award is especially significant heightened awareness for the needs of wildlife by private landowners, which benefits both game and non-game wildlife resources, said John Hendrix, private lands biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
"Nearly 95 percent of Oklahoma's land area is privately owned, and this award highlights the fact that landowners like Mr. Davis can provide for the needs of wildlife while operating a highly successful agricultural operation," Hendrix said. "Their efforts make it possible for Oklahomans to enjoy the diversity and abundance of wildlife that we have today."
Davis owns about 4,500 acres in the Ozark foothills near Tahlequah. He reserves about half of his property for wildlife management practices and uses the remainder for agricultural production. Davis incorporates a rotational grazing program, which encourages nesting cover and food resources for wildlife. He also plants and maintains food plots to attract wildlife to his property, and provides supplemental wildlife food resources during stress periods if needed, Hendrix said.
In addition, Davis incorporates selective timber harvest to create additional food resources for wildlife. Rather than use so-called, "clean" farming practices, Davis allows fence lines to grow up with shrubs and brush to provide shelter for small game and other wildlife.
Davis also maintains 30 ponds on his property which he stocked with various fish species through the Department's fish stocking program. These ponds contain islands, standing timber and submerged structures to provide habitat for both fish and wildlife, especially wood ducks.
Also, Davis reserves about 1,000 acres for three wildlife refuges in which he allows no human activity . He balances deer and turkey populations with regulated hunting. His land is also enrolled in the Department's Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) and the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).
Online applicationsa major success
Although the Internet won't improve your chances for drawing a permit for the 2000-2001 Controlled Hunts, it certainly did make it easier to apply.
At the end of the application period, which ended at midnight on May 5, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation received nearly 24,000 Controlled Hunts applications over the Internet, said Nels Rodefeld, assistant chief for the Department's information & Education Division. Based on the average annual number of applications, this will probably amount to about 45 percent of this year's total.
Among the advantages to applying online, Rodefeld added, are convenience, accuracy and the peace of mind from knowing that your applications wouldn't be rejected. The computer only accepted applications that were completely filled out, and it alerted applicants if they left something blank.
"We knew the electronic applications would be a very popular service, and we're extremely pleased that it has simplified the applications process not only for our constituents, but also for the Department, Rodefeld said. "We anticipate that this system will streamline the application process even further in the future, but in the meantime, we will be looking for ways to make it even better."
In addition to the Controlled Hunts applications, the Department also uses the Internet to provide the latest wildlife news, fishing reports and other information of interest to Oklahoma's hunters, anglers and wildlife enthusiasts. To experience wildlife conservation in Oklahoma, visit us at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Registration begins forsummer bat events
On the outskirts of Freedom, in the far northwest corner of the state, a spiraling smoke plume rises from the distance on hot summer evenings.
Upon further investigation, observers realize that the smoke contains individual specks rising high into the sky. Farmers and ranchers don't worry much about this smoke trail, however, because they know it leads back to the Selman Bat Cave, a cave filled with 1 million Mexican free-tailed bats! Although local residents have enjoyed seeing this wondrous spectacle for decades, it hasn't been open to the public until recently.
"The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation purchased the Selman Bat Cave in 1996 to protect this unique resource in perpetuity and to provide bat viewing opportunities to the public," said Melynda Hickman, natural resources biologist with the agency. "For the past three summers, the Department's Wildlife Diversity Program has conducted the Selman Bat Watches to give people an appreciation for bats and for what they do for us. For example, the million bats in the Selman Bat Cave are estimated to eat 10 tons of insects nightly!"
This summer, the Wildlife Diversity Program will offer 10 evening bat watches on Fridays and Saturdays from July 7 to August 5. Pre-registration is required, and walk-ups will not be allowed to attend. Admission is $5 for children between ages 3-12, and $8 for adults.
In addition, the Wildlife Diversity Program will offer two separate "Nature at Night" evenings, which will take place 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday, June 24 and Saturday, August 12. After watching the evening's bat emergence, participants will explore the sand sage prairie after sundown. Professional biologists and volunteers will demonstrate how to observe wildlife at night by identifying wildlife tracks and night sounds. Astronomy activities will also be held, weather permitting. These evenings are limited to 20 adults (18 and up) and cost $18 per person.
The Selman Bat Watches are made possible through the efforts of the Selman Bat Cave Volunteers, Alabaster Caverns State Park, Freedom Public Schools and the James Selman Ranch.
Attention MEDIA: If you wish to attend a Media Day for the Selman Bat Watches, please contact Melynda Hickman at 405/521-4616.
For Immediate Release
May 18, 2000 Wildlife News
A Service of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
News Contact - Bryan Hendricks, 405/522-1857
EDITORS: The following four articles are embargoed for publication until Sunday May 21.
21st Century Deer Stakeholder Committee
Committee Recommends Bold Steps to Manage State's Deer Herd
Several key elements not finalized - committee's work to continue
A group of 32 key natural resource opinion leaders met May 9-11 in Oklahoma City to provide recommendations on how to better manage the state's growing deer herd. The meeting was another step in an ongoing process that the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is using to gain consensus on deer herd management and hunting regulation changes.
The committee represented every major group with an interest in deer management - from landowners and agriculture organizations like Farm Bureau, Farmer's Union and Oklahoma Cattleman's Association, to media representatives, to hunter organizations such as the Quality Deer Management Association, to state wildlife professionals including biologists and game wardens. Recommended changes will be presented to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Wildlife Department's governing board, at an upcoming Wildlife Commission meeting. Commissioners can implement all, part, or none of the plan, but have expressed their support for involving stakeholders in the process of formulating deer management recommendations. Some recommendations may require legislative action, and some of the strategies will require additional Wildlife Department funding.
