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The power to settle financial complaints.
January/February 2012
Every year we deal with a relatively small but steady number of complaints involving personal accident insurance. Policies of this type generally offer a defined level of benefit where a policyholder dies - or suffers serious injury - as a result of an accident.
This set of case studies illustrates some of the themes that tend to arise most frequently in the complaints referred to us. They include disputes about:
A former soldier, Mr K, complained that his personal accident insurer refused to pay his claim for loss of hearing in both ears.
Mr K said his hearing loss had come about after he was caught up in an intensive bombing campaign during his last two weeks of military service in the Middle East. He sent the insurer a statement from his doctor, confirming that the cause of his disability was 'exposure to loud noise while on active service'.
The insurer told Mr K it was unable to pay his claim, as the policy only covered injuries that were caused by 'a sudden act and not by any gradual cause'.
Mr K thought the insurer had 'interpreted the situation incorrectly'. He said the explosions that had led to his hearing loss were not 'a gradual cause but a short series of sudden acts with a cumulative effect'.
When the insurer refused to reconsider his claim, Mr K referred his complaint to us.
complaint upheld
The policy was not designed to provide benefit for injuries that arose as a result of a gradually-occurring degenerative process or disease. But it was clear from the medical evidence that Mr K's hearing loss had not been caused by either of these things.
Mr K had been unable to pinpoint any one specific incident (or 'sudden act') as the cause of his hearing loss.
However, the evidence showed it had come about as the direct result of a short series of 'sudden acts' - a short but defined period of explosions during his last two weeks of active duty. We did not think these circumstances could properly be considered a 'gradual cause' of the type the policy excluded.
We said the insurer should pay the claim and that it should also pay Mr K £350 for the distress and inconvenience it had caused him by significant delays in its handling of the claim.
Mr J injured his left knee very seriously while playing cricket with his village team. He made a claim on his personal accident policy and sent the insurer a medical report from the surgeon who had operated on his knee.
This report stated that Mr J was likely to have mobility problems for the rest of his life. The report also noted that the knee injury had 'resulted in Mr J having to give up work, being now unable to continue with his occupation'.
Before his accident, Mr J had worked full-time as an estate agent. He told the insurer that the injury meant he was 'unable to continue in work' as he could 'no longer get out and about, inspecting properties and showing prospective buyers around'.
The insurer told Mr J it would pay him £10,000. This was the maximum amount payable under the section of the policy that covered 'permanent total disability, which prevents you from carrying out your usual occupation, and which will probably continue for the rest of your life'.
Mr J complained to the insurer that it had failed to assess his claim correctly. He had expected to receive the substantially larger sum that was payable for policyholders no longer able to work 'in any occupation whatsoever'. However, the insurer told him his circumstances did not meet the strict criteria set out in the policy for that level of benefit. Mr J then referred his complaint to us.
complaint not upheld
After examining the terms and conditions of the policy, together with the medical evidence that Mr J had submitted, we concluded that the insurer had assessed the claim correctly.
The highest level of benefit was only paid in very specific circumstances, which were set out clearly in the policy. In order to qualify, Mr J would have had to provide evidence that he was unable to work in any occupation whatsoever, for the rest of his life, and that this situation had come about entirely as a result of his injury.
We explained this to Mr J and told him we thought the insurer had assessed his claim in a way that was fair and reasonable. We did not uphold the complaint.
Mr T had an accidental injuries policy that offered cover to policyholders if they suffered an injury that resulted in permanent disability. He complained to his insurer after it turned down his claim for the loss of use of an ankle joint.
The insurer accepted that Mr T had injured his right ankle after a serious fall - and that he had ultimately lost the use of this ankle joint. However, it told him his claim had not met the policy conditions because his disability had not 'occurred solely and independently of any other cause'.
The medical evidence had shown that, at the time of his fall, Mr T was suffering from 'asymptomatic arthritis' in the ankle that was subsequently injured.
Mr T thought the insurer's decision was unfair. He pointed out that the arthritis was 'asymptomatic' (in other words, displaying no symptoms). He said he had been totally unaware that he had arthritis until after the accident, when he had undergone a number of medical tests. And he said he did not see how the arthritis could have affected the outcome of his fall to the extent that he was not entitled to any benefit at all under the policy.
To support his complaint, Mr T arranged an independent medical examination. The resulting report concluded that his accident had been '90% responsible' for his disability.
Mr T sent the report to the insurer but it remained unwilling to reconsider his claim. He therefore referred his complaint to us.
complaint upheld in part
The medical evidence confirmed that Mr T had lost the use of his ankle joint and that - at the time of his accident - the arthritis had been present but he would not have had any reason to be aware of this.
The medical opinion was that, if it had not been for the accident, Mr T's underlying condition would probably have remained asymptomatic and he would never have needed an operation to replace his ankle joint.
In cases like this, where an accident has caused a disabling injury over and above any degree of disability caused by an underlying condition, it has long been our practice to require the insurer to settle the claim on a proportionate basis.
We upheld the complaint. The independent medical report had said the accident was 90% responsible for Mr T's disability, so we told the insurer to pay the claim on a proportionate basis of 90%. We said it should also pay interest on this amount.
Mr D made a claim under his personal accident policy for 'total and permanent loss of use' of his left leg. He said his disability had come about as a result of a fall, when he had slipped on some water on his bathroom floor.
After examining the medical evidence, including a statement from Mr D's GP that 'functional loss of use of the left foot is effectively 100%', the insurer offered to pay Mr D for 'total and permanent loss of use of one foot'.
Mr D thought he should have been offered the significantly larger sum that was payable for the loss of an entire leg. He therefore rejected the insurer's offer and complained that it had failed to assess his claim correctly.
The insurer then paid for an independent medical report. The specialist who examined Mr D and produced this report concluded that Mr D's fall had not caused any 'significant new injury' to his left foot.
The specialist noted that this foot had been badly injured some years earlier and that Mr D's use of the foot had continued to be limited ever since, even though he had undergone a considerable amount of treatment.
The specialist conceded that Mr D's fall might have 'aggravated the existing problem'. However, he said that if this had happened, 'any effects attributable solely to the fall' would only have lasted a few weeks.
The insurer then told Mr D it was rejecting his claim altogether, on the grounds that there was a 'pre-accident history of injury' to his left foot. Unhappy with this, Mr D brought his complaint to us.
complaint not upheld
After looking carefully at all the evidence, we concluded that the accident had not caused the problem for which Mr D was claiming on his policy.
There was clear, independent medical evidence showing that Mr D had a significant history of treatment to his left foot - and that this treatment pre-dated both the events relating to his claim and the start date of his policy.
We did not uphold the complaint. We told Mr D that, in the circumstances, the insurer had been right to reject the claim entirely, as it did not meet the terms and conditions of the policy.
Mrs E referred her complaint to us after her insurer turned down the claim for permanent disability that she had made under her personal accident policy.
She had become permanently disabled after suffering a stroke during childbirth. The insurer told her that her disability was not covered because it had not been caused by an 'accident'. The policy defined 'accident' as 'a sudden and unforeseen event'.
The insurer said that her stroke was the result of a rare complication of pregnancy - and pregnancy was not 'a sudden and unforeseen event'.
complaint upheld
After looking at all the evidence we concluded that the insurer had not acted reasonably in refusing to pay the claim.
We pointed out to the insurer that although childbirth itself is not a 'sudden and unforeseen event', the stroke that had led to Mrs E's disability resulted from a rare and totally unexpected complication of childbirth.
The cause of Mrs E's disability did, therefore, meet the policy definition of 'accident' as a 'sudden and unforeseen event'. And as the policy did not exclude complications of childbirth, we said the insurer should pay the claim.
Mr A had insurance cover under his employer's group policy for, among other things, 'accidental bodily injury'. He put in a claim under this section of the policy for paraplegia (paralysis of the lower part of the body).
He said the accident giving rise to his disability had occurred while he was playing football with his local amateur team. He had been perfectly fit and well at the start of the match. However, during the match he had suddenly become aware of acute pain between his shoulder blades. He had subsequently been admitted to hospital and was eventually diagnosed with paraplegia.
The insurer turned down Mr A's claim. It said the medical report provided by Mr A's doctor stated that there was no evidence that the disability had been caused by any 'accidental bodily injury either during the football match or otherwise'. The medical report said that the paralysis had resulted from a 'previously existing but undetected congenital abnormality' (in other words, something that had been present when he was born).
Mr A complained that the insurer had treated him unfairly. He said he did not see how it could be considered anything but an accident that he had 'started a game of football in perfect health and become paralysed for life by the end of it'.
In response, the insurer told him that the policy defined 'accidental bodily injury' as an 'injury to the body caused by a sudden act and not by any gradual cause or degenerative process'.
The insurer said that the 'intentional movements' he would have made while playing football could not reasonably be said to 'constitute or cause accidental bodily injuries as defined in the policy'.
Mr A then referred his complaint to us.
complaint upheld
The terms and conditions of many personal accident policies state that, for benefit to be paid, the accidental bodily injury needs to have come about as a result of something that was not only a 'sudden, unexpected and chance event', but that was also 'external, violent and visible'.
However, Mr A's policy required only that the accidental bodily injury was caused by a 'sudden event'.
There had been no 'accident' in the ordinary, everyday sense (he had not tripped, slipped etc). But there was no dispute about the fact that - before the football game - Mr A had been fit and well. He had not been in any pain or discomfort and had been quite unaware of the congenital abnormality that was subsequently discovered.
The paralysis had come about after a 'sudden event' during the game. So we concluded that Mr A had suffered an 'accidental bodily injury', as defined by the policy, and he therefore had a valid claim for paraplegia benefit under the policy. We upheld the complaint and told the insurer to pay the claim.
At the time we were considering this case, we were unable to require businesses to pay any amounts over £100,000 (this has now increased to £150,000 for complaints received since 1 January 2012).
The total sum payable in this claim was more than the £100,000 maximum compensation that applied at that time. However, the insurer confirmed that it would pay Mr A the full amount to which he was entitled. It said the dispute had never been about how much it should pay, only about whether it was liable to pay the claim at all.
ombudsman news gives general information on the position at the date of publication. It is not a definitive statement of the law, our approach or our procedure.
The illustrative case studies are based broadly on real-life cases, but are not precedents. Individual cases are decided on their own facts.


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Is Ashton Kutcher back at it with Punk'd? One might think so with the new details emerging about the two RIM execs (now fired) who got totally wasted on an Air Canada flight to Beijing. George Campbell, 45, and Paul Alexander Wilson, 38, each pleaded guilty to mischief for disrupting the Air Canada flight, which was estimated to cost over $200,000 in damages.
Some new documents surrounding the incident describe what almost appears as something straight out of a comedy film. "They drank, passed out, and woke up to continue consuming alcohol and yelling at one another," recounts one passenger. Campbell was said to be the most hostile passenger, who at one point warned he'd "off people when they left the plane."
It gets even better. One of the flight attendants said Campbell later lay belly-down in the aisle during the ordeal, and began kicking the floor like a little baby. After one of the men assaulted a flight attendant and threatened to punch another, the men where some how subdued and handcuffed with plastic restraints and tape. However, they eventually "chewed their way through their restraints." The pilots had enough and diverted the flight to Vancouver, Canada where the two RIM execs were then apprehended by authorities.
via CBC

subset: commoncrawl


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Labor Day Weekend In Doors
I love spending time with friends and family, and if you're like me, your friends become part of your family.
This weekend has been amazing: Grocery shopping and birthday planning on Friday, and evenings with long-time friends and family on Saturday and Sunday. I love these moments.
I had a great Saturday evening. We were celebrating a friend's birthday with dinner and drinks at the house. My honey came home a little earlier than usual and was able to join in.
Sunday was another good one. My honey and I took a trip with our little guy to visit a new family member at the hospital: a little baby boy named Daniel.
Saturday's Set up:
Once we arrived back home we were greeted by friends. They were hanging out with our other little (big) guy Rocky. With time the house filled up — the usual Sunday routine. Laughter all around and an occasional cry for attention from our son.
Although today is Labor Day, a few of our friends and family are working, my honey included. I forgot to cut the cake on Saturday so the girls will be stopping by this afternoon for cake and laughs. 🙂
Fatima Torres
Former B2B editor and marketing manager turned Family & Lifestyle blogger. Fatima is passionate about life and being social. When she isn't running around with her husband, three kids, and two pups, Fatima helps other bloggers and local businesses with their online marketing strategy. If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to reach out via email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Ian Rap0port of NFL Network reports that Jets CB Darrelle Revis is "not optimistic" that a trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will ultimately get done.
Rapoport adds that Revis would like to remain with the Jets, but his best chance of securing a new extension is with the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay has been the only team involved in serious negotiations for several weeks now, but talks between the two sides have reportedly been stopped in their tracks as they appear to have reached stalemate regarding compensation for Revis.
The Buccaneers unwillingness to include their No.13 overall pick in trade for Revis is likely holding up a deal. Instead, they would reportedly prefer to include 2014 selections or possibly a 2013 second-round pick. Trade talks should pickup as NFL Draft nears and there's a chance that others could get involved by then.


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Cato gets a new leader.
Who is John Galt?" This tantalizing question opens Atlas Shrugged, one of the most popular, if least critically acclaimed, novels of all time. A new chapter of an epic story worthy of the pen of Ayn Rand is scheduled to open next October. It centers around John Allison IV. Who is John Allison? John Allison is taking over the helm of the Cato Institute. And for devotees of human dignity and liberty this is good news indeed. The stated mission of the Cato Institute is "to increase the understanding of public policies based on the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace." It is an extraordinary place.
Read the rest here
Judy Morris,
Blogger, THL
Articles | Website


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Generation Zero Launches Election Scorecards
Youth Climate Change group Generation Zero have launched online scorecards for council and mayoral candidates across the country.
"Our aim is to get more people voting in local elections, and to make an informed choice. We need bold, courageous politicians who will fight for our future. Our scorecards are designed to help voters know who those candidates are." Auckland Director Leroy Beckett.
The scores are reflections of candidates' commitments to issues broadly related to climate change, based on their own statements provided to Generation Zero. The scorecards are available at www.localelections.nz and www.aucklandelections.nz
Generation Zero sees these scores as a way to increase voter turnout, especially among young people.
"We believe the bigger cause of low voter turnout at local elections - more than apathy - is that potential voters feel uninformed" Says Beckett "These scorecards are our attempt to change that".
"They are a simplification of complex and nuanced issues, but a necessary compromise to increase engagement with local government for all New Zealanders".
Generation Zero works extensively on issues such as transport and urban planning, where there are opportunities to reduce carbon emissions.
"Local Government is hugely important. Councils are able to drastically reduce our carbon emissions and increase the liveability of our cities by encouraging public and active transport, and the building of sustainable, energy-efficient homes and workplaces."
Leroy Beckett, Auckland
Rosalee Jenkin, Christchurch
Victor Komarovsky, Wellington
About Generation Zero
Young New Zealanders working to cut carbon pollution through smarter transport, liveable cities & independence from fossil fuels.
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I present to you—A MAN WITH A GUITAR AND A GRILL!
I felt overwhelmed getting these shots. Not just because they're of A MAN WITH A GUITAR AND A GRILL, but because I've wanted to share the wonder associated with the musicians that have come along and made my jaw drop. I now feel I'm getting to do that. All thanks to Patrick! Patrick loaned me his camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR, and I have been getting shots at all the shows I would usually attend without one. Now I get to take away a piece of them and share it. I have found Flickr to be great for this and I'm glad to claim my moniker 'DriveAngry3D' as a username on the site. These and more benefits are becoming known to me as I take on the role of photographer at live music shows and it's all thanks to Patrick who believed in me when I said I wanted to film things!
You can see all the action featuring A MAN WITH A GUITAR AND A GRILL in the album Dopeslamer / Maniak / Bozo Lads @ The Darkplace.