Before arriving at specific management recommendations, the committee adopted the following mission statement: Manage Oklahoma's deer herd for both quality and quantity to provide a healthy deer herd, managed specifically by habitat zones through education of both landowners and hunters.
In support of achieving this mission, the committee recommended the following five steps be taken:
Step 1: Rezoning. The group recommended a subcommittee of ODWC district law enforcement chiefs and regional wildlife supervisors create new deer management zones based on habitat types and social considerations.
Step 2: Maximize Doe Hunting Opportunity. Options to consider to maximize doe harvest include increasing the aggregate bag limit on does; allowing hunters to take two does during the primitive firearms and modern gun seasons; improving the Sportsmen Against Hunger program; establishing a January doe-only archery season; establishing three-day doe-only management gun hunts.
Step 3: Reduce Buck Aggregate Limit from Three To Two. While the committee believes there is a problem with the overharvest of young bucks, one that is especially acute in northern-tier counties, the committee's majority recommendation was to implement this strategy to balance the harvest and improve herd health.
Step 4: Address Landowner Concerns. Work to reform liability, trespass and posting laws. Other key strategies recommended allowing hunting leaseholders to prosecute trespassers; reforming poaching laws to provide for stiffer penalties; implementing a walk-in hunting program to provide additional acres of hunting opportunity; and create a landowner advisory board for each deer management zone.
Step 5: Increased Education and Communication. Strategies under this step include distributing information through all Wildlife Department channels such as the hunting regulations, website, etc; implementing cooperative efforts to disseminate information on deer management between the Department and state agricultural publications; expanding landowner technical assistance offered by the Department; expanding Operation Game Thief; and creating a jointly-supported deer management website.
One of the significant issues that was discussed but did not make the committee's final recommendations was increasing the deer gun season to 16 days. Consensus sentiment among committee members was that hunters first be provided the maximum opportunity for doe harvest within the current framework without increasing the number of days in the current deer gun season.
For example, hunters in northwest Oklahoma will be able this fall to harvest a doe any day during both the primitive firearms and modern gun seasons, but those hunting in most counties south of I-40 currently only will be allowed six days of muzzleloader doe hunting and two days during the modern firearms season. Furthermore, a 16-day season would be counterproductive to shifting harvest pressure from bucks to does, unless antlerless opportunities were increased accordingly.
"Overall I think we were all a little surprised at how much agreement there was among committee members on most of the issues," said Mike McCormick, executive editor of The Shawnee News Star and chairman of the 21st Century Deer Stakeholders Committee. "Obviously, a number of the strategies for each of these five key steps will need to be more thoroughly evaluated and given further consideration. One of the committee's first recommendations was that we stay intact and stay active. We recognized that as the plan is implemented, there will need to be some flexibility to make adjustments as the plan's accomplishments come to light."
McCormick said the group has set up several subcommittee's which will convene this summer to begin work on areas that will help support the plan once it is implemented. He added that most committee members hope to attend the Wildlife Commission meeting when the recommendations will be presented, which will happen later this summer.
The committee's consensus recommendation was that plan changes go into effect for the fall 2001 hunting seasons, although the Commission may choose to implement portions of the plan earlier.
"Two challenges kept resurfacing throughout our deliberations," said McCormick. "The Department lacks adequate funding to implement all plan recommendations, and we also recognize that there will be people who do not agree with all aspects of the plan and want to challenge its implementation.
"On those issues, the committee hopes to convince the Legislature to make Wildlife Department funding a priority, and we will strive to help overcome any roadblocks to the successful conclusion of this process."
21st Century Deer Stakeholders Committee Members
Mike McCormick, Chairman, Shawnee Alan Peoples, Oklahoma City
Bill Starry, McAlester John Hendrix, Stillwater
Pat Giulioli, Okmulgee Robert Guinn, Skiatook
Don Latham, Atoka Rodger Brook, Oklahoma City
Buck Jones, Comanche Ken Meyer, Yukon
Charles Sloan, Vian Wade Free, Sharon
Jerry Ragland, Broken Bow Michael Shaw, Oklahoma City
Mitch Ray, Guthrie Todd Tobey, McAlester
Ron Comer, Calumet John Paul Miller, Arnett
Marla Peek, Oklahoma City Bill Dinkines, McAlester
Bill Reed, Geary Rick Shelby, Webbers Falls
Mason Mungle, Oklahoma City Jim Dougherty, Tulsa
Lance Meek, Oklahoma City Max Crocker, Hooker
Darren DeLong, Oklahoma City Trent Hodgins, Holdenville
Scott Dewald, Oklahoma City Grant Huggins, Ardmore
George Hulsey, Norman Pat Clark, Mooreland
Participative Management: Calling All Stakeholders
Earlier this year, mounting pressure to control the state's deer herd, along with increased interest in not only longer and more generous seasons but also in a healthier, better balanced herd, led the Department to initiate a strategic planning process for deer management.
The Department held a series of stakeholder meetings held in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton, McAlester and Woodward. The meetings were designed to elicit information from people interested in managing the state's deer herd. Parties represented included private landowners, ranchers, farmers, sportsman's groups and the insurance industry, among others. The meetings provided those individuals the opportunity to express personal, corporate and regional concerns about the state's deer resources, as well as concerns about the future management of those resources.
"The meetings were very productive and enlightening," said Alan Peoples, chief of the Department's Wildlife Division. "Essentially, we asked everyone with an interest in deer populations and deer hunting to identify the issues. We found some common ground among the various groups, but we also found that there are some significantly different concerns from one region to another. For example, crop depredation is a major concern in the southwest, while deer/vehicle collisions are a big issue in the northwest."
Equipped with such a diverse bank of public input, the Department then formed a steering committee composed of individuals representing the interests of the various stakeholders and regions of the state. To ensure that the program is biologically sound, the core group contained biologists and other personnel from the Wildlife Department.
Although the committee has made a number of specific recommendations, the group will continue to meet and address future deer management issues. Additionally, some key current recommendations must be finalized, work that will happen in the coming months.
White-tailed Deer Timeline in Oklahoma
1900 - Market/subsistence hunting and unregulated harvest eliminate nearly all deer from the state.
1917 - Total statewide deer population estimated at 500 animals. Legislature bans deer harvest.
1933 - First regulated deer season (5 days) is held. Hunt is restricted to seven southeast counties and results in the harvest of 235 bucks.
1943 - Deer restoration program started with the trap and transplant of 22 deer.
1946 - First archery season (1 day) held. No deer harvested.
1949 - Fourth archery season (5 days) results in the 1st buck taken by bow and arrow during a regulated season.
1954 - First statewide gun deer season (5 days) results in harvest of 1,487 bucks.
1969 - First primitive firearms season (3 days) held. Hunt restricted to part of LeFlore County. Two deer harvested.
1970 - Statewide 16-day deer gun season. Total harvest of 6,882 bucks.
1972 -Nine-day deer gun season with all open counties and special two-day antlerless season. Total harvest 7,670 deer.
1976 - Department begins broadscale antlerless harvest in 19 counties by issuing antlerless permits by special drawing. Total harvest 11,548 ñ 26 percent does.
1982 - Antlerless permit system deemed unpopular due to perceived inequities, and replaced by antlerless days available to all hunters. Total harvest 19, 255 ñ 23 percent does.
1990 - Statewide deer population estimated at 250,000 deer. Total harvest 44,070 deer ñ 24 percent does.
1999 - Statewide deer population estimated at 425,000 deer. Total harvest yields 82,500 deer ñ 36 percent does.
2000 - Deer population levels spawn a multitude of stakeholder desires and management possibilities.
Department celebrates Oklahoma Aquarium
On May 12, a groundbreaking ceremony in Jenks officially opened construction for the new, $15 million Oklahoma Aquarium.
In addition, the ceremony also opened a new era for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in northeast Oklahoma, which will relocate its Tulsa-area offices to the Oklahoma Aquarium complex.
Although the Oklahoma Aquarium won't officially open until 2002, the Department's offices will open next year. The new location should increase the Department's visibility in the region while making the Department and its services more accessible to a broader cross section of citizens, said Colin Berg, the Department's education supervisor.
"We have enjoyed a long and productive partnership with the Tulsa Fairgrounds, and we have greatly appreciated their support over the years," Berg said. "However, we are excited about the new outreach opportunities that will be available to us at the Oklahoma Aquarium. Our association with this fine new facility will allow us to continue providing a high level of personal service to our constituents in the northeast while also providing us greater opportunities to educate the public about Oklahoma's aquatic resources."
When completed, the Oklahoma Aquarium will cover 62,000 square feet. It will contain 200 exhibits and a 500,000-gallon tank which will house a variety of fish. The aquarium will also showcase Oklahoma's 240 native fish species in exhibits depicting their native environments. Sport fishing and regional aquatic habitats will also get special attention, Berg said.
To complement its recreational appeal, the aquarium will also have five "wet labs" where students can conduct freshwater and marine experiments. As a whole, the aquarium will function as a learning laboratory for students of all ages, Berg added.
"That's one of the biggest advantages to locating the Department's offices at the Oklahoma Aquarium," Berg explained. "There will be a constant flow of students, school groups, tourists and other visitors through the facility who may not be aware of the Department's role in managing Oklahoma's aquatic resources. Greater exposure to the Department, its employees and programs will enhance public awareness about the Department's mission in managing and conserving those resource."
Along with the natural exhibits, the Oklahoma Aquarium will also display an historic collection of antique lures and tackle assembled by Oklahoma native Karl White. The multi-million dollar collection is one of the most complete and comprehensive collections of vintage fishing gear in existence.
Scholarship honorsformer director Copelin
Farrell Copelin, former director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, passed away recently due to complications from surgery.
To honor Copelin's dedication to wildlife conservation, the Copelin family has established the Farrell Copelin Memorial Scholarship for deserving students in wildlife ecology at Oklahoma State University.
Copelin served as director from 1969-72. Before his tenure as director, he spent more than two years working on lesser prairie chicken research, and his master's thesis on lesser prairie chickens, published in the mid-1950s, is still considered a landmark document on the management and conservation of the species. Copelin also spent two years as the Department's migratory bird supervisor. He became Assistant to the Director in Charge of Federal Relations in 1962.
After leaving the Wildlife Department, Copelin enjoyed a lengthy career with Ducks Unlimited, as well as with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
"Farrell grew up with a passion for wildlife," said Ed Copelin, Farrell's younger brother. "He determined early in his life that he wanted to work in that field. He firmly believed that wildlife conservation was important to the quality of life in Oklahoma, and he dedicated a lot of time and energy contributing to the conservation of Oklahoma's wildlife resources."
To contribute to the Farrell Copelin Memorial Scholarship, send donations to the OSU Foundation, ATTN: Farrell Copelin Memorial Scholarship, 100H Student Union, Stillwater, OK 74078.