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The Depression was a dark time in America's history, but it did yield some incredible tips for surviving on a budget and saving money.
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Editor's Note
Both begin as an idea born of experience, imagination, and a desire to create a result to delight the senses which may be consumed with pleasure.
The ingredients play out in the mind of the baker. The recipe is written down, tried and if successful the cookies and cakes and pies and muffins are shared and the recipes are given to others to recreate. The next baker may: choose to substitute Turbinado sugar for both sugars; use ground Tahitian vanilla bean paste instead of the liquid sort; prefer King Arthur's Baking Flour over any other brand; delight in using pecans rather than their more bitter cousins, walnuts; and use farm fresh eggs from a neighbor's chickens whenever available, so that the results may vary in subtle ways, but the recipe essentially remains the same.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
1/2 pound butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup chopped walnuts
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
Let butter sit in a big bowl at room temperature until it becomes soft. Mix in both sugars until smooth. Mix in eggs and vanilla until creamy in texture. In a separate bowl mix together flour, salt, baking soda and nuts. Add the dry mixture to the other bowl. Stir in the chocolate chips. Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto a non-stick cookie sheet. Bake at 375° for 8 to 10 minutes. (Times may vary depending on your oven, ingredients used, desired softness vs. crunchiness, altitude and attitude.) Makes 4 dozen cookies.
The elements play out in the mind of the playwright. The idea is written down, tried and if successful the plays and musicals and monologues and conceptual pieces are shared and the manuscripts are given to others to recreate. The next director may: choose to substitute a tough neighborhood in New York for a romantic city in Italy; like the idea of a sister-in-law-to-be instead of an old trusted nurse; prefer turf wars with knives and bats to actual sword fighting; delight in the setting of a basketball court instead of a family crypt; and utilize a great deal of fancy footwork and some jazzy syncopated tunes, so that the results may vary in subtle ways, but the play remains essentially the same.
The next time you bake, feel free to use whichever ingredients you choose to. Make up your own recipe. Chocolate Chip cookies or Shakespeare. Be creative. After all, you are the baker.
Cheryl Itamura is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Real Live Theater.


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Just pausing to note that I saw my oncologist a few days ago for my once-every-4-months checkup. Got some reassurance on a few things:
As I'd read in many places, occasional twinges or stabs in my left breast are normal healing and could continue for some time. If cancer were to recur, it would be elsewhere, outside the area that was treated (ie, somewhere other than the left side of my chest).
My occasional cough, along with shortness of breath with even mild exertion, is the result of weakened chest muscles and general deconditioning. The doctor had no concern that anything is still amiss with my lungs.
Overall weakness, as I'd finally concluded, is not the result of medication but simply deconditioning. I need to exercise more to get back to what was normal before my surgery. Or preferably somewhat better. It was also suggested that I try to lose some weight (sure wish that 20 lbs I lost last summer had stayed off!), although I'm no heavier than I was before my surgery. (Come on, doc, it's called weight training …)
While I've never thought of myself as "perky," that was the word that came to mind when I tried to describe how I've felt since I switched from Aromasin (exemestane) to Femara (letrozole). I don't feel as hopelessly fatigued, when just getting off the couch seemed impossible. It's not that I'm now bouncing around the house, but I no longer think long and hard about whether doing something is worth the effort required just to get up. It hasn't been a dramatic change. It's more like I just realized one day that I'd been doing more everyday things than I had before. That alone should help strengthen muscles grown weak from inactivity. Plus I feel a bit more mentally alert.
A few weeks ago, I got the lab work done to check my thyroid function (thyroid gland possibly caught some radiation last year and my primary care doctor had said I should check it three times a year). While my levels are still in the low-normal range where they've always been, she said there was room for a bit of improvement and increased my thyroid med from 50 mcg a day to 50 mcg three days a week and 75 mcg four days a week.
And a few other notes … I quit taking the grape seed extract for hot flashes. It seemed ineffective and the hot flashes are to be expected in the absence of all estrogen. Also, I quit taking the diuretic. Getting up 3-4 times a night was not acceptable and I've never had high blood pressure, so I opted for improved sleep and less overall dehydration (particularly my eyes). And I saw the dentist. Teeth are still happy.
As for the aching fingers, I've concluded they are simply the result of overuse and repetitive motion — the result of too much video gaming (oh yes, I do love my games). I should probably switch to Pokémon Go to exercise some larger muscles.


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"She is Spring" Bracelet* - £7 Charmed Soul
Charmed Soul is a charm bracelet and bead retailer from Preston, which focuses on producing fabulous and unique bracelets for a fraction of the price. I was recently contacted by the lovely Abigail who founded this company and asked if I would like to review a bracelet for the blog and she kindly designed this "She is Spring" bracelet for me. Considering we're currently in the grip of the Great British Winter the yellows and greens have been a boost to know that spring is just around the corner.
What I love about Charmed Soul is that even though you will be spoiled for choice in choosing pre-made bracelets in her Charm Bracelet Shop, Abigail also stocks beads/bracelets for you to make your very own bespoke bracelet. These bracelets are ideal gifts - so I would definately check her site out. You can also follow Charmed Soul on Twitter and Facebook.


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The perfect summer trousers: incredibly easy to wear, cool and with an understated, effortless elegance. Designed to mix and match with many of the pieces in our new collection. Woven of pure linen and designed with an elastic waist and front pockets. Also in black.
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With the drizzle gently keeping all and sundry cool, we approached the Travellers rest at Southbourne for Caron's first trail. This was not only her first trail but one in which she stepped in to fill the breach after only running a couple (with our pack) herself.
The usual suspects gathered and a fair sized pack greeted newcomer Maureen and then we were told to head off in the direction of the dog pooh bin!!!
So we did as instructed and found the trail which went through a nice orchard. We had been pre-warned not to pick the fruit so that ruined the Hungarians day.
We came to the first check and those keen front runners were zooming ahead lead by Bambi and a certain over keen teenager (don't you just hate youth?). A bit slippy underfoot but the first check came and the eskimo went off looking for the trail up a falsie whilst the rest of the pack took the true through the little alley way.
After the next check I suspected a kind of siterhood collusion as the ladies all had leggings on whilst the guys wore shorts and we came to a little path full of nettles. Who had laid the trail - a woman!! Do you see where I am going with this guys? Who has the best legs men or women? Women and yet who exposes them to get stung? Men. Another example of the fact that its a womens world. Mind you what man would want Manolo Blah Blah shoes?
So onward and through little back alleys where we kept on bumping into the family shortcutting. Rasta was also shortcutting but only to keep newcomer Maureen company and ease her in gently.
We then came back to the A259 and using our Green Cross Code Skills managed to get across without losing any hashers.
Through the byways of the estates with everybody playing their bit and all trying to find new trails through the jungle of small houses.
We finally hit a trail where the choices were a bit varied and a few old hands (well lets faces it, in this hash all of the hands are old) began to scent the A259 and the pace picked up.
There was a point during the run when to a casual observer we may have been mistaken for a running club such was the flow of the run (mind you the observer would have had to have been very casual and slightly dim).
An arrow on the ground and we were in sight of the chariots.
A shortish run but after some long ones lately well received. This gave everybody the chance to get into the pub on time. But not before the hashit.
This was awarded without any hesitation to Spiderman for having the barefaced cheek to turn up on a hash run with NEW SHOES!!!
His being Joint Master did not save him and duly knelt to receive his honour.
As the pub was not open yet we all took the opportunity to move to a nicer location at Emsworth where apres hash drinkies were polished off.
A good first run for Caron, many thanks from the pack.
Humble Scribe


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Hey Storytellers!
We have author Leigh Bardugo of #1 New York Times Bestseller "Six of Crows" on the show with us today! Entertainment Weekly says, "…it's one twist after another in a heist at times reminiscent of Inception."
Everyone is talking about the beautiful madness she's created in that book: Magic, thieves, knives, criminals, and a heist. A very, very grand heist. If you're one of the few who haven't read it yet, this is your chance to win an autographed copy of "Six of Crows"! What are the rules for the contest? All you have to do is pay special attention to Leigh's episode and post your favorite quote from the interview on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Be sure to unblock your account and tag @88CUPSOFTEA and include #88CUPSOFTEA so we can sort through and choose the lucky winner!
Leigh and I chat about everything: Her time as a professional make-up artist, an insider's look at how authors are involved with their own book covers (if at all), the inspiration behind her books, how 'structure' can be an awesome writing tool, and we talk a lot about WRITING RETREATS (my favorite topic).
You're going to love this episode.
"I believe very firmly in writing a disastrous first draft."
What You'll Learn From This Episode:
Advice on building an intricate and exciting world for your stories
- How knowing the ending of your story helps with the process of writing the first draft
Leigh's writing process
- How to find the perfect writing retreat to create a productive environment for you
- The incredible advantages of writing retreats
Learn More About Leigh Bardugo
Leigh's Recommended Books & Resources:
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold


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- >
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What's Disappointing About ?
Seattle Web Hosting?
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The absence of unlimited storage capacity plans makes it seem like the list packages is incomplete. Worrying about your current storage status and if the host can accommodate more photos, for example, is not an efficient way of working for some people.
The Bottom line
Overall, Seattle Web Hosting offers a wide range of services that are very useful for both start up and enterprise users. If you do not mind shelling some extra cash to avail of their services, you might want to try them out for yourselves.
Host Infinity Review