"The value of the scholarship depends entirely on donations," Ed Copelin said. "We hope it will continue in perpetuity, and hopefully it'll be something a student can live on."
For more information about the scholarship, call Ed Copelin at 405/364-7011.
Department funding bill stalls in Legislature
For the second straight year, a key bill designed to direct additional funding to the state agency responsible for managing fish and wildlife resources has died in a House/Senate conference committee.
Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation say the lack of funding won't affect essential operations, but it has already impacted the agency's day-to-day workings.
House Bill 1717, originally introduced by Dale Smith (D-St. Louis), chairman of the House Wildlife Committee, would have directed about $2 million a year of state sales tax money already being collected on hunting, fishing and wildlife watching equipment to the Wildlife Department. Currently, the Department receives no general state tax revenues and is funded primarily through hunting and fishing license sales and a special federal tax on sporting equipment.
The last funding increase for the Wildlife Department occurred in 1994 and was only projected to provide the Department with sufficient income until mid-1997. Through wise spending and sound financial management, the agency has stretched that license fee increase much further than expected. Several year's worth of across-the-board budget cuts and an agency-wide reduction in personnel through retirements and other vacancies have brought the agency to a critical juncture - secure additional funding or look at more reductions of services in the future. Current casualties resulting from the funding crunch include imposing mileage limitations on game warden patrols, putting a potential hunting and fishing access program on hold and not budgeting funds for capital improvements to fish hatcheries, offices and other Department installations.
"We do not believe a license fee increase is the best long-term answer to adequately resolving our funding needs," said Greg Duffy, Wildlife Department director. "More than one-third of state residents hunt or fish, and almost just as many enjoy wildlife watching in one form or another. Combined, these outdoor enthusiasts spend about $1.3 billion in the state, generating almost $40 million in sales tax revenues and creating some 34,000 jobs. We believe that there is broad-based support for dedicating a portion of these sales tax receipts to improving the management of our resources."
Duffy added that last year Rep. Smith introduced similar legislation that would have directed up to $6 million a year from state sales taxes paid on sporting goods, but that like HB 1717, that legislation also died in a conference committee.
Although HB 1717 got off to a strong start this session, passing the House with overwhelming support, it was rewritten in a Senate subcommittee. The Senate version, which was almost unanimously approved by the Senate, called for a sales tax increase of one-half of one percent on hunting, fishing and wildlife watching equipment and auxiliary equipment. These additional sales tax revenues, estimated at around $2-3 million, would have been earmarked for the Wildlife Department.
"I am disappointed that my original funding bill was altered in the Senate to include a tax increase on sporting goods because now it appears that the Wildlife Department will again be forced to wait another year for much needed funding," said Smith. "My intent was to fund the Department by reallocating some of the sales tax dollars already being paid by hunters and fisherman. This wouldn't require a new tax, and it wouldn't result in a license fee increase. I hope we can raise awareness of the Department's current funding needs and provide an adequate solution during next year's session."
Representatives Curt Roggow (R-Enid), Susan Clark Winchester (R-Chickasha) and Wayne Pettigrew (R-Edmond), and Senator Frank Shurden (D-Henryetta) co-authored HB 1717. Shurden also co-authored last year's funding initiate, Senate Bill 199.
"I'm disappointed we couldn't get HB 1717 worked out in conference committee, because I think we could have worked that bill out to get the funds needed to get some new revenues to give the Department's field personnel a pay raise," said Sen. Frank Shurden. "We will study this issue this summer and fall, and sportsmen will be a big key. If they get behind this and let their legislators know they're for it, I think we can get it done."
Smith said that the funding mechanism, or mechanisms, will require further discussion because the two houses of the Legislature have been unable to reach agreement.
"I ran a roll check in the House of Representatives on the Senate amendment of HB 1717 and there was little support to pass the bill as amended," Smith said. "The problem is that the House passed reallocating the sales tax money, but that would not pass in the Senate, and the sales tax increase on sporting goods that was passed in the Senate would not pass in the House. I have asked the Speaker for a study that will include people from the Governor's Office, the Senate, the House, the Tax Commission and the Office of State Finance. It is my hope that this diverse group can help set up a comprehensive plan that will adequately fund the Wildlife Department."
Smith added that whatever mechanisms are recommended, they should be able to adequately fund the Wildlife Department to allow the agency to address salaries for all employees, as well as update equipment, improve existing programs and establish new ones that will provide additional services to the people of the state.
Department tours valuable wetland areas
When you think of McCurtain County, you think of broad mountain vistas, deep hollows, tumbling creeks and vast tracts of pine and hardwood forests.
In the extreme southern part of the county, however, there's no trace of mountains anywhere. This is the swamp country of the Red River Valley, with landscapes more similar to the Mississippi Delta region of northeast Louisiana and southeast Arkansas than those traditional associated with Oklahoma.
These lowlands also contain some of Oklahoma's richest and most diverse wildlife communities, providing habitat for many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, amphibians and a myriad other species.
To promote public awareness of these areas, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation joined several state, federal and private conservation organizations Wednesday to tour the Red Slough and Grassy Slough wetland reclamation projects near Idabel. Together, these areas comprise nearly 8,500 acres of prime bottomland wildlife habitat, said Alan Peoples, chief of the Department's Wildlife Division, expanding a chain of bottomland habitat that includes such areas as the Little River National Wildlife Refuge.
"Many people are surprised to learn that Oklahoma ranks among the top 10 states in terms of total acres enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program," Peoples said. "Oklahoma currently has 102 active WRP projects encompassing more than 29,000 acres. When you consider that more than 80 percent of the nation's wetlands have been lost over the last 100 years, there's no way to overstate the importance of these areas. That's why it's such an honor to conserve such high-quality areas as Red Slough and Grassy Slough. They are assets that our state can be proud of."
Acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in 1997, Red Slough WMA contains 7,300 acres. Most of the area was once used as a rice farm, and it is famous for the large numbers of waterfowl that visit during the fall migration. Nearly 4,200 acres of wetlands have been restored and have recently attracted several species that are not normally seen in Oklahoma, including the roseate spoonbill and wood ibis.
Grassy Slough WMA contains about 1,100 acres. Its centerpiece is a 130-acre wetland complex, as well as an extensive buffer area. In addition to providing wildlife habitat, both areas will also offer public access, including superb public hunting opportunities.
Cooperating partners in the projects are the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Ducks Unlimited, NatureWorks, the Conservation Fund and several conservation districts.
Hunter Ed instructorhonored nationally
Thanks to the efforts of volunteer hunter education instructors like Vickie Southard of Tuttle, Oklahoma hunters are among the safest in the nation.
As a tribute to her efforts, Southard recently placed third nationally in the 13th annual Hunter Education Volunteer Instructor of the Year competition sponsored by Winchester Ammunition.
"Oklahoma traditionally has one of the nation's lowest rates for hunting accidents, and that's something we're very proud of," said J.D. Peer, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "A major reason for that is the excellent instruction that young hunters receive from dedicated volunteers like Vickie Southard. She devotes countless hours to educating Oklahoma's hunters, and the results of her work are obvious in our excellent hunter safety statistics."
In 1999, Southard taught 18 hunter education classes and certified 420 hunters. She taught most of her classes at H&H Gun Range in Oklahoma City. She also organized several special classes, including some especially for women. Furthermore, she was instrumental in developing the Oklahoma Sensory Safari. Offered cooperatively by the Wildlife Department, H&H Gun Range, the Oklahoma Station of Safari Club International and Crossroads Mall, the Oklahoma Sensory Safari employs taxidermy mounts to give sightless children contact with various wildlife species.
Additionally, she established a permanent sign listing a regular monthly schedule of hunter education classes. More than 117,000 cars per day pass the site, providing constant advertisement for hunter education.
Along with the Winchester Ammunition award, Southard has also received a Governor's Commendation for her untiring efforts and dedicated contributions in promoting the wonderful heritage of the shooting sports and to the betterment of the people of Oklahoma. She also received the President's Award for outstanding commitment to the shooting industry.
"Not only is the award good for me, but it's also good recognition for our state and for the Wildlife Department's Hunter Education program," Southard said. "I've always said that education is the key to safety, and I firmly believe that education is the most effective tool to eliminate hunting accidents."
Southard is a member of the National Rifle Association and an advisor for two Boy Scouts Explorer Posts, one of which is a Junior Olympics Shooting Club.
Get started now For lifetime of fishing
If you're looking for the perfect opportunity to introduce a youngster or non-angler to the sport of fishing, then the weekend of June 3-4 is an excellent time to take them to your favorite fishing hole.
Why? Because June 3-4 have been designated as this year's Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma. During that time, anyone can fish without having to purchase a fishing license.
According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), more than 90 percent of today's anglers started fishing before they turned 18.
Furthermore, research says that if a boy or girl isn't introduced to fishing by the time he or she is 13, chances are they will never take up the sport.
As people continue to move to the cities, and with so many activities competing for our free time, the opportunity to introduce youngsters to fishing gets increasingly difficult. Therefore, many youngsters don't have the opportunity to participate in a sport that offers a lifetime of fun that can impart and enhance the values of sportsmanship, responsibility, relaxation, patience and concern for the outdoors.
In his 1988 book, An Outdoor Journal, former president Jimmy Carter wrote, "The most vivid and pleasant memories of my childhood are of those times when Daddy and I were able to fish and hunt together, or ride along in a pickup truck talking about it."
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Aquatic Resources Education Program annually teaches more than 16,000 kids the sport of fishing, said Damon Springer, Aquatic Resources Education coordinator for the Wildlife Department. Through this popular program, Department employees and volunteers teach youngsters the basics of fishing, such as knot tying, fish identification and casting skills, as well as aquatic resources conservation.
"Many kids who were exposed to fishing through the Aquatic Resources Education Program have developed a genuine love of fishing that will last a lifetime," Springer said. "Even if participants in the program don't become avid anglers, the things we teach them give them a greater understanding of the aquatic world and the needs of our state's aquatic resources, which in turn gives them a better understanding of the world around them."
If you have or know of a child that you would like to introduce to the
sport, Springer offers the following tips:
• Have fun. Don't worry too much about technique. Share the proper, safe way to cast a rod and reel. Save the fancy stuff for later.
• Keep it simple. You don't need fancy equipment. You don't need a boat. Fishing from a dock or shore will do just fine.
• Use reliable equipment. Good fishing equipment is important to ensure everyone has a successful trip. If you are going to buy a rod and reel for a child, spend a little extra for a quality spin-cast rig (good equipment costs only about $20). The little "cartoon character" rods are more frustrating for both you and the child in the long run.
• Keep it short. Kids have short attention spans, so don't force a child to fish for hours. Sometimes a child will be happy fishing for 15 minutes and then playing with the worms for an hour.
• Quick success. With youngsters, a little success early on will hook them for a lifetime. Find a spot where you are sure to catch fish. Remember, kids don't care about size or species, but they do like to catch fish, even little ones.
• Use live bait. Leave the expensive lures at home. Hooks and bobbers are a kid's best bet. Sometimes digging for earthworms in the garden or catching grasshoppers or crickets can be the most fun in a child's outing.