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Less than a week to El Tour!
Nov 10, 2012 by Gates Matthew Stoner
Today I had a nice team ride of 35 miles. I have had some issues lately with my rides, so it was nice to finish and not be in discomfort. It appears my second bike fitting fix that issue.
But sadly, there is no getting around the setback of my accident in September. As a result, I am just not as conditioned as I need to be and my wrist is still bothersome.
Thus after much consideration, I will be riding next Saturday in the 60 mile race, rather than the 85 or 111. But I'm going to send off my teammates at the 111 starting line and then ride my bike 10 miles to the start line of the 60 mile race. As a result, I'll do 70 miles for the day and I'll claim that I rode a metric century ride even though it won't be official.
There is still time to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society if you are inclined.
Much appreciated,
66 miles and a half marathon
Oct 22, 2012 by Gates Matthew Stoner
This weekend I had my second ride with Team since the accident. The planned route was 75 miles.
I was excited but a bit nervous because my wrist is still not feeling okay. It's not bad, but it's not great. It was a nice fall morning though and the brisk morning air was really nice. The Team headed east along River road to Sabino Canyon and then turned West on Sunrise. Because of a repaving project, the course was slightly altered and we headed to the NW side on La Canada and did not do the Rancho Vistoso loop. I really enjoyed the La Canada as it was smooth.
But then we turned onto Moore road and things changed. Moore is part of the course for El Tour so I was interested to check it out. But it was extremely bumpy and not well paved. My wrist was in a alot of pain because my old school bike vibrates alot in such conditions. I've been looking to replace it, but I had to slow down just to get thru this section.
Thankfully there was a planned rest stop after this part and I was able to ice my wrist. After discussing the situtation with my coaches, it was decieded that I would take a slightly altered route that ended up cutting about 9 miles of rough road from the second half of the ride. My wrist was very thankful. At this point I had ridden 31 miles and after the rest stop we rode up to Dove Mountain and then back. This was the point where I diverted from the Team and took Twin Peaks to Silverbell. It was quite familiar territory to me because my home is located in this area.
To make a long story short, I completed the ride in 5 hours for 66 miles. It was the fathest I've riden to date.
Then to top things off, on Sunday I ran a half marathon. It wasn't my best time but it was nevertheless a good race. I finished in 2:42. I have another half marathon in two weeks as well. Cross training never ends.
In closing, I'd like to thank all those who are supporting my efforts to raise funds for LLS as well as offering moral support for my training.
Phoenix Rises
Oct 16, 2012 by Gates Matthew Stoner
October 14 & 15
It was my first weekend back on the road bike. I was in San Jose the previous weekend to run the Rock N Roll Half Marathon just 15 days after my accident. I have a recap posted on my other blog. But it went well and I finished just 4 minutes off my personal best.
Upon returning to Tucson it was time to get back into conditioning for El Tour. The only lingering issue I have is my right wrist. My doctor had me start wearing a brace and I'm optimstic that it is helpping. I gave my legs a few days to recover from the half marathon and then did an interval workout Wednesday evening. On Thursday it was time to head to spin class and it went well.
Saturday was my first practice back since the accident.
It was nice to see my teammates and ride again. I tried to ride without the wrist brace but after 13 miles I put it on when the team stopped at Sabino Canyon. The ride was overall going well and I wasn't feeling winded, though I had lost conditioning by not riding the previous 3 weeks.
From Sabino the team headed West to Oracle Rd and the segment I had difficulty breathing 4 weeks ago. This time the ride went much better, but I was taking it easy because of my wrist and the race I had the next day. For my first time back on the bike I thought 46.5 miles was pretty decent ride.
After the ride, I traveled up to Phoenix to stay with my parents before Tour de Scottsdale the next morning. I had been looking forward to the 70mile race as a good practice for El Tour de Tucson. The morning of the race, I wasn't feeling 100% but I was prepared to give it my all. It was a beautiful brisk morning in north Scottsdale. As the ride got started, I could tell it wasn't going to be my day. I keep plowing forward thru some discomfort and up a long gradual hill towards carefree. Even though I was on pace to finish the 70m course before the cut off time, my wrist was really hurting even though it was in the brace. I was worried about further injury so at mile 18 I had the option to divert to the 30 mile course and I did. I want to be fully healed for my event with Team in Training, so it wasn't worth pushing on.
So I finished in 2:04 and I'm ready to complete the final 4 weeks of training before El Tour.
50 miles and a trip to the ER
Sep 27, 2012 by Gates Matthew Stoner
Sept 22
After last week's team in training practice ride, I was determined to not have a repeat. I'm training to help beat blood cancers and dedicated to completing my training and raising as much as I can for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I was feeling good, not full of energy, but not bad. I finished the antibiotics on Wednesday for the bronchitis. I left my house at 5:30 and got to downtown Tucson at 6. We were starting the ride from a new spot and doing the southern/eastern portion of the actual El Tour route. The route was suppose to be 54 miles. I was excited.
The team headed out at 6:45 and I quick realized I never put on my cycling gloves after applying suntan lotion. Oh well. No turning back I thought to myself. The morning air was nice, but it's still not fall. Before too long the fast group spilt off and rode into the distance. I was content to be with the regular group as I was still recovering from being sick.
A goal for the ride was to practice pace lines, which is a technique to conserve energy with drafting. You ride in a line and then the lead rider drops back and someone else takes over. The route was mostly flat and we had lots of opportunities to practice and it was breezy so it was beneficial to do pace lines as well.
As I said though, it's not fall yet in Tucson by any measure and it started to warm up quickly. I was feeling good and hadn't really had to ride any hills. That changed as we headed east to Saguaro National park. A teammate and I lost the group because we followed someone who went off on their own. But we quickly turned back around to Escalante and got to ride some rolling hills. It was definitely warm at this point and we were feeling it. I would also later learn that I was starting to have a a flat. It was a tiny tiny piece of glass and a very slow leak.
After we completed the hill climb to Old Spanish trail, we turned left and there was the Nike Women's Marathon team just wrapping up their practice. it was nice to see my marathon teammates. I was feeling drained, but seeing their faces really lifted my spirits. I said my good byes and then found out that I had a flat and had to walk my bike up to the rest area at the national park.
At this time it was really getting hot, it was no longer warm. I seriously contemplated giving up after putting in 37 miles. Given that I had just had bronchitis, I felt it was a good accomplishment. But I pushed on. I knew a huge downhill was ahead of me and then just a flat ride down Broadway back to downtown where we started.
The downhill was fun, but it did have one last hill that I wasn't expecting. The hill wasn't bad and over quickly. I was in the home stretch and my quads were starting to feel it. I also sensed I was dehydrating so when we got to Kolb road, I peeled off to the gas station to buy some water and stretch. Thus I would be doing the last leg of the ride alone.
The water and stretching made my quads feel much much better and I was so refreshed as I headed back out. It was getting close to 11 and it was hot. I was almost to the finish. Just before Reid Park, I was so close to home of two of my very good friends. I seriously contemplated asking for a ride to the finish. I was at 50 miles and knew they had a bike rack on their Jeep. But I was feeling so refreshed from my stop on Kolb that I mustered on.
With less than a mile to go, I was entering downtown and a crossing of trolly tracks by Hotel Congress (a famous landmark). I was exhausted and just wanting to get to the finish. My wheel got caught in the track and I went down hard. In a flash. I really don't remember anything.
I'm grateful for whoever called 911, the EMS and Police. My first memory after the crash was with one of my coaches besides me on the sidewalk. The EMS was repeating that I had declined transportation. That was news to me, but in the fog I didn't say anything. Another coach pulled up and loaded up my bike. Thus I was transported the last half mile back to the starting point.
I was badly scrapped up and my helmet had saved my head. It cracked in a couple places, but it served its purpose. Once back I got out of my cycling shoes and it was time to get medical treatment. I knew the urgent care by my house would probably not be too busy and I could get seen quickly. So in a caravan, two of my coaches drove up to the NW side.
I was correct about the urgent care not being busy, but unfortunately they didn't have a CT scanner. So they cleaned me up and sent me off to emergency at NW hospital. It had been a long day and I checked in with my neighbor if they could take me. They said yes so I had my coaches drop me off at home and then went off to the ER.
The ER was expecting me as the urgent care was run by the hospital. It was a busy day so it took a while for me to be triaged and my symptoms had changed since being at urgent care. My headache was getting worst and my left hip was sore. I fell on my left side.
I was seen and then sent back out to the waiting room until a room became available. I didn't seem like it took too long, but time was not something I was really aware of at this point. Once situated the doctor saw me and ordered up the ct scan and x-rays that urgent care couldn't do. Before long I was rolled over to xray and had the CT scan. They also did x-rays on my right knee cap and left hip.
All this time I hadn't eaten or drank in hours, but weirdly I didn't feel the need for either. The headache seemed to turn more to numbness and occasionally I felt a hot flash. For what I had been thru, I was content to just rest. Finally the doctor came and said the x-rays were clear, no apparent bleeding on the brain, but I definitely had a concussion. It was 6pm now and I was looking forward to being discharged.
Sadly that took almost another hour. One of my cycling teammates that lives around the corner picked me up and took me home. It was nice to see and talk to someone I knew after being alone for 4 some hours. I got my discharge papers and we were on our way. My long 14 hour day was almost over.
I got home and the doggies were quite worried since I had been away for so long. Thankfully my neighbors feed them dinner. All they wanted to do was jump up on me and my scrapped knees and I had to push them down. I washed up and then crawled into bed.
As I said at the beginning, I train with a mission for LLS. Saturday was the first time I rode more than 50 miles and I did so in 4:10 minutes of riding time. I was nearly at my goal before I had my accident. But no broken bones and so far the concussion doesn't seem too bad compared to the one I had in '99. These pains are nothing what someone going thru chemo experience, so I will continue on in their honor and for a cure.
Again, I'm extremely thankful to everyone who helped me, those who prayed, and those who sent their virtual hugs via FB and txt. I'm quite fortunate to have such great friends in my life.
Hills and Breathing
Sep 27, 2012 by Gates Matthew Stoner
Sept 15, 2012
Leading up to the team ride on the 15th, my training was going well. I had two spin classes during the week that went well. I had done a 2000m swim workout. I also worked out with my trainer in a intense session of agility/core interval drills. I was feeling good. Friday morning, I did an upper body strength training set at home before heading to work. I was really looking forward to the team ride.
When I got home on Friday, I was feeling pain on my left side and I thought I pulled my lat muscle that morning. So I applied some ice-hot to the area and iced my lower back. I was feeling a bit of a chill, but I figured that was the ice. Then I decided maybe some time in the hot tub at the gym would be helpful to loosen things up. I did that but it really didn't help much. I figured it would make the ride a bit of a challenge, but I thought I would muster threw it.
So I packed up my gear and bike into the car and I was ready for Saturday morning. I love team practices and seeing all my teammates/friends. It's the highlight of my week. I got a good night's sleep and felt ready for the ride.
Once at meeting spot, I greased up my chain, made sure my tires were inflated, and I was ready to roll. The first 4 miles were fine. I felt some tenderness of my left side, but everything was going like usual. Then we turned onto first avenue and the first elevation changes of the day.
I like to attack hills and just get them over. But I quickly learned something wasn't right. My legs were fine, but my breathing was amidst. I looked at my heart rate on the iphone and it was in Zone 2, but I was breathing as if I was in Zone 5 (the max). I was breathing twice as hard as I should be and my entire torso hurt. I wasn't too far into the ride and I could turn back, but I was delusional and/or determined to continue on.
How could I give up so easily I thought to myself? My ride last week was cut short due to the monsoon and I had looked forward all week to going the distance. Today's route distance was going along a significant portion of the actual El Tour course. I really wanted to complete it.
Whenever I struggle, I always think back to my mission and that is to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I think about those kids bravely battling cancer and going thru treatment. If they can do that, I can do this. This approach has gotten me thru when I've wanted to give up before. So I trucked on.
Before too long, I arrived at the first rest stop and again doubt surfaced as if I should continue. I could have stopped and been driven on, but I was breathing and the pain subsided during the rest. So I thought maybe I can at least do the next segment and just stop when the group passes my house. We were in Oro Valley now and there were some hills before a long downhill segment.
Riding out of Catalina State Park, the hill up Rancho Visto Blvd proved something was seriously wrong. It wasn't a bad hill, but my breathing was beyond strained. I sounded like a dog and it took a while before I could speak again. A great teammate offered to ride back with me, but I was still delusional to continue.
So I rode with one of my coaches just a bit farther. I knew the geography of the area, because it was actually part of the Arizona Distance Classic half marathon that I had run back in March. As I rode up the hill, it became clear that I would not be going on. I just couldn't breath. I called my neighbors and they were able to come pick me up. In the end I only did 17 miles in 1hr and 24 minutes.
I was disappointed in myself for not being able to complete the training ride and feeling like I let down all those who support my efforts for LLS. It would take a while for my rescue ride to reach me, so I sat on the curb and reflected. So many cyclists asked if I was okay and offered assistance. I was touched how nearly all of them asked if I was ok. At this point, I really didn't know why I couldn't breath well or what was wrong. If I thought I was sick, I would never have embarked on the ride. A lot of my coworkers had been sick lately and I had up to this point not been effected. I was breathing fine as long as I wasn't riding up hills, so I still wasn't really aware of the extent of my condition.
Walking around I felt ok, but I figured I should get checked out. Once home I showered up, took my temperature (opps a little high) and called the nurse help line that my insurance company offers. They pretty much said I needed to go to urgent care, which I was expecting. I was hoping I could go to a Walgreen's take care clinic, but they assumed correctly that I would need x-rays.
There was just one slight problem with going to urgent care, I still didn't have my car. In my car was my wallet (ID, insurance card, and credit cards). So again my wonderful neighbors came to the rescue and drove me into town to retrieve my car and follow me back.
I had stopped my ride at about 8:30am and it was now 1pm. It had been a while and more than enough time for my vitals to recover. After being admitted, I learned my temperature was 102 and my BP was 146/89. Not good. I was seen and the doctor ordered an x-ray. But I was third in line, so it would be a while. I got some Tylenol to help with the fever. I didn't realize until the nurse told me that 102 was high for adults and only kids spike higher.
The actual process of taking the x-rays was quick and then it took a long time to hear the results. The longer it took the more concerned I became. Did they find something really bad? Is it valley fever and my training season is over? They sent in a nurse to retake my vitals. My temperature was now down to 100.9 and my BP was better as well. Well it turns out the delay was becauset they were getting a second and third opinion. I guess there was some doubt about bronchitis versus pneumonia.
I didn't have the typical symptoms of bronchitis. It only manifested itself during intense exercise, but it was obvious that my body was fighting an infection. Finally they decided it was bronchitis and gave me a prescription for a z-pack. Then I was on my way.
I decided to get a meal in as I hadn't eaten all day and then take the first dose. It was quickly after the taking the meds that I figured out how much I need them. In retrospective, if I hadn't been training I probably would have succumb to the illness sooner or it would have become evident Sunday or Monday. The bike ride just accelerated things.
So now I'm resting and in recovery mode. Training is on hold for a while and I'm doing everything I can to be ready for my next race and continue my El Tour training.


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Food, Part 2
It was my half birthday yesterday. Six months since my birthday Peregrine, already. This year is flying by.
I normally don't celebrate half birthdays; it seems like overkill. And I didn't intend to celebrate this one; in fact, I didn't even realize until the evening what day it was. The day before, I had wanted to make flourless chocolate cake, but we didn't have any baking chocolate in the house, so last night I bought some and planned a yummy dessert. Then I happened to glance at the calendar. Oh. Well, it can be a half birthday cake, I guess.
Flourless Chocolate Cake from Epicurious.
For the raspberry sauce: purée one package of frozen raspberries in a food processor with some water and some sugar (to taste). Pass the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds and transfer to a saucepan. Simmer for a long time until the puree is reduced to a syrupy consistency. Add a little more sugar along the way if you want, but keep the sauce tart; it'll balance out the sweetness of the cake.
I have been cooking a lot lately. Over the years I've bounced around between sewing, drawing, elaborate easter egg decorating, embroidering, painting, paper cutting, and various other crafts that keep my hands busy and appeal to my aesthetic sense, and I think cooking may be my latest art form. It's hands-on, colorful, and a great creative outlet, and the end product is delicious. This year has also shown me that I can cook tasty and balanced meals from scratch, which is strangely empowering. I don't know how I'll be able to go back to eating in a dining hall next year.
Anyway, I'm in the middle of a couple weeks at home before I head off to California, and my brother is at school and my parents at work during the day. So I've taken the opportunity to cook more. My mom loves not having to come up with dinner every night. Best of all, the rest of the family seems to give me as much credit for cooking as if it were an unwanted chore, so more often than not they offer to clean up the kitchen afterwards. Really, we're looking at a win-win situation here.
It all started with an apron.
Two large dish towels was exactly the right amount of fabric for this apron. The horizontal seam just above the pocket is where the towels are sewn together. I cut off three hemmed edges from the towels to make the straps, and there was just enough fabric left over for the pocket. And the towels were already hemmed, which saved me the trouble of finishing the bottom and sides.
Well actually, it started long before the apron, but it's sort of a chicken and egg situation. Because I was cooking so much, I wanted an apron, so I made this one out of two big, pretty dish towels we got on sale a couple years ago. But now that I have the apron, I want to use it all the time. So I cook. Here are some of the things I've made recently. Recipes, if I used a recipe, are at the end of each section.
Blueberry muffins with a twist
I don't always read the Food section of the New York Times, but when I do, I come up with gems like this recipe. These muffins are made with whole wheat flour and cornmeal, using oil instead of butter, etc. etc., but they have so much oil in them that I'm dubious as to their actual health benefits. But I'm not a fan of overly sweet, cakey muffins anyway, and these had blueberries and grated apple in them, so I was sold.
Because of the frozen blueberries, the batter came out kind of an unfortunate color.
But the resulting muffins were moist and delicious. They have oatmeal, cornmeal, and all purpose flour in addition to whole wheat flour, which saves the muffins from tasting too "healthy." Instead, the flavor is complex and, frankly, a lot more interesting than it would have been with white flour alone. The tart grated apple that I added (you can substitute grated carrot if you want), along with the frozen blueberries, gave the muffins a nice tang. I didn't make the orange streusel, so I can't comment on it, but in my opinion these little bundles of deliciousness didn't need anything extra.
I did just one thing wrong with this recipe: I made the muffins the night before I left for a weekend in New York City. When I got back, they were gone.
Darn, I might actually have to make them again.
Whole Grain Blueberry Muffins from the New York Times. I skipped the orange streusel and used grated apple instead of grated carrots. Make sure the batter is thick enough; my muffins didn't puff up as much as I would have liked.
Salmon, green beans, and Asian-inspired salad
This weekend, I spent a night with my friend Mirella at Barnard College in NYC. Mirella has been working at a restaurant (as an actual cook, not a waitress), and she knows and loves food. (She also writes for the Columbia University Culinary Society; you can read her posts here.)
Mirella and I have been friends since I was in kindergarten and she was in first grade, and if you know both of us you will agree that it makes perfect sense that we spent our evening cooking something fancy together in her apartment.
On the menu: salmon with soy-maple glaze (but we didn't have maple syrup, so we used honey and brown sugar instead), sautéed green beans with ginger and garlic, basmati rice, and a cabbage/carrot salad with orange slices and a sesame oil/rice vinegar dressing.
We had fun with this dinner. After glazing the salmon with our improvised sauce, we reduced the rest to a thicker glaze that we poured over the cooked fish. The salad was going to be just cabbage and grated carrots. Then I found half an Asian pear on the table, a little past its prime but still good. I grated it in to sweeten up the salad. Then the orange slices added a little tang.
For the dressing, Mirella mixed rice vinegar and sesame oil, plus a tiny bit of soy sauce and some honey. Then on a whim we added the juice from the grated carrots, because why not? The dressing was lovely and light and complemented the salad perfectly.
Chicken couscous, roasted veggies, and salad
From Barnard, I took the subway to Brooklyn to stay with my aunt Sarah. She's lived there for years but I had never seen her apartment or met her cat, so I figured it was time for a visit.
Sarah's boyfriend, Brian, loves to cook, so the second night I was there the three of us went grocery shopping and had a little fun in the kitchen.
I made my grandmother's chicken couscous recipe (with a couple modifications along the way). Brian roasted some cauliflower and onions and made a tahini dipping sauce. Then we threw together a salad: Sarah had some spring mix in the refrigerator, but that seemed boring all by itself. So we added some currants (don't ask me why she had currants), some orange slices (inspired by the previous night's salad with Mirella) and some grated carrots (Brian's finishing touch). Boom.
I have the recipe for this chicken but can't link to it online. Get in touch if you want me to send it to you!
Fish, sweet potato home fries, and spinach
Not everything I cook is fancy, I just tend to take more pictures of the things that are. I made dinner the other night, and it was so easy and un-fancy that I almost didn't know what to do with myself: I had all the ingredients prepared and I realized that the fish wasn't going to take longer than ten minutes to cook. I didn't know when to start. How come I wasn't rushing around desperately trying to get everything chopped and cooked in the right order? Who knew dinner could be so yummy and still so easy?
I fried my fish filets in a mixture of butter and olive oil and drizzled it with lemon juice (if anyone knows a trick for frying fish so it doesn't fall apart, please let me know. It tasted good anyway but it could have been prettier). Then I minced a large clove of garlic and sautéed it with lots of spinach (alternately with the lid off, stirring, and with the lid on to let it steam).
The sweet potato home fries are Sarah's recipe; she made them for brunch one day when I was there. They're easy and delicious. Basically, you chop up some sweet potatoes and coat them with olive oil, spread them on a baking sheet, and bake them at a high temperature for a while. They come out crispy on some sides, but still soft and sweet on the inside. I'm sure you could do a similar thing with regular potatoes, maybe with herbs or spices.
We ate dinner rolls with this meal, but you could also pair it with rice or pasta, or do a potato/sweet potato mix for a more substantial starch.
Thai yellow curry from scratch
Yellow curry is one of my favorite Thai dishes, but I've always been afraid to cook it because I was afraid I wouldn't get the spices right. Then I did a little googling and found a recipe on Pinch of Yum.
The secret to this recipe is that it uses yellow curry paste that you make from scratch. Yes, that takes a while (about 45 minutes and a bit of annoying prep work), but your curry comes out with a deep, complex flavor that certainly beats sprinkling some curry powder on chicken pieces. Also, the recipe makes enough curry paste for about five curries, so it's worth it. The paste freezes well and you can have yellow curry on demand for days or weeks afterwards.
To make the curry paste, I roasted entire heads of garlic, plus shallots and ginger. That all went in the food processor with hot peppers, curry powder, turmeric, fresh cilantro, and other spices. The result was a beautiful yellow paste that's basically pure mushed up spices. It can pack some serious punch (especially if you put in more chiles) I scooped it out of the food processor and felt powerful.
Once the paste is made, the rest of the curry is easy. Chop some onions, sauté them in oil, add chicken pieces and curry paste. Stir around and cook it a bit, then add the potatoes and some coconut milk. Simmer until the sauce is a good consistency and the potatoes and chicken are cooked. Serve with rice and (optional) chopped cilantro.
Here are the recipes, from Pinch of Yum:
Curry Paste
Thai Yellow Chicken Curry with Potatoes
For the curry paste: I couldn't find the specific Thai chiles that she refers to, so I used Mexican Arbol peppers. Unless you and everyone you're cooking for loves spicy food, use just a few peppers the first time you make this. You can always add hot sauce later. You will be sorry if you end up with five batches of curry paste that you will never use because it burns your mouth off.
Pinch of Yum also has a beef curry recipe, which I haven't tried yet. But it would be a good use for your leftover yellow curry paste.
If there's a recipe I didn't link to that you're wondering how to make, feel free to shoot me an email. And it goes the other way too: if you have a yummy and not-too-complicated recipe you want to share, I'm always looking for ideas.
Happy cooking!
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I am a high school graduate taking a gap year before college. I'm interested in birds, biology, and the natural world, as well as history, foreign languages, writing, and reading.
July 2016