• Don't intimidate. If a child catches a fish, don't force him or her to take it off the hook, or to touch the fish. Do it for them.
• Safety first. The most important thing you can teach a kid on his or her first outing is the importance of safety. Water needs to be respected. Wear life jackets. Make sure no one or thing is in the way to be hooked when casting.
• Time is precious. Spending time with your child is the most important part of a child's fishing trip. Your time is the most valuable possession to a child.
For more information about the Department's Aquatic Resources Education program or for information on volunteering, call Damon Springer at (405) 521-4603.
Texoma white bass not in danger
After investigating a die-off of white bass at Lake Texoma, fisheries personnel with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife have concluded that the lake's white bass population is not in danger of large-scale losses.
Dying white bass were first noted in the Big Mineral arm of the lake on May 16, said Paul Mauck, the Department's south-central region fisheries supervisor. They examined the Red and Washita River arms the following week and found specimens along shorelines and floating on the lake surface.
"The fish we collected exhibited poor body condition caused by the overall stress of spawning activity and poor food availability, " Mauck said. "We also found an incidence of several types of bacteria and other protozoans that are typically present in lakes, streams and ponds which we believe were secondary causes. The weakened conditions of the fish affected their abilities to fight off the pathogens."
The incidence of dying fish at the present time appears to be declining and is hopefully on the end of the cycle," Mauck added.
"We also collected healthy fish in good condition which did not exhibit any signs of the disease," Mauck continued. "White bass in reservoirs across the country have been subjected to similar causes. It is nature's way of thinning the population and leaving the strongest to survive."


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Free Solar Energy Presentation Wednesday Jan 8 At MOR
Learn about the HISTORY of solar energy this Wednesday evening at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman! This presentation is FREE so enjoy an evening of education!
Hear John Perlin tell the provocative story of solar energy's 6,000-year history. Perlin will give a presentation Wednesday, January 8 at 6 pm at the Museum of the Rockies Hager Auditorium and a seminar Friday, January 10 at 12 noon in Reid Hall, Room 108.
Both are free and open to the public.
Sponsored by MSU's Campus Sustainability Advisory Council, Montana Renewable Energy Association, and Bozeman's Climate Partners. For more information call 624-6382.


text: I'll try not to have too much fun with this post as my radical feminist friends don't like me to have a sense of humor about anything relating to the fairer sex. So let me say now, before you go name calling and punching your little fists into the air or whatever it is you radicals do when you get all excited, I do not approve of these ads. I think they're funny and educational.Continue Reading


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Wii U: Amazon ships Nintendo Land bundles without games, offers download codes
Wii U premium console bundles were shipped via Amazon without copies of Nintendo Land in the box. The retailer has apologised and is now offering download codes for the game to all customers affected. Get the details below.
Videogamer reports that letters sent out to affected customers cites a "Supplier error" for the gaffe, and stated that only a "Small number" of people didn't receive the game as intended.
The email reads, "It's been brought to our attention that a small number of orders for this item may have been delivered without the advertised game, Nintendo Land, due to supplier error.
"In the event that your order was one of the small number missing the game, please use the following code and instructions below, to download the game."
The site also reports that every customer who bought a Wii U premium bundle will receive a code for the 3.2GB download of Nintendo Land – even if you did receive the game as intended. You could always give it to a friend for Christmas.


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Reconditioned, tested, and with warranty!
We take trade in hot tubs, recondition them, retest them, and add a revised warranty. This is MUCH BETTER than buying through online classifieds or privately. We also have NEW hot tubs that were slightly damaged while being built. These are also sold at very large discounts. The best ones go fast, contact us now for current pricing.
All of our dealers around the world have access to this stock, but you have to ask!
They are not displayed in showrooms.
Get prices and details about this fantastic special offer NOW!


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Keroaän – Untitled (excerpt) (Copy For Your Records)
Wow. Just… fucking wow. This is awesome. Reed Evan Rosenberg and Ian M. Fraser have created a musical AI by "implementing XENAKIS'S Dynamic Stochastic Synthesis." That means this shit wrote itself. A computer composed this. And this is INSANE. Crazy computer noise that borders on unlistenable, except for the fact that it's totally fucking listenable. Sounds of all sorts in here, helium struggling to escape from balloons, metal coins scraping against hard plastic, hail storms & train wrecks, avalanches & atomic bombs, DIY prop plane motor whir, NES consoles aflame, ancient computer hardware disintegrating before your eyes, even a brief techno interlude. Absolute aural destruction. Daunting In Its Variousness is a goddamn workout and a half. 100% intense & 200% amazing. And apparently the live show is just as nuts, "lasers, strobe lighting, and fog synched to both audible and structural qualities of the music as an infinitely morphing chorus of digital voices croon, cry, scream and everything in between." FUCK these dudes need to send their genius computer on tour and hit up Boston stat.


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News & Events
For the Media
Clarkson University Environmental Engineering Programs Rank Highly in U.S. News Best Graduate Schools
Clarkson University is again featured in the latest edition of Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News Media Group. Highlights of the rankings will be published in the U.S. News Best Graduate Schools 2014 guidebook in April.
Clarkson's graduate environmental engineering programs were ranked #34 in the nation. The interdisciplinary program in environmental science & engineering is administered by Clarkson's Institute for a Sustainable Environment. The civil & environmental engineering program is in the Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering's Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.
Clarkson's School of Business was #101 of the 448 master's programs in business accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) and included in the magazine's annual survey.
The Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering receiving a ranking of #116 overall. Its other rankings included civil engineering at #56, chemical engineering at #60, materials engineering at #75, mechanical engineering at #84, and electrical engineering at #102.
Clarkson's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program was ranked at #121.
Graduate education at Clarkson University provides a high degree of collaboration within its rigorous research and learning opportunities. The School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, Wallace H. Coulter School of Engineering and the Institute for a Sustainable Environment provide programs of study leading to the master of business administration, master of engineering, master of science, doctor of physical therapy, and doctor of philosophy degrees.
Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.


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San Diego, California (PRWEB) January 04, 2013
2013 has arrived, and with it comes advice with how to best handle an online reputation in the new year. The following advice has been provided by Walter Halicki, the founder and CEO of online reputation experts JW Maxx Solutions. These top 10 tips for online reputation in 2013 are sure to be of integral use in your business or organization.
1. Manage your brand.
Your brand is the first line of communication between a company and its customer. Making sure that a business is in proper order is the first way to progress a reputation online.
2. Stay aware of what is being said about you.
Be watchful over words that are directed towards your company. It is easy to be enlightened by praise, but do not allow that to cloud negativity that could exist elsewhere.
3. Keep an eye on trending searches.
Maintain a pulse on searches that are popular, especially those relevant to your field. It can make the difference between reaching your audience and being kept away from them.
4. Promote outreach with your consumer base.
Engage with your audience and attempt to understand their line of thought in regards to your product. Your online portfolio should relate to them.
5. Take action against negativity.
Never allow damaging comments to overtake your online reputation. As other top 10 tips for online reputation in 2013 explain, it is much easier to build an image than it is to recover one.
6. Create positive news.
Positive news will always shine a company in a positive light, regardless of whether or not it exists to combat harmful posts.
7. Use social media to your advantage.
Social media can assist in maintaining awareness of trends and what consumers want from a business. An online reputation that isn't complemented by social media is far behind the reputations of competitors.
8. Search yourself.
Always be sure that search results for your company are positive. If they are not, it is time to repair the reputation of your business.
9. Aggregate.
Ensure that news is being spread to as many places as possible using aggregated sourcing. Publishing through a large distribution network will get more positive results for a reputation on the internet.
10. Stay positive.
Reiterating #6 of the top 10 tips for online reputation in 2013, a company needs to continually post positive content to stay relevant and keep a clean image on the web. Perpetually feeding positive content throughout the internet will greatly assist in managing a healthy online reputation.
Although these are the top 10 tips for online reputation in 2013, JW Maxx Solutions will continue to provide informative content on how to best manage your presence on the web throughout the year.
JW Maxx Solutions
Phone: 602-953-7798
Email: info(at)jwmaxxsolutions(dot)com


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The Ayre Alfonso II is located in a privileged area of the city, and is a charming hotel boasting a colonal dècor. The hotel has been recently restored without architectonic barriers. The hotel is located close to the Fernandez Vega Ophthalmology Insitute and the most important pre-romanic monuments in the city of Oviedo. It features a total of 19 boutique rooms, including a Superior Suite with excellent views. All rooms are equipped with a complete bathroom, air conditioning, heating, satellite TV, safety deposit box, telephone, minibar with courtesy water and free WIFI connection.
Only a few meters away, guests will find the many points of interest, monuments, shopping areas and financial hubs of the city.
All around the hotel as well as within the hotel, there is a calm and tranquil ambiance.
The hotel has been reformed using a modern, ecological system. It offers access for the handicapped.
The hotel also provides a lounge-cafeteria, terrace and parking.
- Charming hotel features boutique feel
- 19 comfortable rooms provide all the most modern amenities and free WIFI connection
- Spectacular location close to many points of interest
- Cafeteria/Bar features a delicious buffet breakfast
- Parking, WIFI and lounge café


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|Jepson Flora Project: Jepson Interchange
previous taxon |
next taxon
Jepson Interchange (more information)
©Copyright 1993 by the Regents of the University of California
Annual, biennial, perennial herb (rarely shrub, tree), often from taproot
Stem often ± scapose, generally ribbed, hollow
Leaves basal and generally some cauline, generally alternate; stipules generally 0; petiole base generally sheathing stem; blade generally much dissected, sometimes compound
Inflorescence: umbel or head, simple or compound, generally peduncled; bracts present (in involucres) or not; bractlets generally present (in involucels)
Flowers many, small, generally bisexual (or some staminate), generally radial (or outer bilateral); calyx 0 or lobes 5, small, atop ovary; petals 5, free, generally ovate or spoon-shaped, generally incurved at tips, generally ± ephemeral; stamens 5; pistil 1, ovary inferior, 2-chambered, generally with a ± conic, persistent projection or platform on top subtending 2 free styles
Fruit: 2 dry, 1-seeded halves that separate from each other but generally remain attached for some time to a central axis; ribs on each half 5, 2 marginal and 3 on back; oil tubes 1several per interval between ribs
Genera in family: 300 genera, 3,000 species: ± worldwide, especially temp; many cultivated for food or spice (e.g., Carum, caraway; Daucus; Petroselinum); some highly toxic (e.g., Conium). Underground structures here called roots, but true nature remains problematic. Mature fruit generally critical in identification; shapes generally given in outline, followed by shape in X -section of 2 fruit halves together.