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It has been almost two months since the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States. With his election we feel compelled to express our desires for his next four and possibly eight years. Towards that end, we have constructed a Mount Rushmore, of sorts, included as the image below. With the composited picture……
A Certain Kind of Desperation
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text: At some point women must demand that male legislators, apart from the women with whom they share voluntary intimacy, must leave the vagina and uterus alone. In a democracy, a woman's vagina and uterus should not be a perpetual battleground. Does what a woman do with vagina and her reproductive organs really a business of politics, especially right wing conservative men in politics? At a time when sexual violence and assaults against women is at an all time... Read more →


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CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Charleston Southern track and field teams will be splitting up this weekend as the Buccaneers will take part in the Georgia Tech Invitational and the Virginia Challenge.
A majority of the team will be in Atlanta, Ga. for the two-day event hosted by Georgia Tech on April 20-21 at the George C. Griffin Track & Field Facility. Sophomore distance runner Jeryck Wilson will make the trek to Charlottesville, Va. and the University of Virginia over the weekend for the Virginia Challenge.
The two meets are Charleston Southern's final events prior to final exams and one of the last two meet weekends prior to the 2018 Big South Outdoor Track and Field Championships hosted on May 9-11 by High Point University.
The Bucs continue to post strong results in the 2018 outdoor season coming off their latest meet at the Charlotte Invitational. CSU boasted six top-three finishes overall at the Irwin Belk Track and Field Complex at Transamerica Stadium.
Fearghal Curtin (1500m race) and JP Caglione (men's hammer throw) paced CSU's efforts on the first day of the event hosted by UNC Charlotte. Niegel Simmons, Timothy Davis, Jasmine Pilgrim, and Matt Inman, were all among the tops in the field in the 200m dash, the long jump, the triple jump, and the men's 5000m race to highlight Charleston Southern's final day.
Curtin continued a strong spring campaign with a third-place finish in the men's 1500m race. He crossed the line in 3:51.49 to lead four Bucs in the event.
JP Caglione impressed in his first event of the Charlotte Invitational as the sophomore thrower placed second overall in the men's hammer throw to lead four Bucs in the field. Caglione was one of two athletes to clear 50-meters on the day with his throw of 53.61m putting him behind only Gardner-Webb's Jordan Smith (54.82m). Caglione shattered his previous mark of 51.77m set at the Florida Relays and was the fifth-longest throw in CSU history.
Niegel Simmons was back among the leaders in the men's long jump event as the sophomore placed second overall in the field to pace the Bucs. He reached 7.26m to lead CSU.
Timothy Davis also placed among the top leaders in the field in the men's triple jump. The sophomore reached 14.44m to pace the Bucs and finish second overall in the event.
Jasmine Pilgrim led three Bucs in the women's 100m dash event at the Charlotte Invitational. The senior sprinter placed fourth in the event with a time of 12.01 and then was in the top three in the women's 200m dash with a time of 24.60 to take third in the field.
Matt Inman paced the Bucs in the men's 5000m race with the freshman finishing third overall with a time of 15:40.68.
The Bucs will also have a small contingent of athletes competing at the USC Open hosted in Columbia, S.C. this weekend.


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3G/4G for Primary Connectivity
As businesses expand their footprint to new and sometimes unusual locations, connectivity can become a challenge. With 3G/4G primary connectivity though, they can get connected anywhere, anytime.
Businesses today are expanding their locations in a bid to reach and engage their customers in new ways, as well as deliver their services to a broader audience. With this comes a connectivity challenge as fixed lines are unable to reach these more remote locations – yet never has connectivity been more vital to a business.
The importance of connectivity.
From the adoption of centralised back office systems, to the deployment of new business technologies such as the Internet of Things, today's businesses are reliant on connectivity. Driving critical applications and business enhancements alike, without connectivity the majority of organisations cannot operate.
New locations, new connectivity.
Regardless of this reliance on connectivity, organisations are starting to do business in new and unusual locations. From pop-up shops in the middle of shopping centres, to temporary restaurants on roof-tops, gardens and beaches, businesses today are finding new locations from which to reach their customers. In addition to these new, innovative locations designed to engage customers, businesses are also looking to simply expand their reach to new audiences – for example, large retailers are opening local convenience stores to reach rural populations.
This changing environment demands networking which can be connected anywhere, at any time, and normally with little notice. Ultimately businesses now require a new, more flexible connectivity than fixed line alone can provide, while still ensuring that their enterprise network is kept secure.
Cut the wire with 4G LTE cellular connectivity.
Historically there has been no real answer for businesses when fixed line isn't readily available – meaning organisations have had no choice but to accept limited functionality in more remote locations, or otherwise simply been unable to set up at all. With the widespread availability of 4G LTE however, this has changed.
4G LTE provides a true connect anywhere, anytime solution which is completely flexible to the enterprise's requirements. Featuring high speeds and bandwidth, a 4G networking solution can connect even the most advanced applications with ease – creating a full pop-up network which can extend the enterprise network to any site.
This means that organisations can successfully launch new business branches in almost any location, and use all the technology they need to do so, regardless of existing wired connectivity.
Enterprise-grade networking solutions.
Our 4G LTE networking solutions don't just bring flexible connectivity, they bring scalability and true enterprise networking performance – meaning businesses can use wireless as a true alternative to fixed line, extending their existing networking and security standards to the very edge of the network.
Combined with the high speed and broad bandwidth capabilities of 4G LTE, this also means that our solutions can connect and power even the most advanced applications.
Cloud-managed and secure.
Our leading cellular networking technologies are all cloud-managed with advanced security features and capabilities. This not only enables organisations to ensure the security of their network edge, but also ensures that the distributed network of 4G LTE routers and gateways are easy and cost-effective to deploy and manage.
Examples of primary connectivity using 4G LTE.
The following are just a few examples of how organisations today are using cellular for primary connectivity:
Retail, hospitality and construction companies are connecting remote locations over 4G LTE where fixed line is not available, and it is too expensive to install it. Using a cellular networking solution they are able to establish a primary network in any location which connects all of their business applications.
Companies are also using the same solution to deliver temporary connectivity to sites where a fixed line installation is possible but has been delayed – enabling them to operate at full capacity from day one.
Events are using 4G LTE to deliver temporary connectivity to retailers, hospitality companies, event employees, and so on. The cellular solution can connect all of the necessary event applications quickly, in any location, so that it can be run as efficiently and productively as possible. Then when the event is over the networking solution can be disabled, moved and reconnected when needed at a future event.
Concessionaries in retail stores or shopping centres are using 4G LTE networking solutions to bring their own network. Even though the locations they operate in typically have fixed line available, it is common for them to be refused access to primary infrastructures due to potential security or performance risks. The pop-up network delivered over cellular connects all necessary applications though, enabling the concessionary to complete business transactions and operations as required – without needing access to, or affecting, the location's primary network.
Challenges Facing Primary Connectivity
Connectivity is a key requirement for today's businesses – without it they cannot operate
Business locations are changing and becoming more remote, where fixed lines are not available
This ultimately means that businesses today require a more flexible, scalable form of connectivity than traditional options can provide – while still needing to be secure and reliable
The Added Benefits of Using Cellular for Primary Connectivity
Connects virtually anywhere – perfect for remote locations
Easily scaled; can connect 1000s of branches as easily as 1
No extended lead times; deploy within days instead of weeks and months
4G LTE can connect even the most advanced applications, featuring high speeds and bandwidth
Cloud-managed for simplified remote monitoring and management of the entire network
Advanced security features and PCI compliance keeps the network edge secure
Related Content
Application Overview for Primary Connectivity
Construction Solution Overview
Public Sector Solution Overview
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HANG TIME HEADQUARTERS — Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley could be on the move today with the trade deadline just hours away. So could Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford.
They could be a part of the same deal, if the reported three-team deal between the Timberwolves, Trail Blazers and Lakers has any legs. Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com has one version of the potential deal:
The Lakers revisited talks to acquire Minnesota Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley on Wednesday, multiple league sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com. Several variations of the trade have been discussed. One would land Beasley on the Lakers in a three-team deal that would send Portland Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford to the Wolves and Luke Ridnour from Minnesota to Portland. Los Angeles would give up one of its two 2012 first-round draft picks in the deal and use its $8.9 million trade exception, acquired when it traded Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks in December, to absorb Beasley's approximate $6.3 million salary. Portland would also receive the Lakers' first-round pick.
As of late Wednesday night no deal was completed, but a source familiar with the negotiations said, "the sides have momentum."
Our man David Aldridge adds the following about the deal:
Rumors of this deal broke Wednesday evening, but Blake played for Los Angeles in the Lakers' overtime win over New Orleans. Crawford did not play for Portland in the Blazers' blowout loss in New York, but Beasley accompanied the Timberwolves to Utah, where they were to play the Jazz tonight. A source involved in the discussions said Thursday morning that the deal was on the table but not yet agreed upon.
Crawford was held out of the Trail Blazers' loss in New York last night, the official reason given was tendinitis in his right knee. But it's no secret that Trail Blazers have been exploring their trade options for Crawford.
Beasley would give the Lakers an option at small forward that they have been searching for. And Crawford gives the Timberwolves a short-term option in the backcourt (he is expected to opt-out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent again this summer) to help ease the blow of Ricky Rubio going down for the season.


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Lawmakers returned from a monthlong recess ready to ask Siri for advice, recite movie lines and pay tribute to their favorite Mexican restaurant.
See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call's new video site. Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.


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Five years ago I was part of the Kids Making Miracles program at Hudson's Bay High School. Eleven other guys and I raised thousands of dollars for OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital, the experience was unforgettable. At 18 years old I felt like I was making a difference.
At that age most kids are just trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. Being selected as one of the 12 guys to represent my high school and raise money for Doernbecher was, at first, more of an accomplishment than a privilege.
My thinking behind this was that in order to be one of the 12 participants you had to be selected by other students as well as staff, so being selected meant reaching a point where you were known and respected by others, or in other words popular; which, at that time seemed to be most important.
In December of 2007 my perspective of what was important to me changed. That December, 11 other guys and I visited Doernbecher Children's Hospital — it was my first time. We toured the facility. We were shown the meditation room, the outdoor play area and walked past the patients' rooms. It was at that point that I realized how much of a difference I could make, a difference that we all could make.
Looking into the patient's rooms and seeing all of the young faces battling something bigger than I have ever realized.The only thing important to them was finding the will to survive, how foolish I felt at that moment. At first, becoming a representative to raise money was an accomplishment, something that I was proud of, but I had no idea the impact it would have in my life.
Those brief seconds of walking by the rooms I became humbled by the opportunity in front of me, a sense of responsibility grew within me.
The next five months were passionately spent fundraising. In the end over $85,000 was raised, hearing that total announced in front of the school filled me with pride. Knowing that the money was to go straight to Doernbecher to help all of those kids that we saw at the hospital and knowing that I was a part of it was such a satisfying feeling. What I did not realize in that moment of satisfaction was that the desire to help would remain.
I continue to support Doernbecher. Although it is not on such a grand scale, it is something that I am proud to support. Every Christmas my family and I decorate our house with thousands of lights and on most nights, although not all, we give out hot chocolate and candy canes. Throughout the whole month of December, we collect donations from people who pass by. At the end of the holidays we take all of the collections that we received and we bring them to Doernbecher.
We have all heard the saying, "Christmas is a time of giving." For my family, this resonates in the back of our minds for the three days following Thanksgiving when we are setting up our Christmas lights. We think of all of the joy and cheer that the lights bring. If we can make just one person happy and smile, we feel that it was worth our time.
The lights are up and we are hoping to have many visitors.The video below is from five years ago, and the display has changed considerably. The most notable change is that we have more lights! Also we don't have the big Doernbecher sign on the roof; we donated the letters to Hudson's Bay and they continue to use them in the "Mr. Hudson's Bay Pageant" for Kids Making Miracles.
So please stop by, have a cup of hot chocolate and listen to some holiday music as you enjoy the lights. Santa will be stopping by 5701 Texas Drive Vancouver, WA 98661 on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013.
David Mack
Hudson's Bay High School graduate
Accountant at Geffen Mesher and Co.
The Mr. Hudson's Bay High School Kids Making Miracles fundraiser has supported OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital since 1992, raising more than $800,000 to support the area of greatest need. These critical fund help:
- Develop new clinical services.
- Fund innovative research programs
- Test new treatments for serious childhood diseases.
- Address immediate children's health care needs and take advantage of unanticipated opportunities.
For more information about KMM or to start a fundraiser at your school, please contact the Doernbecher Foundation office or e-mail email@example.com.