Annual, biennial, taprooted, glabrous
Stem erect, branched
Leaf: blade oblong to ovate, pinnately or ternately dissected, segments lanceolate to thread-like
Inflorescence: umbels compound; bracts, bractlets many, leaf-like; rays, pedicels many, spreading-ascending to incurved in fruit
Flower: calyx lobes minute; petals wide, white, tips 2-lobed
Fruit oblong to ovate, subcylindric, compressed side-to-side; ribs subequal, thread-like; oil tubes per rib-interval 1; fruit axis entire or divided
Seed: face flat
Species in genus: ± 6 species: Eurasia, Medit; 2 species weedy in CA
Etymology: (Ancient name used by Dioscorides)
TOXIC; rarely eaten by livestock.


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The Central Connecticut women's lacrosse team will look to continue its perfect record against Northeast Conference opponents on Friday afternoon at Arute Field. The Blue Devils (9-6, 7-0 NEC) will host Mount St. Mary's (6-9, 5-2 NEC) in a game that will have a large impact on the NEC playoff picture.
CCSU is currently tied with Monmouth for first place and the Mountaineers are tied with Bryant for third in the NEC standings.
The Blue Devils have already clinched a trip to the NEC Tournament, the first berth in the history of the program, but the team still has a great deal to play for over the final two games of the regular season. A victory in Friday's game against the Mountaineers and a victory over Monmouth on Sunday would give the Blue Devils their first NEC regular season title and the right to host next week's conference tournament.
Regardless of Friday's outcomes, the winner of Sunday's game with Monmouth will claim the #1 seed in the NEC Tournament and the privilege of hosting the event.
Friday's lacrosse game will begin at 4 p.m. and Friday's game will begin at noon.
Fans that cannot make it to Arute Field can watch the game live on NECFrontRow.com. Also, following the lacrosse game on Friday night the CCSU football team will play its annual spring game the Blue-White Scrimmage.


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Is women's ordination worse than torture?
Combined with the recent sex abuse/women's ordination news, the relationship between the Maryknoll Society and School of Americas Watch seems to give the impression that women's ordination is the worse than torture.
The School of Americas Watch, which protests the military school that taught torture to Latin American militaries, is no longer being supported by the Maryknoll Society due to the SOAW's founder's support of women's ordination.
Father Roy Bourgeois, a Maryknoll priest, started the SOAW in the wake of the martyrdom of six Catholic priests and two companions at the University of Central America in El Salvador on Nov. 16, 1989. In 2008, he participated in the ordination of a woman and responded to Vatican inquiries resolutely supporting women's ordination. Though excommunicated, he remains a Maryknoll priest.
SOAW used to receive a $17,000 general-use grant from the Maryknolls, but this year their application was denied due to Bourgeois' connection to women's ordination. "Given Father Bourgeois' central role as the founder and public face of the SOA Watch, Society leadership has determined that it cannot continue its financial support of that organization without giving the impression that it also supports the actions of its leader concerning the issue of women's ordination," the Maryknoll Society said in an email.
"That is the only explanation we were given, despite the fact that SOA Watch is not involved in the debate over women's ordination and does not have a position on it," SOAW Development Coordinator Michael Baney said. Baney added that they are grateful for the support the Maryknolls had provided for years.
Certainly, this story speaks more to the combative culture and pressures in the church today than to any concerns about the Maryknoll Society's commitment to justice. Maryknoll father, brothers, sisters, and lay volunteer continue to work in dangerous communities worldwide. Their official comment continued: "This decision is not intended to be punitive and is not designed to put pressure on Father Bourgeois, or on the SOA Watch organization and its activities. Maryknoll continues its solidarity with the people of Latin America and the Caribbean, and is unambiguous in its support of the goals of the SOA Watch."
At issue with this case and many others today is the inability of Catholic groups to partner on some social good with people that aren't in 100 percent agreement with the church. If we don't all agree on the fact that women cannot be ordained, we cannot fight against torture.
The same thing has happened in the Reform CCHD Now movement. As Robert McClory points out in "The fight over fighting poverty," Catholic groups were once encouraged to seek out partnerships, even if it was with groups that disagreed with church teaching in an area not related to the work of the partnership. Now such partnerships are used to brandish groups "not Catholic."
This mentality, though, cuts the church off from the rest of the world, rendering it less influential and hampering its social mission.
It's not a perfect comparison, but I'm reminded of what Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Sant'Egidio, said in Pax Romana about trying to negotiate peace with terrorists: "To try to stop violence you have to dirty your hands. If you want to shake only spotless hands, go to your golf club-although even the hands there might not always be so clean."


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Oscar Drama
Sony Exec Defends 'Zero Dark Thirty'
And the award for Best Drama goes to … the debate over Zero Dark Thirty. Sony Pictures executive Amy Pascal defended the Oscar Best Picture nominee against an Academy member who said he would not vote for the film because it promotes torture. "We are outraged that any responsible member of the Academy would use their voting status … as a platform to advance their own political agenda," Pascal said, adding that the film "does not advocate torture." Pascal's comments were made in response to actor David Clennon, who posted his opinion on the progressive website Truth-out.org. Zero Dark Thirty is up for five Academy Awards.


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Home > Desktop User > Linux Mint 5.0 has been Released!
Linux Mint 5.0 has been Released!
June 8, 2008 Leave a comment Go to comments
Clement Lefebvre announced Linux Mint 5.0 has been released on 06-8-08. Linux Mint 5.0 is an enhanced Linux desktop based off of Ubuntu 8.04 Hardy Heron. With enhancements to the mintMenu, mintUpdate and mintInstall, Gnome desktop tweaks, new applications, Pulse audio sound server and more, Linux Mint 5.0 is a great choice for beginners and Linux enthusiasts alike. Download Linux Mint
Categories: Desktop User download, Linux Mint